THE HUNGRY YEARS: THE STORY OF THE GREAT AMERICAN DEPRESSION.

By Adrian A. Paradis '34. Philadelphia: Chilton Book Co., 1967. 183 pp.$4.25.

Since the dust jacket on the Paradis book clearly suggests it is intended basically for "young people," I asked my 16-year-old son, Bobby, to read it through and then we'd have a real father-son discussion, which I hoped would serve for this review.

After several weeks passed, the following discussion took place:

"Did you read The Hungry Years yet, Bob?"

"Yep."

"Well, what did you think of it?"

"It was okay."

"Did you enjoy reading it?"

"I guess so. It was pretty interesting at times."

"Did you get any feeling about the depression years? Maybe there's some questions you have. You know, I was about your age during those years."

"Guess those were tough times, Dad. Say, I've got to run along to hockey practice and then 'Teen Canteen. I'll need a couple of dollars, too."

I took the book from him and gave him the two dollars.

Later on I read the book. I learned quite a bit which I hadn't realized about those dark depression years. Enough to make me realize how fortunate Bobby and his brothers and sisters all across America are, for the most part.

But you can't tell them this. Maybe the Paradis book will help them realize more fully what can happen to a nation when the economy goes sour.

The Hungry Years is written in concise and interesting fashion and covers both the depression years and the times leading to that era and the days coming out of it. The volume is well indexed and there is an excellent listing of selected reference readings in the back. During this rather difficult period in American history, it is useful to all of us to recall that America has come through other crises and emerged strong and united.

Mr. Jordan is Associate Director of Development and Executive Secretary of the Dartmouth Alumni Fund.