Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
29(29%)
4 stars
38(38%)
3 stars
33(33%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews
July 15,2025
... Show More
This is truly one of the only page turners that I have ever come across in my entire life.

From the very beginning to the end, this book weaves a tale that is both fantastic and thrilling. It grabs your attention right from the start and doesn't let go until you've reached the final page.

The story is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly flipping through the pages to find out what happens next.

If you're looking for a book that will transport you to another world and keep you entertained from start to finish, then do yourself a huge favor and check this one out. You won't be disappointed!

Trust me, once you pick up this book, you won't be able to put it down. It's that good!
July 15,2025
... Show More
I absolutely loved this book. It is truly remarkable how it vividly brings to life the time and place it is set in. I had the privilege of living in this very neighborhood just a couple of decades after the events described in the story, which made it even more special for me as I was already familiar with the streets and sites.

The book's main focus is on a group of students at St Paul Central High. What makes it even more interesting is that the author drew on his own high school class to give names to the characters. So, it was a great delight for me whenever I recognized the real-life counterparts. However, the story has much more to offer than just the connection to an old neighborhood. It is a captivating read that keeps you engaged from start to finish. I would highly recommend reading this author's other books as well. Some of them are also set in St Paul, while others take place in his adult home, Montana. Each book offers a unique perspective and a wonderful reading experience.

I can't wait to explore more of this author's works and see where his imagination takes me next.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Another book that my sister suggested was truly beautiful!

She has a great taste in literature, and this particular book she recommended did not disappoint. The moment I picked it up, I was drawn into its captivating world. The author's writing style was so engaging that I couldn't put the book down.

The story was filled with vivid descriptions and well-developed characters. I could easily imagine the settings and feel the emotions of the characters as I read. It was like I was a part of the story myself.

Not only was the content excellent, but the book's design was also aesthetically pleasing. The cover was eye-catching, and the layout inside was well-organized.

I'm really glad my sister suggested this book to me. It has become one of my favorites, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves reading.
July 15,2025
... Show More
This was a book that truly made me feel at home.

It was set in St. Paul, MN, precisely where my alma mater is situated. As I read, I recognized all the street names, which added a special charm to the story.

In fact, I even did my student teaching at Monroe High School, which is a rival school in the story. It was such a fun coincidence!

The story centers around a young man who is a student at St. Paul Central High School. He befriends a girl who is living in a dysfunctional family and is being abused.

This friendship gets him into trouble, but fortunately, the story ends on a positive note.

While reading, I could vividly imagine living in the city during the time when the streetcars were still running.

It was like taking a journey back in time and experiencing the city through the eyes of the characters.

This book not only entertained me but also brought back memories of my own experiences in St. Paul.

It was a wonderful read that I would highly recommend to others.

July 15,2025
... Show More

A story about assisting someone in desperate need with limited resources, penned by the criminally-underrated writer Stanley Gordon West, this book was truly a challenging read. Amidst all the turmoil in my personal life while delving into its pages, I felt as if I was sprinting along all the icy streets and constantly on the go. It is remarkably funny, entertaining, intense, terrifying, sorrowful, and real. Highly recommended! This is the sort of material that kids should be required to read in order to graduate from high school. It has the power to open their eyes to the harsh realities of the world and teach them about compassion and empathy. Stanley Gordon West has crafted a masterpiece that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

July 15,2025
... Show More
"Until They Bring the Streetcars Back" by Stanley Gordon West is an extremely intense read.

It centers around Cal, a young boy who desires to fit in and be part of the "popular" crowd at school. He is deeply in love with a girl whom he believes he has no chance with. His entire life undergoes a significant transformation when he meets Gretchen. She is a shy girl with no connections to anyone in her school. Her family life is, to say the least, difficult. She attempts to remain a shadow among everyone at school.

Many events unfold and ultimately lead to Cal being incarcerated. This book truly keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. I would likely recommend it to others.

However, it should be noted that this book contains some language and instances of abuse. Additionally, there is some mention of insects within the story. These are aspects that I would caution others about before they embark on reading this book.

Overall, despite its flaws, "Until They Bring the Streetcars Back" offers a captivating and thought-provoking narrative that is worth exploring.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Liked it - as did all in the group.

Until They Bring The Streetcars Back offers a truly nostalgic journey through the streets of post-war 1949 Saint Paul. It takes us back to those wistful days when ten-cent sodas were a treat, big band music filled the air, and the smell of burning leaves was in the atmosphere. Stanley West masterfully weaves rollicking humor, riveting suspense, and a bittersweet love story into the fabric of those optimistic times.

