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Recollections: A Baby Boomer's Memories of the Fabulous Fifties
About the Jim Chambers was born in 1946, nine months and five days after his father returned from serving with the U.S. 8th Air Force in England during World War II. After earning two engineering degrees at Georgia Tech, he spent the next 40 years designing highways in Georgia. Besides writing, Chambers is an avid amateur photographer and scuba diver. His land and underwater photography has been published in such prestigious publications as National Geographic, Popular Photography, and Parade Magazine.
About the As one of the first post-WWII Baby Boomers, the author's childhood and early teenage years were in the 1950s, a remarkable decade for the United States that saw enormous political, technological, and cultural changes. Although many books have covered the headline-making events of the era in great detail, few of these books give the reader a real feel for what daily life was like for Americans living in that decade, especially for kids growing up then. The author remembers the little nuts and bolts things of daily life for families during the fascinating decade known as the Fabulous Fifties. "Recollections" perfectly blends paying homage to the little day-to-day rituals with a larger scale examination of social issues and mores of the times, and it’s equally entertaining on either level. "Recollections" is a warm, lovingly honest, and fascinating portrait of America in the mid-20th Century.
Praise for "Recollections":
Remembering these times fondly, Chambers gives readers a charming read and something to lift the spirits of a happier time. "Recollections" is well worth considering. - Midwest Book Review
From scene to scene, I found myself caught up in images that Norman Rockwell could have painted. - Richard Kenyada, author of "The Apology" and "Reflections in the Dark The Black Essays"
From the clothes drying on the line in the backyard to Leave It To Beaver playing on the black and white TV set, "Recollections" is a fantastic journey down memory lane for the baby boomers and a trivia filled, historical reference for the younger generations. - Shannon Yarbrough, The LL Book Review
The engaging, conversational style of this book made it very difficult to put down. And it was almost like a treasure hunt -- as I'd be reading an account of popular candies or toys of the day, I'd think of one myself and eagerly wait to see if it was mentioned. Unfailingly, it was. - Melanie Frazier
Reading his book reminded me of how much I miss watching Tim Russert on MEET THE PRESS every they both share an easy-going charm and natural humor that is rarely found in any corner of the world. - Russell Atwood, author of "East Village Noir"
"Recollections" was selected by The Kindle Review as the 25th best book by an independent author in the Kindle store.
"Recollections" was given five stars by Maria Schneider at Bear Mountain Books.
"Recollections" received a 5-star review at Red Adept Reviews by guest reviewer Christopher Meeks.
About the As one of the first post-WWII Baby Boomers, the author's childhood and early teenage years were in the 1950s, a remarkable decade for the United States that saw enormous political, technological, and cultural changes. Although many books have covered the headline-making events of the era in great detail, few of these books give the reader a real feel for what daily life was like for Americans living in that decade, especially for kids growing up then. The author remembers the little nuts and bolts things of daily life for families during the fascinating decade known as the Fabulous Fifties. "Recollections" perfectly blends paying homage to the little day-to-day rituals with a larger scale examination of social issues and mores of the times, and it’s equally entertaining on either level. "Recollections" is a warm, lovingly honest, and fascinating portrait of America in the mid-20th Century.
Praise for "Recollections":
Remembering these times fondly, Chambers gives readers a charming read and something to lift the spirits of a happier time. "Recollections" is well worth considering. - Midwest Book Review
From scene to scene, I found myself caught up in images that Norman Rockwell could have painted. - Richard Kenyada, author of "The Apology" and "Reflections in the Dark The Black Essays"
From the clothes drying on the line in the backyard to Leave It To Beaver playing on the black and white TV set, "Recollections" is a fantastic journey down memory lane for the baby boomers and a trivia filled, historical reference for the younger generations. - Shannon Yarbrough, The LL Book Review
The engaging, conversational style of this book made it very difficult to put down. And it was almost like a treasure hunt -- as I'd be reading an account of popular candies or toys of the day, I'd think of one myself and eagerly wait to see if it was mentioned. Unfailingly, it was. - Melanie Frazier
Reading his book reminded me of how much I miss watching Tim Russert on MEET THE PRESS every they both share an easy-going charm and natural humor that is rarely found in any corner of the world. - Russell Atwood, author of "East Village Noir"
"Recollections" was selected by The Kindle Review as the 25th best book by an independent author in the Kindle store.
