This memoir was good for "seniors" as it brought back memories of many things long ago retired from American culture.

The author indicates much of the book ended on her editor's cutting room floor. Our book club wondered if the book could have benefited from a different editor. There were questions that went unanswered as well as detail that seemed unnecessary.

The beginning of the story showed more potential than was realized. The author's psychological analysis of the secret's effect on her life helped the ending, but our club wished for more elaboration surrounding the secret. Barbara's personality and determination as well as some passages of poetic language saved this book for me.