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An American Childhood
An American Childhood
An American Childhood An American Childhood
An American Childhood
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Amazon.com Review

Annie Dillard remembers. She remembers the exhilaration of whipping a snowball at a car and having it hit straight on. She remembers playing with the skin on her mother''s knuckles, which "didn''t snap back; it lay dead across her knuckle in a yellowish ridge." She remembers the compulsion to spend a whole afternoon (or many whole afternoons) endlessly pitching a ball at a target. In this intoxicating account of her childhood, Dillard climbs back inside her 5-, 10-, and 15-year-old selves with apparent effortlessness. The voracious young Dillard embraces headlong one fascination after another--from drawing to rocks and bugs to the French symbolists. "Everywhere, things snagged me," she writes. "The visible world turned me curious to books; the books propelled me reeling back to the world." From her parents she inherited a love of language--her mother''s speech was "an endlessly interesting, swerving path"--and the understanding that "you do what you do out of your private passion for the thing itself," not for anyone else''s approval or desire. And one would be mistaken to call the energy Dillard exhibits in An American Childhood merely youthful; "still I break up through the skin of awareness a thousand times a day," she writes, "as dolphins burst through seas, and dive again, and rise, and dive."

Product Description

"[An American Childhood] combines the child''s sense of wonder with the adult''s intelligence and is written in some of the finest prose that exists in contemporary America. It is a special sort of memoir that is entirely successful...This new book is [Annie Dillard''s] best, a joyous ode to her own happy childhood."  — Chicago Tribune

A book that instantly captured the hearts of readers across the country, An American Childhood is Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Dillard''s poignant, vivid memoir of growing up in Pittsburgh in the 1950s and 60s. 

Dedicated to her parents - from whom she learned a love of language and the importance of following your deepest passions - this narrative tale will resonate for everyone who has ever recalled with longing playing baseball on an endless summer afternoon, caring for a pristine rock collection, or knowing in your heart that a book was written just for you. 

Review

"[An American Childhood] combines the child''s sense of wonder with the adult''s intelligence and is written in some of the finest prose that exists in contemporary America. It is a special sort of memoir that is entirely successful...This new book is [Annie Dillard''s] best, a joyous ode to her own happy childhood." -- Chicago Tribune

"A remarkable work...an exceptionally interesting account." --
New York Times

"A vivid and thoughtful evocation of particular personal experiences that have an exuberantly timeless appeal." --
Chicago Sun-Times

"An American Childhood does all this so consummately with Annie Dillard''s 50s childhood in Pittsburgh that it more than takes the reader''s breath away. It consumes you as you consume it, so that, when you have put down this book, you''re a different person, one who has virtually experiences another childhood." --
Chicago Tribune

"An American Childhood shimmers with the same rich detail, the same keen and often wry observations as her first book [Pilgrim at Tinker Creek]." --
Charlotte Observer

"By turns wry, provocative and sometimes breathtaking...This is a work marked by exquisite insight." --
Boston Globe

"Every paragraph Dillard writes is full of information, presenting the mundane with inventive freshness and offering exotic surprises as dessert...[Annie Dillard] is one of nature''s prize wonders herself--an example of sentient homo sapiens pushing the limits of the creative imagination. She deserves our close attentions." --
Chicago Tribune

"Loving and lyrical, nostalgic without being wistful, this is a book about the capacity for joy." --
Los Angeles Times

"The reader who can''t find something to whoop about is not alive. An American Childhood is perhaps the best American autobiography since Russell Baker''s Growing Up." --
Philadelphia Inquirer

From the Back Cover

A book that instantly captured the hearts of readers across the country, An American Childhood is Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Dillard''s poignant, vivid memoir of growing up in Pittsburgh in the 1950s.

About the Author

Annie Dillard is the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, An American Childhood, The Writing Life, The Living and The Maytrees. She is a member of the Academy of Arts and Letters and has received fellowship grants from the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts.


From The Washington Post

With the publication of An American Childhood in 1987, poet, essayist, naturalist, novelist and critic Annie Dillard helped usher in the age of memoirs. Following by only a few years the groundbreaking memoirs of Russell Baker (Growing Up, 1982) and Eudora Welty (One Writer''s Beginnings, 1984), Childhood, like these predecessors, defined a literary genre.

