My rating: 3 of 5 stars
An easy and enjoyable read, the book is Bryson's memories of growing up in the 1950s in Des Moines, Iowa. He relates many, many anecdotes from his childhood experiences, and told with the perspective of that child - which is to say, different from the perspective of an adult. What he relates, besides some humorous stories from childhood mishaps and fantasy, is how both the simplicity of the time was a blessing and a curse. Life was simpler, in a way, everyday life had more freedom and was not bogged down by the many complications that society seems to have today. Yet, that simplicity also produced a lack of awareness, almost a naivete, where people were so excited about some of the new stuff that they never stopped to think about its consequences (particularly when it came to military weaponry research). In addition, one can see through the memoir the veneer of life in the 50s, where on the surface everything appeared on the up and up, and yet, for minorities it was still a time of struggle and conflict. One can also lament the lost of the individuality of towns that existed in the 50s. The loss of unique downtowns and every city being different to the current marketplace where certain big stores and restaurants are everywhere. Good read, particularly, I imagine, for anyone who grew up in th 50s or for anyone just wishing to get a small glimpse into what it meant to come of age during that time. I thought it was humorous at times, but not laugh out loud funny as some as have suggested.
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