aaronj21's Reviews (912)

True crime writing rarely gets better than this. After reading you feel you understand the main facts of the case, no small feat given that the crimes described took place in multiple states over the span of decades. Even more refreshingly, this author doesn’t commit the cardinal sin of true crime writing (especially writing about serial killers) and glorify or in any way give undue attention to the man who ruined so many lives. Instead, ample time is given to an in-depth and nuanced portrayal of each of the victims, their personalities, histories, ambitions and their potential cut short too soon. When the author does get around to describing the murderer, it is in a reserved, factual way, the spotlight is always on the victims themselves, the investigative process, and the scores of people whose dedicated work finally brought him to justice. Overall an excellent book about a little known case.

This book was exactly what I hoped it would be, a rigorously researched, meticulously detailed, and well written account of the whole history of the Donner Party. I started this book after getting about halfway through History of the Donner Party by C.F. McGlashan. This book, published by a journalist in 1880, no doubt paved the way for latter books on the subject, however, the writing reads like what I imagine 1880’s tabloids or penny dreadfuls, full of overwrought melodrama in a historical account that scarcely needs the embellishment. Added to this, the McGlashan book has some odd passages to say the least, for instance, when the forward party decide to kill their native American guides from Fort Sutter (the only time in the whole ordeal humans were killed for food) the writer describes the guides docile souls, grateful for being killed. While this is certainly a possibility it seems a remote one but the author endorses it wholeheartedly.

Michael Wallis’s book suffers from none of these short comings. In addition to ample footnotes and background research, Wallis adds historical context to the Donner Story, placing it squarely in the age of American expansionism and Manifest Destiny. The writer takes us through the whole thing, starting off with small biographies of key figures back east and their decision to move west, following them along the trail and through Hastings cut off, the ordeal at Donner Lake and the Sierras, and afterwards when the survivors went on to live their lives.

I received this from Netgalley.com, this did not influence my review.

Some books are just incredibly sincere, earnest, and genuine. This was one of those books. The author deftly captures so much of the drama and uncertainty of growing up gay and the drastic highs and lows of first love; the uncertain line between close friendship and something more and the terrible apprehension of voicing that longing. There are definitely some elements of fantasy and escapism however, Alex and Brandon's relationship is almost cinema perfect at times and Alex's parents are understanding and kind almost to a perhaps unrealistic ideal. Yet even these elements have their place in the story and serve to enhance the book over all, (e.g. showing what a positive influence supportive parents can and should be).

There were a few things I felt got in the book's way, the writing at times seemed predictable and the dialogue sometimes didn't seem genuine. But, these few shortcomings are easily overlooked and the novel's depth, earnestness, and central themes of maturity, acceptance, and love win out easily. As a whole this book was a fantastic read that drew me in from start to finish, made me care about the characters, and provoke some very strong emotions. I was invested very early on and read most of it in one sitting, I would be interested to see what else this author creates.