Candace Fleming

From a young age, Jim Jones learned that strong orators -- preachers, politicians, etc. -- could amass great power. Over the course of his life, he sought to gain that power by taking on the forms of religion that served him, and by whipping his followers up into a frenzy of devotion to him. Some of his closest followers moved from Indiana to California, and from California to Guyana. But others questioned his demands and the strictures of life in his organization. Still, at the point when show more he demanded the ultimate sacrifice from his followers, over 900 people died in the South American jungle compound known as Jonestown.

In the book, Candace Fleming compiles the story of Jonestown from the massive piles of primary sources left behind, as well as interviews with survivors. I found this book such a compelling read that I finished it in a single day. She asks the question: how were so many people convinced to make such an extreme decision? It's easy to dismiss them as "crazy cultists" and assume that, in the same situation, one would make a different choice... but in reality, it's not that simple. This is a complex exploration of a deeply disturbing topic. If you can stomach the subject matter, highly recommended. show less

As a high schooler, I recall being amazed that so many people would commit suicide in a jungle in Guyana because their leader Jim Jones told them to do so. I didn't truly realize how brain-washed cult members were until that moment. Author Candace Fleming talked to survivors of the tragedy as well as looking at articles, diaries, and books written about the tragedy. She's created a book designed for a Young Adult audience (the exact age I was at the time this occurred and was so fascinated show more by it) which chronicles Jones' development as a cult leader and his involvement with church. Jones chose religion because he realized he could become persuasive to studying preachers who captivated audiences. He abandoned the traditional church, but included some elements of church teachings to attract new members. He moved from Indiana to California where he built up a following in the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas. All the while, he sought a place where he could practice his form of religion without a lot of governmental pressure. He found the place in the jungles of Guyana. Jones created barriers and punished anyone caught trying to leave. Congressman Ryan and his delegation which included reporters met with tragedy when they went to investigate claims that people were being forcefully held against their will. Realizing that they would soon be caught, Jones implemented a mass suicide plan he'd been talking about for a long time--even before they went to Guyana. I did not realize how many of those in the jungle were African-Americans until I read this. Jones had especially studied the preaching style of black preachers, so he probably drew them in greater numbers because of that. This is well-researched. I think the writing style might not be quite as engaging for teens as it could be, but I think the story itself will interest them. show less

Wow, P.T. Barnum was a money-grubbing publicity hound! That's how it comes off initially and his lack of involvement with his wife and daughters doesn't help. But in essence, this is a readable and wildly interesting biography about a man who knew how to strike when the iron was just hot and had his finger on the pulse of what would entertain Americans. Some of the interesting bits include the "freaks" he found for his museum and his life outside the American Museum and the circus. Now I show more know more about the "Barnum" in Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey. show less

This book was so compelling and so heartbreaking. I was riveted. I knew about Jonestown, the Kool-Aid, Jim Jones, and the works. Or at least I thought I did. After reading this compelling narrative nonfiction title, I realized that it was so much worse than I ever realized. I only knew the broad strokes and author Candace Fleming did an amazing job of connecting the dots and focusing on a few key survivors to tell the story. Obviously the story starts with Jim Jones, but it goes so much more show more deep than that. This title is geared towards teens, but really I think it's a perfect place to start if you want to know about this tragedy. It is SO in depth and uses the testimonies of some key survivors to help set the scene and make readers understand how normal people could find themselves caught up in the web of deceit. Very well written and includes photos (none of the massacre itself thankfully). Truly moving, a fitting tribute to the survivors and a glimpse into something truly terrifying. show less