I have often said that American history can often be both fascinating and entertaining depending on the presenter. When we visit a museum, the tour guide can make the cost of admission worth it. And, when attending conventions and film festivals, subjects I am only casually interested in become fantastic presentations when the person delivering the slide show presentation does a great job. Case in point Lorraine B. Diehl's book, OVER HERE! New York City During World War II, published in 2010.
Paying a visit to a used book store some time ago, I found myself combating the urge to not leave empty handed. (It is a weakness of mine.) So I left with a few books, one of which was Diehl's book that is wonderfully nostalgic. The book documented how men between the ages of 21 and 35 had to register for the draft more than a full year before the U.S. entered the war, and President Roosevelt in September of 1940 asking that a super dry dock be constructed in New York Harbor to handle the 45,000-ton battleships under construction in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. While many have the misconception that America went into war mode the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, this book reveals how the country knew it was only a matter of time and legislation, materials and policies were already being put into place far in advance.
From Rockefeller Center's Victory Gardens and Manhattan's swanky nightclubs to metal-scrap drives and carless streets, the book captures a perspective that is not dry or dull. Rich in detail, from Macy's blackout boutique to Mickey Mouse gas masks for kids, this is a great read both fascinating and entertaining at the same time. Great prose, laid out simply like a Ken Burns documentary, loaded with rare photos from archives, this is a must for anyone who wants to enjoy a good read. Treat yourself this Christmas and grab a today today.