Sept 2015 review:

Excellent! I first came across this author when "Blind Your Ponies" was recommended to me, and I promptly gave it 5 stars. The character development in his books is truly outstanding. It's as if I have a deep and personal acquaintance with the people he creates. Set in 1949, the use of slang from that era adds an extra layer of authenticity and charm. It's fascinating to observe the differences between then and now.

April 2022 review:

First of all, after rereading this fabulous book, I changed my rating from four stars to five stars. As is typical of this author, his character development is simply amazing. I felt an intense connection with these kids, understanding their struggles and the confusion that comes with adolescence. Cal Gant is an extraordinary boy who selflessly helped a girl in his class escape a horribly abusive father. He sacrificed a great deal in this endeavor, but he is the kind of kid that any parent would be overjoyed and proud to call their own. I absolutely adored this book!

Such a nostalgic mystery about family, neighborhoods, high school and integrity.

It takes us back to a time when life seemed simpler yet was filled with complex emotions and relationships. The story unfolds, revealing the hidden secrets and unspoken truths within a family. The neighborhood, once a place of unity and community, now holds a sense of mystery and unease.

High school, with its pressures and dramas, becomes a backdrop for the characters to discover their true selves and grapple with questions of integrity. As we follow their journey, we are reminded of our own experiences growing up, the importance of family, and the challenges we face in maintaining our integrity in a changing world.

This nostalgic mystery is not just a story, but a reflection of our own lives and the memories that shape us. It invites us to look back, to question, and to find the beauty and meaning in the past.

This is an excellent read indeed!

The characters in the story are so well-developed that they seem completely believable. You can almost picture them in your mind as you read.

The setting is also vividly described, making it easy for the reader to immerse themselves in the story.

The struggle of the protagonist is truly heart-wrenching. It has the reader laughing one moment and crying the next. You can't help but feel empathy for the protagonist and root for them throughout the story.

The ending is both satisfying and bittersweet. I found myself wanting to clap and cheer at the protagonist's victory, but then I was also weeping because it was all over.

This is a story that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it. It's a must-read for anyone who loves a good book.

A well-written coming of age novel is set in 1950 Saint Paul. The protagonist narrates his story in the first person, sharing his achievements in sports, his yearning for the homecoming queen, and his connection with his sports-loving friends. He faces difficulties in relating to his strict father, who has changed after returning from the war. Then, he meets Gretchen, the least popular girl in school, and discovers that she has a dark secret. Having a kind heart, he endeavors to find a way to assist Gretchen, even at the risk of his own future.

I am not a proponent of first-person narrative. However, S.G. West manages to make it effective. As I have observed with Stephen King, the key is to saturate the direct observations (a street car rumbled across the intersection, sparks cascading where the trolley passed over the intersecting wires) and minimize the indirect (I saw a street car up ahead. I saw the sparks cascade when the trolley crossed the intersecting wires). This reads precisely as it would in third-person-limited and has the same impact: it immerses the reader in the scene. That is what West does extremely well, and it makes a good story truly shine.

I read and adored most of Stanley Gordon West's books more than 10 years ago. However, I truly relished rereading this particular one for the book club.

The setting in St Paul, in the very neighborhood where I toiled and socialized with friends during the initial 10 years of my working life, was an added bonus. But in all honesty, I have a deep appreciation for West's writing style.

Teenagers, it seems, haven't altered much over the years. They continue to conceal secrets from their parents and fabricate their own dramas when it comes to romance and relationships.

It's fascinating to observe how these age-old themes still hold true and resonate with readers. West has a remarkable ability to capture the essence of adolescence and the complex emotions that come with it.

Rereading this book has been a nostalgic and enlightening experience, reminding me of the challenges and joys of being a teenager.

I look forward to discussing it further with my fellow book club members and delving deeper into the themes and characters that West has so skillfully crafted.

Well written.

It is truly remarkable how the author has crafted this piece. The words flow seamlessly, captivating the reader from the very beginning.

The language used is both engaging and descriptive, painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

What is even more surprising is the depth of the content. Despite its seemingly simple appearance, there are hidden layers of meaning and emotion that are gradually revealed as one delves deeper into the text.

This article manages to touch on important themes and ideas in a way that is both thought-provoking and accessible.

It is a testament to the author's skill and creativity that they have been able to produce such a well-written and surprising piece.

