Rated of 5
by Kay D. (Strongsville, OH) Nice History of Palisades Park in a Fictional Mode
Overall the book was an easy read. Characters were believable, but not developed very deeply. Historical information delivered throughout the fictional story was interesting and provided a good picture of the park through the years. At times I felt that the author jumped around a bit just to get various topics covered throughout the history of the park. Not sure the book needed to be the length it was - might have been better shorter and more focused. Enjoyed the book, but not one I would necessarily recommend to anyone unless they were looking for a light read and they were interested in historical fiction.
Rated of 5
by Marjorie H. (Woodstock, GA) Nostalgia
This book was most enjoyable. Everyone has a "Palisades Park" in their lives. Good times, good friends, good memories. While the Park too center stage, the characters gave a look into life during the mid-century. Dreams and ambitions take the forefront and are presented in a most delightful way. At times, bittersweet, the ending is very satisfying. I would highly recommend this book.
Rated of 5
by Alan K. (Westport, MA) Palisades Park
A little history and a little nostalgia frame this family drama that covers 50 years of the Stropka family and their close connection with the old Palisades Amusement Park. The writing is serviceable at best and awkward at times but Brennert is a natural storyteller and keeps the story moving and the reader engaged.
Rated of 5
by Sarah C. (Cape Girardeau, MO) Palisades Park
A thoroughly enjoyable story of a close knit community. Not your average one, in fact one that people of my age were warned to stay away from. Issues are faced and resolved, difficult life situations addressed, some resolved, some just lived with. Having lived in the middle of the era the book is set in, I can say the author is spot on with the times and morays. Also having lived in Hawaii for 20 years, he has that culture spot on. I would recommend this to anyone. Good solid read!
Rated of 5
by Marianne S. (Ulysses, KS) Visit the past at Palisades Park
This book has three main characters: Eddie, his daughter Toni and Palisades Park itself. The book begins with eleven-year-old Eddie visiting the fantastic Palisades Amusement Park in New Jersey in 1922 and continues until 1974. The Park with all its wonders and occasional tragedies really comes alive in the book. I wish I could have visited the park! I learned a lot about the history of amusement parks and about Toni's unusual occupation. The many unique characters are sometimes flawed, but always interesting. There are sad and serious events in the book, as in life, but the book is by no means a tragedy. There are interesting issues for book clubs to discuss. I did find the first part a little slow, but it was worth sticking with the book. I recommend it for people who like historical fiction and books about people's lives through time.
Rated of 5
by Lisa H. (Salisbury, MD) Dive Right In
Go ahead, stick your toe in and test the water. I guarantee after the first few pages you will want to dive right into Palisades Park. It is a sensory pleasure! Brennert brings the sights, sounds and smells of the amusement park to life. While I have never been to Palisades, I live near Ocean City, MD, and the descriptions of the vendors, rides, attractions and people make me nostalgic of the Ocean City Boardwalk & Pier. I found myself googling images and history of Palisades as I read, and was amazed how thoroughly Brennert wove the facts into his bit of fiction. I highly recommend this wonderful story!
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of 5
by Kay D. (Strongsville, OH) 
of 5
by Marjorie H. (Woodstock, GA) 
of 5
by Sarah C. (Cape Girardeau, MO) 
