I am a picky reader. If a book doesn’t grab me I won’t push on through to see if it gets any better past maybe the first 50 pages. That said, A BOARDWALK STORY was honestly a book I could not put down! I true page turner.

Not only did it draw me in with wonderful details of time and place, and historical context, but the story itself is exciting and keeps you guessing. I never got ahead of it. If you like a little adventure and intrigue with your historical novels this won’t let you down.

Finally, mark my words, you read it here first: this book is going to make a terrific movie– but don’t wait for the film. Read it now!

— GBF, Brooklyn, NY

Like falling into a hole, one is inexorably drawn in to this startling find. The characters are memorable, the plot is a riot, and beneath the surface one is captivated by the way Yampolsky blends entertainment with the wisdom of three quarters of a century of life lessons.

I personally know a woman who, a few chapters in, bought two more to give to friends. She felt they should not have to wait until she finished to read it!

—William Ditmire

This author’s first novel is riveting. It graphically, and skillfully, describes Atlantic City before the Casino Era. Things in those bygone days were very different than the current scene, but there was certainly no lack of intrigue, adventure, and human interest. Read it and learn about boardwalk hucksters, commodity market opportunities and lurking danger, and the influence of the classic “bosses” of old. Throw in a dash of sex and politics and you have a terrific reading experience.

—Ed West, Boca Raton, Florida

In this tenth year of the Great Depression, money’s tight and war looms on the horizon. But as the days get longer, fifteen-year-old Jack Laurel is preoccupied with his new job at Krilow’s Kitchen Gadgets, his neighbor Rhoda’s sexy figure, and avoiding the wrath of neighborhood bullies…

With his best friend away, Jack falls into the company of a motley group of adults. Charming pitchman Benny James amazes him with his ability to attract gorgeous girls, and Morris, a watercolor artist with a secret life as a mechanical man… Then things really get thrown for a loop when a loner with a talent for commodities trading enters the picture. With the help of a fortuneteller who doesn’t believe in her own abilities, they stumble into an unlikely business partnership which proves astoundingly successful and attracts the notice of a powerful Italian crime boss.

— Read librarian Sarah Johnson’s complete review at Reading the Past.

It is 1939, 10 years into the Great Depression. The United States looks on as Europe teeters on the brink of World War. In Atlantic City money is tight but summertime on the Boardwalk is still a magical time with big bands on the Steel Pier, well dressed men and women strolling the boards, pitchmen selling their wares and teenagers looking to have a good time.

Author J. Louis Yampolsky, encouraged by his granddaughter to write about his memories of Atlantic City, came up with A Boardwalk Story, a classic coming of age tale. The main character is 15-year-old Jack Laurel who lives in the Lower Chelsea section of town and hangs with his best friends Eddie, Bernie and Blinky.

— Read Lori Hoffman’s complete review at atlanticcityweekly.com.

Jack Yampolsky

His audio portrait is augmented by photographs by Jessica Kourkounis and features historical photos of Atlantic City and its famous boardwalks.

This radio portrait explains how Jack ended up becoming a writer at a time in his life when most other people are slowing down.

Watch and listen to Jack’s story or browse the rest of the Coming of Age portraits at WHYY.org.

Funny thing about aging. Few people feel completely comfortable talking about it. Yet, it’s inevitable. From beatnicks to sputnik, rock and roll and radicalism, this group is now experiencing a new coming of age. Join us for our new weekly series of audio, and web portraits on Coming of Age.