"Recollections" was given five stars by Maria Schneider at Bear Mountain Books.
"Recollections" received a 5-star review at Red Adept Reviews by guest reviewer Christopher Meeks.
- GenresNonfiction
146 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2009
12 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 8, 2016
Recollections: A Baby Boomers Memories of the Fabulous
Very informative. I relate d with the author. I was also born in 1946 and remember most of the info in the book.
Good job.
Very informative. I relate d with the author. I was also born in 1946 and remember most of the info in the book.
Good job.
December 3, 2014
My fascination with the 1950s began with an interest I took in early rock & roll. Combine that with a general interest in history, a craving for simpler times in a simpler world, and an exposure to movies and TV shows (from the '50s) which seemed to exemplify just that, and it makes sense my fascination continues to this day.
The author does not intend this to be a memoir, and states as much up front. I plan to use it as reference material for day-to-day life in the 1950s, should I ever need it. And it will be good as such, the way Mr. Chambers broke it down by chapters on food, gadgets, transportation, entertainment and so on. And though it is not a memoir, he did give it a nice personable touch so it's an entertaining read, not a dry, stodgy one.
The location of these recollections is centered on the author's home town of Atlanta, Georgia. Though some things were universal throughout the USA, I suppose (the rise of television and decline of cinema and theatrical radio, for instance), some recollections were possibly unique to the Southeast.
Much of my sketchy knowledge of the period was filled in, and I also learned things I knew nothing about before...like "blockbusting," a real estate tactic that ultimately transformed the inner city and led to the suburban exodus which lasted for decades.
In my case, my romantic image of the decade was adjusted, but not quite shattered. Ugly things like racial bigotry were more obvious then than now (and still institutionalized at the beginning of the decade). Everyday tasks like shopping for groceries and keeping in touch with family wasn't as easy or convenient as it is now. And yet children raised in a home with both their biological parents was the rule, not the exception; middle class neighborhoods were safe enough to leave your doors unlocked; and the schools, with hardly a fraction of what is spent on public education today in constant tax dollars, taught proportionate-sized classrooms full of students reading, writing, and math effectively.
Recollections is a good read and I recommend it to anyone who needs to research that period of history, or is just curious about how life was before.
The author does not intend this to be a memoir, and states as much up front. I plan to use it as reference material for day-to-day life in the 1950s, should I ever need it. And it will be good as such, the way Mr. Chambers broke it down by chapters on food, gadgets, transportation, entertainment and so on. And though it is not a memoir, he did give it a nice personable touch so it's an entertaining read, not a dry, stodgy one.
The location of these recollections is centered on the author's home town of Atlanta, Georgia. Though some things were universal throughout the USA, I suppose (the rise of television and decline of cinema and theatrical radio, for instance), some recollections were possibly unique to the Southeast.
Much of my sketchy knowledge of the period was filled in, and I also learned things I knew nothing about before...like "blockbusting," a real estate tactic that ultimately transformed the inner city and led to the suburban exodus which lasted for decades.
In my case, my romantic image of the decade was adjusted, but not quite shattered. Ugly things like racial bigotry were more obvious then than now (and still institutionalized at the beginning of the decade). Everyday tasks like shopping for groceries and keeping in touch with family wasn't as easy or convenient as it is now. And yet children raised in a home with both their biological parents was the rule, not the exception; middle class neighborhoods were safe enough to leave your doors unlocked; and the schools, with hardly a fraction of what is spent on public education today in constant tax dollars, taught proportionate-sized classrooms full of students reading, writing, and math effectively.
