Happy Days

Alexander's memoir tells of her experiences as a columnist for Life magazine, editor of McCall's, and commentator on 60 Minutes. The book's primary focus, though, is on her parents. Milton Ager composed such Tin Pan Alley classics as ""Ain't She Sweet"" and ""Happy Days Are Here Again,"" while Cecelia Ager was a well-regarded writer for Variety and several New York newspapers. Close friends of the family included George and Ira Gershwin, Bennet Cerf, Dorothy Parker, and John Huston; their appearances in the book give it glitter. But ultimately what will stay with readers the most is Alexander's moving account of her parents, her relationships with them, and their relationship with each other. Recommended for public libraries.--John Smothers, Monmouth Cty. Lib., Manalapan, N.J.