Independence Days: Still Just Boys and Other Stories

by Justin Matott

Book Overview

One common, peripheral but unifying element is preent in each of these 26 essays about transforming the ordinary into the memorable.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0937381756
• ISBN13: 9780937381755
• Release Date: October 2000
• Publisher: Brewers Publications
• Length: 208 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.5" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

Heady stuff!

Heady stuff: A local writer's 'mostly true' tales of an effervescent, golden youth By Rebecca Cody For the Camera Boulder writer Justin Matott's new collection of "mostly true" coming-of-age stories, "Independence Days," is written with the mellow and sober candor of an adult perspective. Matott, author of two novels and several children's books, tries to capture a glimpse of a reality now long gone -- a more carefree, slower America -- based on his childhood growing up in rural Colorado. In these short, often heart-warming vignettes, Matott reaches back to his younger days in an attempt to understand himself a little better, and perhaps, as an exercise in cathartic autobiography. Though the author claims to write about his own experience with little embellishment, one can't help but wonder how "true" such recollections are. Each of us possesses our own unique perspective, but Matott does seem to come through many of his experiences unscathed -- he seems not to have learned very much. Regardless of how close to reality his tales really are, Matott accomplishes a major feat -- he makes the reader believe in his tales, shared confidences and minor adventures, a tribute to his ability as a very good storyteller. He establishes a truthful, honest and often self-effacing voice, which keeps the reader turning pages. We're inclined to believe in these sketches, whether or not they are told exactly as they occurred. In the 24 vignettes -- they average fewer than seven pages apiece -- he examines the influence of his older brother, neighborhood families, friends and bullies. He explores adolescent crushes and describes unexpected experiences, as when he did a little bull-riding with other kids from his father's rodeo club. He throws in quite a few rebellious, yet still mostly well-meaning antics, such as bullying a slow neighborhood boy who becomes an easy target for the young Matott's anger. Yet despite his treatment of "Spike" as a virtual punching-bag and his continued pranks in efforts to impress neighborhood pals, we sense that even at a very young age, in his quieter moments, this writer was attuned to the feelings of others. It is difficult for most people to become nostalgic without getting too sentimental, but Matott walks this fine line with aplomb. Stories such as "An Occasional Bachelor" or "Still Just Boys" capture the author's recurring theme of "guys will be guys," and just-let-us-do-our-guy-thing. Other stories seem less relevant. "Glory Days" for example, focuses on crisp autumn weather, rather than a tale about last-minute pick-up football games, which tries to be the story's focus. At times his prose is carried away by the feel of the weather; unfortunately, these descriptions are more tiresome than poetic, adding little to the characters we're given. Occasionally he squeezes in a story, seemingly for reasons of chronology, but he might have done better to simply take out two or three of the less-heartfelt vignettes. Matott is a

Beery

After reading Independence Days it is clear that Justin Matott likes beer. He had his first when he was 14 which I bet does not happen with a lot of kids. He told very funny stories like when he thought his neighbor would kill him after driving for a while. Justin is also lucky for getting to go to other countries. This was a good book to read for me because of my age and to wonder if any of those events will happen to me when I am older.

I laughed out loud!

This book brought back many memories of times gone by with my old buddies. I recommend it highly. Going Postal had me chuckling so loud my wife grabbed the book and soon she was laughing out loud too. We finished the chapter together and went on to read more...

Best book out there, although I did write it, so I'm biased!

This book brought back many wonderful memories. In each chapter I found my style of writing enchanting. My personal favorites included Going Postal, Village Idiot and in general the way I blended the past, present and future. I whole heartedly recommend reading this book and look forward to my next. Obviously, this is meant tongue in cheek, I just wanted to read something about this book, since it hasn't had any other reviews....