Paperboy Days by Ken Hohman

Synopsis: An account of family, community, church, and what it was like being a paperboy in the 70's.

Writing Style: Warm. Soothing. Relaxed. Plain.

Pacing: Moderate.

Personal Highlights: Ken's story really grew on me. I loved the nostalgic moonwalk (back) thru the 70's. Describing 'them days' through his paper route; the customers, his friends, brothers and Pittsburgh Post-Gazette colleagues, along with his parents, the community and historical vignettes of Pittsburgh itself proved to be more than doting stories around a paper route.

His father, a doctor, mostly treated Coal Miners. And his mother, a homemaker, provided the care and feeding of the family. The family was not rich (note: the paper route). This was a typical time when average families prioritized taking care of the home and community. I couldn't help but recall some of the same sights, smells and customs... the food and cigar scents and dubbing out cigarettes before answering a knock at the door.  There was always the cranky Mr. Leonard, or the sweet Ms. Bates, or the Mr. Klein who couldn't recall your name. I also recall the TV Guides as coasters...the fire hydrants, the tube socks pulled up to the knees, the Pumas and Keds sneakers, along with rallying around state teams, the big booming sound system, the music, and things such as understanding the precision it took to play music. Haha. Throwing blankets over cars during impending snowstorms however, that was one proactive snow measure that eluded me. Didn't recall that one. Perhaps this was why the description of communities hit hard by the closing of factories and plants such as the Pittsburgh Steel plant was hard to read.

And still, the paper route stories won me over. From the 'collection stories' to drawing out that convo with Chris was just too funny! I loved the interaction with Fritz the German Shepard, and the papergirl and Penguin jersey as well. And oh, can't omit the sex education class Ken had to take with his father (at the Catholic church given by a nun/sister) over a 'playboy magazine'. All around, wonderful memories...well worth the read. I really enjoyed this book, as much as I adored the Cover!!! Highly recommended.