The Devil in the White City, Part II

I'm almost halfway through the book, and I'm horrified by Dr. H.H. Holmes sadistic, cold-blooded killings. I still haven't learned what his motives are for killing women. Eric Larson's description of him is similar to the descriptions of Ted Bundy--a charmer who is irresistible to women but a serial killer nonetheless. So far Holmes has killed at least two women and a child. Another woman left Chicago abruptly, unwilling to say why except she didn't want to talk about Holmes. She went home to Iowa and died there. I suspect Holmes poisoned her. He was a trained physician and knew how to kill without using weapons.
The Columbian Exposition--actually, its proper title is World's Columbian Exposition--is progressing faster than I thought it could. The number of buildings and their detailed construction defies credibility, but Burnham pushed ahead, determined to show the world that America, specifically Chicago, could accomplish the established goals.
I am impressed with some of the names associated with the Exposition--Thomas Edison, Elias Disney and Frederick Law Olmstead, landscape designer of New York's Central Park and Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.
This book contains biography, history, suspense, murder and intrigue. I've talked to some people who didn't want to read all the details of the developing Exposition, but as the story unfolds, I don't want to skip one word!

The Devil in the White City, Part I

I grew up in the Chicago area--Joliet, Ill. to be exact--and I learned that many innovations were introduced at the Columbian Exposition, which commemorated Christopher Columbus' discovery of America 400 years earlier. Erik Larson's "The Devil in the White City" casts a perspective on the Exposition that I never realized existed.
Larson starts with the Exposition Universelle of 1889 in Paris, which set the wheels in motion for the United States to top that World's Fair. Architect Daniel Burnham, who is credited with not only the design of Chicago but for preserving land throughout the Chicago area to be used for recreation--hiking, picnicking and other family activities, is at the core of this book as is his partner, John Wellborn Root. Another figure, Herman Mudgett aka Dr. H.H. Holmes, is a person whose name I never heard before. He's the antagonist in juxtaposition to Burnham, Root, et.al., the heroes in the story.
The book reads like a novel, but it's all true, and what truth Larson provides!
Be assured that Holmes, who copied his name presumably from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's detective, Sherlock Holmes, is not in search of justice for the downtrodden or misunderstood.
He may be classified as a psychopath, but he is likable. He charms women and they fall under his spell. As I continue my journey through this book, I hope to uncover the reason for his behavior and how he managed to ignore the value of life.

Genes, environment and success

“The Help,” a novel by Kathryn Stockett, and “Outliers,” a nonfiction book by Malcolm Gladwell that he subtitled “the Story of Success,” strikes me as being based on the same premise. That is, genes and environment determine success.
“The Help” chronicles the plight of blacks in the South, specifically Jackson, Mississippi, during the 1960s. The only obstacle to a black’s success was skin color, which, of course, includes genetics and environment. Slavery had been abolished, but the majority of southern whites treated blacks as slaves. Blacks in the North didn’t have such severe restrictions as their southern counterparts although they experienced discrimination as well. Blacks were never given credit for their intelligence and never rated on the same scale. The courage of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., James Meredith, the first black student to enter University of Mississippi, Rosa Parks in Montgomery, Alabama, and the four men who sat at the Woolworth’s lunch counter in Greensboro, N.C. helped change blacks’ status in America. However, many whites believed blacks couldn’t achieve the success of whites—simply because their skin color was dark.
In “Outliers” Gladwell tells how children born into an environment with multiple opportunities have a better chance at success. If a child is associated with an accomplished musician, for example, that child has a greater chance of developing an interest in music and becoming a musician. If someone is surrounded by diplomats, that person learns the skills diplomats possess.
Gladwell also gives examples of how those born “at the right time” have a greater chance of success. Consider the cut-off dates for children’s sports’ teams and entrance into school. A child born Sept. 1 when the cut-off date is Aug. 30 has a full year ahead of anyone born Aug. 30. He or she will be bigger, stronger and probably more mature.
What bothers me about Gladwell’s theory is that he doesn’t give credit to people who achieve high goals when they are faced with several disadvantages. Anyone born in the projects, surrounded by poverty, gangs and illiteracy, must work harder to achieve commendable goals, but with dreams and goals in his or her heart, that person can achieve success. Those without supportive parents, teachers or friends, can ignore the negative and set their sights on high goals.
What is unfortunate about Stockett’s story is that it happened and discrimination still exists in America. What is unfortunate about Gladwell’s book is that people may believe him.

