Biographer and historian Stephen B. Oates tells the story of the coming of the American Civil War through the voices and perspectives of thirteen principal players in the drama; from Thomas Jefferson and Henry Clay in the Missouri crisis of 1820 down to Stephen A. Douglas; Jefferson Davis; and Abraham Lincoln in the final crisis of 1861. This innovative approach shows the crucial role that perception of events played in the sectional hostilities that pushed the United States irreversibly toward a national calamity.
#686490 in Books Brenda Serotte 2012-02-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.53 x .60 x 5.52l; .73 #File Name: 0803243537220 pagesThe Fortune Teller s Kiss
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Too depressing for this readerBy Regular JaneVery disappointing book. It was interesting to learn about the author's family background at the beginning of the book. But most of the book was about her unfortunate hospitalization for polio. Her treatment in the hospital and by her mother was sad; disturbing and the last thing I wanted to read. I bought the book for a book club. I'm sorry I wasted my money. If someone is particularly interested in how children with polio were treated years ago; this book is an illuminating source of information. But if you're looking for a good book that does not use most of its pages reflecting the sadness of a dysfunctional family in America who have a child with polio and the disturbing treatment of that child in an institution caring for children with polio; do not buy this book.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Delightful readBy nanhumSerotte grew up the daughter of Sephardic Jewish Turkish; Ladino speaking immigrants in the Bronx. She gives us a glimpse of several years in her life when she developed polio. Because of her cultural background and particularly quirky family; this was no common American experience. Serotte draws the reader into the experience by her vivid and often hilarious description of her feelings and perceptions at that time. It often made this reviewer wonder how someone can remember such detail from when they were nine years old--but then maybe I am the one with the faulty memory. I was particularly drawn to her fortune teller grandmother and wished I could have learned more about her. This was a hard- to- put- down book; as i was eager to find out what was going to befall poor Brenda next . She includes photos of some of her immediate and extended family--always adds so much more to the story when you can place a face with the name--and character. Two photos however were non sequiters--her mother with a caption of an apparent job description that was never mentioned in the story. There was also a photo of someone who was never mentioned. And there were no photos of family written of I wish were there. Minor quibbles.The world Serotte invites us into is a one generation experience. While many of the cultural practices may continue; the world that was brought to America by the first generation immigrants must largely be lost to the second. That more than anything may be why this book is such a treasure.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Not terribly well written or editedBy JoanneNot terribly well written or edited. A story is begun; stopped; and picked up again chapters later. Obviously; her contracting polio as a young girl was a defining moment in her life and she spends much time describing her experiences in hospital but that trauma has little to do with the Sephardi experience on the Lower East Side and in the Bronx--which is the reason why I purchased the book for my aunt to read. However; my aunt appreciated and enjoyed those few nuggets
