Description
Raised by Trees is a brilliantly humorous and fast-paced tale that gives us a glimpse of Eric Day’s life. Eric Day shares stories about his childhood and growing up with playful siblings who constantly tested the authority of their Christian parents. Sometimes, it ended in spanking, and other times, Eric and his brothers managed to get away with their daring pranks. The author recalls being cautioned against exploring sexual fantasies and awkwardly learning about masturbation from his family.
Apart from Eric’s playful exploits, the book sheds light on his experience of business, including when he acted on his idea of opening a nightclub in downtown Portland. We see him reflect on becoming a teacher in more recent years despite working full time at his father’s piano and musical instrument store after dropping out of high school. Eric has come a long way from his days as a daring teenager living in rural Oregon. His cherished memories are captured skillfully in Raised by Trees, offering readers a chance to savor the richness of a collection of addictive anecdotes.
I had to look for an empty room because I couldn’t stop laughing hysterically. That’s what the combination of Eric’s witty storytelling and his hilarious exploits does to you. Even when talking about his burning feeling of guilt, he describes it humorously: “What I’d dreamt was no dream delivered by God, but a dark fantasy conjured up from within and delivered by none other than the Devil himself.”
As funny and outrageous as these stories were, many of them remind me of my childhood. The book comprises a wide variety of stories about different family moments and childish curiosity, presenting readers with many anecdotes that they’re likely to resonate with—from Eric’s first taste of alcohol to his experience of different religious traditions. Also, since the chapters are relatively short and loaded with multiple intriguing elements, the book is seriously engaging from start to finish.
The book’s immersing descriptions are a joy to follow. You’ll meet various captivating characters and get to connect with them like you’re with them in person. I especially enjoyed seeing the differences between the first of three sons in the family and Eric’s dad, such as his dad’s unstyled and flat hair and his brother’s constantly feathered blonde locks.
This humorously captured tale offers a grand journey back to the joys of childhood and being free-spirited. Readers who had an exciting and prank-filled childhood will especially resonate with the story. This fun, mind-blowing, nostalgic tale will make you feel young, vibrant, and mischievous.