Recollections is a good read and I recommend it to anyone who needs to research that period of history, or is just curious about how life was before.
February 3, 2010
Storyline:
In this book, Jim Chambers shows us the views of the Fifties as he remembers them. It was a fun book for me as I am all about the 50's.
Story Characters:
Jim is a likable guy. His short stories are definitely fun to read and I always enjoy reading first hand accounts of experiences and eras.
Writing Style:
While I enjoyed the book, it was a bit fragmented and difficult to follow. Jim Chambers writes about many different topics and tends to jump from one to the other and back all in three paragraphs. I would suggest he either write chapters based solely on one topic or write it as a "101 Things I Remember From the 50's" style. The way it is currently written, while the observations and good and funny, distracts you from really absorbing everything he is saying.
Editing Style:
In terms of spelling and grammar, nothing screamed out at me in terms of being incorrect. I just wish there was better organization.
Overall Thoughts:
It was a fun book to read if you want a peep show into the 50's. If it gets cleaned up and gets a new cover, it wouldn't be that bad.
In this book, Jim Chambers shows us the views of the Fifties as he remembers them. It was a fun book for me as I am all about the 50's.
Story Characters:
Jim is a likable guy. His short stories are definitely fun to read and I always enjoy reading first hand accounts of experiences and eras.
Writing Style:
While I enjoyed the book, it was a bit fragmented and difficult to follow. Jim Chambers writes about many different topics and tends to jump from one to the other and back all in three paragraphs. I would suggest he either write chapters based solely on one topic or write it as a "101 Things I Remember From the 50's" style. The way it is currently written, while the observations and good and funny, distracts you from really absorbing everything he is saying.
Editing Style:
In terms of spelling and grammar, nothing screamed out at me in terms of being incorrect. I just wish there was better organization.
Overall Thoughts:
It was a fun book to read if you want a peep show into the 50's. If it gets cleaned up and gets a new cover, it wouldn't be that bad.
January 27, 2013
As a 1950's research tool for my third book, this was just the ticket.
It was pretty choppy, but it was meant to be. When we remember our lives, it comes out in a down-to-earth manner, just the way Chambers tells the tale.
There are distinct chapters covering everything from gadgets to schools, shopping to politics, food to slang. I enjoyed the tidbits of information about the day-to-day: cars without seat belts, milk and coca cola in glass bottles, and rotary dial telephones.
This the kind of info a non-Boomer craves when writing about a foreign era. Without average Joe biographical accounts like these, historical settings become nothing more than anachronistic attempts for writers.
It happens...I've never known a world of cars without seat belts!
For me, Recollections was just dandy.
If you're looking for an honest glimpse into the fifties...this is for you!
It was pretty choppy, but it was meant to be. When we remember our lives, it comes out in a down-to-earth manner, just the way Chambers tells the tale.
There are distinct chapters covering everything from gadgets to schools, shopping to politics, food to slang. I enjoyed the tidbits of information about the day-to-day: cars without seat belts, milk and coca cola in glass bottles, and rotary dial telephones.
This the kind of info a non-Boomer craves when writing about a foreign era. Without average Joe biographical accounts like these, historical settings become nothing more than anachronistic attempts for writers.
It happens...I've never known a world of cars without seat belts!
For me, Recollections was just dandy.
If you're looking for an honest glimpse into the fifties...this is for you!
October 27, 2010
I loved this book. The fifties were a little before my time, but I grew up in a very rural area in the late sixties and seventies. Alot of what I read in Jim's book brought back memories of what it was like before cable tv, dish on demand, microwave ovens, two car two career families, and video games. Life was a little slower and we were not as sophisticated as kids today. Families were intact, and those definintely were the good old days. Reading Jim's narrative reminded me of when my siblings and I sit around the table reminiscing about our childhood. I was reminded of things that had all but slipped from my memory. I hope Jim writes another book - this time with a few more personal antedotes. I found his writing charming.
