A love-hate relationship with A.C.

FADING AWAY . . .

As Atlantic City tries to remake itself in the wake of casino failures, Mr. Boardwalk takes on a new poignancy.

Here's a new comment on the novel from Goodreads, posted August 2 by "Catskillblogger":

---

I grew up in South Jersey, less than an hour from Atlantic City via the Atlantic City Expressway. However, as I was born in 1982, I am unable to picture Atlantic City pre-casino days. While I have a love-hate relationship with A.C., I knew I had to read this book.

I really loved Mr. Boardwalk. I loved seeing Atlantic City in the way my Dad did as a kid. I only know the Atlantic City of my youth, with more casinos that I can count. I kind of wish the boardwalk was like it is then, more family oriented.

I did have some slight issue with Jason as I didn't think of him as a young kid. In fact, as I read the novel several times I was shocked by Jason's age when it was mentioned in the narrative. He seemed older, maybe because all the action that took place in Atlantic City revolved around him working in his father's pretzel shop or juggling on the boardwalk. Not something you expect from a young kid. 

I really enjoyed this book. It was a great story and I definitely cannot wait to share this book with my Dad next time I head down to South Jersey...and who knows, maybe I'll visit the boardwalk while I'm there.

Jason is definitely an old head. At age seven he's selling pretzels, calling out "Ten cents apiece, three for a quarter," and telling an elderly man (who turns out to be his grandfather) that he's holding up the line. And yet this incredibly mature boy turns out to be incredibly naive. Isn't this, in a way, an emblem for our times, when we know so much and so little?

OK, enough philosophizing. It's a fun read, and if it makes you think, that's a bonus.