Missing Pine Park: A Humorous Look at the '60s and '70s from 'Kick the Can' to Becoming a Man

By: Neil R. Beller Jr.

Narrated by: Neil R. Beller Jr.

Length: 11 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

Author Neil R. Beller, Jr., uses his merry, yet mischievous memoirs to wrap you up in the warm blanket of his youth. The memories he paints a picture of aren't sappy, wistful, or mushy though. They are bursting with chuckle-provoking antics and with humorous sentimentality that we can all relate to.

Born and raised in the quiet suburb of Carney, Maryland, in the '60s and '70s, this Baltimore native's novel contains tales of growing up with a father who employs a stare-and-breathe method of discipline, an endearing, flaming red-headed mother who disciplines his antics in public and laughs at them in private, and a band of neighbors and friends who join Neil in his quirky misadventures.

Allow him to transport you in the "way back machine" to a time when simple fun was enjoyed by all. Take the "big blue bus" down memory lane in Missing Pine Park.

©2015 Neil R. Beller, Jr. (P)2015 Neil R. Beller, Jr.

Took a Trip back to Yesteryear

What did you love best about Missing Pine Park: A Humorous Look at the '60s and '70s from 'Kick the Can' to Becoming a Man?

The author's amazing memory. It enables him to share on a detailed level. You get to hear all of the small stuff-things that add up to the how and the why.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The author's Dad. His breathing may have been brutal however, Little Neil's love for him was so touching. I heard him choke up near the end. I did too.

What three words best describe Neil R. Beller Jr.’s performance?

Flat. Precise. Tender.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did love his pronunciation of words, and his accent. I laughed over the pranks, I cried when his Mom cried, and near the end...in March.

Any additional comments?

I loved knowing that my life was also similar and simple in those days-as was Neil's.

Charming, Valued and Meaningful

Regarding age, I am the author's contemporary. So, I loved every chapter. Humorous and touching; I laughed out loud many times. I feel like part of the neighborhood gang.

Great memoir

I really like memoirs, especially those focusing on childhood years, so this one fits the bill nicely. The author is a bit younger than me but much of what he talks about in the book brought back good memories of my growing up years. A pleasant listen, with a lot of funny stories thrown in.
If I had one complaint, it'd be that they put in a short little bit of music in between the sections of the book. That gets annoying, but other than that, this is not a book to be missed if you want a trip down memory lane.

Great humor!

I had to check myself, as I was laughing so much at work, people thought I was crazy!