I am more convinced now that America is an amazing, unique place.

Having just finished Doris Kearns Goodwin's Wait 'Til Next Year, I'm a little shocked at how much I felt I could relate to -- or at least understand -- a girl growing up in the 50s. Not only was my thought that I had I been born in the 40s, I'd have been a Brooklyn Dodger fan supported, but there were aspects of her Rockville Center childhood that paralleled my Little Silver one -- school, friends, the beach, summertime, baseball, the corner store, friends moving, and religion -- all of it I have in some way in my own past. Not to mention a love of history we both share.

I've also wondered how someone -- or how I would -- ever wright a memoir, remembering things that happened so long ago. Now I know -- once you get to writing, details come back; and when you get others in and expand the conversation, it gets so much easier. I know I can do it someday -- if I ever have the time or the material.

Goodwin's book brings America to life because so many grew up that way. And she invited me in so warmly that I felt for her when reading about the tough times in her life.