Annie Dillard blazed onto the scene exactly 30 years ago with the publication of Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, a meditation on the natural world that The Washington Post called "Walden with Pizzazz." Published when Dillard was just 29, and only a few months after her slim volume of poetry Tickets for a Prayer Wheel had landed with little notice, Pilgrim was stamped with the imprimatur of the Pulitzer Prize for general nonfiction the following year. After the publication of four more books, she turned her attention to her own world in An American Childhood, a lyrical look at her idyllic and privileged childhood in Pittsburgh in the 1950s.

Dillard captures the genius loci of at least a part of the city then and lovingly describes her unorthodox, caring parents. Her father, who not only helped make the classic cult movie "Night of the Living Dead" but read On the Road at least as many times as she did ("approximately a million"), "walked lightly, long-legged, like a soft-shoe hoofer barely in touch with the floor." Her mother, an "unstoppable force," always reminded her that she didn''t know everything yet and gave her "the freedom of the streets as soon as I could say our telephone number." Along with the idea that Annie and her two sisters were "expected to take a stand," her mother also clearly passed on her love of language. One of Dillard''s hilarious retellings is of her mother overhearing the play-by-play of a Sunday afternoon baseball game and asking of the phrase "Terwilliger bunts one," "Is that English?" In summing up the compelling characters surrounding her, Dillard writes, "Everyone in the family was a dancing fool," making us all want that family.

In many ways this is less a coming-of-age story than it is a "coming-awake" one. This curious (double entendre intended) woman chronicles her own self-awareness. An intense, creative, acutely observant child with an outsized sense of wonder, Dillard dramatically, even breathlessly, writes of being 10 years old and increasingly aware of the world:

"The great outer world hove into view and began to fill with things that had apparently been there all along. . . . I woke at intervals until . . . I was more often awake than not. I noticed this process of waking, and predicted with terrifying logic that one of these years not far away I would be awake continuously and never slip back, and never be free of myself again." Although she is writing at three decades'' remove, we readers feel the immediacy of this child''s time of "heart-stopping transition, of this breakthrough shift between seeing and knowing you see, between being and knowing you be."

For me, the book resonates especially in Dillard''s descriptions of her reading -- its importance, its content, its value as escape. Reading, for her, took on a life of its own. It became what W.D. Wetherell, in his review of this book for The Post, called her "most requited" love. She responded to the "dreamlike interior murmur of books" and "opened books like jars."

With good reason, An American Childhood was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, as well as a bestseller. It''s easy reading -- happy reading, even -- and, at least for me, it''s lively and whimsical, but serious enough so that it doesn''t creep over into the saccharine. I read this book as soon as it appeared, and this re-reading proved only a little less satisfying the second time around, perhaps because I''ve put more distance between me and my own childhood. Please join me with your questions and comments for an online discussion of An American Childhood on Thursday, Aug. 26, at 3 p.m. on washingtonpost.com/liveonline.
Copyright 2004, The Washington Post Co. All Rights Reserved.

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4.1 out of 54.1 out of 5297 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

An American ChildhoodCasey Marie4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Relive the innocence and wonder of your own youth Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2015 With the 1987 publication of An American Childhood, Annie Dillard, novelist, critic and woman of all trades helped ushered in the age of the memoir. For this alone we should thank her. Non traditional in many ways, Dillard begins her work by claiming, "When... See more With the 1987 publication of An American Childhood, Annie Dillard, novelist, critic and woman of all trades helped ushered in the age of the memoir. For this alone we should thank her.

Non traditional in many ways, Dillard begins her work by claiming, "When everything else has gone from my brain...what will be left is topology: the dreaming memory of land as it lay." From this emerges a rich and generous history of Pittsburg, the landscape upon which Dillard''s childhood is inscribed. She takes the reader on a journey through every rock she overturned with a popsicle stick in hopes of finding buried treasure, through the alleyways where childhood games were played with ferocity, to the hallowed halls of Junior League dances where children are manufactured to become the city''s elite. Her personal history is so entwined with that of the city that they are artfully rendered one in the same.

Unlike other memoirs, An American Childhood flouts the traditional coming of age trope. Instead, Dillard focuses on awakening from the self absorption of early childhood and entrance into the greater world. In a sense, she chronicles the Lacanian moment of self awareness, and does so lyrically and deftly. However, such an exploration of inner experience necessitates the sacrifice of a clear narrative structure. This work is more of a meditation on childhood, rather than a straight forward account of her life.

