Book Review: "Vanderbilt's Biltmore;" Author: Robert Wernick; Publisher: New Word City, Inc; 1st Edition (Feb 24 2014); (Kindle Edition).

10/12/2021

I am an avid reader of Victoria Magazine, A Hoffman Media Publication, so much so that I have crates full of their elegant, high quality magazines that boast illustrations and writings that combine together to create a winning reading experience for interested readers. It is during my perusal of the magazine a few years ago that I was introduced at length to Victoria Magazine's annual Christmas event at the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Pre-Covid, they held holiday excursions which consisted of afternoon tea and a tour of this opulent estate that is Biltmore, all decked in its annual Yuletide splendor. Special overnight stays were also offered, making it a wonderful, getaway goal.

One of my goals in 2020 was to visit this historic estate, but the Covid era took over, rearing its ugly head, paralyzing the world into a stagnant existence, dashing all hopes and dreams for travelling abroad.

And so with plans choked off to attend Biltmore Estate, I have continued to march forward, reading materials that help me gain further insight to this awe-inspiring estate rich in history which piqued my interest so strongly.

In comes Robert Wernick's "Vanderbilt's Biltmore," a book which immediately strikes at you with information at the opening sentence like an arrow determinately aimed from Eros' bow. I state this because it starts and ends abruptly with a few pages embedded in the middle of this written sandwich. There are eleven pages in total to this book. Eleven. Reading it, I felt like I was on a parachute that lifted in the air and immediately came back down. I wanted more and it wasn't like I could just simply add more coins to the machine and get my satisfaction.

Now mind you, though it is a very, very short read, it does give you some strong details about the history of Biltmore and it's current state. It is an 'overview' of this estate and all it entails. I am the type of reader, though, that likes the opening of a story to be detailed, cajoling my interest, gearing me up for what is to come. I did not feel like I was reading a book but a detailed pamphlet. Despite this shake up to my reading expectations, this is still a good...booklet...to digest. The style may not be what I am used to, but as a reader, it is important to try to keep an open mind and appreciate that not all writers will create settings and plots and execute a writing style that fits with our own reading expectations of perfection.

If you are not looking for an in-depth, sweeping saga, this short version of Biltmore has all the right buttons for a reader not hung up on bulk. It is perfect if you have a bit of time to spare and would like to read something educational in one sitting. A solid 4.5/5- half a mark removed for style but a lovely effort in total. Having read this book, I am confident this writer could write a sweeping, epic account of Biltmore. And yes, I would consider reading other books by this author.

Special Notes:

You can learn more about author Robert Wernick and his other successful titles by clicking HERE.

I was not requested to do this review. I did it of my own volition, volunteering my views in an effort to bring the author and potential readers together. All opinions/views are my own.

This review is also posted on Goodreads and on Amazon.

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Book Reviewed: "Vanderbilt's Biltmore" Author: Robert Wernick; Publisher: New Word City, Inc; 1st Edition (Feb 24 2014); (Kindle Edition). Also available in print.

Book Blog Copyright (C) 2021 Mary-Lisa Russo

Author

You have stumbled into the writing world of Mary-Lisa Russo, an avid storyteller observing the universe around her and her humble place amongst the stars. “Excerpts From The Wandering Mind” is Mary-Lisa’s first collection of poems and she is currently working on her next book, a compilation of romantic poetry. She is a university graduate having majored in English Literature and continues to nurture her ongoing writing education at a local college and other educational avenues. She is a member of the Ontario Poetry Society and various writers’ groups. She enjoys reading and giving a voice to fellow authors.