The Worcester Islanders by Bob Pitchman is a must-read portrait of late 1950s-late 1960s East Coast America. But that label alone would be a great disservice to all the many other things it is: a terrific illustration of the importance of families; a deft painting of friendship; a story of loss, of betrayal, of youth, and of dreams; and love, the one thing that binds this gallery of human interconnectedness together as we follow Bob's early experiences in Worcester Massachusetts, as he learned to make a street gang family amongst friends, after having been orphaned at an early age. Mr. Pitchman's descriptive -imagery is florid, painting indelible images in your mind as you follow his life along at a brisk-pace. Never once does his collection of chronological stories waiver too long, and the overarching themes of redemption in the promise of love and acceptance weave a strong through line that keeps you turning the pages.