Customer Reviews

Salt of the Earth: A Mother, A Daughter, A Murder

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Jack Olsen is great at true crime. He leaves no stone unturned, yet you never get bored. I have to agree with a fellow reviewer when he said that more time should have been spent on Michael Kay Green. The story, nonetheless is riveting. I could not put the book down. Elaine Gere is one tough lady, you sometimes feel like you are reading ficton yet it is real! I highly recommend "Salt".

Written by a master craftsman, Jack Olsen tells a story that still has be gripped.Skip the fotos until the very end(they won't help you much anyway) or the jacket back "give it away" and be patient though he first part, as the author builds the characterization of this all-too-American family, the salt of the earth. Until I got through that part, I still wasn't certain of what the crime would be or who committed it. The crime has to be one of the most despicable immaginable; the story has a familiar ring, how criminals and their advisors so often manipulate and frustrate the justice system. In the end, the perpetrator was rendered justice, but no punishment could ever match the pain he gave to the victims. Without giving away any of the story, I do wonder whether the family would have disintegrated eventually with our without the crime; in one way the grief held it together.

Here's a strong read of an entirely different genre: dated a bit but absolutely a book that will give you pause:

The Hot Zone

Both books were so good that a 12 hour flight to and from Paris passed quickly.

as one of the people to find the remains of little Brenda and to feel some of the horror behind what was her demise i found it comforting to find out that her killer was already in jail at the time we found her. Jack Olsen's powerful Story telling of the family and the details of what led to the horrible ending of a life, gave us some closher to what had been stunning and frightening to the famiies involved in the descovery of Brenda's Resting place.

I have read extensively in the true-crime genre, and in my opinion "Salt of the Earth" is the absolute best true-crime book written to date (all of Jack Olsen's books are good, by the way!).

Olsen's spare yet compelling prose communicates the lives of the characters in a way that makes them seem fascinating and representative of humanity on a larger level. I can't say enough about his talents of communicating entire conecpts through one simple sentence, much like Hemingway. His writing is subtle yet it communicates volumes.

Even if you hate the true-crime genre, you will like this book. If you have never read true-crime, read this book. It is well worth the money and time!

A longtime fan of true crime, I don't know that I have ever read a more saddening book than "Salt of the Earth". This is not to suggest that it is a bad book. On the contrary, it exhibits excellence in the genre of true crime. Jack Olsen is a superb writer. The story itself though, is quite sad.

Although the story takes time to unravel, I respect the fact that the end is not given away at the beginning. Skillfully, the author even leave the outcome in doubt at times throughout the book. It is devastatingly sad when a child disappears or is murdered. The disappearance and murder of Brenda Gere anger the community as the prime suspect seemed obvious. Michael Kay Green, a steroid abusing former football player, was sighted near the scene and left circumstantial clues. Yet bringing him to trial would prove time-consuming and problematic. The question of whether a trial for murder would ever take place began to arise.

One aspect of this book that sets it apart from other books in true crime is the insight into the family of the accused and the family of the victim. Particularly in the case of the victim, it is unnerving to read of the slow and painful death of the victim's father. In the case of the family of the accused, the background information lends itself to a solid understanding of the accused.

Ultimately, "Salt of the Earth" is drawn together by the strong woman at the center of the story. Elaine Gere, Brenda's Mother, is an admirable character that makes the story so compelling. She makes the book more than just another true crime book.

As one of the people who found the remains of dear Brenda on the Tulalip Reservation, finding this book was a chilling end to the mistery and the saddness of finding this poor little soul. Well written and informative this book laid down the facts and events that will keep you reading non stop to the end. Our hearts go out to the family and friends, and we are happy to have found her for all who loved Brenda.

A unique and original TC book. A story that starts as the narrative of a young girl growing up in a hard scrabble world. That story morphs into a love story, one that is probably very familiar to many of our parents and grandparents. Elaine, the mother of the little girl, Brenda who is murdered, endures cheating, beatings, alcoholism, disappointment and a few good times with grace and dignity. There is no mystery who killed Brenda and the story of his finally being brought to justice reminds all of us of the frailty of life and the cruelness of some of our fellow human beings. Highly recommended.

You will remember this one for a long, long time! As I read Elaine Gere's story I wondered just how much grief and tragedy one human being could endure. Coping with the loss of a child, navigating the Criminal Justice system, and beyond... Incidentially, if you haven't read any of Jack Olsen's gems, this is a good one to start you off!!!

This is the book that put Jack Olsen into the top league of writers. Elaine will live with the reader for a long time; her courage and humor make one ashamed of their own whinings. Well written, entertaining, informative - this one's a keeper.

I eagerly awaited the arrival of this book. Once again, Jack Olsen doesn't disappoint. This true crime novel will take you through a range of emotions. The story line keeps your interest until you reach the last page. Mr. Olsen has a unique way of telling the story that keeps you wanting more. Fantastic!