Theresa K. (Tesstarosa) - , reviewed on 2/1/2011 + 151 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

This story is set in St Paul, Minnesota, in 1949. Cal Grant is a senior at Central High School. His family isnt wealthy but they get by. They dont own a car because his father is a streetcar driver and feels the family doesnt need a car. They rent an apartment that they get a discount on because they are also the caretakers.

Cal is a fairly popular kid at school hes a decent football player and an outstanding basketball player. Theres a girl at school that he thinks hes in love with, he has a group of friends to hang out with and a job at the nearby grocery delivering groceries.

One day, he and his entire study hall class draw detention and he is introduced to Gretchen Luttermann when she sits down behind him in the auditorium and says that her father will beat her. Gretchen had not participated in the prank that caused the entire class to get detention, but the teacher didnt let her off.

After this, Cal starts to learn more about Gretchen, nicknamed Gretch the Wretch, and how her life is a living nightmare. Cal wants to help her, but she has sworn him to secrecy.

This leads him to make some heartbreaking choices to help Gretchen.

I chose to read this book because its set in St Paul and I always like to read stories that are set in places that I know. What I wasnt ready for was how much I would be drawn into the story. I found myself crying for Cal and Gretchen.

Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details