Why people recommend it
Growing up is a Pulitzer Prize-winning memoir by American journalist, humorist, and columnist Russell Baker. The book was highlighted on The Book Review during the episode Picking the Best Memoirs Since 1969 in July 2024. During this segment, Dwight Garner referenced Russell Baker's work while discussing various approaches to autobiographical writing. Garner pointed out that Baker was not a serial memoirist by trade, but rather a prominent columnist and humorist who nevertheless drew extensively upon his own life experiences to capture a compelling slice of American history. Furthermore, the host of The Book Review brought up Russell Baker's memoir during the July 2024 episode titled The Life and Times of Jann Wenner and Rolling Stone while reviewing notable authors who wrote about their formative years. The mentions underscored Baker's unique ability to transition from daily journalism to reflective prose, offering readers a humorous yet grounded perspective on growing up in America. Both speakers used the book to illustrate how writers known primarily for other forms of public commentary can successfully craft enduring personal narratives that stand the test of time.
Who recommended it
- Dwight Garner Discussed
Dwight Garner — 1 mention
“and then Russell Baker comes to mind growing up he he wasn't a Serial memoirist he columnist and humorist and and journalist but he was someone who drew on his own life a lot”
Mentioned on the show without a named speaker — 1
“and then Russell Baker comes to mind growing up he he wasn't a Serial memoirist”