The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir
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I was surprised at how many memories this book brought to me. I am a child of the fifties too. Lots of information about the socio- economic of this time that as I child I had no clue about. A fun read
Another great book by Bill Bryson - but this one is a bit more history and introspective. A great reminder of that decade and a wonderful slice of life in the 50s and 60s. While the style of book is more of a 'musing' than a true story, it is as humorous as any of the other Bryson books, and even poignent in spots. Hearing the exploits of Bill's young neighbors, and his view of things as a child reminded me of how I felt growing up -- and some of the humor results from an appreciation of how we all feel growing up. I continue to find Bill's narration a plus (although I know some listeners find his voice irritation) -- he is a consummate storyteller.
I was agreeably surprised by this book. The title had put me off listening to it, but this is classic Bill Bryson - that amazing blend of humour, wisdom, insight and whimsy. In places the book is laugh out loud funny, garnering me some peculiar looks as I tried to stifle many snorts of laughter while on a long international flight. I only wish I had listened to this book sooner; once again proving the truth of the old adage "don't judge a book by it's title"! Having the book read by Bill Bryson is a huge plus and adds immesurably to the enjoyment.
I listen to these in my car on my commute to and from work and I really should have pulled over a few times to compose myself. A "Boomer" myself, this book brought back all kinds of memories. Bill's timing and wording are hysterical(in a good way). Good for you laughter, just dont' try to read it and drink liquids at the same time, you could hurt yourself.
Another excellent book for Bill Bryson. Loved the book, and really enjoyed the way he told his story. I'm a big fan of his style of humor, especially as he reminisced about how life was “way back when” in Middle America.
Not my cup to tea I'm afraid. There was so much rich potential in his title, but it fell flat. I would have love more of the Kid in the book.
A very enjoyable listen. Lighthearted and yet with some serious notes.
I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this one. I suppose when you like an author, you like anything they do. Well Bryson had me hooked awhile ago. I especially like the result of him doing the narration. He brings such levity to each situation no matter how ordinary, or perhaps because they are mundane. Highly recommended.
Very humorous and delightful book. The author brought you into the era and reminded you of the good and the bad and the forgetful. Anyone who lived during that time will remember much of what Bryson talks about and will smile at the recollections.
Bill Bryson was born a year after me and in the midwest (I was born in Ohio), and his memoir brought back a lot of my own memories of growing up innocent in the 50's. I admit that I didn't have to live with parents like Bryson's, but I'm pretty sure my sisters and I were taken to the same dentist!!!!! Bryson as a kid was a lot more imaginative than I was---or maybe it just sounds that way because as an adult, he remembers his own childhood with more tolerance and forgiveness than it really was. And finally, "laugh out loud" doesn't begin to explain the wry humor in this book; I remember sitting in the drive-up lane at Taco Bell one evening, listening to the book while I waited, and laughing until I nearly cried! I highly recommend this book and Bryson's reading of it.
"Bill Bryson was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1951. A backpacking expedition in 1973 brought him to England where he met his wife and decided to settle. He wrote for the English newspapers The Times and The Independent for many years, writing travel articles to supplement his income. He lived with his family in North Yorkshire before moving back to the States in 1995, to Hanover, New Hampshire, with his wife and four children. In 2003 he and his family moved back to England, where they currently reside.
The Lost Continent, Bill Bryson's hilarious first travel book, chronicles a trip in his mother's Chevy around small town America. Since then, he has written several more about the UK and the US, including notable bestsellers, A Walk in the Woods, I'm A Stranger Here Myself (published in Britain as Notes from a Big Country), and In a Sunburned Country (published in Britain as Down Under).
His other books include Bill Bryson's Dictionary of Troublesome Words, Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe, Made in America, The Mother Tongue and Bill Bryson's African Diary. His latest book, A Short History of Nearly Everything, was published in Spring 2003."