Growing Up Yinzer: Memories from Beloved Pittsburghers

by Dick Roberts

In the Steel City, "Yinzer" is a term of endearment, reserved for the city's most beloved and embraced by locals as a symbol of the grit and determination that Pittsburgh endows anyone from there. The city's undeniable impact on the character and life of those who grew up there has shaped iconic figures of American sports, entertainment and culture. Legends of the gridiron such as Jim Kelly, Tony Dorsett, Dan Marino and Joe Namath forged their football prowess in Western Pennsylvania. Business pioneers including Mark Cuban, Ray Werner and Bill Strickland were ingrained with the value of hard work in the Steel City. Music and movie stars like Jeff Goldblum, George Benson and Billy Gardell found creative inspiration in Pittsburgh that led to new heights. Author Dick Roberts presents profiles, interviews and memories from some of the most famous and adored Pittsburghers.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

Published October 23, 2023

Reviews

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
This book blew me away. So many people that I had no idea were from the Pittsburgh area! Amazing! I definitely recommend everyone read this book, but especially if you’re from a here!

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Growing Up Yinzer is a compilation of tributes to the city by notable sons and daughters. I was not familiar with some of the names and many of the stories were similar, citing the city's hard-working, immigrant roots. It was not clear to me if the short essays were written by the contributor or the author, based on interviews with the subjects, but I found some the writing awkward. Overall, I enjoyed the book.

Interesting observation/fact from Rick Sebak: ". . . Pittsburgh has the highest percentage of native-born residents of any major American city." (153)

[Patti · Rating 3 out of 5]

While there were some of the obvious Pittsburghers, I was surprised to find out that a few others were not. Many of the stories were very similar and some didn't really have a whole lot of connection to Pittsburgh, other than "I was born in Pittsburgh." I would have loved to have seen a bit more of the history.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars actual, since GR doesn't do partials