Frankie and Johnnie — Meyer Levin

Two lovestruck teenagers stumble toward adulthood in 1920s Chicago in a novel by “one of the best American writers working in the realistic tradition” (Norman Mailer).

Johnnie didn't plan on falling for Frankie. She was too young, too naïve, and his best friend's sister to boot. But from the moment he sees her, Johnnie knows that Frankie is the only girl for him. There's only so much pretending he can do before he admits it. And there's so much to learn -- about her, about himself, about life -- when he does.

Meanwhile, Frankie used to think all boys were the same, wild and reckless. But sweet, sincere Johnnie is proving that he's different. Plus, when he's not around, her thoughts keep circling back to him. As they spend more time together, their feelings grow deeper -- is this real love or just a youthful fling?

Set amid the bustle of 1920s Chicago, Frankie & Johnnie is an emotionally charged story of first love, second chances, and the bittersweet journey to adulthood.