Steve White
1 Super look at US childhood
For those not versed in US life, Family Vacations and Other Hazards of Growing Up offers a look into what growing up in the US was like. For me, who is versed in it, it served to bring back memories of childhood, like the smell of the vinyl seats in our 1970-something Plymouth VolarŽ station wagon, and riding bikes in the vacant lots, and throwing dirt clods at other kids.
It's not all about vacations, but rather covers Steve's accounts of neighborhood friends, fighting with sisters, the perils and foibles of teenagers driving large cars, first kisses, and various other experiences.
I did several of the acts Steve writes about in Vacations -- like lighting model airplanes on fire -- and reading his accounts of those activities gave me a good chuckle. Glad to know I wasn't the only one Smile.
Steve's writing style is low key and funny, and its friendliness is certainly very inviting. Vacations goes down quickly
2 A great book, But left me wanting more.
I have to be honest....I am a biased reviewer. Through total fluke, I ended up buying a car from Mr White...A wagon of course. This led to discussions of the book, of which he was kind enough to supply me with a copy of. Im not a big reader, But due to the subject matter, chose to read this entire book at my leisure.
I really enjoyed it, even though I read it one section at a time over the course of 6 months. Usually, After reading a passage, I would find I could relate to something, and because I had met Steve, Was able to contact him each time I had something amusing to share that coincided with his book.
I really enoyed the book, but felt each section could have been elaborated on a little more. I guess thats the most negative thing I could say is that I wanted more, which I guess is a positive in a way. I feel the book could have been longer and yet not feel drawn-out, but instead might leave me feeling more fulfilled.
I also felt it ended abruptly, to which I contacted the author and was told that it was his intent. But it literally felt like it ended mid-book.....Like there were pages missing.
Overall a great read, perhaps a coffe-table book that someone could read one random chapter once in a while and get a good chuckle without needing to read the whole thing, and yet may be left disiring to buy it and finish it. Maybe at a dentists office or doctors office lobby too.
Im glad I was able to read this. Kinda like taking a peek into someone else's childhood, and yet feeling like you are looking into your own. A worthwhile read for sure. I didnt give it a five only because since Im not a big reader, wouldnt feel it was fair for me to give anything a five without having others to compare it to of equal or higher caliber.
Thanks Steve! Looking forward to the next installment!!
3 Some of the Funniest Stuff Out There...
Steve White is one of the most laugh-out-loud, funniest writers I've ever read. Funnier than Sedaris, funnier than Eggers, more from the heart, I guess. I'm surprised this book isn't a bestseller. Oh well. Looks like a small publisher. Not in "the machine" yet...but get this book and keep an eye on THIS Steve White. A fantastic read, made me laugh out loud and brought a tear to my eye in a few places.
4 Steve really loves his family. A great read!
We should all have a childhood like Steve White did. In Family Vacations and Other Hazards of Growing Up, White, who has the heart of a giant, refelects on growing up in a magical way few are able. His tales of humor, excitment and sensitivity touch at the core of our emotions. White takes what are the simplest of joys for children and makes us realize, "Why should kids only have fun?" From his entire chapter on Peanut Butter and Jelly, which is my favorite lunch food, as well, to how he annoyed his sisters, to the love he has for his parents, a brilliant reprint of a high school essay about his mom, he teaches us first hand: it is the little things that count. Steve makes us wonder more than ever: Why do we wait until we are grown up to appreciate the joy of childhood? 5 stars all the way!
5 Take a Vacation Back to Your Youth
What a way to bring back all the great, priceless memories that go along with family road-trips growing up. I remember my sister and I putting tape down to keep each other off our "side" of the back seat.... Steve does a great job of telling his version of these story with witty and down to earth language that will warm every heart and inspire a giggle from the child within you.
6 Okay read but not as good as I expected.
On my quest to find good laugh-out-loud humor, this book fell short. It was good enough that I read it but not one I would read again. Perhaps a little too tame for me. But I could relate to a few sections. An okay way to pass some time.
7 It'll bring back memories!
An outstanding book for leisure reading...it reflects upon many of the author's hillarious experiences while growing up; but the unique thing is that they are experiences very similar to those we all endured, and that we can easily relate to. It will stir up many great memories of your own experiences from childhood, especially for those with siblings! I recommend buying this book if for nothing else than just to get a good belly laugh going!
8 Family Vacations & Other Hazards of Growing Up
This is a great book that the whole family can enjoy. It took me back to my own childhood days. To experience life through Steve's words, puts a new perspective on life. I especially enjoyed the alter boy story, thanks Steve.
