The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid

Off and on while listening to "The Thunderbolt Kid" you realize that no one's memory of childhood could be that good, and that Bryson has invented and embroidered throughout. But it doesn't matter: his Midwest 1950s is recreated in such careful detail that you're more reliving his story than listening to it. This is somewhat less than wonderful when he is describing with gusto, about once every five minutes, various encounters with boogers, dog poo, partially masticated food, and--but you get the idea. (On the other hand, if you're a conoisseur of the gross you'll be delighted.)

Bryson has a huge audience and most of his readers are not Americans of his generation, so he's justified in his historical excursions into the sociology and highly problematic American political culture of the 1950s. His boyhood in Des Moines was lived in a sort of happy bubble, something he's acutely aware of as an adult.

His reading doesn't have the range or verve of some professional readers, but it's clear and careful and has a quiet intimacy that grew on me as the reading went on.

I have enjoyed every Bill Bryson book I have read, and I have read nearly all of them. This is no exception. Engaging, interesting, with laugh-out-loud moments. Plus, it was interesting to hear his voice after all these years.

I like the variety of Bryson's work and his sense of humor shines in this visit to childhood in the 1950s. Much easier listening than his previous "The History of Nearly Everything". I still have "A Walk in the Woods" at the top of my list. I did like that he pointed out a few nasty things that occurred in the 50s -- to keep us from getting too nostalgic for the good old days. Bryson's views on chain stores and chain restaurants are interesting, he really dislikes that they make everywhere the same. I enjoyed hearing him read his own work.

whether you grew up then , or just want a taste of a special time in America ,this book ,read to perfection by the author , will give you a snapshot of this country when everything was possible and we were all innocent childeren

This audio book has a few moments of good laughs and funny anecdotes but simple stated this book is not as good as his other works. If you are looking for something like “A walk in the Woods” or “In a Sunburned Country” this is not it.

Bryson touched a place in both my heart and my soul by allowing me to re-live a most wonderful time in my life. The 50's and 60's were certainly the best of times. If you are now reaching your "golden years," this book will help you live again in both the author's memories and your own. A must read in these turbulent times.

The only thing better than reading Bill Bryson is listening to Bill Bryson read. His blend of Midwestern and English accent is soothing on the ears and his humor is irreverent and delightful.

Bill Bryson is at his core a travel writer. From his family treks to the downtown of his childhood, and visits to his relatives in other Iowa towns, to his standing at the gates of Disneyland for the first time - it's his story in motion. What makes the Thunderbolt Kid so pleasant to listen to is that one is reminded of the sense of wonder we experience when we see new things growing up and the mischief we may have been tempted to with new freedoms. It's just like traveling when we grow up. Many of Bryson's recollections are funny as in his other works. I chuckled plenty while listening.

Despite a lot of hyperbole, Bryson again delivers a great read! His description of his life in the 50's and 60's in middle America is a delight.

Bill's travels have always been a favorite of mine. This one takes us on a journey back in time to a happier, more innocent, yet just a bit more twisted - childhood in a time where our own kids would be lost without the beep-beep of electronic toys. Thank you, Bill for some wonderful memories, and some of your exceptional belly-laughs! Keep 'em coming!