Rating: 
Summary: Bearing Up
Review: All in all, this is a gripping narrative and an unusual entry in the true crime category. The murder itself, though horrifying, seems rather incidental to the book's main thrust that centers around a family's struggle for survival amidst harrowing circumstances. Reader's looking for true crime staples such as police methods, false leads, revelation and eventual capture, will be disappointed. On the other hand, those looking for suspense of a different--more sociological--kind will be richly rewarded by the resiliency and fortitude of a seemingly average American family. While very readable, the book has a few defects. A more astute editor could have shaved 15-20 pages from a sometimes repetitve narrative, providing a sharper, more focused, impact. Also, the killer represents an unusual and fascinating study in criminal pathology that deseves more attention than a cursory background profile. I get the impression that the author spent 90 percent of his interview time with Elaine, and productive though this is, more time filling out the killer's truly strange persona would have been illuminating--after all, the bone-cushing damage to a small girl's face by a big man's fist cries out for explanation. At a deeper level, the book stands as a fascinating glimpse into the traditional culture of patriarchy and machismo, and their destructive tendencies, with results that are both tragic and harrowing. Recommended.
Rating:
Summary: getting to know the facts
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: The chilling discovery and finding the story behind it all
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Jack Olsen Does It Again
Review: 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!
Rating: 
Summary: Book looses momentum half way through
Review: I have enjoyed all of J. Olsen's books exceopt for this one. The book starts out great...with Olsen's typically tight narrative style, but by the second half looses it's plot focus...turning out to be a portrait of a disappointment. On the other hand, I'll probably buy his next book if it's a police procedural type.
Rating:
Summary: The Best True-Crime Book Ever Written
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: The Best True-Crime Book Ever Written
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: I think Jack Olsen did a wonderful job of painting a picture in the minds eye of familys that were suffering from so many of todays addictions, drugs, alochol, sex... Unfortianitly our young people suffer the choices of our adults. The Gere family will stay in the minds of those who were touched with there story.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best....
Review: 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".
Rating:
Summary: Should be required reading for all and in school as well!!!
Review: This is just an excellent book that is throughly well written.
Speaking as a California what really haunted from the accounts
of this family in South Fontana, is how basically California
hasnt changed much. Poor people are poorer, rich people are
getting richer and the whole system is getting more corrupt
with every passing day.
Olsen tracks the Gere family (Joe, Evelyn, Bobby, Big Ed, Elaine)
on what is a life journey filled with sadness, love, friendship,
racism and inner spirit to survive. Thats the best way of summing
up the book its the survival of one family in a big cosmopolitan
country (Cali) that gives nothing to this class of people
struggling to get by, yet enjoys the fruits of their labor.
The book also has a great deal of social commentary as well,
man you can easily make this in a course at a school and college
and liberate and educate many youngsters in what life is about.
It should be required reading, great book!!!
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