Through a seemingly harmless prank and a chance conversation, Cal Gant, who was previously secure in the friendly neighborhoods of his idyllic life, suddenly stumbles onto the naked face of cruelty, incest, and murder. When he attempts to rescue a strange and haunting girl, he finds himself engaged in a heart-stopping struggle with her ruthless father. This leads Cal to the brink of self-doubt, terror, and even death itself. The question remains: Can he find within himself the backbone to stand against the horror and the daring to concoct some scheme to set Gretchen free?

Also, there is a mention of wanting to look for The People's Chronology by James Trager. This book might offer further insights or perhaps a different perspective on the historical context or the themes explored in Until They Bring The Streetcars Back.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I truly loved it.

It was especially fascinating to see all the references to St. Paul.

I was in school during the 60 - 70's, yet I found myself completely enamored with all the 50's references as well.

The way the author incorporated these elements added a unique charm and depth to the piece.

It was like taking a journey back in time, experiencing the nostalgia and the cultural nuances of those eras.

The mention of St. Paul brought back memories of the city's history and its significance.

And the 50's references evoked a sense of simplicity and innocence that seems to be lost in today's fast-paced world.

Overall, it was a wonderful read that left me with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside.

I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us.
July 15,2025
... Show More
In the very near area of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Cal Gant and his friends are living the life of typical teenage boys. They spend their days chasing girls, playing football and basketball. However, Cal's life takes an unexpected turn when he meets a girl named Gretchen Luttermann. He gets caught up in her strange world, which is filled with violence and the secrecy of her dad.


This book had a bit of a mixed impact on me. I really liked the overall plot of the story. It had the potential to be a thrilling and engaging read. However, I found it difficult to fully immerse myself in the book and keep reading. There were certain parts that really hooked me and made me eager to find out what would happen next. But there were also other parts that didn't hold my interest as much.


The two main characters, Cal and Gretchen, stood out to me the most in this book. They are both unique in their own ways. Cal is your average teenage boy, but he has a kind heart and is deeply interested in Gretchen's story. He wants to help her escape from the difficult life she has with her dad. Gretchen, on the other hand, goes to school every day but can't talk to anyone. She makes herself the laughing stock of the school because she has nothing. Her dad is a mean guy who beats her and tries to hide it, while also not allowing her to enjoy anything in life.


I think Stanley West did a great job with the detail in this book. He made it feel like I was actually in the story, experiencing everything along with the characters. When he described Minneapolis, it felt so real that I could picture myself there with them. He didn't overdo the detail either; it was just right. I also liked the setting he chose for this book. It's not a typical location for a book, and I think that added an interesting element to the story.


Overall, based on what I read of this book, I thought it was good. However, it could use a bit more excitement and interesting elements to keep readers hooked from start to finish. It has a non-fiction feel to it, which might not be everyone's cup of tea. If you're a person who likes to be on the edge of your seat and constantly surprised, I would not recommend this book to you.
July 15,2025
... Show More
Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.
July 15,2025
... Show More
I've read other reviews that commented about the first part of this book, and I wholeheartedly agree.

For the first 40 pages, I found myself seriously considering whether I would read the entire book. However, once I managed to get past that initial section, I was completely hooked!

What made it even more incredibly interesting for me was the fact that I now live in the very neighborhood that serves as the setting for this story.

Despite starting out on a somewhat questionable note, I am now so impressed that I'm adding other works by West to my "want to read" list.

I can't wait to explore more of West's writing and see what other captivating stories he has to offer.

I'm sure that, like this one, they will draw me in and keep me engaged from beginning to end.

It just goes to show that sometimes, it's worth persevering through the initial stages of a book to discover the hidden gems within.

And in this case, I'm very glad that I did.

July 15,2025
... Show More
Amazing Book

I recently came across an amazing book that truly blew my mind.

From the moment I opened its pages, I was captivated by the engaging story and well-developed characters.

The author's writing style was so vivid and descriptive that it made me feel as if I was right there in the midst of the action.

Each chapter was filled with twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to find out what would happen next.

The book also had a profound message that really made me think about life and its many challenges.

It was not just a simple entertainment but a thought-provoking piece of literature that left a lasting impression on me.

I would highly recommend this amazing book to anyone looking for a great read that will both entertain and inspire.

It is truly a gem that should not be missed.

Leave a Review
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.