Cover notes - Bill Vryson's forst travel book opened with the immortal line, 'I come from Des Moines. Somebody had to.' In this deeply funny new book, he travels back in time to explore the ordinary kid he once was, in the curious world of 1950' America. It was a happy time, when almost everything was good for you, including DDT, cigarettes and nuclear fallout. This is a book about one boy's growing up. But in Bryson's hands, itbecomes everyone's story, one that will speak volumes - especially to anyone who has ever been young.

I haven't come across a Bill Bryson book I didn't like & The Life & Times of The Thunderbolt Kid is no exception. It's a look at his childhood in 1950s America with the million & one things that would have childcare & health & safety experts throwing their hands up in horror. A truly funny book that has you sniggering out loud.

On it's way to Sunflowergirl. Enjoy!

The book has just arrived here, thanks so much for sending it on to me. This book really appeals to me and I'm looking forward to reading it. For now it's going on my TBR pile but I don't think it will stay there for long! My boyfriend wants to read this book too so it'll get a couple more journal entires while it's with me.

I've set myself a challenge to read, journal and release all the bookcrossing books on my shelves (registered by other bookcrossers) by the end of this year.

This book caught my eye yesterday and I've read it in two sittings. I love Bill Bryson's writing anyway but this book was particularly amusing and interesting. I could really visualise the town he grew up in and the places he went to.

I'm shocked to realise that this book has been on my shelves for almost four years, I can't believe it's taken me that long to get around to reading it but better late than never! I plan on releasing this book soon.

Released at the Cancer Research charity shop in Carlisle city centre on Thursday.

Safe travels, little book!