WE WERE FREE-RANGE is not cloying nostalgia. Certainly there are passages that will elicit smiles and a few tears (especially among Boomers), but its intent is more ambitious. The author contrasts his child's eye view of the past with childhood today as lived by his grandchildren. In this affectionate recounting of growing up in America, ways of The Good Old Days are not automatically judged best. Rich description gives these stories special poignancy for older generations, but childhood's universal trials will be instantly recognizable to readers of every age. This entertaining portrait of one, very ordinary household celebrates the imperfectly wonderful institution of family. If you need permission to indulge your own reminiscences, WE WERE FREE-RANGE grants it.