"Part fiction, part documentary, "Rose Cherami: Gathering Fallen Petals" traces the lifelong travail of Melba Christine Youngblood Marcades later known as Rose Cherami) as she endures childhood abuse at the hands of a brutal father, and a lifelong addiction to heroin, sex and alcohol. The brilliant realism of the section on "Crit's" two year stint at Angola, the Louisiana State Prison, is alone worth the price of admission. I've visited Angola myself and can testify to the credibility of its astonishing detail. Expect nightmares. Although Crit manifests little ability to comprehend the long term consequences of her lack of moral stamina, you will sympathize with her. The harrowing account of her death is new to me and probes her sad end as far as the author, her son, can take us. You may not discover anything new about the Kennedy assassination here. You will be offered a window into the life of a minor character in the swirling conspiracies, and "Rose" is given the respect and sympathy that she deserves. This book will linger with you.”