One of my all-time favorite books!

It contains one of my favorite lines - "Too bad they don't make storm-windows for the heart".

The story is about a young man, a senior in high school in the St. Paul of the 1960's.

If anyone wishes to know what it felt like to be a young man at that time, read this book.

It captures that I remember of those times at that age.

And, it's a fascinating story.

West also wrote two other novels about this time period, also well worth reading.

Plus, he wrote many novels set in Montana, his second home.

He has to be one of the very best of the little-known authors of our time.

This book not only tells an engaging story but also provides a vivid snapshot of a bygone era.

The author's use of language and ability to create relatable characters make it a truly enjoyable read.

Whether you're interested in history, coming-of-age stories, or simply a good book, this one is sure to please.

So, don't hesitate to pick it up and discover the world that West has created.

You won't be disappointed.

Once upon a time, there was an awful and gross story that began in a dark and creepy old house. The house was said to be haunted, and many people had reported strange noises and sightings. One day, a curious young man decided to explore the house. As he entered, he was immediately hit by a foul smell. The rooms were filled with dust and cobwebs, and the furniture was old and broken. As he made his way through the house, he heard a strange whispering sound. He turned around, but there was no one there. Suddenly, a cold wind blew through the house, and the doors slammed shut. The young man was trapped. He tried to find a way out, but every door and window was locked. He began to feel scared and alone. Just when he thought things couldn't get any worse, he saw a figure emerge from the shadows. It was a hideous creature with sharp teeth and glowing eyes. The young man screamed in terror as the creature advanced towards him.

Set in St. Paul, MN in 1949, a time when streetcars still ran through the city streets.

A 17-year-old boy named Calvin befriends a classmate, Gretchen. However, he soon finds himself drawn into a lair of violence and abuse due to her father.

Calvin comes up with a scheme to expose and frame Gretchen's dad. But unfortunately, when the plan fails, he gets himself put in jail.

It is only when the girl's mother speaks up that Calvin is exonerated from the crime.

The book is written in the vernacular of the 50's, and I really enjoyed the descriptions the kid gave to some of his life events. For example, his opinion of eating lutefisk was hilarious: "looks like King Kong blew his nose on your plate!"

I loved how morally honest and hard-working Calvin was, and how the stories of his family felt so authentic.

In fact, when our book club read this book, I even made lefse, which added to the overall experience of delving into this captivating story.

A great story about teen life 70 years ago

Life back then was quite different in some ways, yet in many aspects, it wasn't all that dissimilar to today. Kids still had their joys and challenges, but the context was a bit different. For example, instead of being constantly plugged into electronics as they are today, they might have been more involved with streetcars and other forms of transportation. The language used was also much gentler, with swear words being extremely rare. It gives us a glimpse into a more polite and respectful era. One of my favorite parts of the story was how they could ride around in a car with eight people on their dates. It shows a sense of community and togetherness that is perhaps a bit lost in today's more individualistic society. Actually, I had many favorite parts, but this book is about young heroes and abused girls. I do not want to be a plot spoiler and reveal too much of the story. It's a captivating read that offers a unique perspective on teen life in the past.