The story of American families with roots in 19th and early 20th centry immigration. Despite difficult times through changing economics, this book provides the historical understanding of why it remains the city of good neighbours. ( )

This book is a must read if you have any connection to Buffalo,NY and especially if you have Polish or German family that lived in Polonia/Kaisertown section of Buffalo.This book has brought me back to my childhood and numerous visits with my Grandmother.She was born,raised and died in this neighborhood. This book would probably be boring if you have no connection to the city. But the author writes this book as if he lived in this place and time,he has a true feel for the neighborhood and its people. It is hard to believe his information is from his Buffalo born wife and research.He brings second hand information to life. He brings this neighborhood to life again.This neighborhood is currently a gang and drug infested war zone. Much of what the Poles and Germans built and took pride in is long gone...only a memory.Very sad ending to a very rich and diverse culture and history.This is a very good read and highly recommended. ( )

The descriptions transport you, the point of view will change you. Klinkenborg's 1940s Buffalo is romantic, idyllic, and transcends Buffalo-lore. It has reawakened the desire to read in my Dad and his twin. What greater compliment can a librarian give a book? ( )