The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid

May 12, 2026
Autobiography

PHOTO: R. MAC WHEELER

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Go Back to the Atomic Age with The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid

Step into the world of The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, where Bill Bryson takes us back to his childhood in 1950s and 60s Des Moines, Iowa. It was a time when advertisers could say just about anything, like cigarettes being good for you or shoe stores using x-ray machines to measure your feet. In classic Bryson-style, he mixes humor with sharp observation and gives us a clear view of an era Baby Boomers remember fondly. We see it all through the eyes of a kid who imagined he had secret powers and called himself the “Thunderbolt Kid.” It’s a funny, honest look at growing up in a world that felt both simple and full of magic.

“The best I can say is that I saw the last of something really special. It’s something I seem to say a lot these days.”

The Menu: The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid

The Brysons weren’t fancy eaters. Their table stuck to the basics like white bread, Campbell’s soup, meat, and potatoes. This menu pulls from the best of Midwestern comfort food during that time. Think potluck dinners and local spots like Bishop’s, known for its homey meals and atomic toilets.

Drink

Start with a classic Sidecar. Made with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice, it’s simple and a little sharp. It also feels right at home in this era. Raise a glass to the moment and ease into the night. Find the recipe at Liquor.

Appetizer

Next, lean into Bryson’s dad and his late-night snack habits. Try 12 Tomatoes’ Ritz cracker party sandwiches, which are mini, salty, and easy to keep grabbing. Just the kind of thing you’d sneak from the fridge after everyone’s gone to bed.

Salad

Think summer potlucks and paper plates. This coleslaw from Gather For Bread is creamy with just enough sweetness. I cut the sugar in half, and it balanced everything out. As a result, it feels lighter and a bit more fresh.

Main

For the main, go with a classic meatloaf. This one from Natasha’s Kitchen is juicy, full of flavor, and topped with that sweet glaze. It also holds up well for a group. Add a scoop of cottage cheese on the side in honor of Bryson’s mom.

Side

Keep it simple and give your guests potatoes to go with the meat. These buttery mashed potatoes from Natasha’s Kitchen come together with just five ingredients, so you can focus on the rest of the table.

Dessert

Finally, end with a hot fudge sundae, Bishop’s style. Skip the bugs. Build your own or take ideas from Keep Calm and Eat Ice Cream, this sweet treat is the perfect cherry on top for your Thunderbolt Kid-inspired feast.

By the time you get to the last bites of your sundae, it starts to make sense why Bryson looks back on this time the way he does. It wasn’t about anything fancy, just growing up, getting into things with friends, and the kind of everyday moments that stick. Just like a good book club night.