Reviewed by Larry

There's something about freshly baked bread. The aroma. The buttered crust. The spongy moistness. It is practically spiritual. "Who Needs It?" is really not about fresh bread, but the two are comparably satisfying.

This story is predictable, and the plot is mundane, but Eisman's characters breathe an inimitable life into this piece. Credit skillfully written dialogue for the very real, very well rendered characters in this story.

But I have a few minor quibbles. At times the POV shifts between four characters -- big No No. The least intrusive of which would be when it shifts briefly, thought twice, to Sam's wife, because she is so believable, and she and her husband seem as one. Again, credit great characterization. The other instances of wandering POV should be fixed. (Kissel and Goldman.)

But these are small blemishes on an otherwise beautiful loaf. Congradulations, Gerald -- a feather for your cap.