Entertaining, funny, sappy, serious, silly, and sad. This is the perfect combination of emotions that this story evokes. It's a pretty quick read that will keep you engaged from start to finish. The main character is the most classic ridiculous teenage boy you'll ever come across. He exaggerates everything, which makes him both endearing and hilarious. You can't help but love him, flaws and all.

As you read, you'll find yourself transported back to the 1950s. The author does an excellent job of capturing the essence of that era, from the fashion to the music to the social norms. It's a time that many people look back on with nostalgia, and this story will make you miss it even more.

Whether you're in the mood for a lighthearted laugh or a trip down memory lane, this story has something for everyone. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. #takemeback

This book was truly well-written. However, the story plot was personally quite tough for me. It wasn't because the writing was subpar, but rather because it hit extremely close to my neighborhood.

Years ago, we had neighbors. There was a mother, two adolescent daughters, and a stepdad. The stepdad, Larry Black, was really odd. He would walk past our house every day, to and from work, always dressed in black from head to toe. I remember his name simply because behind closed doors, he took advantage of his stepdaughters. He started with the oldest one until she managed to escape to college on a sports scholarship and flee across the country. Then, when the younger sister was a freshman in high school, he started in on her too.

I sensed that something was wrong, but I just couldn't quite put my finger on it. Other than the fact that the mother seemed like a clueless ditz, I had no real idea what was going on. My neighbor radar was up, but that 'something' remained a mystery to me. They probably never told anyone, or if they did, would their mother even believe them? The mother walked in on the stepdad with the youngest daughter, saw what was happening, turned around, and tiptoed out of the room. She later told Stacie, her precious daughter, that she 'didn't want to bother them'.

The older sister, Virginia, left a few baseball bats in the house before she escaped to college. I, on the other hand, would have found a baseball bat and used it, starting with the back of his head. Of course, a divorce happened shortly after that. There was court, a cross-country visit back from the college student, and Larry ended up getting 7 years in state prison for violating his two precious stepdaughters. This story really hit too close to home. In my story, the mother was just as 'clueless and non-supportive' as in the book. Calvin was my hero in this story, and good for him! What a great kid. Even though he had to be creative to get the story out, he did it at all costs! Yeah, Calvin!

This was a book I read for the Centennial Library Book Club. It's a novel set in my hometown by a local author, and I've seen it around for years. The title and cover photo gave me the impression that it was a history of the streetcars in St Paul. Without it being the Book Club's monthly read, I probably wouldn't have bothered to read it.

However, I was wrong to judge this book by its cover. I read it in one sitting, even though I had two weeks to finish it. It was a page-turner, and I had to know how it ended. The writing was excellent, the plot was engaging, and the character development was top-notch. It was a really good story. I thought it was going to be all about darkness and themes like cruelty and incest, which aren't usually my cup of tea. But the book was beautiful and surprising.

The characters were well-developed and easy to love. There was Calvin Gant, Gretchen Luttermann, Steve (Cal's friend who had polio), Lola (the 'it' girl), and Cal's sister Peggy. Each one had their own unique personality and story.

The book also explored some important themes, such as love, family, and growing up. It made me think about my own life and the choices I've made. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for a good read.

2018: This book is seriously outstanding.

I had forgotten that a certain character passes away, and it really hit me hard in the gut!

Stanley Gordon West is truly a master when it comes to pacing.

Everything in the story comes full circle, creating a sense of completeness and satisfaction.

2016: My colleagues informed me that this book would be an "absolute delight!"

They were indeed correct.

This book is a part of my reading challenge for this year - "a book you should have read in high school."

Stanley Gordon West expertly nails the pacing of this novel.

Just when you are eager to know more about Gretchen, he takes Cal to a dance, leaving you on the edge of your seat and compelled to read further to discover more about Gretchen.

Cal is such a kind and generous character - one of the finest I have encountered.

I adored one of Cal's final reflections: "I remembered what Pastor Ostrum had said one Sunday that fall: that love wasn't a warm feeling, something that just happens to you, but a decision you make, something you do."

This profound statement added depth and meaning to the story.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates well-written literature with engaging characters and a captivating plot.

A Slice of Old Time Americana

In the Twin Cities, during the GM plot to dismantle the streetcar system, there is a story that unfolds. It is a slice of old time Americana, filled with drama and adventure.

