I was very surprised with the personal information about Ripley, things I never knew. Honestly, being 40 years old, I didn't know he started out as a newspaper cartoonist. I had no idea of his fascination of all things China either. I would never have guessed Ripley was such a ladies man by no means!
Mr. Thompson sets the story up so well from the fantastic, descriptive details, I felt like I was with Ripley though out his life. I can see the bucktoothed, bare foot boy running through Chinatown. I am looking over his shoulder as he draws cartoon after cartoon for the newspaper. I'm beside him as he is now a celebrity and parties like a rock star!
My favorite part of Ripley's story is that he cared so much for the place he grew up and took his front door. A close second is the way he felt about his teacher who encouraged him to succeed, I think everyone needs a teacher like that in their life! I can't wait to read more of Neal Thompson, his story of Robert Ripley was full of information and true facts that I soaked up every word.
in the gift shop...
Look! It's Ripley and I!