Mama's Bank Account (Harvest/HBJ Book)
by Kathryn Forbes
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Book Summary Information
Author: Kathryn ForbesBrand: Houghton Mifflin Company
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1968-03-20
ISBN: 0156563770
Number of pages: 160
Publisher: Mariner Books
Book Reviews of Mama's Bank Account (Harvest/HBJ Book)
Book Review: "Mama" is the greatest!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the books I discovered as a kid after finding an old, used paperback copy for a dime at the church rummage sale. My own mother as it turned out remembered the book (and the movie and hit play, called "I Remember Mama," that it spawned when first published). I'm so happy to see it's back in print because it's a very enjoyable book and, although it's an old book, many of the lessons about family, honesty, helping others and economic security are still very timely . It's also a funny and readable book and not in the least old-fashioned or preachy-sounding.
"Mama's Bank Account" tells the tale of a Norwegian immigrant family in the early 20th century who live in San Francisco. The children have big dreams - daughter Katrin wants to be a writer and gets herself into some scrapes trying to achieve her goal, while son Nels aspires to go to college and become a doctor. Money is tight but the children are consoled by Mama telling them that the family has a "bank account", a cushion to fall back on so they won't get evicted or have other bad things happen. In order to keep their precious security, the whole family pitches in to work and make money every time it's needed, so they can cover the bills without having to "go to the Bank" and take money out. Mama is the main character, always dispensing wisdom, comfort, discipline when needed (and it is needed at times - the children are real children and not plaster saints), and yummy little meatballs. Whenever her children need her she's right there - even when she is barred from her youngest daughter's hospital room after visiting hours, she manages to sneak in by posing as the cleaning lady. Another memorable character is Uncle Chris, the loudmouthed blacksheep of the family who's rumored to spend away all of his money on drink but turns out to instead have a big heroic secret that isn't revealed until after he dies. Overall, this is a sweet but very real story in the same vein as "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" but with much less dark subject matter. I won't give away any spoilers other than to say that Katrin does grow up to be the celebrated writer of her dreams, as she is the "Kathryn Forbes" who had a major best seller and Broadway/ film sensation with this book about her wise and kind mama.
Summary of Mama's Bank Account (Harvest/HBJ Book)
The charming adventures of the Mama of an immigrant Norwegian family living in San Francisco. This bestselling book inspired the play, motion picture, and television series I Remember Mama.
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