Bessie

 Bessie written by author Linda Kass.

Bess is an interesting interpretation of the early life of Bess Meyerson, the first Jewish Miss America. using facts and historical perspective of the times this novel is well written and holds the readers attention. We learn about the Miss America pageant and we see the conflict Bess feels about entering and then about being a role model for other Jewish girls, women and the Jewish immigrants coming to this country following on the heels of the Holocaust.

Having grown up with family connections to Atlantic City, NJ and  swimming this book was interesting.  The descriptions are so well written that it brings back many memories of the boardwalk, the Steel Pier and the beach.  

The Miss America pageant has been under scrutiny for many years now and it is interesting to read that the questions about the swim suit contest and importance of beauty have been controversial since its inception.  The talent and congeniality parts of the requirements were more emphasized in earlier years.

Bess is at first reluctant to get involved but the need for the cash prize was enticing enough to overcome her reservations.  Then when she became involved the people who looked up to her and were supporting her as the first Jewish Miss America became very important to her.

This was a fun, entertaining but also important book to read.