Jenny Brown
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Modern, Funny Tale of Childhood in the 1970s and 80s - Highly Recommend This Book!
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2020
This is one of the most heartfelt, authentic, and wonderful books I have read in a long, long time!
The author manages to weave a "folky" tapestry of funny stories, little bits of history, song lyrics, wisdom, tears, nostalgia, and even throws in a kid getting "kicked in the bing-bongs" (You'll laugh when you read this story, I assure you.)
We live in a cynical and complicated world today. This book hearkens back to a simpler time and place. A time that WAS, but also at the same time NEVER WAS. By this, I mean that book has the quality of a folktale or myth. I don't mean that it is untrue, or fake, I mean that it has that LARGER THAN LIFE quality, that truly moving and inspired books have.
The book is filled with true tales of the author's childhood in Oregon and Washington but also some tall tales and legends are worked in. These are all blended together in a really delightful way. Also, the author's love and knowledge of nature is apparent in the writing, and the reader really begins to get back in touch with a more natural and simpler part of his or herself and may even be inspired to go look for A CLAM BEAR, or something (You will get it when you read it ;) Fantastic book, great and compelling stories that will make you laugh, cry, at times cringe a little, and say WOW! Loved it!
Robert
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a great read!
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2020
I think what struck me most about reading this book was how well the author told HIS stories and memories. I think I could have read this book in three hours if it weren't for the memories it evoked in me. I found myself not only relating to the stories told but being reminded of my own stories and memories. Anyone the grew up in the '70s and '80s will easily identify with this book. It was pure joy mixed with love, family and even some tears.
What an incredible journey down memory lane; thank you Jeremy, I needed this book right now!
One person found this helpful
Neil McCrea
5.0 out of 5 stars
A compendium of boyhood magic hidden in humorous anecdotes
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2020
Verified Purchase
There are many memoirs full of humorous childhood anecdotes, but what sets the Polliwog Fields apart are not only the time and place (mostly '70s and mostly Astoria, OR) but a true sense of childhood wonder. The style and genre is reminiscent of Patrick McManus' work. However, with McManus whatever truth lies at the heart of his anecdotes is obscured by a slick polish the puts the humor at the forefront of the story. In Owen's book the humor is there to support and illuminate the truth. Of course, you're still likely to bust a gut laughing at a neighborhood bully getting kicked in the nuts.
One person found this helpful
sheryl d knowlton
5.0 out of 5 stars
I Loved this book!!
Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2020
This is a lovely whimsical book filled with truth and fantasy told thru the eyes of a small child. It is full of stories and adventures he shared mainly with his younger brother. I found myself laughing and crying through the chapters and at times both together. After I completed the book, I bought a copy for my grandson and can't wait for him to read it. A "feel good" book I highly recommend.
John A. Link
5.0 out of 5 stars
Captivating
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2020
A laugh out loud, with a few tears. Well thought out and written. It is magical, mystical and mischievous. I grew up in the same town, and it sure brought back memories. I know and love all the characters, and I mean characters in this book. Loved it!!
Linda Peck
5.0 out of 5 stars
I would have loved growing up with these kids!
Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2020
Loved this book! I laughed out loud reading the great stories of these kids. Brought back fond memories of crazy stuff we did with our cousins and neighborhood friends. Fun and touching stories.
Frances Wick White
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great read.
Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2020
Verified Purchase
Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
Cheryl W.
5.0 out of 5 stars
funny, touching and memorable
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2020
I laughed and cried my way through this book. I live in Astoria OR so some of the places mentioned seemed quite real to me. The writer kept my attention all through the book. I couldn't wait to see all the adventures and laugh out loud at their antics. As a mother I sure could relate to the threats, tears, scrapes that these kids and their cousins got into, the joy reading that they argued and fought yet had each others backs. what a wonderful escape into the world of kids, seen through the writers eye. I couldn't put the book down and had to reread some of the chapters to enjoy it even more. Can't wait to read his next book.
Lance L. Logan
5.0 out of 5 stars
Took my right back to being a kid.
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2020
I would have read it in one sitting but I didn't want it to end, so I took my time. This was like the childhood that I wanted, though I'm fairly certain that Jimmy would have kicked my ass. Jeremy, you did such a good job of describing these memories, with a great balance of humor, heartbreak, joy, imagination and love. I'm so happy that you wrote this. Can't wait for the songs! Hey...here's a thought....cartoon. I'll just leave that here for you to ponder.
Madroy
5.0 out of 5 stars
You'll get lost in this amazing, magical book!
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2020
I downloaded this book yesterday afternoon and finished it a few hours later - I couldn't put it down and frankly, didn't want it to end. I quickly got lost in my own childhood nostalgia and adventures, feeling like I was tagging along right beside each (real) character. Jeremy Owen poured his heart into telling the stories of his youth. Having grown up mostly in Astoria, where the book takes place, I could easily transport myself into the exact locations of each adventure. Owen writes with delightful candor, humor, whimsy, truth, and masterfully brings along the reader with every recollection. He brilliantly paints a vivid picture of everyone he writes about - you'll leave feeling like you knew them, or wanted to. Anyone growing up in the 70's or 80's, regardless of where they grew up, will find a part of themselves in this book. If you're looking for a book that will make you laugh, make you cry, and bring you back to some of the best times in your life, this is it. Thank you, Mr. Owen, for sharing yourself, your family, your brilliant imagination, your adventures, and wonderful writing for everyone to enjoy
Marsha Major
5.0 out of 5 stars
"As my father sings...as the river makes its lazy turn to the sea, I am born."
Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2020
And so begins the saga of a tale well-told thru the eyes of a grownup little boy. WOW! I don't live, nor have ever lived in Astoria, but I feel like I have after reading this wonderful gem. I have visited Astoria and man, Jeremy nails it in an enchanting and compelling way thru the eyes of a gifted child.
And also--one of the best prologues I have ever read. I couldn't put it down.
Beatrice Wartchow
5.0 out of 5 stars
Simply a magical read
Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2020
This was a magical read in which the lines between reality and fiction are blurred. It’s categorized as YA but really it speaks to adults in so many ways and stirs up so much emotion and nostalgia that the reader could instantly be transported to when they were a child in their old stomping grounds. It’s set in the 70’s/80’s along the Pacific Northwest (specifically Astoria and Seattle) and is about a little boy and his adventure with his siblings. It is such an endearing read and so many times I wept and laughed in the same sentences.
This is an anyone from anywhere type of read as you appreciate the setting and the period in which it takes place but for Astorian’s this is your read for sure and no doubt you will relate. This story is in each of us.
David J. Pursley
5.0 out of 5 stars
Greatness of wonder
Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2020
It was a great tale of the life and imagination of children. We underestimate what they live in and with. This book enlightens the eyes of the reader. It brought back great memories for me and my youth. Great job Mr. Owens.
One person found this helpful
shawna clark
5.0 out of 5 stars
The wonderment of growing up.
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2020
Reading this has reminded me of the things an adult should remember about childhood. It has been both the fantastical of imagination and the realities of our world growing up. Supremely look forward to the next book!
BeBe Johnson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Magically Captivating ❤️
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2020
I got my book today...I am so incredibly excited!!! Thank you Jeremy Owen - I loved your stories so much growing up and look forward to reading all of it ❤️💙💜💚 Your writing is so captivating I can't put my book down!
2 people found this helpful
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Michelle
4.0 out of 5 stars
Throughly Enjoyed
Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2020
Great stories! Made me laugh out loud, brought tears to my eyes, and touched my heart. Written about real places in the small town of Astoria in the Pacific Northwest.
2 people found this helpful
jstass
5.0 out of 5 stars
Such a fun read!
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2020
A laugh-out-loud tale of adventure as seen through the eyes of a child. Cleverly written with many delightful facts and fiction about all things Pacific Northwest.
Sherlock Mattson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Download the sample and you’ll be hooked!
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2020
Anxiously awaiting my full book. I downloaded and read the sample and loved the story. I immediately ordered the book.
Margaret Jean Wells
5.0 out of 5 stars
A family rich with love
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2020
The stories are written so well that you feel as if you were there.
Billy K
5.0 out of 5 stars
What a great ride!
Reviewed in the United States on February 22, 2020
This book is an adventure from the memories of childhood. Touching and laugh out loud funny. Some things you will recognize from your own childhood no matter if you were a child raised in the 50's, 60's or 70's. A story of a money poor family but with a wealth of love that money can't buy. Big adventures await for anyone who buys this book. I highly recommend it. What a great ride.
Kathryn S.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delightfully funny!
Reviewed in the United States on February 23, 2020
Every page is delightful and funny - even the sad stories are poignant! Truly an incredible recollection of the whole families impact on his childhood. Jeremy includes historical events too - Elvis death and Mount St. Helens blowing its top! His pen and ink drawings replicate the true images of Astoria.
One person found this helpful
Richard L. Layton
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very good read
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2020
This is a book of childhood in the 60's, small town America. It is also the tale of boys, a family, and a Father lost to soon. It is so funny. Turning the clock back. What your kids are missing with their gadgets this brings it back to reality. We didn't have that stuff so we had adventures.
One person found this helpful
JoAnn Allen
5.0 out of 5 stars
A walk down memory lane
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2020
What an enjoyable read of life on the Oregon coast during the seventies. I am confident my 5 sons who grew up during the same time in Seaside could relate to the adventures of the Owen brothers. Thank you for helping us remember how wonderful life can be through the eyes of a child.
One person found this helpful
DrPM
5.0 out of 5 stars
A delightful book
Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2020
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed the stories. They brought back childhood memories. A fun read for anyone.
Sarah
5.0 out of 5 stars
you have to read this book
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2020
This is an amazing story, which needs to be read. It will make you laugh and cry. It will make you want to relive your youth and write your own story. This author did an amazing job in describing people and places. It made you feel as if you were along for the ride.
love love love it
One person found this helpful
Chadlyo
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Charming!
Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2020
Great stories that bring back the feels of growing up in the Pacific Northwest during the 70's and 80's.