A refreshing story based on real people.

I read this book over a 3 evening read. I had a hard time putting the book down after the first 120 pages or so. The mother, Helen, and her tribe of 7 children in this story are so pitiful in their audacity and resilience, despite such damning odds, of living in poverty with little or no help from her husband that makes a very decent salary. The author gives the reader a glimpse into harshness of the world of want. The story takes place in the 1950’s and no welfare system existed. Helen’s main problem was keeping her family together, ages 5 through 18, else she may find a visit from a social worker. In the 50’s, social workers danced to different tune. Their aim was to break up the family regardless of age or sex. Thus sisters and brothers were separated with no clue as to their whereabouts. The story revolves around Helen, her daughter, Karen, and her three sons, Bunky, Barry and Noah. Barry is the main character and through his eyes you feel the pain he feels for not only his mother but also for his siblings. The author made no effort to give me the impression that I would not be paying a visit to the home of the Beaver Cleaver's family. Still, I was glad the author sprinkled a bit of humor here and there because it kept the story from being so depressing. I really enjoyed the horseback ride the two brothers, Barry and Noah took on the hot summer night. I just had to laugh.
If you want to read a real life drama based on real people then I recommend Tommytown. If you just want a refreshing read I highly recommend it. ( )

A book I couldn’t put down….Sharon

A moving true story of a mother trying desperately to hold onto her family; while at the same time allowing the reader to understand the mother’s struggles as seen through the eyes of her 11-year-old son, Barry. After I started reading the book I couldn’t put it down. And when I did there was a lump in my throat, a tear in my eye, thinking what a sad yet delightful story. Saunders excelled in conveying the human emotions of: love, hope, fear, and frustration in such a way that made sense in the story. Every chapter was not all gloom and doom because the author had a knack of inserting humor and joy throughout the story.

Saunders tells their tale with much affection and, if you can still read through your tears, you will believe that human persistence does exist in the real world. It's a wonderful story. Hope everyone gets the chance to read it. ( )

Heartbreaking and humorous, A remarkable Story of Motherhood!

A remarkable story set in a small hamlet of Tommytown, Maryland in the 1950’s. Saunders uses descriptions of the background of Tommytown and its inhabitants to have the reader feel the times. A time when there was no welfare system and the people were far more self-reliant than they are today. You can really feel the emotions of being a youngster growing up in poverty; feeling the disappointments as the girls try to fit in at their high school; the young boys, 11 year old Barry and his 10 year old brother, Noah, as they try to rationalize why they didn’t get anything for Christmas. If you grew up poor or your parents came from an age when people were extremely thrifty you could easily relate to this story. If you were blessed with a comfortable environment you’ll get a peek at how the other half lives.
"Tommytown” gave me mixed emotions. I felt sad at times and other times I couldn't help to smile, or let out a little laugh. Saunders has a way of pulling at your heart strings and I really like the way he connects with his reader.
Throughout the novel I kept wondering what escapades Barry and Noah were going to get into next. They reminded me of two Dennis the Menaces running around in this little village. They were mischievous but never malicious. And the mother, Helen? The author ensured that you understood that she was rock of this family. Idolized by her children she played a balancing act as she tried to figure out where the money for next meal was coming from.
A wonderful and heartwarming read. Get this one for yourself! It's great! ( )