Growing up in rural Arkansas and Oklahoma in the middle of the twentieth century, the author of this memoir tells about the unique challenges and experiences that came along with being raised in a time when the country was making the transition to modern technology. From his early childhood and growing up with his family to school sports and events with other children his age, Caplinger offers a very clear and fascinating picture of what life was like at this particular place in time. The author’s difficult relationship with his father, who seems to be looking for any excuse to criticize and isolate him in his boyhood, adds additional struggle and complicates already existing issues in his life. Recounting the time he spent growing up and his approaching manhood, Caplinger focuses on the small details that have a tendency to become unforgettable.

Aside from the rather memorable personal journey of the author, the attention to small details in the book, such as how improvised machinery was assembled, the various methods of bringing in heat or water into the home, or even the trimming of trees on the homestead give the reader a very clear mental picture of every chapter in this book. While it may be harder for younger readers to imagine someone living so simply less than a century ago, the narrative and the author’s simple joys at small things give this autobiography plenty of relatable humanity. By keeping the focus of this book on just Caplinger's childhood, this read has plenty of room to get into fascinating stories without being too lengthy of a read, making it accessible and easy to pick up and put down as needed.

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