This book was recommended to me by a friend, who informed me that it dealt with many of the places and people near where I live. So, there needs to beThis book was recommended to me by a friend, who informed me that it dealt with many of the places and people near where I live. So, there needs to be a bit of background for this review.
Right above all the popular volleyball nets on the beach in Santa Barbara (CA) lies a fabulous mansion. It can’t be seen readily but all the locals knows it’s there. The curiosity has always been keen, however, because no one really knows anything about it. Most who live in the area are familiar and pretty nonchalant about all the huge houses because so many celebrities occupy them. So one where no one ever goes in or out and there are no signs of life ever does catch our attention. Especially since it occupies an absolutely idyllic area - right next to the cemetery (arguably the most beautiful cemetery known to man considering it overlooks the Pacific Ocean) and looking down on one of the most stunning beaches in Southern California.
This book unravels that mystery and boy is it an odd whopper! It’s the true story of Huguette Clark, the reclusive, heiress daughter of W.A. Clark (the copper baron). W.A. became one of the top three richest men in THE WORLD at the turn of the 20th century, right up there with Carnegie and Rockefeller. So why is he not just as well-known? Well, he didn’t leave any of his money to philanthropic causes like libraries, or name New York Centers, squares and buildings after himself.
This story is one of the most interesting biographies I have read in a Looong time! It is written in such an easy to read style, yet its extensive research shows through as the engrossing facts come to life. It encompasses life from the wilds of Butte, Montana to the overtly wealthy 5th Ave, to the opulent mansions of the Northeast and Midwest, all the way to the warmth of that Santa Barbara palatial mystery.
Although a bit slow to start while the reader is filled in on how all that wealth came to be, it really takes off once Huguette comes to the page. The authors never shy away from the foibles of the family, yet are able to keep a sympathetic tone that endears the readers to this woman, in spite of the excesses. I would highly recommend the book to anyone who enjoys American history, the Industrial Revolution and the Uber-wealth it created or for those who just love a touching story about a very shy girl who inherited the world....more
Sometime in my early teens I came across the first edition of this book “The Coming of the Lord” in my parent’s bookcase. Curious, I started reading. Sometime in my early teens I came across the first edition of this book “The Coming of the Lord” in my parent’s bookcase. Curious, I started reading. It became a book I have never forgotten for all the insights and knowledge I gained. Fast forward to present day, and I still remember the impact that book had. So when I noticed the author had updated, and expounded on his earlier work, then re-published it with a new title, I decided to see if it was still as riveting as it was in its first edition.
It is… kinda. Obviously, the author has a lot more information to draw on, much more insight and examples. But, also just more words. And I can’t decide if that is ultimately a good thing. I guess it is… it certainly should be. But, I think for me, the simple truths and scriptures that were originally cited were enough. They were concise, yet deeply moving. They’re still there, just with a whole bunch of other stuff added....more
Every now and then one needs to read something that truly inspires them to do better, to be better. This book, this man does exactly that. It is enligEvery now and then one needs to read something that truly inspires them to do better, to be better. This book, this man does exactly that. It is enlightening, encouraging and most important, shows us an example of how to become a genuinely Christ-like person. ...more
While I would not call this a riveting book, it is an extremely interesting one. It could be used as a textbook on marriage in so many ways. I learnedWhile I would not call this a riveting book, it is an extremely interesting one. It could be used as a textbook on marriage in so many ways. I learned so much about what marriage was historically and how it is viewed in different cultures. There is also tons of studies, research into etc. etc. that adds all kinds of interesting, thought provoking tidbits of knowledge that made it well worth the time. I did not agree with all of Ms. Gilberts assumptions (contrary to what she implied, Jesus DID encourage marriage, teaching often of its benefits) and I did have to skim parts where she obsessed about her short-comings and fears on the subject, but overall, I thought it was well worth my time....more
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