It Happened in Brooklyn: An Oral History of Growing Up in the Borough in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s

We bought this for my husband's mom who was transplanted to Colorado as a teenager from Brooklyn. It brought back many happy childhood memories for her. She loved reading about places that she thought she'd forgotten and this spurred her memory to share childhood stories with us about a place very different from the 'wild west.'

This book is actually a compilation of anecdotal memories from many people who grew up in Brooklyn, some of whom are world famous for various reasons! While I was disapointed by the lack of coverage of the 50s and 60s when I grew up in East Flatbush, the book brings back wonderful memories of Coney Island and many other institutions. I particularly found the stories from the family that started Nathan's to be fascinating. I ALSO recommend the book "The Neighborhoods of Brooklyn." The two bookds are very different! While it is also light on the 50s and 60s it is fascinating to learn of the full history of each neighborhood. How and when the original Dutch settlers bought the various sections from the Canarsee and Rockaway Native Americans. It is also interesting to learn of the fates of the various neighborhoods and their changing ethnic faces. I must add that it is at least a bit disingenuous and self-serving for one of the authors to write SEVERAL reviews of his own work!

I just finished the book and I enjoyed it so much. Its easy to see whyBrooklyn has been the inspriation for so many novels and movies.It was so interesting to see how so many different ethnic groups had suchsimilar stories of growing up. A real shared memory .Well this book is a treasure and I am so glad to have it.

Entertainers, notables and common folk reminisce about life and experiences in Brooklyn.

A PAINFUL SWEETNESS FLOODS YOU