The Thunderbolt Kid by Bill Bryson

Bill Bryson's offers up childhood reminiscences of his life growing up in Des Moines, Iowa during the 1950's. This book, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid: A Memoir, follows a similar style to his later works. He describes a childhood memory then adds snippets of historical events to enrich the story. I've notice many parallels to Mark Twain's stories where he borrows from childhood experiences to create a story. The book title comes from a thunderbolt sweater that Bryson finds in the basement.

This is not the story of a genius but a kid who feels that he is the offspring of super hero aliens from another planet. This explains why he doesn't understand his parents.

The author's less than exemplary performance in school and awful attendance record will offer some hope to those students who struggled to graduate.

Bryson's friend Katz makes several memorable appearances towards the later half of the book. Katz's full embrace of hedonist life style a diverts the attention of local authorities from the rest of boys who have better connections. After an extended time away from society Katz joins Bryson to hike the Appalachian Trail in Bryson's book, A Walk in the Woods.  Bryson also gives a where are they now update on the main characters in the book.

Bill Bryson The Thunderbolt Kid - 6 min. 

The origin of the Thunderbolt Kid - 4 min.