Star- Spangled Summer

Everytime a think I am the only one in the world who remembers something, I happily find I am wrong. Like the rest of you, I read these books many years ago. Actually it was in the 50's and they have stayed with me. I have tried in vain to find them over the years and now to find that they are back in print has totally made my day! I would also like to see the Candy Kane series back in print as Candy was a favorite of mine, as well. I was fortunate enough to find the first in the series at a rare book store on line a few years ago. Now I am eagerly awaiting my copy of Star Spangled Summer.

In the 1940's, when I read this book, it was like a trip to another world. Did it ever exist? I wonder. The book, written in 1941, is an introduction to the Parrish family in the summer of 1939. I was in awe of the glamor and excitement of the military trappings, West Point, horse shows, formal dances. Twenty years later, my daughter read these books, including the ones about younger sister, Tippy Parrish. The series traces the children through adulthood, marriage and their families, along with interaction with characters in other Lambert books. When I tried to find these books for my "Army Brat" grandchildren, children of West Pointers, I learned they are recently in reprint. However, I buy them used when I can. In an old battered copy, which I read, I found an anachronism which amused me. The teenagers loved the movies of Debbie Reynolds, Grace Kelly, and Gregory Peck, not movie stars of 1941, and barely in 1947, the reprint year. I am going to check it with a library copy, when I see one. I am enjoying reading the series in order, and know my granddaughters will too.

I read this series, and Margaret Sutton's Judy Bolton Series at about the same time, and a few year's later, Elysweth Thane's Williamsburg Series (which I highly recommend, especially for those who love historical novels). There has always been a most special place in my heart for Carole, David, and Penny and the Parrish family. I think I must have outgrown the series during Tippy and her stories because I know I didn't finish them. The Parrish/Jordan stories warmed the heart of a girl, much like Carole, an only and somewhat privileged child. Interestingly, the impact of these three series has influenced my professional life and somewhat my private one. I married young, had three children in four years, who became my family. I lost my parents when I was 18(mother) and 23(father). Later influenced by the women's movement, I obtained degrees in history and English and am finishing my career as a history department chairperson and American history teacher in a Florida high school. For pleasure, I still read murder mystery/detective stories, J.K. Rowling, and historical novels. I own all of Elwyeth Thane's books. Although some of these series reflect the racial segregation and white ignorance of the '40s and '50s, the other values of honesty and integrity are a refreshing shower on these sad/difficult times.

I first read these books over thirty years ago (as did, apparently, many other women of a certain age;)) and *still* love them. Yes, the time period is very different, but the heart of the tale (of all the Parrish/Jordan books, actually) still remains universal. We all struggle through the same gamut of emotions as young adults, trying to find our place in the world and we all (mostly) need the love and support of our family members as we work our way towards being grownups. War was not an 'instant broadcast' thing back in those days (Beloved Walter Cronkite (if you're old enough to have read these books thirty years ago, you're old enough to know who 'Uncle Walter' is!) wasn't even on the news yet!) and it *is* interesting to gain a perspective of the world that existed without the social and technological advantages we have now. Not to mention that, if you *do* have pre-teen/teen daughters, this is a completely wholesome and totally appropriate way to feed those dear little imaginations. I am so pleased to see a continuing interest in this series of books by this delightful writer....it would be a shame to have such good material shelved and forgotten.

A simple story of first love. The memory of it has stayed with me for over 30 years. How often can you say that? How wonderful to find it still exists. This book will take you back to a time when love didn't seem so complicated. Although written decades ago, it still tugs at your heartstrings.