Leslie Compton has created a jewel from inherited period post cards and her extensive research! The result, Dearest Minnie, is an enjoyable and informative read.  With the backdrop of a budding courtship, we see the Great White Fleet’s interactions with more than twenty cultures and ports around the world.  All of this is through the eyes of an actual sailor, John Maurice Blair, in his posts to Minnie Camp.

Leslie’s book is a wonderful opportunity to better understand the early twentieth century and consider how it has impacted our twenty-first century. As a teacher I was taught to use “authentic documents” (eyewitness and original materials) to better understand history.  Dearest Minnie is a worthwhile book to do just that.  It is also a valuable resource for teaching aspects of high school American and World History.  As a fascinating read and/or as an instructional tool, teens and adults alike will love Dear Minnie.

Sheryl Fearrien, retired teacher

(Thanks, Sheryl)