Title
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir,New
Processing time: 1-3 days
US Orders Ships in: 3-5 days
International Orders Ships in: 8-12 days
Return Policy: 15-days return on defective items
Payment Option
From one of the most beloved and bestselling authors in the English language, a vivid, nostalgic, and utterly hilarious memoir of growing up in the 1950sBill Bryson was born in the middle of the American century1951in the middle of the United StatesDes Moines, Iowain the middle of the largest generation in American historythe baby boomers. As one of the best and funniest writers alive, he is perfectly positioned to mine his memories of a totally allAmerican childhood for 24carat memoir gold. Like millions of his generational peers, Bill Bryson grew up with a rich fantasy life as a superhero. In his case, he ran around his house and neighborhood with an old football jersey with a thunderbolt on it and a towel about his neck that served as his cape, leaping tall buildings in a single bound and vanquishing awful evildoers (and morons)in his headas 'The Thunderbolt Kid.'Using this persona as a springboard, Bill Bryson recreates the life of his family and his native city in the 1950s in all its transcendent normalitya life at once completely familiar to us all and as far away and unreachable as another galaxy. It was, he reminds us, a happy time, when automobiles and televisions and appliances (not to mention nuclear weapons) grew larger and more numerous with each passing year, and DDT, cigarettes, and the fallout from atmospheric testing were considered harmless or even good for you. He brings us into the life of his loving but eccentric family, including affectionate portraits of his father, a gifted sportswriter for the local paper and dedicated practitioner of isometric exercises, and OF his mother, whose job as the home furnishing editor for the same paper left her little time for practicing the domestic arts at home. The many readers of Bill Brysons earlier classic, A Walk in the Woods, will greet the reappearance in these pages of the immortal Stephen Katz, seen hijacking literally boxcar loads of beer. He is joined in the Bryson gallery of immortal characters by the demonically clever Willoughby brothers, who apply their scientific skills and cando attitude to gleefully destructive ends.Warm and laughoutloud funny, and full of his inimitable, pitchperfect observations, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid is as wondrous a book as Bill Bryson has ever written. It will enchant anyone who has ever been young.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is 'The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid' about? A: This memoir by Bill Bryson recounts his childhood experiences growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, during the 1950s, offering nostalgic and humorous insights into the era.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of 'The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid' is Bill Bryson, a renowned and bestselling writer known for his engaging storytelling.
- Q: What is the publication date of this memoir? A: The book was published on October 17, 2006.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The memoir contains 288 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This edition of the book is hardcover.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: While the memoir contains humorous and relatable stories, it may be more suited for older children and adults due to its nostalgic themes.
- Q: What themes are explored in this memoir? A: The book explores themes of nostalgia, family life, childhood imagination, and the cultural context of the 1950s in America.
- Q: Can you provide a brief summary of the author's childhood? A: Bill Bryson shares anecdotes from his childhood as 'The Thunderbolt Kid', detailing his family dynamics, friendships, and the unique experiences of growing up in post-war America.
- Q: What is the writing style of Bill Bryson in this book? A: Bryson's writing style is characterized by humor, vivid descriptions, and insightful observations, making the memoir both entertaining and relatable.
- Q: Are there any notable characters featured in the memoir? A: Yes, the book includes memorable characters such as his eccentric family members and friends, including the immortal Stephen Katz and the Willoughby brothers.