Book Reviews
Praise for If You Want Fun, Go to Coney Island
"I relished every page. You did an outstanding job of capturing family members, describing your parents, regretting a change of schools and “dumbing it down”, the conflict of adolescence and the thrill of being a mother to Jayne. I actually got very teary when I saw/read Grandma Lily’s handwritten apology note. So glad you saved this one. And, the photo that Ally took for the end page is a winner. Bravo. Kudos. Congratulations. I really enjoyed your story and….I wish I had captured the memories in my life as vividly as you did. SO proud of you, cousin. Xoxo Kathy"
"Jayne’s autobiography ovffers a vivid and touching portrait of a life lived with curiosity, resilience and a deep appreciation of family and identity. Set against the backdrop of 1950’s and 1960’s West Hartford, Connecticut, Jayne transports readers to her loving childhood that balanced her bookish father’s dry wit with her glamorous mother Doris’ charm and social milieu.
What sets Jayne’s story apart is her candid exploration of her mixed Jewish-Christian heritage, a source of confusion and eventual self discovery.
Jayne’s humor shines as she recounts the quirks and idiosyncrasies of her relatives
(especially her paternal grandmother) and her formative years. Lots of shopping-as-therapy, weight struggles, loves and losses along with glorious motherhood all contribute to a wonderful tale of a woman who grows into a confident, independent spirit." - Martha C.
