Official Review: RAMBLINGS of a Baby Boomer wannabe

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "RAMBLINGS of a Baby Boomer wannabe" by Tom Golden.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Ramblings of a Baby Boomer Wannabe by Tom Golden is an entertaining memoir depicted through a collection of short stories. Golden reminisces about growing up in Minnesota, characterized by freezing winters and fun-filled summers. His nostalgic anecdotes traverse various topics; many are amusing while a few are sad. Others touch on his ancestry, mischievous adventures with his older brother, marriage and divorce, career opportunities, parenting three sons, and the pleasures and challenges of building and living in a lake home.

This engaging memoir is 232 pages and includes 135 short stories. Golden's entertaining reflections are portrayed chronologically, progressing from his childhood and teenage years to the challenges of his adult life. Reading Golden's evocative collection, I could easily picture the little boy who knocked on neighborhood doors requesting cookies, set up a model-car workstation, and grieved the loss of the neighborhood mailman. Golden's portrayals of himself as a teenager trying to emulate the appearances of James Dean and Elvis and his attempts to impress his first love are equally descriptive. However, there are several dialogues that contain profanity. The book is enhanced by Golden's inclusion of nostalgic photographs featuring family, friends, homes, and cars; his childhood affection for model cars is evident by his restoration and customization of several automobiles.

I especially like Golden's ability to laugh at himself and his humorous and conversational writing style. Referring to the ongoing antics with his brother, he shared several stories of ideas that didn't always go according to plan that Jerry usually prefaced with, "Watch this!" In another chapter, after Golden quotes a response from his friend, "Yah, shure, you betcha," he quips, "You probably saw Fargo and just assume that all Minnesotans talk that way. We do."

On a more serious note, Golden's transparency about starting as a rookie in newspaper advertising and the challenges associated with climbing the corporate ladder will resonate with readers, as will his willingness to acknowledge his flaws and mistakes. He is forthcoming about his relationship regrets, struggles to quit smoking, a season of depression, and a weakness for gambling. Additionally, Golden shared some touching recollections like a nun's silent yet compassionate response when he skipped school to attend the funeral of his friend.

There honestly isn't anything I dislike about this humorous and professionally edited book. I am pleased to rate Ramblings of a Baby Boomer Wannabe 4 out of 4 stars and recommend it to readers who appreciate nostalgic memoirs. It will also appeal to fans of Happy Days and vintage car buffs.

******
RAMBLINGS of a Baby Boomer wannabe
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[xoxoAnushka]

Looks like a lot of struggle is happening in this tale. Great review.

[Jaime Lync]

Wow, so many short stories! Hardships in life often make for an interesting story to reflect on. Great review!!

[Cecilia_L]

Looks like a lot of struggle is happening in this tale. Great review.

Thank you. I appreciate your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

Wow, so many short stories! Hardships in life often make for an interesting story to reflect on. Great review!!

Thank you, Jaime.

[readerrihana]

Memoirs are often so interesting, and this one sounds like it will be. Thanks for the great over view and book review

[Cecilia_L]

Memoirs are often so interesting, and this one sounds like it will be. Thanks for the great over view and book review

Thanks!

[Nisha Ward]

Golden's life sounds eventful while lacking in overly sensational events, a perfect mix in my opinion. It looks like a fantastic memoir.