Bookmarked: Margaret Redmond recommends "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson

"The Devil in the White City" is a wonderful reminder to all of us that when you believe in and commit to something that is bigger than yourself, truly amazing things can happen.

—Margaret Redmond, President & CEO, Assiniboine Park

Margaret Redmond is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Assiniboine Park Conservancy.

She and her husband Greg are life-time Winnipeggers.  They live near Assiniboine Park with their two daughters and are avid Assiniboine Park enthusiasts.

Margaret's passion for her work and also for Assiniboine Park has led to the 30-Day Million Dollar Challenge during the month of June. 

At the time of writing they had reached just over 55% of their goal of raising $1 million towards a redevelopment plan to revitalize the Park and the Zoo.

SCENE asked Margaret what she was reading and here's what she had to say:

When I first began in my position as President & CEO of the Assiniboine Park Conservancy, a friend told me that this was a book I absolutely had to read.

Typically, I am not drawn to works of non-fiction; however Erik Larson has turned a series of historical events into a fabulous read, one that I now recommend to others.

The Devil in the White City is a story of vision, invention and one man's aspirations to create something that transformed America's place in the world. It intertwines the true stories of two men - the architect behind the renowned 1893 Chicago World's Fair and a serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims.

As the architect endeavors to create a magical event, one that would out-do any world's fair, he is faced with tremendous obstacles, doubters and non-believers.

Through his journey of perseverance and triumph, develops a realization that at the heart of this story is a remarkable message that we should choose to make the most of every challenge that is presented to us and never be afraid to attempt the 'impossible'.

What really hit home for me in this book is that it's a tale of ordinary people striving to do something extraordinary and not settling for anything less.

 I often think of this story in my role at Assiniboine Park as we work to make change and create something bold and truly visionary for our City, our Province and Canada.

The Devil in the White City is a wonderful reminder to all of us that when you believe in and commit to something that is bigger than yourself, truly amazing things can happen.