The Secret Gift by Ted Gup

I wanted to love this book more.  I found it fascinating, then inspiring, then tedious, then depressing.  I wish it had worked in the opposite order.  The author was presented with a family suitcase full of 1933 newspaper clippings and letters from people in Canton, Ohio written to a mysterious B. Verdot.  In the midst of the Depression, Verdot placed an ad in the paper offering to send $10 to 70 people who would send a letter of request.  It turns out that Verdot was Gup's grandfather whose identity had remained secret until Gup began the research for his book.  Woven amongst the stories of the people who received these gifts so long ago is the story of Grandfather Stone who began life as a Ukrainian Jew named Finklestein and became the wealthy owner of a clothing store in Canton, Ohio.  Even though the Depression and nasty family members all but eliminated his wealth, he still felt compelled to help.  In the end his gift bought shoes or coal or small gifts for Christmas.  In most cases the effects of the Depression lasted far into the future - for Canton as well as its citizens.  I was glad I read it and it inspired great experience sharing discussion in my book group but I am left with an unclear "so what do I do now" feeling.