[William V. Lipton][1] from Ann Arbor, MI says: "This is both a coming-of-age novel and a social history. Set during the 1920s and 1930s, it follows Studs as he grows through his teen years in Chicago. It shows the influences on urban children, the stresses on families and the American society during that time. The characters and dialogue are captivating." ([on Flashlight Worthy][2]) [1]: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/william.lipton?ref=profile [2]: http://www.flashlightworthybooks.com/Norman-Mailers-10-Favorite-American-Novels/430