Last Days of Summer

In the early stages of his correspondence with Charlie Banks, Joey lies about his absent father and declares: “My old man is a submarine commander who could knock your block off” (34). In many ways, Joey’s misrepresentation of his relationship with his father is analogous to Charlie’s description of his own family. How is this the case, and why?

In Last Days of Summer, Joey Margolis’ prolific correspondence with athletes, politicians, and the President of the United States provides colorful historical background and increased insight as to the psychological make-up of the characters. Stephen Early, White House Press Secretary to President Franklin Roosevelt, replies to a warning letter from Joey predicting the fall of Holland to the Germans by negating the boy’s fears. Why is Early incorrect in his reasoning? 

Due to his Midwestern, Protestant upbringing, Charlie Banks is at a complete loss as to the types of Judaism. This is indicated in a letter he writes to Joey: “I thought you were suppose to have long pieces of hair all the way down your face” (75), in a reference to Hasidic Jewish tradition. Joey responds with a description of the three primary sects of his religion. What are they?

The appearance of the extoled athlete Charlie Banks at Joey’s house for dinner with his family creates a great stir in the neighborhood. Since Joey and his upstairs neighbor, Craig Nakamura, are inveterate entrepreneurs, they devise a plan that will allow them to make a profit from this dinner visit. Craig (aka “The Shadow”) advises Joey to “[k]eep the dining room curtains open” (82). What is their plan, and are they able to keep the proceeds of this event?

When Charlie visits the Margolis family home, he is introduced to Aunt Carrie Gettinger, who is what Joey terms a “Conservative” (76)Jew. Aunt Carrie is initially standoffish in his presence and horrified by his request for a bacon cheeseburger. What justifies her reaction in this scenario, and how does her attitude toward Charlie change throughout the novel?

Herb Demarest, Principal of Alexander Hamilton Junior High School, has occasion to correspond with Charlie Banks when Joey delivers an oral report on David Copperfield at 1:20 pm: “By 1:25, he’d been sent to my office” (97). What are Charlie’s objections to having this classic book assigned to students, and which book does he recommend as a substitute?

Charlie’s enlistment in the military results in his taking a lengthy trip on a troop train through “the middle of a Carolina” (100). In a letter to Joey, Charlie states: “They still do not like us down here” (100). Which historical precedent is Charlie referencing here?

Neither Joey nor Craig Nakamura will be able to attend local summer camp due to their respective ethnic backgrounds, and Joey advises Charlie of this by letter. In a low-key postscript to his letter, Charlie notes: “Our batboy got a 16-year-old girl pregnant” (147). What does this event enable Charlie to offer Joey in lieu of camp?