Different Slants

Comment by Bruce Matteson

February 22, 2010 @ 11:24 pm

Brilliant Robert! Great story, great store!

Comment by Don Larson

February 23, 2010 @ 1:28 pm

And your life’s story goes on. That was a bond of love given to you in the form of a $1,000 denomination, by your late grandmother. She did the right thing to stand by you all along.

Don

Comment by Larry Jacobson

February 23, 2010 @ 6:00 pm

Bobby Katzman: You probably don’t know me, but you knew my sister, Ilene Jacobson from Caldwell and Bowen. (She died in 1988 from complications due to MS). Your story is great. I went to U-High after Caldwell, and of course we all knew about your newstand in Hyde Park.

Got the link to your site from Ken Love (Lowenstern) – – we are working with others on a Caldwell 1966 class reunion this summer.

Best regards.

Larry Jacobson

Comment by Bob

February 23, 2010 @ 7:59 pm

Larry,
I remember Ilene very well. She was a lovely girl with a great smile. I never saw her again after we graduated from Caldwell in 1964, but i heard about her death when i was in my bookstore at Clark and Belmont 24 years later. I was very, very sad to hear it. To me, she remains 14 eternally with the same big smile and lovely dark eyes.

As chance has it, my wife Joy also has MS and I am very familiar with its misery. She fell last week and fractured her arm I two places. All I can do is love her.

I was in Lab School when you were, so I probably saw you in the halls between classes. If possible, come visit my new store at 4906 Oakton in Skokie. Or you can call me at (847) 677-9444.

Thanks for your note, Larry.

Bob

Comment by Herb Berman

February 24, 2010 @ 10:34 am

Thanks, Bob. Your story’s a tribute to the best in the human spirit, Bob.

Comment by Don Larson

February 24, 2010 @ 10:53 am

Larry,

I knew your sister. We were in Caldwell classes and in the same Bowen graduation class, 1968. I used to play in your backyard with you and your sister in the old neighborhood.

Don

Comment by Marilyn Helmer

March 3, 2010 @ 4:38 am

Bob, what a wonderful conclusion–the story and how you tied everything together. I believe all that happens in our lives can be built upon, if we only think about it.

How does the store seem to be doing? Did your family move too? I am so sorry about Joyce’s fall. I pray she mends well–and that you get some rest!

You better send photos of Sarah. I still see her running down the Main Street of Sylvan Grove exploring with abandon! Give her my love.

You are an inspiration to all entrepreneurs. Your life should be in a text book!

I am reminding your friends here in Lincoln and Denmark, KS, to read the whole story.

Marilyn

Comment by Paul Eisenbacher

March 18, 2010 @ 11:19 pm

Bob
I just read both stories about Roger Ebert and Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah #9. I have always been impressed how you consistently capture the human bond between those who know you. Wether it is a famous film critic or your lovely daughter. Both stories have a common thread. An understanding of an individual’s character that present’s itself through the values of honesty, sincerity, and truth. Why would Roger Ebert help you and why would Sarah be so generous when you needed it the most? The answer lies with the life you have led. So the real question is why wouldn’t they do what they did? The answer is obvious. Bob Katzman needed some help. Stay well my friend. Paul

Comment by Pat Hardin

March 26, 2010 @ 12:23 pm

Bob,

Imagine my delight when a co-worker and I were leaving Pat’s diner and I saw a yellow “Bob’s Newsstand” flier.

“I know this guy, I worked for him at Grand Tour, that travel book store I told you about.”

Of all the jobs I’ve ever had I look back with more fondness on the days I helped travelers and dreamers find the right book, the map, the language tapes that would occupy their time before they could actually make that trip to whatever destination they hoped to see. And boy, did I take advantage of all those thousands of books illustrating the world and the cultures beyond our borders (only when it wasn’t busy!).

I’m saddened to hear about Joy, and your recent fall. But if I know anything about you Bob, it’s you’re the definition of tenacity. i know your family is in the best possible hands.

The next time I’m in the neighborhood I’ll stop by so we can chew the fat.

Take care my friend,

Pat Hardin

P.S. You’re a gifted storyteller, but I guess I knew that already! Keep up the good work.