For me, her work most resonates when she speaks of the importance of books and reading in forming her malleable psyche and material interactions with the world. In her words, "The visible world turned me curious to books; the books propelled me reeling back to the world." For Dillard, reading becomes a love "most requited" (according to Wetherell''s Post review). It is the medium through which boundaries are shattered, hopes are realized, and escapes are planned.

In this memoir, Dillard''s prowess as a poet shines through. Her lyrical recollections of the past seem as if they are memories from your own childhood. Even if you have not read any of her previous works, read An American Childhood in order to relive the innocence and wonder of your own youth.
18 people found this helpful Helpful Report An American ChildhoodLouise R. Harrison1.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Big Disappointment Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2019 I read this for our Book Club monthly selection, but could hardly finish it.
With the exception of a few pages where she described word games with her mom, it was tedious, boring, and really hard to stay focused on.
5 people found this helpful Helpful Report An American ChildhoodE. Piper4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase A RICHLY TOLD TALE OF GROWING UP IN THE 50''S Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2013 I read this book because I have recently moved to Pittsburgh and a friend told me about Annie Dillard and how much he enjoyed this book and others she has written. I have a copy of "The Writing Life" which I haven''t read yet and decided that I would read "An American... See more I read this book because I have recently moved to Pittsburgh and a friend told me about Annie Dillard and how much he enjoyed this book and others she has written. I have a copy of "The Writing Life" which I haven''t read yet and decided that I would read "An American Childhood" first and bought it for my Kindle. After reading many of the other reviews of this book I see that many people either loved it or hated it. Some of the things that others hated, I loved. Ms. Dillard''s writing style is wordy but I believe that there is no simple way to describe the exultant feelings she had as a child. I grew up 50 miles north of Pittsburgh tromping around in the woods, climbing trees and hills and reveling in life in much the same way that Ms. Dillard did. I could actually feel her joy and freedom as she ran down Penn Avenue with her arms extended on a summer day. If I saw a child doing that today, I would smile at her with understanding as the woman on the sidewalk did when she witnessed Annie doing it. I identified with Annie''s interest in Native Americans and playing at being an Indian; I identified with her love of rocks and her rock collection which I also had on a smaller scale; I identified with her love of books as I sat on the marble library floor and read through shelves of books every summer. I admire Annie''s memory and her ability to drop back into childhood in a way that takes the reader by the hand and invites him to walk with her. Most of all, I love Annie''s enthusiasm with life in general.

For me, this was not a book to be read like a novel by curling up and diving in. There is SO much to read, feel and digest, that I read it in small segments. I would read a little, think about it and talk to my husband about it. It is a book to be savored and, perhaps, read as a meditation. A meditation on the awakening of one''s senses, on one''s experiencing of life as it unfolds and as one becomes aware of the larger world. It is a beautiful book but if you are looking for an action packed thriller or a hot romance, this is not the book for you.
8 people found this helpful Helpful Report An American ChildhoodBenjamin Vineyard5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Peace Fills the Heart Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2018 To notice along with Annie is to notice myself, my story. Her words fell like rocks in a mountain lake and my emotions and memories became ripples. One, then another, then a third. These were amusing. I forgot I was reading. The ripples stopped. I felt the silence. I... See more To notice along with Annie is to notice myself, my story. Her words fell like rocks in a mountain lake and my emotions and memories became ripples. One, then another, then a third. These were amusing. I forgot I was reading. The ripples stopped. I felt the silence. I started reading again.

Peace fills the heart.
2 people found this helpful Helpful Report An American Childhoodangie5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase A wonderful long overdue read. Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2020 Loved the exploits of this autobiographical novel. Growing up in a time children like me could take off on their bicycles and explore all day. The exploits taught her to pursue her passions and problem solve along the way. If familiar with Pittsburgh it’s particularly... See more Loved the exploits of this autobiographical novel. Growing up in a time children like me could take off on their bicycles and explore all day. The exploits taught her to pursue her passions and problem solve along the way. If familiar with Pittsburgh it’s particularly engaging b Helpful Report An American ChildhoodAmieux5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase A Mid-Century Memoir Reviewed in the United States on April 21, 2018 Admittedly, I am late to the ball here. No reviews since 2015 ..... hmmmm. I came to this book quite unexpectedly: my best friend who lived a parallel life here in the South stumbled upon this book as an audio. She knew that I had grown up in Pittsburgh at the same time... See more Admittedly, I am late to the ball here. No reviews since 2015 ..... hmmmm. I came to this book quite unexpectedly: my best friend who lived a parallel life here in the South stumbled upon this book as an audio. She knew that I had grown up in Pittsburgh at the same time as Annie Dillard and felt I''d enjoy it. Well, I found it to be a captivating book. And not just because it was a nostalgia read for me, but rather because it details the physical, emotional, and spiritual life of growing up in a big, multi cultural city during the fifties and sixties. And Dillard does not over glorify the baby boomer experience, but rather shows the hidden side of a restless generation that saw right through mid-century consumerism and the prevailing philosophy that everyone ''has his place.'' (Her grandmother''s black chauffeur had his own glass) Pittsburgh was definitely a melting pot and nationalities ''stuck together'' and settled in their own neighborhoods where they worshipped, ate, and celebrated like they did in the ''old country.'' Dillard does an exceptional job with character development and transitions the emotions of those around her back to herself as she ponders and develops her own positions. I found the book to be interesting and insightful. 8 people found this helpful Helpful Report An American ChildhoodSolitary Man3.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Detail, Detail, oh please not one more Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2020 I understand why this is considered a great autobiography. It is finely
observed, but for my taste the action struggles against all the detail. Just not my kind of book even if it is a classic.
Helpful Report An American ChildhoodCalochortus5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Awakenings Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2008 Suddenly this book hit me, what a prize it was, out of the blue. Who was expecting it? Like when you hear a song you will love forever. This is it. She has had many of the same fascinations I had--rock collecting, for example. And her words are just right, how it''s... See more Suddenly this book hit me, what a prize it was, out of the blue. Who was expecting it? Like when you hear a song you will love forever. This is it. She has had many of the same fascinations I had--rock collecting, for example. And her words are just right, how it''s like entering a cave, and a new world opens up, that was just invisible before, taken for granted. The whole book is about how she moves thru life that way. She does everything on a far grander scale than I ever did, her reading is omnivorous and extensive. I love the way she writes so economically about her feelings, and yet the way she says it is just right. I don''t think I''ve ever read a book that describes inner thoughts like this before. I just discovered Annie Dillard as a writer. 12 people found this helpful Helpful Report

Top reviews from other countries

An American Childhooddedred 5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase I love Annie Dillards writing Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 12, 2018 Love this book, Annie Dillard is a brilliant writer. Love this book, Annie Dillard is a brilliant writer. Report An American ChildhoodMiss Fiona Sinclair 5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Five Stars Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 8, 2018 stunning book stunning book Report An American ChildhoodMrs M F Farrell 4.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Four Stars Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 22, 2017 Evocative and very well-written. Evocative and very well-written. Report Translate all reviews to EnglishAn American ChildhoodHaude 5.0 out of 5 starsVerified Purchase Très bon livre Reviewed in France on January 17, 2014 Les livres d''Amazon arrivent toujours très bien emballés, donc en très bon état. Ce livre est un vrai plaisir, Annie Dillard a une très belle écriture qui fourmille de détails et d''images très vivantes. Elle raconte son enfance sans avoir oublié la petite fille qu''elle...See moreLes livres d''Amazon arrivent toujours très bien emballés, donc en très bon état. Ce livre est un vrai plaisir, Annie Dillard a une très belle écriture qui fourmille de détails et d''images très vivantes. Elle raconte son enfance sans avoir oublié la petite fille qu''elle était avec sa formidable curiosité et aptitude à dévorer la vie par tous les sens, sa vitalité, sa sensibilité dans une époque très bien décrite en font un témoignage exceptionnel. Les livres d''Amazon arrivent toujours très bien emballés, donc en très bon état. Ce livre est un vrai plaisir, Annie Dillard a une très belle écriture qui fourmille de détails et d''images très vivantes. Elle raconte son enfance sans avoir oublié la petite fille qu''elle était avec sa formidable curiosité et aptitude à dévorer la vie par tous les sens, sa vitalité, sa sensibilité dans une époque très bien décrite en font un témoignage exceptionnel. Report Translate review to English See all reviews
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An American Childhood