Summary

In Chapter 1, set in 1960, Bobby Garfield’s father died when Bobby was three. His mother, Elizabeth “Liz” Garfield did not seem to be all that sad her husband was gone.

When Bobby was ten, he hinted that he wanted a bike for his birthday. His mother reminded him that his father had not left them in good financial shape. That was her excuse anytime Bobby wanted anything that cost more than a dollar. She inferred that his father had a gambling problem and warned Bobby never to play cards for money.

Bobby, however, believed his mother was fortunate because she only had one child to support and had an easy job. She was the secretary for Donald “Don” Biderman at Home Town Real Estate. Bobby thought it was strange she could buy new clothes for herself, but not...