A professor at Princeton University and native of Minneapolis, Hynes writes an engaging account of his boyhood during the Great Depression. Surrounded by poverty and bleakness, he sees his life as one full of opportunities, finding plenty to do to arouse his curiosity. With honesty and loving details, Hynes describes his father's strong work ethic moving from one small town to the next to find work. He is less devoted to his stepmother, but respects the stability and sense of fun she brings to their home. Anyone interested in Minneapolis history will enjoy Hynes' adventures as a young boy exploring the neighborhoods by streetcar or bicycle. For additional information about Hynes, see his interview in Ken Burns' highly-acclaimed DVD series "The War."

posted Feb 21, 2008 at 10:51AM

We read this book in our book club and most of us felt that it was a rather boring book. None of us felt it was an engaging book. We felt it read like a young boy's diary of mundane life. Generally I like reading historical accounts, but there wasn't a lot in this book to hold my interest.

posted Mar 13, 2008 at 4:02PM

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