Brief

Growing up at Chicago's West Side in the late '50s and early '60s provides endless adventures for Anita, the oldest sister of four, and her gang of neighborhood friends. The charming perspective of the author herself as she tells her true coming of age stories with a lot of heart and innocence, on the brink of feminism and the civil rights movement.

What We Liked

This nostalgic “slice of life” look at growing up in America during a simpler time is universally relatable. The hopeful and uncertain time following President Kennedy's election and the innocence of the childhood portrayed in the series of stories exudes heart and charm. The stories are told from the point of view from the oldest child in a family of six. Each little vignette is its own micro story and offers insight into the life and times of the character. Given the episodic nature of the book, it would make an easy adaptation into a television series. It offers a sweet and simple glimpse of one woman's experiences growing up in America's midwest during a specific time in the history of the country. Being a fly on the wall during these sometimes mundane and sometimes profound experiences in a character's life is impactful and appealing to an audience, creates empathy, and will keep them coming back for more episodes.

Key points:
The stories are relatable and universal; using the perspective of the lead character as an adult is interesting; the setting in the time before and after the election of President Kennedy captures the particular essence of the country at a specific time in history; the relationship between the sisters is sweet and there is potential for strong acting choices; in using a strong female voice, inspiration can be drawn from some of the experiences detailed in the stories.

Synopsis

Anita Solick lives in an ethnically diverse, Catholic neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago. She is the oldest child of Helen and Jack, a loving couple who adore their brood of four children. Anita’s best friend and partner in crime is her younger sister Barb. Donna and Jackie, also known as the Babies, are the adorable, but mischievous younger siblings in the family. Nonlinear stories from their life and her childhood are told from Anita’s point of view, as they all navigate life in Catholic school, neighborhood variety shows, dance classes, changing dynamics of the city and the evolving social structure of the 1950s and 1960s. A cast of memorable characters shape her life and how she relates to the world. With the fierce support of her mom, and the constant companionship of Barb, Anita navigates her world that is comprised of lovely memories from a happy childhood.

Throughout the featured vignettes, Anita performs in school shows, visits a Gypsy fortune teller, spends many hours of wonder in the local movie theater, participates in work with the Catholic church, appears on television, protects and empowers others. Kennedy’s win is a milestone in their lives, and the girls even take place in the campaign.

Inspired by the success of Kennedy’s campaign, Anita decides to run for class president. She sets up her campaign and gets a running mate. The nuns come to her and explain that there is no precedent for a girl being an elected class president, and ask her to drop out of the election. Anita refuses on principle and Helen backs her the entire way. Anita runs a successful campaign, but on the day of the election, one of the nuns closes the voting early and some of the votes are not counted. Anita loses the election, but has set the stage for girls to run for office.

About The Author

A Chicago native, Anita Solick Oswald writes colorful essays detailing memories from her childhood growing up on the West Side of Chicago during the tumultuous times of the ‘50s and ‘60s. West Side Girl is a collection of those stories.