9 This is such a great book!!!!
I really had a wonderful time reading this book. It brought back so many fun memories that I shared with my family. I don't have too much time to read but this book made me find time. I always looked foward to picking it up and reading more of Steves's histerical stories.
10 Family Vacations & Other Hazards of Growing Up
This book that will take you back to your own childhood memories, even those you have forgotten! I was laughing so hard by page 13 that people in the room were screaming, "What's so funny? Read it to us!" This book put a smile on my face and a dance in my heart. Thank you Steve for capturing your childhood moments.
11 Laughter is the Best Medicine
There's something for everyone in this hysterical book taken from his life. Steve has a unique talent for re-telling special moments each family shares with such humor and familiarity that we all can relate our own encounters in one way or another. And even if his anecdotes are beyond anything you can imagine, his knack for pulling you into his stories will make you laugh out loud over and over again. This book is a great escape into the light hearted, enjoyable realm where we all could use a good dose of laughter! Also a great gift idea for the people on your list who have everything! ENJOY!
12 A Perfect Book for These Complex Times!
Reading FAMILY VACATIONS is like a breath of fresh air. It took me back to simpler times and I really liked being there ... especially given the difficult world around us today. If you're looking for a great read and a good laugh - take this trip back to a time you will remember fondly.
13 Family Vacations & Other Hazards of Growing UP
What a great book! If you are looking for a FUN!!!!!!!! read then this is it--- to the nth degree. My sides hurt so hard from laughter because Steve White took me back to a simpler time where we got to be kids. His book delves into a part of our past that many of us have either lost, forgotten, or tucked away due to the self-imposed pressures of our adult lives. Here is a chance to recapture those lost years and memories. Yes, those colorful, youthful, antics, and mirth that made the memories of growing up in America stuff to revel in and treasure for a lifetime. This is clearly one of the best books I have read in years and strongly recommend it to anyone who wants to have some fun and rediscover the passion of their youth.
14 Childhood Memories
While I was reading this book it brought back so many happy memories in my childhood. I don't know how many times I have repeated a story that is in the book and related it to something in my life. Not only, am I laughing, but the people I tell it to are also. This is a great book for anyone to read because it takes you back to a time when your life was carefree and simple, and your world consisted of the 5 blocks around your home (or as far as your mother would let you ride your bike).
15 What a great book!
Steve White captures the passions and joys of our childhood that we very often seem to forget. I was contantly reminded of what great adventures I had a kid from reading this book. I am indebted to him for taking me back to the wonderful times in my life-and you will be too.
16 What a great book!
It was better than Cats, I'm going to read it again and again!
17 Touching, sentimental and HILARIOUS!
Although Steve seems to be about 20 years younger than I am, and male, I could TOTALLY relate to his wonderful, heartwarming stories about growing up. Anyone who has siblings, has been on family vacations or long car rides, has fallen in love, or loved his/her mom would relate to this wonderful, funny book. Yeah, that means just about everyone! I agree with the other reviewer who said it's a great book for adults to give their siblings. I'm planning to give one to all 3 of my siblings and one for my Dad to boot (see, Dad how good we were compared to STEVE!). The altar boy story had me laughing so hard I had tears streaming down my face. Just thinking about it cracks me up. You have GOT to read this book!
18 You will recognize your own past among the pages of this boo
This book reminded me of a later day Lake Woebegone Days, but set in the midwest and reminiscing about growing up as an adolescent in the 70's and 80's. The stories range from amusing, whimsical, touching and outright hilarious. The book snuck up on me, really drawing me in deeper as it went along.
This would make an excellent "book club" book for women to read and discuss about how and why their husbands turned out the way they did. It will also make an excellent gift for adult siblings to give to each other, as they will surely recognize their own history among these pages. All in all, it's a book that you will want to pick up and re-read favorite stories as time goes by.
19 Wow! It will make you laugh out loud!
This book could not come out at a better time in view of the Sept. 11 tragedies. It took me back to the vinyl seats of our family station wagon, aggravating my sisters, and hoping the car top carrier would survive my dad's ineffective knot tying. Steve White reminds us of those golden moments of childhood; that they are still there and still possible. This would be a great book for all ages, especially the young at heart!
20 Wow! It will make you laugh out loud!
This book could not come out at a better time in view of the Sept. 11 tragedies. It took me back to the vinyl seats of our family station wagon, aggravating my sisters, and hoping the car top carrier would survive my dad's ineffective knot tying. Steve White reminds us of those golden moments of childhood; that they are still there and still possible. This would be a great book for all ages, especially the young at heart!
