Gin Rummy, M and Ma' S and Peanuts Book

"In this forthright and hilarious memoir of Dr. Barney Newman, as told to and written by his loyal scribe, Ed Friedman, Newman begins by describing Cleveland's post World War II changing economic and social environment before humorously revealing the stories of a group of men who played in a weekly gin rummy game. Newman takes readers into the player's trials and tribulations as they-and their wives-deal with true life situations from marriage, infidelity, divorce, and death to financial and professional success, failure and living within the confines of mediocrity."

"The story is well written and the structure is sound. The author first describes Barney's current mental and physical state, as he languishes in the long term care facility in Montipark Home for the Aged before segueing into the narratives of each player. And while poignant descriptions of Barney's caretakers and growing deterioration are clothed in humor it does entirely remove the sting of Barney's suffering. Newman does more than deliver a colorful recitation of game night history, he presents the dichotomy of suburban life as these men struggle, survive and move on"

"An excellent, strong, and moving work."