Andrew
Snapshots tells the story of the Mahoneys, a
contemporary Irish-Catholic family from suburban New
Jersey. First time novelist William Norris draws a
convincing portrait of a nuclear family, one that will
especially resonate with readers who came of age in
suburban America between 1970 and 1990.

From 1997 to 1972 (the story is told in reverse
chronological order), family dynamics shift as sisters
bond, parents grow apart, and father and son fail to
understand each other. Although the story has no true
plot, Norris keeps the pace moving by employing a
quick-cut third person narrative that moves from the
perspective of one family member to another. In this
form, Norris skillfully presents a tender character
study of all six family members.

Norris's portrayal of the Mahoneys is heartfelt
without being overly sentimental. In a scene from the
"1975" chapter, eight year old Sean Mahoney's older
sister Patty tells him that in the woods near the
family home there is a magical circle where elves live
and have parties. Together, they go to the site one
day after school and what Sean sees makes him believe
in his older sister even more than he had before their
journey into the woods. Norris treats the scene with
great restraint, never giving in to a sentimental
impulse, or otherwise intruding on this real, quiet
moment between brother and sister.

Norris gives all the characters unique, bold voices
that hold consistent throughout the years. For
example, in the first chapter we meet the eldest
daughter Kate at age 35. When we see her as a
teenager a few chapters later, she is instantly
recognizable and it makes perfect sense that this girl
will grow into the woman that the reader knows her to
be.

Marguerite, Washington, D.C., August 19, 2001 To the Author:
What a hauntingly, beautiful story! And you have done a wonderful job in
writing--the craftsmanship and design for the presentation of the "before and
after" adds much to the timeliness of the book. I don't know when I was so
engrossed in a book that I could not put it down. Frankly, Americans need to
have so penetrating a tribute to both Germans and Americans read widely. It
should be on the New York Times best book list…My compliments on a superb job.

Joni from California, August 5, 2001
Decisions we make in life aren't always black and white. Ursula Maria
Mandel's novel, The Good American, is a story of real people, and how the
circumstances surrounding their lives determined the decisions they made. It is
also a story of understanding, and ultimately, forgiveness; not only for others,
but for oneself. A good read.

A reviewer, a true book lover, June 22, 2001
A compelling, captivating story - once you start reading this book, you
cannot put it down. The Good American portrays life in post-war Germany through
two storylines - a woman's quest to rescue her sister's child out of
Berlin before the Russian blockade, and her falling in love with an American
officer. Short chapters are used as a literary tool to increase the reader's
suspense. The author goes back and forth between 1948 and 1992, the year in
which one of the woman's daughters meets with the American's son to reveal
the true story. This is one of the most visually written books I have ever read -
filled with all the five senses on every page: the reader can literally see
the children play in the rubble of the bombed cities, taste the lollipop the
little girl is longing for, and smell the coffee from the American that the
women treasure. Scenes of women and children looking for berries in the woods,
trading anything they own for food, trying to sell the precious silverware for a
child's doll remind me of the stories my own grandparents - who were German - had told me. Every American should read this book to understand what life is
like after a war in one's own country. Then read it again and again, and you
may feel that you have been there yourself. A masterpiece of literature! Bravo,
Dr. Mandel. We are eagerly awaiting your next book.

Sandra, July 25, 2001 To the Author:
Justin told me how wonderful your book was and what an interesting person you
are. Then I had the opportunity to read the book and appreciate the story and
get a glimpse of the person who wrote it. It is very well written and easy to
read. I became totally absorbed and wanted more when it was over. I thoroughly
enjoyed the book and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us, your
grateful readers.

Cathy, June 21, 2001 To the Author:
Excellent, Uschi. What a new world you've invited yourself into by the
publication of your most wonderful book. But by the same token, you've invited
us into your created universe, and it's an exciting place: one that invited
readers/explorers to see the sky you've painted, feel the grass you've
grown. A world where real people love, laugh, die, cry, hope and dream. All
invented by you, in your wonderful mind. Thanks for inviting us all into that
world.

A reader from Virginia, June 21, 2001
To the Author:
I loved your book! The descriptions are so vivid, I felt I was there. Please
keep writing!

An intrigued reader from Virginia, June 21, 2001
To the Author:
Dr. Mandel, I absolutely loved your book. I could not put it down once I
started to read it. I have already recommended it to dozens of people: friends,
family, colleagues, neighbors…Keep writing! Anxiously awaiting your second
book.

