memoirs

Tobias Wolff's memoir entitled This Boy's Life is a poignant look at a dysfunctional family set in the "Baby- Boomer" era; a time in America when society was still being exposed to the portrayal of family by such icons as "Lassie" and "Ozzie and Harriet". This book proves to be a worthwhile read as it encompasses the struggles, triumphs, and qualities of an unsung hero.
Toby (our hero) once said "I wanted to call myself Jack, after Jack London. I believed that his name would charge me with some strength and competence inherent in my idea of him. [P. 8]" In this comment it becomes clear that Toby held internal struggles and he wanted to have a fresh start and outlook on life. With that being said, it becomes more evident that he struggled before he left and wanted to have a name that would "charge" him with "strength and competence" so that in the future he could triumph over his struggles. Or help prevent those that lie ahead of him all together. That same alter ego helps him in his struggles with Dwight, his evil stepfather and nemesis.
Throughout the book, one basic cliché that makes for a great story is stressed and that is "You can achieve anything that you put your mind to". Although that exact phrase is never mentioned in the story, the way the hero, Toby, overcomes all of his obstacles shows just how pertenent the above mentioned phrase is to Toby's whole life. Like when Dwight made Toby play basketball in dress shoes because he was too cheap and cruel to buy him sneakers. Despite the humiliation of repeatedly tripping, Toby continued to play because he was determined to finish the game.
Toby is "Every man's Hero" because he is a whirlwind of contradictions. He's deeply flawed yet focused. He is vulnerable but sly. And in the end we cheer for this insecure, young boy who proves to be a tower of strength and courage. When Toby risks his life to rescue someone in danger, the evolution of his character is complete. The Unsung Hero.
This Boy's Life: A true classic and a great tale of "Good Overcoming Evil" and a testament to moral fiber and hard work.

Having read "This Boy's Life" I now will read everything else that Tobias Wolff has written. A powerful tale of a young boy's life as he goes down the rough path that has been experienced by many a boy victimized by divorce and subsequent poor choices that parents and ex-parents make. Mr. Wolff's clarity of recall of the events of this story and his understanding of his and other's actions and motives combine to put us firmly in his shoes and to experience many of his tales as if we were there. I highly recommend this book to all, particularly if you as a young man experienced the negative effects of your parents divorce and their subsequent poor choices with carreers and/or relationships.

<br /> (...)<br /> This is an accurately told book regarding the hard life that some children must go through. The lack of actually having a normal childhood. This is a great book, very emotional<br /> Also recommending: Nightmares Echo,Bastard Out Of Carolina,Running With Scissors<br /> <br />