James B. Zimmerman

Down the Gully is a very short (78 pgs) light read targeting pre-teen readers. The author states that it is based on his life and this is apparent to the reader. The escapades, thoughts, fears and embarrassments are spot on. Jimmy, known to his friends as Meathead, rides his Big Wheel while his friends are on 'big bikes' because he doesn't want them to see him fall each time he stops, due to the fact that his feet don't reach the ground! This is just one example of the realistic factors of this book. It is the 1970s, before computers and video games and when kids spend every waking moment outside. The author obviously remembers his youth very well!
*This review is an unbiased review of a book I received free of charge from LibraryThing Early Reviewers.*… (más)

I received a free copy of this book through the Early Reviewer's Club. When I requested a copy of the book I thought that it was a graphic novel. Instead, it is a memoir of the author's life growing up with the nickname Meathead. When I realized that it was written for young adults, I set it aside for a few days. After reading it I am sorry that I waited. I loved it!

Probably a big part of why I like this book has to do with my having similar experiences growing up as the author had. Meathead is egged on by his friends to shoplift candy, gum and other items from a local store. I hate to admit I did the same thing under peer pressure. However, Meathead becomes the shoplifter at his school, taking orders from classmates and distributing the stuff after he steals it. His best friend Matt is a frequent accomplice. Together the steal higher priced and bulkier items. They have so much stuff that they have to scramble to find hiding spaces for the loot. When they get caught six months later, their parents make them return the merchandise to the store manager. After being banned from the shop, the two of them move on to terrorizing girls and lying about their age. These are the stories of childhoods long passed. I cannot imagine kids today being allowed outside all day to play and get into this kind of hilarious trouble.

A great read!… (más)