"Across from the Alley Next Door to the Pool Room" chronicles the author's childhood in ethnic South Philadelphia when the area was populated primarily by Jewish and Italian immigrants. This memoir is a catalyst to describe the culture, economics and lifestyle of this community during the days surrounding World War ll, Memorable neighborhood characters, medical practices, leisure time, finances, rituals, celebrations, and other subjects, unified by time and place, are all described in this appealing recap of an era that is remembered with both humor and pathos. The voice of the author is that of an adult observer, via the memory of the child and teenager who was privy to the adjustment of one generation and the influences on the one that followed.

The author, Janice L. Booker is a journalist and has had a career that spans writing, broadcasting, teaching and lecturing. She is the author of three books and many articles for newspapers and periodicals. Her talk show radio program on a Philadelphia station, "The Janice Booker Show," introduced writers, artists, and public events to audiences over a period of 17 years. She taught journalism at Temple University and memoir writing and public speaking at the University of Pennsylvania and lectured on literary groups at many venues, including cultural institutions and adult education facilities.