The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid

Categories: In the News , Staff Picks , Nonfiction

What should I read next?  That’s often the dilemma we face after we finish a book.  Well, fear no more, because on January 1st, the library kicked off our new year-long Featured Book of the Month program, designed to introduce readers to books they might otherwise have overlooked.

Our January selection is The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, humorist and travel writer Bill Bryson’s hilarious and delightful memoir about growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, in the 1950s. 

The Thunderbolt Kid was born when six-year-old Bryson found a scratchy green jersey with a golden thunderbolt across the chest in the basement of his parents’ house.  The sweater bestowed extraordinary super powers: the ability to zap teachers and babysitters and deflect unwanted kisses from old people.

Bryson fondly recalls his boyhood, his zany family, and his beloved hometown, while at the same time shedding light on all aspects of life in America during the 1950s.  And, whether you grew up in that decade or not, we think you’ll be happy with our choice.

In conjunction with the program, we’ve launched our Featured Book of the Month blog. The blog—which is updated every week with new content—includes background information about each month’s featured title and the author, some discussion questions, and related reading lists. And of course, since it’s a blog, this gives you the opportunity to share your thoughts and opinions about the book with other blog readers. So what are you waiting for? Jump into the conversation!