City Boy

The Adventures of Herbie Bookbinder

By: Herman Wouk

Narrated by: Peter Berkrot

Length: 12 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

An "enormously entertaining" portrait of "a Bronx Tom Sawyer" (San Francisco Chronicle), City Boy is a sharp and moving novel of boyhood from Pulitzer Prize winner Herman Wouk.

A hilarious and often touching tale of an urban kid's adventures and misadventures on the street, in school, in the countryside, always in pursuit of Lucille, a heartless redhead personifying all the girls who torment and fascinate pubescent lads of 11.

©1948, 1952, 1969, 1975 Herman Wouk (P)2021 Tantor

Nostalgic childhood story

"City Boy" isn't just a story; it's a portal to a simpler time. The author paints a vivid picture of a childhood spent amidst the bustling energy of a city, capturing the essence of growing up in an urban jungle.

The book is a treasure trove of nostalgic moments. We see the world through the eyes of a young boy, where fire escapes become jungle gyms, stoops transform into makeshift stages for neighborhood plays, and the rhythmic hum of traffic becomes a comforting lullaby. The author's evocative descriptions bring back memories of collecting baseball cards, the thrill of corner store adventures, and the camaraderie of street games that transcended social circles.

While the city may be the backdrop, the true heart of the story lies in the relationships. The author's portrayal of family dynamics, the unbreakable bonds of childhood friendships, and the respect earned from neighborhood figures is heartwarmingly nostalgic. These connections resonate deeply, reminding us of the importance of community and the lasting impact of the people who shape our younger selves.

"City Boy" is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane; it's a reminder of the simple joys and profound experiences that define childhood. It's a book that will leave you smiling, reminiscing, and yearning for the warmth and security of those formative years.

Don't call it Tom Sawyer it's its own kind of good

The story is interesting and the characters are well constructed. And unlike Herbie's letters reviews need to have at least fifteen words.

always love Wouk

this was the cutest story...loved everybody especially Clever Sam. wonderful narrator too. would like to see continuing adventures of Herbie

I wanted the next adventure of Herbie Bookbinder!

Laugh out loud at times.
I love that it is a clean and touching underdog story.

Seemed longer than it was

Just boring. Hours and hours of a little kids crush on a girl. There could have been more but I could not make it through.