You'll notice several of the Images of America books in upcoming posts, I've recently had several shared with me, or purchased a couple, or borrowed them! They make a nice read on a hot (much too hot) summer day. First up was Washington, D.C.: the World War II Years, by Paul K. Williams. There were already changes being made (office space, housing) as the war in Europe created an influx of people moving into the area. After December 7, 1941 it increased dramatically. The Pentagon was built in a remarkably short period of time, temporary housing went up on the Mall and so on. Tiny plots of land became Victory Gardens, the female work force was huge. Many items were rationed, books were collected to send overseas ... as with every book in this series the photos are amazing. There's a good sense of how it might have felt to have actually been there.

I have a feeling that Pullman, by Robert Luedeking, might have a limited reading group, such as graduates of WSU, or those who live(d) there! Well, I fit the first category, and this is from the Images of America series, so how could I not read it! Watch the city grow (and burn) and learn a bit about the history of the area. There was an interesting celebration at the end of WWI, and a snow sculpture of Abraham Lincoln and a 'time line of photos' as to how Main Street has changed. Now, a book on Pullman might not be of interest to you, but one of the things this series does is focus on small towns and cities across America so check to see if there is something local for you. :-)

Reading Hermit With Dog