Title: Sting-Ray Afternoons
Author: Steve Rushin
Genre: Memoir, 1970s
The author is well known for his work for Sports Illustrated, and his humorous recollections of growing up in the 1970s is entertaining reading. Rushin grew up in the Midwest (first Chicago and then Minneapolis), and he is able to effectively convey his reminisces so that they resonate with anyone who was raised during that period in any part of the country. Nerf footballs, Fonzie, Pete Maravich, Evel Knievel, Red Owl grocery stores, vacations at the Wisconsin Dells, and of course the Schwinn Sting-Ray bicycle with the banana seat are only a few of the many symbols of the 70's that are covered.
Along the way, Rushin also describes - in amusing fashion - his Catholic upbringing as a middle child with four siblings. His stories about his middle class family with a salesman father and stay-at-home mother ring true for many who remember the era. Rushin's generational memoir is an enjoyable read that will take many back to a more innocent and less complicated time.
- Mike
