Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

In All The Broken Angels by Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman, the authors have covered a time in American history from 1958 to 1983. This was a period when changes started to happen fast and the old guard was not prepared to accept or adapt to these changes. The main characters are Albie (Albert) Kaminsky and his cousin Catherine O’Conner who are the same age. They take readers on a journey through their school years and into adulthood. Albie would be going through the Vietnam War, the polio pandemic, the AIDS pandemic, and the loss of new friends. The authors bring to life a story that needed to be told through the eyes of family, friends, acquaintances, and world events in the most inspiring and understanding way. They illuminate how complacent we have become and how there are still prejudices and stigmas out there that will never change, which is sad and so unnecessary.

All the Broken Angels by Pat Black-Gould and Steve Hardiman is an apt title as it describes those people who died during the Vietnam War and through prejudices and other wars that continue today. The characters lead the reader on a winding trail as a duo until there is only one. The narrative brings joy, sorrow, and gladness to the reader as the story reaches its unexpected and unusual end. This story leaves the reader relating to the characters on a very personal level, especially with their experiences, circumstances, and the outcome as the world moves on. It reinforces the fact that you cannot stand still because the world does not wait, so you have to make up your mind to keep moving with the world. It was a most interesting book and I associated with the characters profoundly as I have also experienced some of what they experienced. I realize there was a different way I could have handled things, but I muddled through and am still here today. Thank you to the authors for this wonderful, inspiring book. It is much appreciated and well worth more than one read.