A regular high school boy, going about his daily life, has his world turned upside down when he meets Gretchen. She is in a difficult situation, being controlled by her father.

The boy feels a sense of responsibility to save Gretchen from her father's clutches. He embarks on a journey that will test his courage and determination.

As he tries to rescue Gretchen, he discovers the true meaning of love and sacrifice. Along the way, he faces many obstacles and challenges, but he refuses to give up.

This story is a reminder of a bygone era, when life was simpler yet full of excitement and danger. It shows the power of love and the lengths one will go to protect those they care about.

Set against the backdrop of the GM plot, this tale of romance and adventure is sure to capture the hearts of readers and transport them back to a time when Americana was at its finest.

Jonni's is a unique and wonderful place.

It offers a wide range of products and services that are sure to meet the needs and desires of its customers.

The moment you step into Jonni's, you are greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, always ready to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

Whether you're looking for the latest fashion trends, high-quality electronics, or delicious food and beverages, Jonni's has it all.

The store is well-organized, making it easy to find what you're looking for.

And with its convenient location and ample parking, visiting Jonni's is a breeze.

So if you're in the mood for a great shopping experience, be sure to check out Jonni's.

You won't be disappointed!

This is a great book that contains some very weird parts.

However, overall, it is an eye-opening experience.

The author has managed to present some unique and thought-provoking ideas that make the reader look at the world from a different perspective.

The weird parts, although a bit off-putting at times, add to the overall charm and authenticity of the book.

They make the reader realize that there are many strange and wonderful things in this world that we may not have considered before.

Despite the oddities, the book is well-written and engaging, with a clear narrative and interesting characters.

It is a book that I would highly recommend to anyone who is looking for something different and challenging to read.

Overall, it is a great addition to any bookshelf and a must-read for all book lovers.

One extremely emotional and twist-turning book that I read during my senior year was truly an amazing one. The story had me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The characters were so well-developed that I felt as if I knew them personally. The plot was full of unexpected turns and surprises that kept me engaged and eager to find out what would happen next. I was so captivated by this book that I would read it 200 more times if I could. It is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story with plenty of drama and excitement. I highly recommend it to all book lovers out there.

I started reading this last year when I was subbing. It was an interesting experience as I delved into the content. At that time, I was simply exploring it for my own knowledge and understanding. Now, however, the situation has changed. I'm going to read it again with a different purpose. I'm preparing to teach it. This requires a much deeper level of comprehension and analysis. I need to not only understand the material myself but also be able to explain it clearly to my students. I'll be looking for key points, examples, and ways to make the subject matter engaging and accessible. It's a new challenge, but I'm excited to take it on and share this knowledge with others.

The experience was both achey and painful, yet also triggering in a strange way that was still somehow uplifting.

It had the older style of kind of droning on at certain points, which some might find tiresome. However, for me, sometimes I actually like those unnecessary details.

They add a certain charm and can make the whole thing quite fun. It's like exploring a hidden path and coming across little treasures along the way that you didn't expect.

Even though the overall journey might have had its uncomfortable moments, the presence of those unique details made it all worthwhile.

It's a strange combination of emotions and sensations, but one that I find oddly appealing.

It makes me look forward to more experiences like this, ones that challenge me and make me think in new ways.

Who knows what other surprises and joys might be waiting around the corner?

Reading this book for school was truly an eye-opening experience. It is the perfect example of a four-star book. The humanity of the main character is simply beautiful. Despite the disgusting events that occurred, seeing how he managed to turn it around is extremely empowering. The book is set in the years following the depression in Saint Paul, which adds a unique and interesting backdrop to the story. The author has done an excellent job of描绘 the characters and the setting, making it easy for the reader to immerse themselves in the story. The plot is engaging and keeps the reader hooked from start to finish. Overall, this is a beautiful, beautiful story that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good read.

I was working in St Paul, MN, which is the setting of this book. One day, I made up my mind to give a new author a try. To my great surprise, this book turned out to be an absolute gem. It was filled with a wonderful combination of humor and suspense that kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. The author's writing style was engaging and captivating, making it impossible for me to put the book down. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the humorous parts and holding my breath during the suspenseful moments. This book has truly impressed me, and I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future. I can't wait to see what other amazing stories this author has in store for us.