Writing Contests

Writing contests are a great way to hone your skills and read what are considered award-winning works. I entered a short fiction contest and enjoyed the challenge of following the rules. The topic had to be on love--love of any kind, e.g., a friend, the environment, knitting, whatever the writer decided, and could not exceed 275 words. I chose love of a pet. The reward I received was being named a finalist.

I have the piece here. Let me know what you think.

Love Bite

Connie reached to pet the tiny Boston terrier but withdrew when Tilda snapped at her outstretched fingers.
“She’s frightened,” the breeder said, clutching Tilda closer to her chest. “She’s the runt of the litter. She’s been overlooked for six months.”
“My two preschoolers are boys. They want an active boy dog,” Connie countered.
“Tilda can be an active dog for boys. She just needs some encouragement.”
Connie reached again but Tilda stuck her nose in the air and turned her head away, brushing Connie’s fingers in the process. Connie smacked her lips and frowned then pointed to a lounging pup in the far corner of the room. “How about that one?”
“You don’t want Henry. He doesn’t move, not even to eat. He’s the laziest dog I’ve ever owned.” Henry rested his head in his paws and closed his eyes.
“I see a Boston running in the backyard.”
“Hazel doesn’t like people. That’s why she’s back there. She’s left alone. I leave her food on the porch so she doesn’t have to get close to people.”
“That one by the front door looks friendly, healthy and happy,” Connie answered.
“You don’t want Pete. He eats everything—photographs, computer keyboards, toilet paper. Not a good match. Tilda eats very little, loves people and is active enough for boys.” She petted Tilda, who turned to face Connie.
“I’m—” Connie fanned her hands.
At that moment, Tilda jumped from the breeder’s arms into Connie’s extended hands and licked the clutching fingers as if to heal them.
Startled, Connie hugged the dog close. “How much?” she asked, dipping her chin to caress Tilda’s furry spine.

Literacy and "Precious"

The importance of literacy attracted my attention once again after I read "Push," the book by Sapphire that was made into the movie, "Precious." It's hard to believe that people in America today are illiterate or functionally illiterate, but according to statistics at education-portal.com, 50 million Americans are unable to read above the fourth or fifth grade level, and 42 million can't read at all. What's worse, at least two million Americans are added to that number each year.


The importance of reading in today's society doesn't need any explanation. Rather than criticizing parents and teachers for this debacle, let's see how relatives and friends can help those they know who can't read.


I came across Literacy Center Education Network at literacycenter.net. It's a good place to start because it's comprehensive and gives visitors choices. Want to learn colors? What about uppercase and lowercase letters? Shapes? Those are all there. Besides, it gives a choice of languages--English, Spanish, German and French--thus, it serves a dual purpose for those who want to learn a new language.

Claireece Precious Jones, the character in the book, is a special case that will astound readers, but she's one of the millions who can't read. I'll do some more searching and see what other Web sites people can visit that might help someone they know learn to read.

Web reconstruction

While my Web site is under reconstruction, I will suspend writing on my blog. Thanks for your patience.

A BETTER MAN BY KELLY JOHNSON

Kelly contacted me recently and said she has an opportunity to hand-delivery her book, "A Better Man," to Oprah Winfrey. What a fantastic prospect! Everyone knows that a mention of your book on Oprah is an instant best seller. I wish Kelly that good fortune, and I'm posting my letter here, hoping that others who aren't familiar with Kelly's book will pick it up and pass it along to a teen.

Ms. Winfrey: As you are aware, teens need role models, and I would like you to know that Kelly Johnson has an indisputable line-up of 26 role models in “A Better Man,” the book of essays and interviews she has compiled and edited. Johnson found reputable leaders in a vast array of professions from athletics, politics, the military, education, entertainment and more. Some of the men, such as director, producer and actor Kenny Leon, grew up poor. Others, such as President George H.W. Bush, were born to privilege. In all cases, these men overcame adversity, used their talents to achieve success and also to benefit others.

This book can help boys look to men who have succeeded in fulfilling their dreams. It can help them understand they can attain their goals. I recommend this book for all young men from middle school through college. They can benefit from reading about men with dreams just like they have. Johnson gets to the heart of the subjects and presents their stories in understandable terms.

I hope you can find time to invite Johnson to your television program to discuss “A Better Man.”

Thank you for considering this request.

Sincerely,
Jo Ann Mathews