Rated of 5
by Beth (USA) Palisades Park
I enjoyed this novel that used the backdrop of the iconic Palisades Amusement Park in NJ to tell the story of the Stopka family over several decades. At all times, the author's depictions of the changing times rang true, from the pre WWII era and the societal changes the war brought, to the struggle for integration in the 50's and 60's. For me, having visited the park as a child, I found the portions of the novel focusing on the park's history the most interesting.
Rated of 5
by Cheryl W. (Crosby, MN) Amused
I enjoyed this book and the characters were outstanding and well developed. Antoinette's (Toni) coming of age was fun and for her to know what she wanted and to go after it made the story delightful. I also learned a lot about Amusement Parks of the past. Just a easy read.
Rated of 5
by Marjorie W. (Bonita Springs, FL) Palisades Park
Couldn't put it down. I read this book over a weekend and was sorry to have it come to an end. Alan Brennert has continued in the manner in which he started with Molokai and Hawaii - an entertaining fictional portrayal of history. I will be suggesting Palisades Park to my book club.
Rated of 5
by Eloise F. (Poway, CA) The setting and the story were better than the book as a whole
I had problems with the writing style. I kept thinking "what a great story, what a great setting, I just wish the writing would live up to the story and setting." It felt 'corny' with unrealistic dialogue. Then the author used a different voice at the very end and I felt that chapter was the most well written in the entire book. Perhaps what I saw as the 'corny' style was intentional, but it didn't grab me. Still, I enjoyed it and felt like I had some new insight into bygone days.
Rated of 5
by Carol R. (Foster City, CA) Brings Back Memories
Wow - "Palisades Park" brought back memories. I never went to the park but I remember the jingle, Callahan's hot dogs, the big sign, Cousin Brucie and so much more. I enjoyed the novel very much. Encompassing 75 years of the 20th century, the characters live their lives around the park but also live life in the larger context of world wars, family joys and sorrows and important historical and political issues. The book drags a bit, mostly in the first half. However, the story is engaging and keeps the reader hooked. I'd recommend this book to baby boomer and those older. This book would also appeal to readers interested in NJ history and the history of amusement parks and traveling shows.
Rated of 5
by Cam G. (Murrells Inlet, SC) Palisades Park
Palisades Park is Alan Brennert's third novel, all of which I have read, and, while Molokai was very much my favorite, I found this to be a wonderful history of the Park as well as an entertaining story of the Stopka family whose lives were interwoven throughout the book. This is a book that will hook you right from the beginning through to the end!
A bold, mesmerizing novel about the woman known as "Typhoid Mary," the first known healthy carrier of typhoid fever in the burgeoning metropolis of early twentieth century New York.
Z, the novel about the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald is at points charming and; like another reviewer, I kept thinking of the movie, "Midnight...
read more
Although heavy on the scientific details, which slowed down the story for me (OK, I admit, I was one of those liberal arts majors who skipped out on...
read more
Loved this book. Magical, quirky, enchanting I could go on. All books do not have to be literary fiction, sometimes it is just so comforting to read...
read more
British Parliament asks Amazon to clarify why it pays $9 million in income tax on $23 billion of UK sales.(May 20 2013) Amazon will be called back to give further evidence to members of the British Parliament "to clarify how its activities in the U.K. justify its low corporate...
Full Story
of 5
by Beth (USA) 
of 5
by Marjorie W. (Bonita Springs, FL) 
of 5
by Eloise F. (Poway, CA) 