October 21, 2012
The author mentions in his foreward "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid" by Bill Bryson. Well, this book does remind me of that wonderful work but is even better. Much more engaging! I felt like I was in a time machine, visiting all of the incredible things about the 50s, many forgotten over the intervening years. I read this in two sittings, unusual for me in that I am a busy author in my own right and right now am working on my fifth novel. But I literally could not put this book down, savoring each delicious sentence and while entranced by whatever the author was describing at any given moment, looking with anticipation what he might come up with next.
If you are a baby-boomer, treat yourself to an incredible walk down memory lane with this fantastic book!
If you are a baby-boomer, treat yourself to an incredible walk down memory lane with this fantastic book!
April 24, 2010
This book is quite repetitive. Talks about television's impact on folks, politics, television programs and other media. Color television sets were around in the 50's but were so astronomically priced not many families owned one. Same with microwave ovens. Families were larger - not the individuals but the family unit. No personal computers or cell phones. No VHS or dvds. Schools were beginning to be desegregated. Newscasters were all white and all male.
Not so much a blast to the past but perhaps of slight interest to those who would like to hear a bit of what life was like in the South during the 50's. Seems to be written for posterity.
Not so much a blast to the past but perhaps of slight interest to those who would like to hear a bit of what life was like in the South during the 50's. Seems to be written for posterity.
June 9, 2010
Jim Chamber's memory is prodigious and, I assume, he followed up his thoughts with a ton of research.
While my own boomer recollections vary from Jim's (west coast, not south; female, not male), enough of them rang a bell for me to relate.
Jim's writing style is conversational and it's easy to believe Jim's sitting on the porch with me relating his childhood memories to me. I'm laughing, and he's chuckling. I fill him in on some of my own remembrances, and he nods his understanding.
If you're in that boomer age group, I highly recommend that you read Jim's book. It's available at Amazon in Kindle and paperback. At Smashwords.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
While my own boomer recollections vary from Jim's (west coast, not south; female, not male), enough of them rang a bell for me to relate.
Jim's writing style is conversational and it's easy to believe Jim's sitting on the porch with me relating his childhood memories to me. I'm laughing, and he's chuckling. I fill him in on some of my own remembrances, and he nods his understanding.
If you're in that boomer age group, I highly recommend that you read Jim's book. It's available at Amazon in Kindle and paperback. At Smashwords.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
July 2, 2011
This was a fairly interesting trip down memory lane for me, since I am only a few years younger than the author and grew up in roughly the same era. The author stated that this book was not written as a memoir, but I think that I would have enjoyed it more if it were. A few of the chapters were a little dry for my taste. I would have prefered them to be written in a more story-like context. All in all though, this was a quick read that did a good job of evoking the fifties that I remember.
May 3, 2010
This was a fun book to read. Even though technically I was only two years old in the '50's, much of what was discussed was also around in the early '60's. Jim Chambers brought up many things I had long forgotten - it was nice to take that trip back and revisit that time. I recommend this book to those who lived it and those who would like to know "what it was like".
April 13, 2011
What a dog of a book! I was hoping for a slice-in-time from a fellow boomers, but this is a very self-referential and skewed take on the era. Loaded with judgments, which makes the narrator unsympathetic. The writing made me wince. The best I can say is that the kindle edition was cheap. A must-pass.
July 21, 2010
Nostalgic (or a reminder of how far we’ve come) for children of the ‘50s and early ‘60s. A premier on the “olden days” for the younger crowd. Chambers tells the good with the bad – in other words more than a series of “sonny, when I was a kid” stories.
August 3, 2010
A fun reminder of many little things I had forgotten about growing up in the 50's. Although the author was from Georgia, so many of his experiences were identical to mine while living in the Midwest. It was a glorious time to be alive......life was simple.
October 7, 2011
Even though I feel more like a 60's child having just started kindergarten in 1957 I do remember a lot of the things he spoke about in the book. Kind of an easy walk down Memory Lane.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews