Bill Bryson was born in 1951, in Des Moines, Iowa (middle of the United States). He was just like any other typical boy filled with dreams and fantasies. He lived his childhood with a fantasy of life as a rich superhero. This motivated him to run around the neighborhood with a jersey that had a thunderbolt on it, battling with the 'bad guys' of the town, all in his head. Hence, the title “Thunderbolt Kid” came into existence. He takes us on a walk down memory lane of his life. His mother- a home furnishing director and father- a sportswriter for the local paper; have been beautifully depicted in this warm and funny book. Bill takes us through a rollercoaster of emotions, from laughter to tears, which would make you relive your childhood days. 'The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid' is one of Bill Bryson's best works.