This is an entertaining and inspirational autobiography.

Jul 30, 2011

by RobertYokoyama
posted in Cafe Libri: Reviewing Books & More

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When Brooklyn Was Heaven is an excellent autobiography. Stan Levenson's recollections of growing up and working in Brooklyn in the forties and fifties are fascinating to read. His descriptions of the street vendors in Brooklyn sound exciting. His description of the board walk and carnival like atmosphere in Coney Island sound like a blast. I have no idea what these parts of New York are like now, but I think it must be similar. I love reading about his funny early working experiences as a waiter in the Catskills and selling magazine subscriptions. I also liked reading about his love of playing sports like basketball, stick ball and soccer. He also writes about things I don't know anything about like celebrating his bar mitzvah and drinking egg creams. His passion for sports helped him get a college education and helped him form life long friendships. His ability to maintain friendships with so many people over a long period of time is something I am learning how to do. His dedication to his college studies is an inspiration to me. I have had my academic problems in the past. Levenson's academic achievements is proof enough to me that my academic difficulties can be overcome with time and hard work. The passion Levenson has for teaching is something I admire also. He has worked as a teacher, principal and fund raiser in places like Brooklyn, Los Angeles and on an an Army base called Bad Hersfeld in Germany in the sixties. When Broolyn Was Heaven is a motivational book for me. It reminds me to find the passion in my work. When Brooklyn Was Heaven is an entertaining and inspirational book.

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About the reviewer

Robert Yokoyama (RobertYokoyama)

I love to read new books and talk about them. I also like to listen to different kinds of music and talk about that. I am a friendly guy who likes to meet new people. I love to read books that teach me … more