America

I wasn't thrilled with this book. The story of the two main characters was warm and engaging. However, when the boys grew up, the story moved a little faster. I kept confusing the two boys and I had to back track to verify which one I was reading about.The book became a backdrop for the author's political ideology. The author's development of the Vietnam war and President Kennedy's assassination were more vivid in my child's memory than what the author portrayed in his book.I love when I am reading a book how my mind shows me pictures instead of the words. That did not happen when Mick and Troy grew up.I am not a writer and I don't like to give negative reviews about something that I , myself, am not skill full at. The author obviously worked hard to write this book. I thank him for that and trying to keep me engaged.

Principal characters named Mick and Troy are what attracted me to this, as well as the 60's coming of age aspect. My nickname is Mick. (Don't ask but it had something to do with the mouse.) I also spent some time in a Catholic orphanage as did the character Troy, who, like my friend Troy tends to run to the conservative. I can also remember taking a few days leave from my small New England college for some sexual adventures in Albany as does the character Mick. Unlike him, I discovered early that the sheepskin was the key to getting your ticket punched in real life so did not experience Mick's round the world ambles. The female characters are interesting as well and the background well described for the times.For Boomer readers, this one is a great read. On to volume 2 and just discovered there is a volume 3 as well so I expect to be entertained for awhile!

Like some of the other reviewers, I was drawn to the subject because the time frame is contemporary to me. As I started to read, I found the story fascinating. The bizarre dialect spelling detracted somewhat, but within a few chapters, I became immersed in the story of the four kids, their families and surroundings. I fully expected that I had found a series of books that would keep me spellbound for the foreseeable future.Unfortunately , as soon as the main characters moved to young adulthood , the book instantly disintegrated into a sloppy mess of sex, vile language, drugs and drinking. When the author chose to incorporate his own political agendas into the storyline, he lost me. For 60% of the book, I couldn't put it down; during the last 40%, I found myself flipping through the pages at breakneck speed. I could not wait to get it over with. I'm giving this 3 stars because the first part was so good. The last half is 1 star at best. No more Mike Bond books for me. Thank goodness the Kindle price was cheap, I guess you get what you pay for.

Very interesting characters, all of whom I would like to meet in the real world. Normally I read mysteries or non-fiction. A nice change of pace.

Loved reading this book as I grew up during this time served in the midst for 4 years from 1966 until 1970 in the usaf.

Thoroughly enjoyed comparing my youth memories while reading about these kids in this novel. Brought back my own Army life too !

Too wore out from too much sex in this book. The writing is great but the story is weak and repetitive.

I found it interesting how the perspectives of the characters shows the trials of America and coming of age in a changing time.