The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson
As usual, I'm weeks behind in posting this, which should in no way reflect on the awesomeness of this book. The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid chronicles Bill Bryson's childhood in 1950s and 60s Iowa. The title refers to his secret identity as the Thunderbolt Kid, whose super powers included the ability to smite his enemies with a glance, leaving nothing but smoke and ash. And really, who hasn't wanted that ability at one time or another?
As in his travel books, Bryson intersperses his own experience with relevant and fascinating pieces of history and culture. And of course, his characteristic deadpan hyperbole, which is one of my very favorite things about his writing. From the thrills of comic books to the trials of being a paperboy, from the opening of Disneyland to a family road trip to Harlem, I learned a lot and laughed my ass off while I did so. I was also beyond thrilled at the appearance of Stephen Katz of A Walk in the Woods and Neither Here Nor There fame, when Bryson reached high school. I read most of the book on vacation, and it was a struggle to stop myself from interrupting my companions every few minutes to read aloud yet another brilliant sentence. I did a few times, but not nearly as often as I wanted to.
If you're a fan of Bill Bryson, interested in American cultural history, or just looking for an entertaining and excellently written book, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid is a must-read.
As in his travel books, Bryson intersperses his own experience with relevant and fascinating pieces of history and culture. And of course, his characteristic deadpan hyperbole, which is one of my very favorite things about his writing. From the thrills of comic books to the trials of being a paperboy, from the opening of Disneyland to a family road trip to Harlem, I learned a lot and laughed my ass off while I did so. I was also beyond thrilled at the appearance of Stephen Katz of A Walk in the Woods and Neither Here Nor There fame, when Bryson reached high school. I read most of the book on vacation, and it was a struggle to stop myself from interrupting my companions every few minutes to read aloud yet another brilliant sentence. I did a few times, but not nearly as often as I wanted to.
If you're a fan of Bill Bryson, interested in American cultural history, or just looking for an entertaining and excellently written book, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid is a must-read.