The Dream: A Memoir (Random House Reader's Circle)

This is a compelling and, unfortunately, much overlooked memoir. Harry Bernstein, who emigrated with his family to the US in the early 1920s from England, describes the harsh life he experienced as an immigrant as well as the next to youngest son of a bullying, drunk father and a caring mother, who kept Bernstein's dream of a better life alive. Bernstein eventually achieved success and married a wonderful woman. He writes very clearly and is very adept at telling the tragic and happy parts of his story. This is a first-class account of immigrant life in Chicago and New York.

I loved this book and two others by the same author. It arrived n excellent condition.

After reading "The Invisible Wall" I knew that I had to purchase "The Dream." Not only is Mr. Bernstein an effective writer--he just happens to live in the town next-door! Mr. Bernstein's account of his early years in England, living on a street comprised of both Christians and Jews and of the "invisible wall" between the two cultures was so moving that I immediately started on "The Dream." This book does not disappoint. The 98-year old author continues his story, now in the United States. But the realization of his mother's dream of living in the USA does not make life easier for this family. They say that truth is stranger than fiction and Mr. Bernstein's history certainly proves the old maxim to be true. Unusual characters, from mobsters to rabbis, many of them relatives, abound. Poignant but never maudlin, his books are reminiscent of those of Frank McCourt and tell of an age long past. Replete with sorrow and deep sadness we are reminded in the end of the triumph of the human spirit and of our shared humanity. In telling his own tale Mr. Bernstein has managed to tell the story of us all and to tear down the walls that separate us. This book is a must-read!!

THE DREAM is volume two in Harry Bernstein's memoir trilogy. This one takes Harry from his arrival in America at 12 years old - along with his parents and five siblings - until he meets and marries his wife at age 25 (in 1935). The first of his family to graduate from high school, Harry finally stands up to his brute of a father in a violent confrontation and escapes with his mother and youngest brother to New York, leaving his father in a Chicago jail. In NYC during the depths of the Great Depression, he struggles for years to find meaningful work. Tough times. I loved  The Invisible Wall: A Love Story That Broke Barriers , and this book is every bit as good - a moving, beautifully written page-turner. Highly recommended. (And now on to volume three,  The Golden Willow: The Story of a Lifetime of Love .)- Tim Bazzett, author of the memoir, BOOKLOVER

This is the third and final book of the memoirs of Harry Bernstein. I recommend that the first two books be read first before this one in order to have more appreciation of his final memoir. Please keep in mind also that he wrote all three books in his mid-90's.The books are all well-written, humorous and a pleasure to read! He describes his life living in poverty in England, and then in Chicago and New York City trying to survive the depression and finally, in his final book, The Dream Memoir, his life with his wife. He had a wonderful, long romantic relationship with his wife that had me laughing and crying.I love all three books by this author and I definitely recommend all three. I just wish he were still alive so that I could tell him what a great writer he is! PLEASE TAKE THE TIME AND READ HIS THREE BOOKS!

This tender memoir showcases Mr. Bernstein's gifted ability to thoroughly connect with his readers. In The Invisible Wall - an equally fabulous book - we begin to follow Harry (the author), his parents, brothers, and sisters through the ups and downs of their hardscrabble existence in England. Now in The Dream, we connect all the more with them as they cope with incredibly difficult situations during the 1920's and 1930's in Chicago and New York. It's not a pretty existence, but it's one that exemplifies perseverance, resilience, love, forgiveness, and hope - some of which are undoubtedly scarce in this 21st century.Keep in mind that this is a two-volume treasure. Read The Invisible Wall first to become acquainted with Harry's family, including his amazing mother and her dream. Then treat yourself to The Dream to find out the incredible things that happen in America, including Harry's romance with Ruby, who becomes Harry's wife. And, if by book's end, you experience a very special closeness to Mr. Bernstein and his life story, you won't be the only one.

THE DREAM---Follows (and continues where) the first book (THE WALL) leaves off.It tells of the author (and his family's) move from England to Chicago...speaks of the depression and the difficulties people had back then finding work and surviving on the salaries that were paid. Survival at all was difficult...the living and working conditions were so bad. Harry (the author) writes of his own families struggles post World War and landing in America --fabled "land of plenty". He writes of the difficulties Jews faced when they came over here from Europe. Life was not as those who came here...thought it would be.This is a heartbreaker-tear jerker and yet wonderful accounting of survival against all odds...and of families and what it means to be part of one like Harry's. This book will keep you reading late into the night!

Came as expected from the seller in good used condition as described. Book itself was mostly supplement to the original author’s novel “The Dream”

Poverty to poverty plus. Dreams must be powerful help to continue. Sacrifice is something most of us know nothing

Love to read to this book...the book is sequel to the book The invisible Wall.The survival of a mother to support and educate her children when there is no support from husband.The last page of books makes the reader emotional.Highly recommended.No regrets in buying the Hard copy of this book..

Loved it, great read