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Sharon A. (Tierra Verde, FL)
Thrills & Chills in Palisades Park
Many of us discovered Alan Brennert thru Moloka'i and he has become an author that makes you want to read whatever book he may write. Palisades Park grabs you from the first page and doesn't let go. The characters are beautifully developed and the writing style gives you wonderful images that immerse you in the lives of the characters. Each nuance can bring back memories of times past, like the song about Palisades Park yet the book is a great read for any age. The book is extremely well researched and would make an excellent youth book for the way it sneaks in discussion points about important moments in
…more history. This book shows the depth of the authors' writing, in that the story of Palisades Park is so far removed from his previous books. He just seems to be able to tell a great story, bringing the reader into the lives of the characters and keeps the reader intrigued via his writing craft. A book I will highly recommend to others. (less)Alan Brennert won me over with "Molokai" so I was eager to read another novel by this multitalented author ( tv producer screenwriter). In Palisades Park, he pays tribute to the renowned Palisades Amusement Park in New Jersey. He hit it out of the ballpark in my opinion. I was transported to the time and place of this legendary park during a volatile period in history and I felt invested in the story and its' cast of characters. I did not want the story to end. Wonderfully written.
Portia A. (Mount Laurel, NJ)
I loved this book
My review has to start with two facts; I'm 80 years old and I live in New Jersey. My memories mixed with those in the book and they made me happy and they made me cry. I never went to Palisades Park but this beautifully written book reminded me of so many things. But you don't have to be a Jersey girl or and old lady to enjoy this book. The story is of a girl with ambition and how she follows her dream. The author has done true justice to her and Palisades Park.
Dorothy T.
A love letter to Palisades Park
Alan Brennert has taken a famous old place, which he admits is a cherished part of his childhood, and populated it with wonderful characters, both real and imagined, to highlight the history and the lifestyle of this New Jersey icon of the 1920s to 1971, and the people who were part of it. He has used a sort of “cut-and-paste” approach to develop his main characters, blending true stories and people so that the readers can watch the history through their eyes, as we also watch their relationships bend, break, and heal. It all makes very convincing reading and a way to learn about things that are rare today. (I
…more now know more about high diving and carnival concessionaires than I thought possible.) There are many suspenseful scenes that kept me turning pages and almost holding my breath.
Aside from the apparently obligatory (to me annoying and unnecessary) language, this book is well-written and engaging. And for days I had that Freddy Cannon song going around in my head! (less)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.
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!
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
…more 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. (less)Palisades Park is a beautifully written story about a family of dreamers in New Jersey at the Legendary Palisades Amusement Park. This book has very well researched historical references woven throughout the story.
Palisades Park would be an excellent read for any age group, but especially those that love historical fiction or want to be taken back in time when amusement parks and carnivals were valued entertainment. Having never been to New Jersey, I so appreciate that the author shares this loving tribute to the Park and piece of history. I couldn't put the book down. Although, there were heartbreaking times
…more during this stormy era in history, this is a feel-good book. The characters in the story offer much insight about acceptance, loyalty and never giving up on a dream. (less)
