Customer Reviews

12th And Mcgraw

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A very good piece of non-fiction can found in Forrest Haskell's, 12th & McGraw. Haskell, a first-time scribe, immerses himself deep within his memories and returns with a story of if not better days, certainly different days; days responsible for exactly who and what Haskell is and perhaps isn't. It's ballsy move, laying your life out for public inspection, but coming from where Haskell comes from, it's the stand-up thing to do. 12th and McGraw is not the underworld send-up some may suggest, instead it is a fascinating slice of Americana. It is the story of a man, a boy and ulitimately a boy who became a man. 12th and McGraw, Forrest Haskell's midnight confession.

12th & McGraw is one of those books that grabs you and won't let go! Because I know the author and his wife as wonderful acquaintances (and we would be good friends if we could spend more time together) I know the life he lived as a youngster still impacts him today. I can not imagine living through the adventures he describes, but they are certainly fun to read about. My ONLY criticism of the book is that it could use some additional editing. Having been a journalist all my life, I read everything entirely too critically. This book is not the only one I'd like to get my hands on. When Forrest talks of his lovely and wonderful wife "Nancy," he doesn't exaggerate at all. She's a living doll and, together, they have made a wonderful life for themselves and their family. I know that to be true. This book is exciting and Forrest has the ability to put his reader right in the middle of all the action. Give it a try. You won't be sorry.

One day while searching online for a particular book at Amazon.com, I came across a author's name that seemed very familiar to me. Forrest Haskell Jr. had been a friend of mine in Detroit sixty years ago and when I saw his book 12th and McGraw I excitedly purchased it and thus began a journey back into my childhood and his. I was especially touched by the sensitivity in which Forrest wrote about his parents.Though he lived among the most unconventional people , and was subjected to the not so normal life of racketeering, gambling, money laundering, bigomy, etc. , he emerged, with the influence of love, a person of forgiveness, a decent law-biding citizen, great husband and father and was able to give thanks and tribute to his parents whom he adored in spite of their misgivings. The things I read in the book were mostly unknown to me as a young girl. The home Forrest Sr. and Marie offered shelter, comfort, a sense of family, and acceptance. Thanks for the memories Forrest and great book. My husband and I enjoyed it immensly.

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (7/07)

I was immediately drawn into "12th & McGraw." In this autobiography, Forrest Haskell, Jr., tells the story of life with his father, Forrest Haskell, Sr. Although it was not an easy life, it was an incredibly interesting life. His father became successful by running several illegal operations. These included bootlegging, gambling, and loan sharking. The characters involved with his dad were incredibly interesting in their eccentricities. I really enjoyed reading about these people; they contributed to bringing the story to life. Mr. Haskell does an excellent job of describing these people and the places that they frequented.

Mr. Haskell's father was raised by an unstable, verbally-abusive man. He chose to be a different kind of father. He raised Mr. Haskell with a good self-esteem and the belief that he could accomplish anything. This was really positive. Mr. Haskell passed this gift down to his own children. He also made the choice, as an adult, not to follow in his father's footsteps by getting involved in his illegal operations. His father was a good man in that he let his son make his own decisions. He wasn't so good in providing his son with a stable home environment. The mother of Forrest, Jr. was married to someone else when his father came into his life. His father was also married to another woman. Both women had to share him. This was incredibly painful for the women and their children.

"12th & McGraw," is an incredibly interesting story that also offers several lessons on life. Parenting is a big one. Mr. Haskell, Jr. chose the positive aspects of his fathers parenting skills. He also learned from the painful lessons that his father taught in regards to the relationships. All of the children and the two mothers had to live with the pain of having to share their dad. As his dad slowed down later in life, he expressed regrets over the damage that he caused from his decisions. He also made peace with his own father prior to his death. This part of the story made me reflect upon my own life and realize that I need to live my life in such a way that I don't have huge regrets at the end. His father was sure that he was going to hell. That is not a very peaceful way to be at the end. He had a great adventure getting to this point in his life.

I highly recommend this book. It would make a great Father's Day gift for a man that loves to read. I am really happy that I had a chance to enjoy "12th & McGraw."

Book received free of charge.