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Deane Haerer’s unusual book will become a treasured gift to his family and is a pleasing read for the rest of us.

He begins with introductory remarks about how America has changed over the last century, in some ways for the better and some for the worse. He reminds us that, “To effectively and compassionately deal with current domestic and world issues, it is extremely important for all Americans to know and understand [our] history…” This is true for policymakers as well as voters in the context of our shared American experience. This is also true in families, where myths and legends are created and shattered, depending on perspective and the passing of time.

In sharing with us, and especially his children and grandchildren, to whom he addresses his book, the author tries to reconcile some of the family history, starting with his father’s parenting style and how he was shaped by the time and circumstances in which he lived. We can all relate as he recounts the story of this American family’s journey through the Twentieth Century, the joys and the tears, the close bonds and lost ties, the fun and the frightful experiences that weave together to make us all who we are and determine how we wend our own way through this journey.

Mr. Haerer honestly recounts his initial foray into retired life, finding that, although his father never really made the transition, he too was “at temporary loose ends” in that new world, which he had so long anticipated. In deciding to write this book, he provides Twenty-first Century readers the opportunity to experience “growing up in the shadow of New York City during the 1930s, 40s, and 50s.”  We can taste those Coney Island Hot Dogs, and feel the breeze and smell the sea on a summer day, and laugh along at the antics of a curious boy and his natural, unstructured childhood, which seems all but lost to us today in our world of organized sports and play-dates.

This charming memoir encapsulates the culture, history, relationships, sights and sounds of the author’s time, reminding us of our own initial tastes of life, trying to make sense of the world and learning right from wrong, at least most of the time. The photographs and the stories presented here will keep you looking and reading and remembering long after you have closed the last page. We all have our own America, our own experience, but we all want to protect and enhance it for our own children and grandchildren. Here is how one family endeavored to do just that. This is a story not of passion, but of true and enduring love; not of epic, dramatic feuds, but petty family disputes that can cause harm; not of tragedy, but the sad times we all face; this is a book about real life to which we can all relate and learn a little something.

As Mr. Haerer warns us, “If you hope to find skeletons popping up herein; discover deep dark family secrets; of uncover scintillating ribaldry, you might as well stop reading here.” Otherwise, plough ahead and you will be very glad you did.

Reviewed on 11/16/2009 by ReviewTheBook.com Member Diane Chido