Module 8 Nonfiction

Bootleg: Murder, Moonshine, and the Lawless Years of Prohibition

by Karen Blumenthal 

Blumenthal, K. (2011). Bootleg, murder, moonshine, and the lawless years of prohibition. New York, NY: Flash Point.

In this very informative nonfiction text readers discover an abundant amount of facts about the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Readers will become familiar with the players, politics, and emotions that revolved around alcohol during the time leading up to, during, and following Prohibition. Tantalizing tidbits connecting Prohibition to modern day terms (like teetotalers) and attractions (like NASCAR) keep the reading light and entertaining while also giving great insight into the emotional time period.

The author does an excellent job of describing the reasoning behind and the impact of Prohibition across the entire United States as well as identifying the differing views that spanned across the nation.  The use of graphics like photographs and advertisements from the time period are strategically placed throughout the text to help readers stay engaged and make the text easy to follow. The theme of the book points out the role political maneuvering played in creating both Amendments that centered on Prohibition. The author further points out that with some compromise on both sides neither Amendment would have been necessary.  Blumenthal also makes sure to include the role children and young adults played in Prohibition which creates even more interest for young readers.  Another asset of the book is its quick and interesting pace.  The author has intertwined interesting facts with boring history in a manner so that nothing about the book is boring.   Readers will also find the book to be well researched and well designed.  Not only is there a glossary of terms and index, but several pages of source notes and picture credits.  Overall, this is a fascinating and engaging read!

Now for my personal thoughts, I was absolutely dreading reading a nonfiction book.  I selected a book that had the most interesting topic to me, but was still not looking forward to forcing my way through the text.  However, from the first chapter I was hooked.  The author chose to open with the Valentine’s Day Massacre of 1929.  After all, who doesn’t get curious about lawlessness and murder?  The author continued to engage me throughout the reading by explaining terms that I have heard all my life, but was unaware of their origins.  I was surprised to learn about what a far reaching impact Prohibition had on U.S. History.  At no time during the reading did I find a lull.  In fact before I started reading I wondered if I could just skim the book to prepare my review;  however, I quickly found I wanted to read every word to make sure I didn’t miss any of the details. As for presenting this to my class, I know they will probably feel the way I did.  Therefore, reading just one chapter aloud to students will most likely provide enough interest for them to pick up the book on their own.  Although there is mention of murder and gangs, it is done in a manner that is appropriate for most young adult readers.