Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I read In the Unlikely Event with a mix of curiosity and anticipation, knowing that the second plane crash described in Judy Blume’s book was based on the real-life crash that hit my family’s home in 1952 and is the central event in my memoir, Replacement Child (Seal Press, 2013). Ms. Blume sent me an advance copy and also gives acknowledgement to my book as part of her research for her novel. The book is a skillful blend of fiction and reality, using historical facts of the three Elizabeth, NJ plane crashes in 1951-52 as backdrop to the story. I loved the way she adapted the flowery language of 50’s journalism for her fictional news articles that headed up some chapters of the book. I think my favorite character is uncle Henry, the reporter, for his level-headed clear thinking in the face of borderline hysteria surrounding the succession of plane crashes. Having spent much of my childhood around my dad’s store, Goldblatt Jewelers, on Broad Street in Elizabeth, I was tickled by the references to the landmarks and shops I remembered (including my dad’s store!). If you enjoy a good story with a vivid setting, laced with interesting historical information, this story will captivate you as all of Judy Blume’s stories do. The pages fly.