Not Natty-Chapter One

It's 1935. Sam's construction company has had to evolve to stay in business. Sam worries about each of his children. Eddie receives comfort from his father, Mac, and Miriam but also from his teacher, Miss Marcus. His artistic ability is beginning to emerge. Mac's moving toward greater independence and love.

1932-Miriam cares for two year old Eddie while their mother continues to resent his intrusion in their lives. Gussie reminisces about her own childhood in Poland.

The Blond Tiger is a true story about Eddie Roth (pseudonym), born in 1930 in Brooklyn, NY to Gussie, who didn’t want him. Life presents many obstacles to his happiness but he eventually finds it, although not as he had originally envisioned. Gussie is a refugee from Poland. Eddie’s father, Sam, who came from Russia to escape the pogroms, has adapted to American life, and runs his own construction company, while Gussie stubbornly holds onto the old ways and language. The book revolves around Eddie, Sam, Gussie, and Miriam, who suffers from asthma but tries to shield Eddie from their mother. Eddie learns to box under the name The Blond Tiger. Two wars, illness, Mafia friends, a great love, and exposure to things about which he never dreamed, impact Eddie’s life and turn his view of himself and everyone around him, upside down.

This was a true story with real people and real events.

Eddie returns from the Korean War. He and Abby reunite. What will be their future?

Natty trains in a psychiatric unit. She sees her sister in a new light. Eddie suffers in the war. He's changed.

There are changes in Rose's life that push her closer to Laura. Ira hides Abby's medication. Abby has a new perspective on her relationship with her mother.

Natty prepares to see Eddie off on the train. They share a difficult farewell.

Eddie misses Natty's 18th birthday. He is in Army basic training. He and Natty write to each other. He worries he will lose her. Herman, Rose's new husband, visits Eddie when he is home on leave. He has bad news. Eddie is worried about the potential for war.

Bob Firestone is at an end. A woman takes responsibility, but she is not the culprit. Rose never knew the end of Harry's story. Bob never told her what finally happened. Rose has a breakdown.