About the Book

Mort Zachter's childhood revolved around a small, struggling shop on Manhattan's Lower East Side that sold bread and pastries. His was a classic story—a close-knit, hard-working family struggling to make it in America.

Only they were rich. Very rich.

At age thirty-six, after struggling to work his way though night school, Zachter discovered that his bachelor uncles, who ran the shop, had amassed millions of dollars in stocks and bonds. As he starts to clean out their apartment, Zachter discovers clues to their hidden lives that raise more questions than they answer. And in the end, he comes to realize that although he may not understand his family—and maybe never will—forgiveness and acceptance are what matter most.

Critical Praise

“[A] small, wry memoir ... that is as miraculously loving and nonjudgmental as it is cleareyed.” — New York Times Book Review

“This rich story pays off with honest but lighthearted discoveries about loyalty and wealth” — Publishers Weekly

“Zachter charmingly portrays the changing Lower East Side...Zachter never seems bitter, describing the discovery of his uncles’ secret hoard with such surpassing sweetness and affection that readers won’t dream of envying his newfound wealth...a warm family narrative.” — Kirkus Reviews

“[Zachter’s memoir, with well-paced chapters that are nostalgic yet often humorous and pungent, gives a distinct take on the classic saga of working-class immigrant families struggling to succeed.... [T]his is recommended for all libraries.” — Library Journal

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780061663413
• ISBN 10: 0061663417
• Imprint: Harper Perennial
• On Sale: 08/05/2008
• Pages: 208
• List Price:17.99 CAD
• BISAC1 : BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Personal Memoirs

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