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This wonderful story is about two boys growing up. The boys will make you laugh and make you cry, but never -- ever will they fail to entertain you.
Wade is nine and Luke is seven when the story opens in northern Los Angeles in the late 1950s. The boy's father has abandoned the family and their mother is out of touch with them, so they are very much on their own, especially in the summer.
Like most kids, boy or girls, they get into some sticky situations at times all through the book. Mac, their beloved dog, saves their hides more than once and is so smart, you'll be amazed. Then, when the boys befriend a Police Sargeant and his girfriend, they begin to find some direction to their lives.
An innocent mishap at "Three Ponds" leaves Wade frightened and consumed with guilt. On a chance meeting -- or is it really a chance meeting? -- the Sargeant slips the ball-bearing Wade used in his sling-shot that fateful day, into Wade's hand, and the boy is stunned. How did the Sargeant get it? Does he know the whole story? Can he help?
The young couple -- the Sergeant and Miss Cherry -- take the boys to their hearts, but it's obvious that Wade is the favorite for some reason. It looks like nothing will ever ruin the friendship between the four of them.
You will get to see "Eagle Rock" and "Cavendish Caverns" and "Three Ponds" among other places, in the story. All with the lovable Mac tagging along.
Finally, when Wade reaches 16, and after Mac is killed by a mysterious burgler, he leaves his mother and his brother. He sort of floats in an alcohol-haze for a few years, gets married, then sinks deeper into depression and drinks himself into jail.
The ending is poignant and as warm and loving as the entire book. True reading enjoyment. I can't wait for Mr. Stanleigh's next book. Review by Barbara A. Garrett.
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