2578 Things As They Are, by Paul Horgan (read 8 Feb 1994) While called fiction this book is surely somewhat autobiographical. It tells of a boy, Richard, from about 1909 to 1917, and it is enthralling at times, and funny, and poignant. No cynicism--really oddly touching. A blurb compares it to Huckleberry Finn, Le Grand Meaulnes, and The Catcher in the Rye--all of which I have read. ( )