As an author, I bought this book to use as a reference book while writing a fictional story about a similar type of family. I read this book as a young woman and saw both the stage play and the movie. It is a touching tale of a more simple time and a remarkable woman. Rosalie Kramer, "Dancing in the Dark: Things My Mother Never Told Me."

When I read this book I could go back to many years ago when most of the women in those days were just like Mama.Their concern, love, understanding, wisdom, wit, creative and hard work that they endured have made this country what it is today.If only we could instill some of these values in our people today what a difference it would make. This is a wonderful read and so glad that I could read a down to earth book like Mama's Bank Account'

I first read this novel in 1946 as a freshman in high school. The author's son was a sophomore in the same school. Dick was enormously popular, class president, a natural athlete, gifted amateur actor, public speaker and writer. Certainly a remarkable lad in his own right. (In 1947, having dropped a water bomb on one of the faculty, I knew my days were numbered and changed schools. Never ran into Dick again. So this is not a review written by a friend). That said, it was only de rigueur to read a book written by a classmate's mother.

The story line has been described by other reviewers, and their comments are right on target. One thing I might add is that Kathryn Forbes enjoyed a widespread national celebrity in the late forties, particularly after the Hollywood film was released. The story was also adapted for theater and, later, television. Sadly, celebrity is a perishable commodity.

I picked up this book and read it again last year. As a published novelist, I read it on this occasion with a very critical eye. It is as fresh as it was more than half a century ago. Not a great novel in the Faulknerian sense, but certainly a small classic. It is a charming work of great originality. Anyone interested in becoming a writer would do well to study it. See how beautifully Kathryn Forbes blends the theme and story line. Check out the clever characterization, and the simplicity of her writing style (never pretentious). This book is truly a little gem of its genre.