Air Raid Nights and Radio Days: Hanging on for Dear Life

by Don Schroeder, Dan Mitchell (Illustrator)

We are what we were, when.' Don Schroeder explores the sharp contrast between the dark nights and bright childhood memories that opened the doors for a boy growing up as part of the Silent Generation. After the Depression and World War Two, conditions improved for many Americans, including Don and his family. With wit and humor, Don invites the world to see Indianapolis as this 'nasty little gutter tramp' saw it. Sample city chicken or scrambled brains with eggs, mow down imaginary Nazis, and turn off Fibber McGee and Molly, the favorite nighttime radio show, in time to confuse enemy bombers and save Indianapolis from destruction. Don relishes those nearly forgotten years and the memories of God reaching for a boy slip-sliding along during this difficult period of Air Raid Nights and Radio Days.

261 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2009

Reviews

[Lauren Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a teenager, I have never experienced anything like twenty five cent movies or even the delicacy of a beef tongue, but this book gives an amazing window into the past that makes me wish I had been born during that time. It gives me a better appreciation for what my older relatives did to make a living and support the country that kept them free. If everyone today was as grateful, patriotic, and hard working as they were back then, we would have a better country. Don's book is not only informative but a joy to read!

Just a side-note: I met Don at a farmer's market in Florida and enjoyed his company a lot! Such an amazing person.

[Joe Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good nostalgia read if you were an elementary schooler in the 40's, or if you want to know what a kid's life was like then. He injected a little too much preaching toward the end for my tastes.

[Helen Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun easy to read book about the Home Front during World War II. It is the author's memories of his childhood during the 40s and into the 50s. A book that would appeal to youngster as well as to oldsters.

[Jimmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read that lives through the author's childhood. I had the pleasure of meeting the author and receiving a signed copy and enjoyed learning a bit about his past growing in a different era to myself yet confirming many stories of the times along with finding several similarities to my own childhood.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is interesting,especially for residents of Indiana.It contains cute stories of the author's childhood,growing-up in Indianapolis.We recently discussed this book at our library book club.

[Mindy Casto · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's an interesting perspective of growing up through WW2 and afterwards.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t quite sure what this was about but it was an interesting look at growing up in America during WWII.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reads in the same style as conversations with my Grandpa which was aggravating at first, then strangely comforting. Just like conversations with my Grandpa. A pleasant and endearing stroll through a place and time that is slowly being forgotten. Mostly pleasure reading about specific memories from a single childhood.

[Jennifer Jackson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an interesting read in the fact that it did discuss parts of everyday american life during World War II. As a reader that has not alive during the time, I enjoyed learning about the daily life. However, I felt that the book left a bit to be desired.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

if you grew up in indy's near east side, you will enjoy yhe memeroies of the late forties and 1950's.

[Wendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some bits of nostalgia. Enjoyed recognizing place in Indianapolis. Not enough cohesiveness. Ending didn't feel like an ending. Debating about reading in book club.