Do Dreams Come True?
This is a snapshot of the Harding family in the 1950’s. They are a family of five, with a mom transplanted from England, a well-known author for a father, two girls and a married son. For good measure, there is also a quirky relative.
Highschooler Bertha, the oldest girl, loves baseball. She is talented and tenacious, the only girl that the local boys allow to play on their team. Bertha has always dreamed of being on the all-girls team, the Sweet Peas.
Flossie, in grade school, is a precocious child who is misunderstood and made fun of by her peers. But she is bookish and smart, although she talks with no filter, saying whatever pops into her head. In today’s jargon, she would probably be called ADD.
You will feel like a time-traveler who steps back in the ’50’s as the characters speak the lingo of the day, and face situations of the era, both good and bad.
I like that this tale is told by two narrators, Bertha and Flossie giving their different perspectives of life for the Harding family. Their good times will make you laugh out loud. But they also faced things that had life-changing consequences. Be forewarned, some of those will require a handkerchief. I was engaged in this book until it took a dramatic twist towards the end, which turned me off to the story.
Fans of 1950’s tales, and the ups and downs in a family will enjoy this clean, 4-star book.
Thank you, Revell Books, for providing Tickmenot with a complimentary copy of, “The All American,” for the purpose of review. I have not been compensated in any other manner. All opinions expressed are my own, and I was not required, or influenced, to give anything but an honest appraisal.
The Author’s Website: https://susiefinkbeiner.com/
