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According to Kate:
The Legendary Life of Big Nose Kate, Love of Doc Holliday
Featured Reviews
Julie L, Reviewer
| My Recommendation |
| Having recently read “Doc” by Mary Doria Russell, I was very interested in reading this book, which was Kate’s version of her life, including her 15 years spent with Doc Holliday. No one can say she didn’t have an action-packed life. Having lost both parents within months of each other, she soon decided to hit the road and make a life for herself. There are many words that could be used to describe her. Well educated, stubborn, strong, opinionated, would probably do anything for a dollar. Were all her claims in the story true? I’m not sure, as there’s no way to prove some of them. She lived a long and sometimes difficult life, but I’ll bet if you’d ask her, she wouldn’t have changed a thing. Interesting book if you enjoy memoirs and stories of the Old West with many photos throughout. 4🌟 |
Dave V, Reviewer
| My Recommendation |
| As a keen reader and student of western American history, it was a pleasure reading this book. Chris Enss has done a true service in documenting fact and debunking fiction in the many tales about “Big Nose Kate.” The book is able to vividly portray not only the life of Kate, but to put in perspective the often difficult struggles of living in the new and expanding raw west of her times. It includes excellent descriptions of the various towns springing into existence with minimal social constraints during this dramatic time in our history. It is well worth adding to your library of western lore! |
Heather B, Reviewer
| My Recommendation | ||
| According to Kate is a fascinating biography of Big Nose Kate and her life in the Old West. Chris Enss definitely did her research, and the book is well written.
Carol M, Reviewer
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Stacie T, Reviewer
| My Recommendation |
| I found this novel to be immensely fascinating. I have loved every story that I could get my hands on, regarding the lives of Wyatt Earp and Doc Holliday. And while I have often wondered about the women in their lives, I haven’t found many reliable sources to go on. Until, that is, I discovered According to Kate. Kate was the longtime companion of Doc Holliday, and an incredibly astounding woman. I loved reading about her, and thanks to the brilliant writing of Chris Enss, I feel as though I was given the opportunity to meet her personally. I now have a new “obsession,” if you will, to find more about Miss Kate (I refuse to call her Big Nose Kate!) and the amazing life that she led. My thanks to the author, and a definite recommend! |
Sunday A, Reviewer
| My Recommendation |
| Chris Enss has written a highly readable and captivating biography of Mary Katherine Horony-Cummings. (aka Kate Elder, Big Nose Kate, etc,) Mrs. Cummings was born in Hungary and came to the United States as a child, with her physician father, mother and siblings. After both her parents died, she was sent to a convent with her sister to further her already excellent education. Convent life did not suit her, however, and she ran away as a teenager. Prostitution ended up being her main occupation, and she had no shame about being a “sporting lady”. Eventually, she met Doc Holliday, which would end up making her a very famous American Old West woman. Yes, it’s all here–Doc Holliday, the Earps, Johnny Ringo, Tombstone, Dodge City, etc. Chris Enss sees Mrs. Cummings as being most importantly a shrewd businesswoman in her day, as opposed to being just a prostitute and Doc Holliday’s woman. A surprisingly really interesting read. |
Lori S, Librarian
| My Recommendation |
| The legend of Doc Holliday and Kate Elder is one familiar to most people. Over the years, the famous and infamous couple have appeared in movies, articles, books, etc. Chris Enss has chosen a different tale. One focused on Kate Elder and determined to find the woman behind the myth. Stated simply, Enss succeeded in telling the true story of Kate Elder. From her beginnings as Mary Katherine Horony in Hungary to her humble end, Kate Elder lead a life few could compare.
Enss is a wonderful author. She has a way of giving the facts without losing the story. According to Kate brings the reader along for the journey into the past. Elder becomes a real person with dreams, heartache, love, and hardships. The factual evidence is there, but the author is able to weave those into the story. Although the book does not read like a historical fictional novel, it comes close. It is even better because it is not fiction. It is a true story about someone who experienced a life so unlike our lives today.
Not only is According to Kate and enjoyable read. The book is filled with photographs of the people and places discussed. Scattered throughout the text, the photographs allow the reader to connect even more to the story.
I can easily say this is my first book by Chris Enss, but won’t be my last. |
