Too Close to the Falls

Gildiner's memoir, set in Lewiston, New York during the 1950s, recounts the colorful events of the author's unusual childhood. By the age of four, Gildiner had successfully swung the 360-degree loop over the playground swing set and had twice been knocked unconscious. The family pediatrician suggests Gildiner's father employ her at his pharmacy to burn off some energy. At work, she befriends Roy, the wry delivery driver and accompanies him on his routes. Many of the book's finest moments result from their delivery adventures, including the time they visited the movie set of "Niagara" to bring sleeping pills to a restless Marilyn Monroe. By turns humorous and poignant, Gildiner recalls the events of her youth with a child's inquisitive excitement, only occasionally allowing her mature perspective to enter into the telling.