An insider's view of Hitler's rise, In the Garden of Beasts details William E. Dodd's time as the United States Ambassador to Germany from 1933-1937. 
 Not being an avid non-fiction reader (although I'm getting better about that), it is sometimes hard for me get through a book choc full of dates, geography and personal titles without either being royally confused or painfully bored. I need actual "stories" to flesh out what I'm reading and enable me to have some pictures in my head so I can keep up and remember what's happening. This is why I enjoy Larson's books so much. They read like fiction without sacrificing fact. They are told in chronological order with a tight rein on events at hand. He treats his subjects in a respectful and fair manner. And they ALWAYS elicit strong emotion in me. 
 Knowing what we know now, it is hard to believe that anyone would agree to take their family to Berlin as Hitler was rising in power. I learned so many interesting and shocking things about the US inner workings. 
 Dodd was uniquely placed in the ambassador position, being a history professor and a loyal believer in the principles of US government, as well having his own strong personal principles regarding wealth, economy and efficiency. 
 (view spoiler)[It was surprising to me (or perhaps I am just naive) that so many people back in Washington thought Dodd a joke since he didn't have the "pedigree" or wealth of other members. Instead of taking heed of any of Dodd's many missives regarding the rapidly changing and dangerous environment in Germany, they focused on what they thought of as his embarrassing lack of protocol, made fun of and published many of his heartfelt concerns and actively sought to remove him from that position. It seems so petty and ridiculous to be focused on that nonsense when very real dangers were afoot. It also seems wildly irresponsible for men we intrust our government to. 
 Also seemingly working against Dodd was his beloved daughter Martha, enamoured by the Nazis and willing to sleep with whichever man caught her fancy. Her many rendezvous with Nazis and Russians alike helped to paint a dour picture of her father to the Nazi regime. Dodd was essentially getting pummeled from all sides for lapse in protocol (some unbeknownst to himself) instead of what he really stood for and was relaying to both governments. It is unfortunate that in order to be listened to or recognized, you have to "play the game". In this sense, Dodd was supremely unfit for the position. (hide spoiler)] 
 What recurred to me throughout this reading were the numerous chances, however slim, to put a kink in the momentum of Hitler's agenda. So many lost chances by our government and those around the world. Again, I may be letting hindsight get the better of me, but who can resist the question of "what if"? 
 Another great book by Erik Larson.