Me and the Cottonwood Tree

Subtitle
An Untethered Boyhood

Chock-full of unbelievable stories, "Me and the Cottonwood Tree" will enchant readers with the hilarious misadventures of young Herb growing up during some of the most pivotal times in America. From getting stuck in the family outhouse, to buying a donkey as a pet, to creating a giant fireball out of burning Christmas trees, you'll be taken along for a wild ride.

Set in Arizona and California from 1933 to 1950, this is the story of one boy's untethered childhood. Herb Bryce grew up as part of a large Mormon family, moving frequently from town to town and house to house. In each new home, Herb learns valuable lessons ... and often gets into heaps of mischief along the way. Jump back to a time when kids were given freedom not often allowed to children today — roaming fields and forests, having adventures and learning about how to create adventure right outside your door.

Bio

Herb Bryce was born in rural Arizona in 1933, and served four years in the Navy. Bryce majored in chemistry at Arizona State University and graduated with the class of 1959. He served as the division chair of physical sciences and taught chemistry at Citrus College, and was the dean of science, and a math and chemistry professor at Seattle Central College.

Praise for this book

Anyone who has a grandparent would be lucky to get a book like this. The story is not just about of the shaping of one boy, but also of a culture and way of life long gone. Winding family history within American history is a great gift, and makes for excellent storytelling, for grandkids and the rest of us. I think I'd like to sit under that cottonwood tree myself.

Laurie Lindblad Amazon reviews

I loved the book! From scorpions to swimming lessons; dances to dynamite, this is the story of a childhood well spent. Reading this book feels like you're gathered around listening to a friend tell a well-loved story … Thoroughly enjoyable from cover to cover.

Lorie Hoffman, MFA, University of Montana Amazon reviews