The Boys of My Youth Summary
Beard, Jo Ann

The Boys of My Youth Overview

The Boys of My Youth by Jo Ann Beard is a collection of loosely linked autobiographical essays in which she reminisces about her childhood and early adulthood in the Midwest. Some of the essays recall quiet, idyllic moments, such as Beard's family gathering to watch fireworks in "Behind the Screen." Other essays recall more serious moments, like in "The Fourth State of Matter” when a vengeful gunman shoots up Beard's small office on a day when she happened to head home early.