Overall, it is a pleasure to read and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Just when you think you discovered the mind explosion,

Stanley Gordon West goes and delivers another one a few chapters later.

It's truly astonishing how he manages to continuously surprise and engage the readers in such a profound way.

Each new revelation feels like a burst of intellectual energy, expanding our understanding and challenging our preconceived notions.

West's writing style is masterful, drawing us in with his vivid descriptions and thought-provoking ideas.

As we progress through the book, we find ourselves on an exciting journey of discovery, never quite knowing what to expect next.

It's this element of unpredictability that makes his work so captivating and keeps us eagerly turning the pages.

Whether you're a fan of science fiction or simply enjoy a good intellectual challenge, Stanley Gordon West's books are sure to leave you with a sense of wonder and a desire for more.

I read (sort of) this book during my sophomore year of high school for an English class. Since then, over the past 10 years, it has constantly lingered in my thoughts.

Recently, I made the decision to reread it. And oh my goodness, I found that I loved this book just as much as I remembered it the very first time I read it.

Obviously, some of the content within the book is brutally harsh and horrific. However, when looking at the bigger picture, it all boils down to the fact that people are choosing to do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do.

This aspect of the book truly speaks volumes about the power of human nature and the importance of making moral and ethical choices. It serves as a reminder that even in the face of great adversity, there is always the possibility for good to prevail.

I am so glad that I decided to pick up this book again and rediscover its profound message. It has once again left a lasting impression on me and has made me reflect on my own life and the choices that I make.

Cal Gant is truly a hero, yet his family and the whole school view him as a hoodlum.

He goes as far as to commit a crime in order to assist an outcast, which makes your heart fill with admiration and makes you cheer for him.

The author employs the language of the era, which helps to endear the reader to Cal and the entire story.

This book is one of the finest I've read in a long time!

It has a unique charm that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

The character of Cal is well-developed, and you can't help but root for him despite his actions.

The story also explores themes of acceptance and loyalty, which are both relatable and thought-provoking.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

This is a really good book.

I found myself completely engrossed in the story from the very beginning.

The plot was engaging and full of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat.

The characters were well-developed and I was able to form a connection with them easily.

Each one had their own unique personality and backstory that added depth to the overall narrative.

The author did a great job of creating a vivid and immersive world that I could easily picture in my mind.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great read.

It's one of those books that you just can't put down until you've reached the end.

I'm already looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.

This book was truly outstanding! It recounted the tale of Calvin (Cal) Gant. In 1949, Cal was in his senior year at St. Paul Central. He was actively involved in both football and basketball. He had a group of friends with whom he hung out. Additionally, he had an after-school job to save up for his very own car. Everything seemed really great - and then he met Gretchen Luttermann. This可怜的、饱受折磨的小女孩吸引了Cal的注意, and his life underwent a transformation. Suddenly, his concerns about basketball and girls seemed a little less significant.

I don't wish to disclose spoilers here - but I must say this wasn't precisely what I had anticipated. I had thought it would be all sordid and more like a "Double Indemnity" sort of thing. Instead, I found myself truly liking Cal and feeling sorry for Gretchen. When I began reading it, I was worried that it was being narrated from a 1940s-era teenage boy's perspective. I was expecting a "Golly Beave!" at any moment. Of course, it never occurred. The characters had that understated simplicity about them, similar to what you find with some of the great writers. They allowed the motif, atmosphere, and action to define the character rather than explicitly telling you. It was really enjoyable to find myself pondering the importance of animals in this story, for example. Those are some mental muscles that I don't exercise very often anymore!

As for the ending - it was satisfying but just a little too tidy for my taste. I don't think it was incredibly realistic - but it was satisfying nonetheless.

This was a truly excellent book. It was one that I never expected to love so much. The setting of this book in the area of Saint Paul by St. Thomas was especially impactful for me.

The detailed descriptions of the place made me feel as if I was right there, experiencing everything along with the characters. It added a layer of authenticity and charm to the story.

I highly recommend giving this a read, especially if you’re from Minnesota. Even if you’re not, the unique setting and engaging plot will surely capture your attention.

You’ll be drawn into the world created by the author and find yourself unable to put the book down. It’s a literary gem that deserves to be discovered and enjoyed by a wide audience.