jjares reviewed Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple: The History of the Most Notorious Cult and Mass Murder-Suicide in American History on + 3266 more book reviews
The problem with this book is that it doesn't answer the 'why' of the Jonestown Massacre. The book does explain that the members were kept constantly busy, with little sleep. Thus, they may have not had the energy to question what Jim Jones was saying. What caused the associates to join and then stay? The book also didn't answer the questions about which (if any) of Jim Jones's family died? Did his children and wife die there? I also thought the end was rushed. They mentioned that one man was convicted of the congressman's murder and emerged from prison in 2002.
Generally, the information that was offered was good. The book explains that Jones was an unusual child growing up. He founded his religion in Indianapolis in 1955. The book used extensive quotes from churchgoers, to give a flavor of the mind-set of the members. There were plenty of photos to carry the story along. What happened to Jonestown after the suicides? Is it still there? Where were the bodies buried? Where is Jim Jones buried?
Generally, the information that was offered was good. The book explains that Jones was an unusual child growing up. He founded his religion in Indianapolis in 1955. The book used extensive quotes from churchgoers, to give a flavor of the mind-set of the members. There were plenty of photos to carry the story along. What happened to Jonestown after the suicides? Is it still there? Where were the bodies buried? Where is Jim Jones buried?
