I just loved it!

This is such a funny autobiography and brings to life the minds of small and not so small boys! Having Bill Bryson read his own biography is an added bonus as he brings it to life. I laughed out loud so often. A wonderful listen.

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Another Bryson Hit

This is a great book. It contains more profanity than his past works, but usually in a context where some explicatives are required. There are also some political jabs that I think will spoil this work a generation or two down the road. I love Bill Bryson and all his other works... and as usual, it's a real treat to have the author reading their own book!

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A superhero's life in the superhero's words

Would you listen to The Life & Times of the Thunderbolt Kid again? Why?

I am listening to it again and again already!!! It is the funniest memoir I've read, period.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Life & Times of the Thunderbolt Kid?

There were quite a few, my favourite was when Bill Bryson was caught reading comics on his desk when the rest of his class was sitting under their desks for a mock air raid preparation.

The funniest was the todie jar incident, which involved peeing, jars, food and an absent minded mother. But the best bits were the turn of phrase that Bill employed and his own voice which add a texture and nuance which the other reader of this book can never match.

Other memorable moments were when Bill talked about the reality of life in the 50s, such as racism, sex and America's obession with communism. Bill only mentioned these issues in short but extremely well researched

What does Bill Bryson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Bill's voice and nuance. It really does add stars to the book. If I could, I would give the book 6 stars, instead of 5, as Bill's own narration really takes the book up another level.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Funny, real, scary, great, and unmissable - The Wonder Years of Bill Bryson in the 50s.

Any additional comments?

For those people craving a longer book, this book despite its 7-8 hour length feels longer. Also, the rehearings will really add up as you are gaurenteed to listen to it again.

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a must for bryson fans

another great storytelling by bill bryson. well worth a credit for any fan. if youve not listened to bryson before, maybe start with a walk in the wood, one of my favourites

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A very entertaining read

I am a fan or Bryson and I listened to this book on my daily walking commute to work and I wonder how many times my fellow commuters wondered on the source of my smile. Although I was a child of the 60s not the 50s and grew up in the UK, not the US, I could appreciate many of Bryons insightful observations but the highlight is the witty descriptions he applies to his childhood experiences.

one of the funniest Bryson books I've heard

it's not often I'll be forced to laugh out loud with a book, but this had me doing it several times a chapter. so enjoyable.

Absolutely loved this book, nicely read!

I loved this book, well read with just enough wit and humour to make me laugh out loud at times. sincere and heart-warming at times. a must read or listen for anyone who enjoys Bill Bryson!

The 50's were dangerous

Any additional comments?

Obviously this type of book benefits greatly by having the author read it and this was very enjoyable. Wow the 50's were dangerous, its a wonder anyone survived. A great romp through Bill Bryson's early life, growing up in the 50's. If you like his other books you will like this one. It has some wonderful over and understatements throughout. He captures a kid's perspective with great skill.

A fun read.

What made the experience of listening to The Life & Times of the Thunderbolt Kid the most enjoyable?

The irony of Bryson's memory as always. Despite a US upbringing it found resonances in my own UK boyhood.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

I had no complaints. Some actors might have made it even funnier.

What three words best describe Bill Bryson’s voice?

Funny, observant, ironic.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No but nothing to do with the book only my time.

Any additional comments?

Classic Bryson. Adults probably like this more than kids. Mine thought it was 'rude' which makes them seem a lot more naive than I was at their age (14/15).

Loved it!

Any additional comments?

A great insight into America's heydays in the 1950s and 60s - laced with great humour, historical events and social insights. There was something very special about post second world war America - an unmatched optimism sometimes founded on blissful ignorance but always supported by a burning ambition - and Bill Bryson unfolds these contradictions with affection and humour. Having the author read the book only added to the authenticity of the story and helped me feel closer to one of my favourite authors.