Illinois Boy, Volume 1: A Corn Belt Boomer Boy growing up in the 50s

By Dennis Murphey

The author was born and raised in Illinois, this book is a collection of memories from his early years, reflecting on the people around him and the culture that made up the Corn Belt of Central Illinois in the 50's. He shares openly on topics of divorce, relocation and step parents but all from the view of the 5 year old.He recalls and shares the atmospherics around him and the family members that had an impact on his life lessons. From his Mom, with an only child upbringing to his father's family of 16 children there are a wide range of emotions and experiences. Once alone with Mom in a small farm town he shares the local merchant's character and his dramatic experiences growing up in the small town where everyone knows everyone. Then the transition to a big family farm with a new Dad and new last name. You will read and see what goes on in a young boy's mind as he explores and experiences all the various environments and changes around him. All the time depicting the characters he meets from the refreshing view of a 5 year old. If you are a Boomer and grew up in any rural setting you should get a laugh or two and be coerced to revisit your own memory banks for your version of growing up in small farm communities. All the stories are from the authors memory, they are humorous, enlightening and entertaining. You will likely end up passing this book among your friends and relatives that also grew up in your hometown because you will both be able to relive your own experiences leveraging what the author has stirred up in your head. Animals, machinery, exploring farm buildings are all included. Plus the need to fix things that was always present and created it own set of drama. How to entertain oneself on the farm as an only child, miles from anyone else your age. How trying to help your Dad on the farm is not as easily done as you think. There are three parts within the 1st Volume of Illinois Boy going up to 1955. Expect future volumes that will include the school years, and the working years. Other topics are in the authors writing que such as Grandmothers, Fairs, College, Draft, Jobs and of course family life.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1725197448
• ISBN13: 9781725197442
• Release Date: August 2018
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Length: 213 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.5" x 6.0"