Karen from West Virginia, June 9, 2001
A great story. I do not find myself reading books very often, but I was
referred this book by a friend and thought I would give it a read. I found
myself reading at the lunch table at work and was so engrossed that I didn't
know when my lunch hour was up. What a wonderful story. I only hope that Ursula
will pen a sequel if possible so that we might find out if the knot ever gets
tied. Thank you, Ursula…you tell a great story.

Jonni, Charlottesville, June 3, 2001 To the Author:
I loved every word and it was your voice that spoke to me throughout…. It
was very rich reading and I enjoyed every word. I liked the very small
chapters/sections. I devoured it in a day. I also bought an extra copy for work,
for anyone else who wanted to read it…What a wonderful movie this would make,
and plenty of room for sequels. Are you going to write a sequel to this book,
because I want to know what has happened to everyone since then.

Cindy from Leesburg, VA, May 16, 2001
With all the conveniences of today's world, it is hard to imagine one in
which just finding a loaf of bread to sustain you and your family is of constant
concern. This is a riveting tale of perseverance and triumph of the human
spirit. It also shows that love can surprise us when we least expect it and when
we need it most. A truly inspirational story all will enjoy.

Carolyn from Harrisonburg, VA, May 11, 2001
Courageous. I started reading The Good American and could not put it down.
This is one of the best books I have ever read. I hope Ms. Mandel continues to
write for us for years to come. Am awaiting her next book with much
anticipation.

Carsten, May 22, 2001 To the Author:
I liked the two stories being interwoven the way they are. Both stories
become more and more gripping…What I especially liked was the depth and
importance of the minor characters on Ruth's journey. The characters were
developed just detailed enough--the man with the books, the farmers, the man in the train….

A reader from Keezletown, Virginia, April 27, 2001
The Best Book I've read in Ages! This truly is the best book I have read in
a very long time. I read it in two days, because I simply could not put it down.
It almost seemed like it was two stories in one. I was anxious to find out what
would happen with Penelope and Alex, but also wanted to know the whole story of
Ruth and Alex's father. The book was so well written, I felt like I was right
there, watching everything happen. The book also gives us a different look at
the war and how it affected people that is not written in any history book. I
have already bought two more books to give as gifts and will definitely
recommend "The Good American" to anyone who enjoys reading.

A reader from Virginia, April 17, 2001
The book was a real page turner! Really enjoyed reading Ms. Mandel's book!

Justin, April 7, 2001
Wonderful Novel! Love, Adventure, Struggle, and War! I hardly ever read for
leisure, it is always a textbook or some manual. When I do read for leisure, it
takes me weeks to get through it. Not this book! I read it in 3 days, I could
not put it down! I lived in Germany for 4 years, and never did I ‘see'
Germany as I did in this book. A wonderful story, with a story line that
everyone can follow and feel a connection with. Men, Women, Young and Old can
truly enjoy this book. If you haven't read a really good book in a while, I
suggest this one! It will remind you why it's good to be alive!

A reader from West Virginia, April 2, 2001, To The Author
I finished your book. The first thing I have to say is that I cursed C.P. for
giving me that book. I have three big tests this week and I could do nothing but
think of that book. It was brilliant! I have not enjoyed a book this much for as
long as I can remember, maybe never before. I'm not exaggerating. The reasons
that I loved your book so much are very personal ...I connected in so many ways
with so many characters: my father, the soldiers that picked Ruth up at the
train station, that Whitman gave the kids chocolate.... There are so many things
I could say about your book. I could go on for days...I feel like Alex, with a
tendency to thank you for writing it.

A reader from Wayne, Pennsylvania, March 30, 2001
This book is wonderful. I too was unable to put it down once I started. It
shows the genuine spirit of mothers, sister and family. You will be amazed at
the lengths a loyal sister will go to free her niece from Berlin after WWII. It
is a must have for your collection.

Mindy, March 25, 2001
I just finished your book. How wonderful. I couldn't put it down. I can't
stop thinking about all that I have just read. I plan to read the book again. I
will tell everyone about it…Once again, thank you for writing such a touching
story. I can't wait until your next book. You have such a way of capturing the
readers attention.

A reader from Virginia, March 20, 2001
I'm soooooo excited. THE book came today. I can't wait to get in my
jammies and curl up.