I am surprised that someone so (relatively) young would say this about this book - I thought it might be the older bunch (like people who were alive in the 60s) who would feel that sort of kinship with this book. - I am really glad you were so happy and got totally engrossed in this book - it is one of my favourites. Now I just need to go buy a copy! (I got mine from the library).
I'm totally the same way, I get nostalgic about big band music, crooners from the 50's and 60's. It's music for the soul, and I don't think it has anything to do with age.