Birch Bay book club review: “One Summer in America, 1927” by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson explores the summer of 1927, taking us on a journey back in time, when significant accomplishments and shocking news made their way into our homes through printed works and radio. It’s 1927 and there is a lot going on in America. Our country is moving out of the roaring ’20s and heading into the Great Depression. This particular summer is filled with events that shaped our world.

Bryson weaves an engaging and often times fun story, turning this heavily fact-filled book into an easy read. His first chapter starts in the month of May with the grisly murder of Mr. Snyder. This story was considered “the crime of the century,” with the murder being carried out by two not-so-bright fools in love. Newspaper sales grew, with reporting on the crime taking place multiple times a day. Three days after this court case was concluded, a new story featuring Charles Lindbergh stepped into the headlines. 

And so, the summer of 1927 goes on, with one piece of history weaving into another. The flight of the Spirit of St. Louis. Herbert Hoover’s handling of the great Mississippi River flood. Prohibition. “The Jazz singer.” Al Capone. 

Bryson ends our story with Babe Ruth hitting his 60th home run in September and gives one last homage to Charles Lindbergh at Curtiss Airfield in October. “One Summer in America, 1927” incorporates a wealth of topics and a cast of characters in each chapter.

This book is available at wcls.org. Like e-books and audiobooks? You can find those on our Libby app.

“One Summer in America, 1927” by Bill Bryson is the October selection for the Friends of Birch Bay Library Book Club. The group will meet 4-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 18 at the Bookmobile stop, 7948 Birch Bay Drive, and is open to all.

Dianne Marrs-Smith is the Lynden Library Manager and Friends of Birch Bay Library President. She reads and listens to a variety of different books, loves getting book recommendations and her favorite genre is horror.