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BOOTLEG: MURDER, MOONSHINE, AND THE LAWLESS YEARS OF PROHIBITION

Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
Blumenthal
Author's First Name: 
Karen
Publisher: 
Flash Point
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 
Blumenthal brings Prohibition to life in this compelling read. She makes the origins of the 18th amendment and the role women had in its passage as exciting as the lawlessness that ensued. Filled with fascinating details like the “warnings” on grape concentrate containers that described exactly how to make wine, and the fact that Al Capone’s brother was a prohibition agent. I do wish the publisher had spent more on the book’s production, but that doesn’t take away from the overall quality. Ten to Fourteen.  Rebecca Purdy
Gangsters, teetotalers, and alcoholics abound in this carefully researched but highly readable history of Prohibition replete with photographs, archival images, and source notes.

Comments

Meeting Notes for November

by ladamson - 11/23/2011 - 5:18pm

Meeting Notes for November 18

Positive Comments:

  • This book contains much information previously unknown to readers such as children’s roles during prohibition and that immigrants often gathered in bars to form their communities.
  • The accessible text offers many interesting anecdotes for this age group.
  • This topic not only looks back at past laws but also points to the future since our society is still trying to legislate morality.
  • The topic and presentation, including the glossary, excellent index, and other back matter, work for a “write a report” book.

Concerns:

  • The cover lacks “kid” appeal.
  • Why some photographs easily deciphered were enlarged and others hard to see were not shows odd decision-making and bad design issues.
  • A very interesting point that Al Capone’s brother was a prohibition officer goes undeveloped.

An interesting and smoothly

by nschleh - 11/13/2011 - 2:31pm
An interesting and smoothly flowing account of the forces that lead to prohibition, the personalities of the people behind the "dry" movement, and the consequences of their good intentions. The stories of the various individual players, including young children, are an effective hook for young readers. This period in American history is often known only superficially theough its portrayal in Hollywood movies or television, but this book offers a fuller understanding of the complicated social issues of the time.

MEETING NOTES for OCTOBER

by ladamson - 10/18/2011 - 11:56am

MEETING NOTES for OCTOBER 14

  • Needs more readers.