The Me Generation...By Me: Growing Up in the '60s

Ken Levine's "The Me Generation... by Me" tells the story of one boy's trip through the 60s. Unlike other tales from that era, Levine's isn't particularly newsworthy. He wasn't involved in any of the major events of the time; He wasn't a political activist, he wasn't a hippy, he didn't attend Woodstock, he didn't even see The Beatles.

Instead the story is arguably more poignant for all of these things. This the story of the 60s as told by a typical teenager of the time. Like most of us, Levine spent his teenage years trying to find himself and his place in the world, aware, but not directly involved, in the major news events of the day. In other words, this is what the 60s were really like for most who lived it.

Luckily for us, Levine is highly amusing (as you might imagine, given his background), with a wry and self-deprecating outlook on life. There isn't a page in this book that doesn't have a several humorous asides, which makes it a light read, and perfect for dipping in and out of. I initially worried that the constant jokey comments might keep the book from feeling substantial, but by the end I felt genuinely moved.

As someone who's always been enamoured with that part of American history, I found this to be an insightful and valuable glimpse of what my experience would have been if I'd been born in early 50s America. The optimism and subsequent sense of loss is well documented, but I really got a sense of what that felt like. You can't help but feel sorry for those who had to endure seeing their hope destroyed by the pointless acts of extreme violence that shocked the nation.

Even if you don't have exactly the same experience as me reading this book, I can absolutely guarantee that you'll be entertained and amused. Levine's decades spent crafting comedy, and his own likeable personality, shine through on every page.

Whether you were around at the time, or have an interest in the 60s, or were just a teenager once, I'm positive you'll enjoy this trip.