Memoir/Childhood: The author describes her Louisiana childhood between 1926 and 1936, before her family’s move to Chicago. Her story includes LA history as far back as 1699 (Mardi Gras), but concentrates on the life of Huey Long, who was in power during her childhood, until 1935. Long’s life (childhood, personality, and corrupt, autocratic reign as governor and U.S. senator) is instruction in “eternal vigilance” to maintain self-government and democratic ideals.