Chapter 1, Hometown Summary and Analysis

Bill Bryson traces his childhood in 1950s America, relating an all-American experience in Des Moines, Iowa. The work intertwines the events, people, and inventions that transformed America during the decade with Bryson's own experiences and thoughts in fourteen themed chapters. Throughout, Bryson uses his alter ego, the Thunderbolt Kid, and his humorous reminisces to illuminate the concerns, preoccupations, and joys of a nation and a young boy in Iowa.

Bill's father liked to practice isometrics in the 1950s. He had a knack for practicing in airplanes. He'd go to the back of the plane and would push against the outer wall of the airplane, looking like he was trying to put a hole in it or force his way out.

Although Bill's father was never embarrassed, Bill had enough embarrassment for both of them. His dad worked for The...