Growing Up Doughnut

by Don Shields

Growing Up Doughnut is more than a coming of age tale. It is a story of simpler times in a small town that could be anywhere USA. A time when kids played until the street lights came on and parents watched out for everyone's kids. The story is funny, poignant, revealing, thought provoking and, at times, heartbreaking. Although somewhat autobiographical in nature, the story is a work of creative non-fiction with characters and theme that are universal.

168 pages, Paperback

First published May 11, 2010

Reviews

[Rosey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute book about growing up in my hometown. It's sad how much Hoopeston declined from the 50s/60s (the timeframe of the book) to my era of the 80s/90s. But also great how some stories and some experiences were universal. I had to put down the book and laugh when I read about cruising, where everyone got in cars and drove this very specific loop on the main two streets. I'm pretty sure my parents met while doing that lap, and I know I spent four years doing it too. As long as Hoopeston's around, I bet high schoolers will be cruising that same loop.

It was a little "romanticizing" of small towns. I understand why the author chose a more positive portrayal, but there are downsides to small town living that were either glossed over or ignored. It was a little hard to read all the great things without any mention of the negatives. (Although, I will grant him - the smell is definitely negative!)

Fun read, and interesting to think about all the people who came before me.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, Coach Shields, you have done it--you've created a masterpiece! I loved this book almost as much as I loved having you for a High School teacher and coach! Even though I didn't grow up in Hoopeston, nor in the era in which you did, nor am I a boy, I completely related to everything you wrote about! You captured the essence of growing up in small town America perfectly and I cannot wait to pass this book on. I've told my co-workers about it and plan to order and send a copy to my father-in-law, a former Junior High principal and author, himself. :)

I give you an A+!