A short coming-of-age story set in a small Ohio town in the 1950’s and told through they eyes of a 12-year old boy named Ben who works with his dad, his Grandpa George, and Wally, an older black man, in the tavern they own that's a gathering place for the town. When Angelo Cosentino drives up in his Cadillac on a hot summer afternoon with money pouring from his pockets, Ben’s life begins to change. The story is set against the racial divide in small town America and is intended for kids 10+ and adults of all ages. It paints a picture of what life was like before social media when fences were few and far between. A Tom Sawyer like tale, straight-forward and true to the heart.
Well written, interesting look at growing up in small town America and a boy's relationship with his family and friends. Only wish it had been longer.....I wanted to read more about Ben and his relationship with his grandfather and father. Hopefully, the author will write a novel about this. It would be well worth the read.
Paints a vivid snapshot of life for a young boy and a family involved in dealings with the mob in the 1950's. I love his characterization--his characters are compelling and truly unique, and they move through the story on their own terms. However, what grabs me the most about this story is the boy's adolescent realization of what it means to pass into adulthood--a moment which is both humorous and touching. I look forward to reading Babka's "No More Illusions".
I love stories that take you back to a small town and this book did that very well. At times I thought I was reading a Mark Twain book it was that well done. Buy it, read it, you will like it.
