Eruption

As we rolled past the 43rd anniversary of this eruption, I read my first (extended) historical account of it in this book.

Largely, I thought this narrative was useful, informative, and gave insight that we don't hear often.

However, I didn't enjoy the actual writing. About a third of the book is a biography of the Weyerhausers, which is interesting, but feels unwarranted. Surely more of the text could have been used to help us readers get into the head of Governor Ray, who must have been quite a character.
In addition to that over extended or imbalanced attention, we get some tiny details about some of the people who perished that are completely unnecessary or do not propel their story forward.

I say, go ahead and read this. It is worth the few hours.