historical

THE GIRL WATCHERS CLUB could be a documentary but the skill of the writing makes it read like a novel. The men of the group care about each other; they care about their families; they care about their country; Harry Stein grows to care about them himself, regardless of how his generation felt about "people over thirty" in the 1960s. The book not only rings nostalgic bells for readers who shared those years, but it is extremely important that young people read it in order to understand what their families experienced in the years of depression and war, and to be reminded to express appreciation of their parents while there is still time to do so. There are many lessons to be learned from reading the book. It will end all too quickly because the reader has come to care for its cast of characters.

I've been a Harry Stein fan for 25 years. It's (unfortunately) kind of a cult thing. I read his 'Ethics' columns in Esquire for years. 'Hoopla' is on my top ten most re-read novels. I call myself a writer but 'Hoopla' is one of those amazing books you read now and again which makes you want to take up another preoccupation like, say, finger painting. Since, I've read every novel or non-fiction book he's written and was entertained, educated and/or moved each time. This being said, when recently given 'The Girl Watchers Club' by a friend, I confess the subject matter didn't raise the customary excitement. Yeah, yeah, the Greatest Generation, saved humanity in the last crystal-clear good guys-bad guys war. I know this already, I honor them and know, deep-down, that their generation evinced a whole lot more character and courage than my 60's one ever did, or, more to the point, continues to do.

A few nights later,late but wide-awake, I picked the book up expecting to be lulled to sleep soon enough. Well I wasn't, instead I got hooked and couldn't put it down until around 4 AM. Sometimes funny, sometimes sad, these WWII vets had all led amazing if mostly quiet lives. Harry Stein cost me two more relatively sleepless nights as I couldn't wait to get back to the Girl Watcher's Club each evening. It is a book which highlights Stein's strengths when he's wearing his journalist hat--a truly conversational tone. The sort of conversation you have with a good, trusted friend who happens to be incredibly smart and insightful in the bargain but possessed with the sort of genuine modesty and self-doubt you hope you too possess.

In short, these men, veterans of a horror I can only try to imagine, went on to lead full lives without anger and personify everything that is great about America and ought to be conserved and honored. We're a nation of quirky, industrious, funny, generous and basically good people. Reading this fine book reminds us of this truth. It makes you want to be as life-affirming as Moe and Boyd and Harry, to emulate their positive attitudes in the face of an increasingly baffling and dangerous world.

As I was reading this book we were talking about it around the office and it has led to some great discussions because there are 3 different generations represented in my office and 3 very different perceptions of "the greatest generation". Whether you agree with the premise or motives behind war, or believe there is a God or not, or if you just want to read what some very interesting characters have to say, Harry Stein's book is a must read.
The men themselves have great life stories to share, and I have to admit, I've developed a bit of a crush on the crusty and crazy Moe. If he were only 45 years younger and single....
Stein has done an outstanding job of tying in the ideals from his parents' generation to his experience in the 60s to the changes that are sweeping our country now. I don't think he demonstrated "liberal guilt" as much as he just blatantly reveals that maybe the social changes of the 60s, although had their history-making moments, may have gone too far in some ways and undermined what the older generations had worked for.
If nothing else, pick up a copy and read Chapter 14. Outstanding. Well-written and thought provoking. This is one to share.