City Boy

The Adventures of Herbie Bookbinder

By: Herman Wouk

Narrated by: Peter Berkrot

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

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.

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.

Herman Wouk at His Best!

I love Herman Wouk’s stories, as he is a truly gifted writer! This book had me in stitches from the beginning to the end. Long live Herbie Bookbinder!🇺🇸❤️🤍💙✡️

always love Wouk

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

Endlessly charming

What a surprisingly delightful book! The City Boy is the book that might result if All-Of-A-Kind Family and Tom Sawyer had a baby. Taking place almost exactly a century ago, this novel presents a New York City that's still recognizable today, except for the absence of social media and handheld devices and all they have wrought. Oh, and obviously, the state of our current democracy. This is a classic underdog story, with a relatable hero who not only comes out on top in his own milieu, but rights the ongoing wrongs he's been dimly aware of in the adult world throughout the book. Written with economy, humor, warmth, and a vivid evocation of the urban landscape, it's narrated with verve, sympathy, and skill by Peter Berkrot. A thoroughly satisfying listen.