Bread Bags & Bullies: Surviving the 80's by Steven Manchester Reviewed

About the Book:


Title: Bread Bags & Bullies Surviving the 80's
Author: Steven Manchester

It’s the winter of 1984. Twelve-year old Herbie and his two brothers—Wally and Cockroach—are enjoying the mayhem of winter break when a late Nor’easter blows through New England, trapping their quirky family in the house. The power goes out and playing Space Invaders to AC DC’s Back in Black album is suddenly silenced—forcing them to use their twisted imaginations in beating back the boredom. At a time when the brothers must overcome one fear after the next, they learn that courage is the one character trait that guarantees all others.

This hysterical coming-of-age tale is jam-packed with enough nostalgia to satisfy anyone who grew up in the ‘80s or at least had the good fortune to travel through them.

You can purchase a copy HERE! 

About the Author:

Steven Manchester is the author of the The Rockin' Chair (to be released June 18th), as well as the #1 best seller, Twelve Months (2013 San Francisco Book Festival award winner). He is also the author of Goodnight, Brian, A Christmas Wish, Pressed Pennies, The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy, Jacob Evans, and several books under the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show, CBS's The Early Show, CNN’s American Morning and BET’s Nightly News. Recently, three of Steven's short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or his four children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing. 

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My Thoughts:

I have mixed emotions on this book. I was a teen in the 80's, I graduated in 1984, yes, I know I just dated myself! All of the pop culture references that Mr. Manchester put into the book brought back loads of fun memories and were my favorite parts of the book! The Van Halen album, 1984, that twelve year old Herbie is waiting for at the beginning of the novel,  I received that January for my birthday in cassette form to blast in my car.

The three boys antics throughout the book had me laughing and rolling my eyes. Partly because I've raised three girls, and secondly I have grandsons so I know there is a huge difference between what girls think is funny and what boys think is.

The book was literally a trip down memory lane for me and I loved that about it. Mr. Manchester is does a good job of writing a book that is relatable and memorable. 

My only fault with the book is the language that he uses. I was not prepared for that, and if you follow my blog you know that most if not all of my reviews are of clean books. It took me awhile to get passed the language to enjoy it. Just be aware of it. 

This is a true coming of age story and Steven Manchester brings that alive from page one.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.