House of Alex

What a cast of characters. House of Alex is the authentic and weird account of how one of the Midwest's most popular and bizarre tourist attractions came into existence. Both this book and the four hour tour of the House itself are unforgettable trips. The true story in this riveting tale is the one the slick brochures and hagiographic books never seem to address. Of course they prefer to stick with the banal and sanitized version that is comfortable for 5th graders but rather dull for anyone who essentially knew there was a bit more going on. Alex Jordan is the obsessive and tyrannical star of the show. He was a cantankerous guy who spent the vast majority of his life collecting the artifacts and constructing the House. He had assistance of course, but his unappreciative demeanor and egomania rarely ever allowed himself to give the artists, builders, collectors and artisans their rightful credit and just due. This book is an obvious unauthorized biography. Balousek exposes this recluse in a manner he would no doubt find incredibly uncomfortable if he were still around. Strange info abounds throughout its pages. Balousek throws everything in that he unearthed by way of his extensive research into this odd man and the crazy, beautiful and very entertaining edifice he created. From sexual blackmail and surreptitious nude photos of unknowing strippers to selling rubber cement to repair young women's nylons to Frank Lloyd Wright's blunt criticism; this is a very interesting biography that is unlike most others.

After a visit to the House on the Rock I really needed to know what the back story on the place was. I was not sure what I was looking at and they weren't telling. This book does explain a lot. If you are curious get this one. Jordan was a wanna be Disney. He was also many other strange things and I have an uncle who was just like him right down to the strange collections. You can get the "authorized" bio too. Put them together and learn the story. If you are planning a trip. Read these first because the museum basically offers NO information about what you are looking at. What is real and what is fake.

Upon entering the HOUSE ON THE ROCK while on vacation this summer I noticed the plaque on the wall dedicated to the marvel known as Alex Jordan. After completing my tour of this strange house I wanted to know more...boy did I ever learn more from this book. Marv Balousek tells the story of Jordans life without holding back. I cannot tell you how many times I put the book down and told my husband to listen to this. This book is written as a biography should be. I read it in 4 hours on my way home from the Dells and could not put it down. If you think the characters on Jerry Springer are nutty wait until you read this book!!!