Boy and Going Solo

I read these books to my 5 year old because they were included in a 15 book set that he received as a gift. Boy was entertaining. We got to see what Dahl was as a kid. Pranks with friends, family life, and other events that were likely inspiration for his books.Going Solo was a lot heavier, because most of it takes place during WWII when Dahl was a fighter pilot. It really makes you appreciate his books, because you realize that he was lucky to have survived the war! The book was also a great topic of discussion with my kid. We talked about what happened during the war, but also about how countries rebuilt and recovered after the war.

I guess this is aimed at a Young Adult audience so that took some getting used to. And as an adult I do prefer adult oriented prose.The first volume is fun, poignant and grim by turns. It is somewhat marred but the repetitive sections detailing the harsh corporal punishment of caning meted out to him in the boarding schools he attended. But he states at the very beginning that his goal was to only record the most memorable experiences.The second volume is a real joy. Real 'boys own adventure' stuff. Wonderful! Superb! Most fun I've had in ages.

No wonder Dahl wrote such wonderfully awful characters as Ms. Trunchbull (sp?)--he had real-life inspiration! I read his account of getting his tonsils out to my 6th grade students each year to sell them on this book: with no anesthetic, his doctor said, "Open your mouth," and when Dahl did, he darted in with a scalpel and snick-snick, Dahl spit out two globs of flesh and a lot of blood. Well-ah, a tonsillectomy! And the scene of his sister taking the family for a drive in their first car! Oh my god! She didn't know how to turn it or stop it, but she let the little kids persuade her to go faster and faster! Bones are broken! It's nuts! And his teachers. Wow. Corporal punishment with a cane. I like to read the description of being whipped with a cane to my 6th graders when they complain about how strict we are on them so they can realize how good they actually have it. They're so aghast that they argue over who gets to read the whole book. Music to my ears.

I'm of a generation somewhat younger (by about 30 years) than Roald Dahl, but memories of a British childhood still rang true for me. He evidently led quite a charmed life after leaving school, and saw a lot of the world. Stories from his early career in the far-flung British Empire are often hilarious, especially that of the fake dandruff, and the woman who told him, quite matter-of-fact, that he would go mad, just like her and everybody else who shipped out. His wartime experience as a flyer makes you wonder how the British even survived World War II.All in all, a very readable book.

Boy was new to me but Going Solo I have read before. Still, Dahl is such a pleasure to read I devoured both books. Now we know Dahl is a pleasure to re read! Nice having both books in one bundle!

Boy and Going Solo are delightful books! Mr. Dahl writes smoothly and true. There is never any confusion for the reader. The sentences tumble from his pen, flowing in harmony across the pages as you see his life unfold. And what an interesting life! Do read it! You'll be happy you did!

My 5th grade daughter has to read a biography for school. She has enjoyed so many Roald Dahl books that I thought she might be able to get through this autobiography without too much resistance. She really enjoyed it (and she isn't a voracious reader). She still talks about some of the interesting things that happened in his life and inspired some of his books. She says she plans to read More About Boy someday, too.

My son had to do an autobiography on someone and he chose Roald Dahl because he loves his other books and stories. This is the story about Roald Dahl from his childhood up through his career, told in a very 'Roald Dahl' way. It is a very easy read that you and/or your kids will love.

I read the Boy ages ago, but I wanted to read the second part of his autobiography. I can truly say that there is no part of this book that is boring. Each chapter contains fond and funny moments of Roald Dahl. A great read whether your a child or adult.

Still reading this but a beautifully, brilliantly written and presented autobiography from Mr Dahl.Text size makes it easy to read and there are lots of photos to break up the writing.Mr Ds humour throughout. Great for an adult read and for any younger RD fan.

My son was set a target of expanding his reading by his English teacher so he and I chose this as one to try with the added bonus of there being two books in one. Well he's so glad we did, its comical, sad and thought provoking all at the same time. True to Dahlian style it kept his attention and he is now whizzing through the second book.

Great stories of Ronald Dahl real life. I have read it before and bought two copies to give as presents. Who doesn’t love these stories. Makes good gifts for lads, boys, men, if you are stumped for a gift.

Brilliant. Dahl is witty, observant and wicked. These books are written for children and adults with Dahl's trademark style of simple language, complex meaning and lashings og humour. There is a timeless appeal to these books. I loved his childrens books as a child and for reading to my children so these autobiographical novels were a godsend for a rainy Sunday in a caravan. Short and easy to read but the feel good factor lasts for a long time