"Dream When You're Feeling Blue" by Elizabeth Berg. I just finished it.

[raccoon]

It deals with a Catholic family in Chicago during WWII. There are 3 daughters, all young women, and three sons, not old enough for the draft.

Two criticisms I have. Occasionally, not too occasionally, the dialogue is unbelievable.
The ending is--highly improbable.

But if you're interested in the homefront during WWII, this book, IMHO, presents a pretty accurate picture. The slang of the time, the attitudes about the war, service, patriotism, etc. The sexism of the time is pretty accurate. The racism, too, for the most part, except the heroine becomes friends with a black woman while they're both working at a defense plant. Possible but I think it's unlikely.

I've never read anything else by this author, but I might look into it.

[Curmudgeoness]

1. It always amazes me

when I read about how America and the people suffered and sacrificed during WWII. And they were still mostly supportive of the war. Flash forward to today, and no one is willing to give up the smallest luxury to help support and fund the wars we are involved in. The contrast is stark. I suppose that it says something about the character of the people now and then. Or more likely, the character of the leaders, since they were the ones who instituted rationing and high taxes and war bonds.

Since I tend to find most book endings highly improbable, that should not keep me from enjoying a good book. Thanks for the suggestion.