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| Luna Bella Press March 2022 My thanks to the author for my copy of this book |
It’s the summer of 1984, a season of dodging lawn darts and chugging lemonade—or at least the discolored tap water Ma tried to disguise as lemonade.
Growing up is never easy, no matter what era you do it in. For generations, teenagers have suffered peer pressure, bullying, fear of rejection, and a sadistic obstacle course of one unexpected challenge after the next. Three brothers, Wally, Herbie, and Cockroach, learn that the past can be filled with questions—even shame and regret—while the future might be shrouded in worry and fear. But staying in the moment, now that’s where the sweet spot is...
📖 My Review...
Lawn Darts and Lemonade is a nostalgic look back at the summer of 1984 with brothers, Wally, Herbie and Alphonse, aka Cockroach, as they spend their time doing what all boys do best, namely, getting up to mischief, and worrying their parents.
Whilst this is a sequel to Bread Bags And Bullies: Surviving The '80s you don't have to have read this in order to understand the premise of the story as the author does a great job of bringing time, place and people alive. I think most of us of a 'certain age' can remember what it was like to grow up and experience all the emotional pangs of first jobs, first dates, young love, sibling rivalry and family traumas. Lawn Darts and Lemonade brings this emotion into sharp focus with all the trademarks of this author's unique ability to get into the minutiae of family life with all the poignancy, love and laughter that brings. Whilst many of the 80's references made me smile and nod my head in agreement, being in the UK, there were some references I had never heard of and I had great fun looking up the meaning of quahogs and Country Time Lemonade.
Regardless of which era you spent your growing up years, for me it was the 1970's, I do think that this story will resonate. It's a lovely heartwarming account of family life with all its ups, downs, happiness and sadness, and shows how precious it was to spend time with those we loved, especially when they are longer with us, except in our hearts.
📖 Best Read with... cups of ma's 'delicious' lemonade 😊
Steven Manchester is the author of the #1 bestsellers Twelve Months, The Rockin’ Chair, Pressed Pennies and Gooseberry Island; the national bestsellers, Ashes, The Changing Season and Three Shoe boxes; the multi award-winning novel, Goodnight Brian; and the beloved holiday podcast drama, The Thursday Night Club. His work has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CBS’s The Early Show and BET’s Nightly News.
Twitter @authorSteveM
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