No spoilers here, but lots of suprises! Whether one has been transplanted to Baltimore from another U.S. city or was born and raised here, Wicked Baltimore: Charm City Sin and Scandal is sure to reveal and unearth a sordid, dark, mysterious, curious, and remarkable past to readers.
This is surely more than a 'Did you know?' book. It is a book that not only leaves the reader more knowledgable about Baltimore's rich and sinister history, but also leaves the reader wondering 1. That actually happened? and 2. How can that be? Edgar Allan Poe's mysterious death is not the only mystery that still lives and breathes in the back roads of Baltimore.
The saying a picture is worth a thousand words is often true, though in the case of Wicked Baltimore: Charm City Sin and Scandal, it is the title that speaks volumes, despite the creatively colorful bookcover that takes a nostalgic approach.
Having had an opportunity to hear the author, Lauren R. Silberman discuss her book and provide a preview of one of the chapters is what sparked interest. However, after reading page one,that is what truly prompts the reader to continue reading all the way through to the end in one sitting; mostly sitting on the edge of one's seat.
Silberman has been relentless in her efforts to research and compile an array of historical facts about Baltimore that touches each end of the spectrum, and perhaps goes even a bit farther.
The book is well under 150 pages and appropriate for a wide range of ages. The chapters are brief and tightly compacted with facts and chronology. There are wonderful photographs and illustrations that compliment each segment. There is an amazing Baltimorbid foreward by Christopher Scharpf. In the case of Wicked Baltimore: Charm City Sin and Scandal, the truth is far more intriguing than fiction.
Baltimore is more than what one may see on television or hear murmurs about near the DC corridors. It is truly unique and obviously has made great contributions, but also has a local history that intermingles internationally as well at home in the back yards of its residents. Silberman's book displays an unbiased journalistic approach to the amazing stories and histories that began and subsequently lead straight back to Baltimore.
Check out Wicked Baltimore's Facebook page to find out the latest news with this inspiring author! Lauren's Author's page is a great resource too.
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