King of the Mild Frontier: An Ill-Advised Autobiography by Chris Crutcher

4 stars -- I like it.

I read King of the Mild Frontier for a number of reasons.

1. I like Chris Crutcher's books.
2. A friend told me that I had to read this.
3. Amazon recommended that I read this.
4. My library has a reading contest going on right now, and I need an autobiography on my list to enter to win.

That said, I really don't care for autobiographies, but King of the Mild Frontier is a fun read. It reminded me of hearing my dad tell stories (albeit, a lot more honestly and definitely better told). And it was definitely fun to read about "the good old days" (that I didn't live through). It seems completely foreign to me that he would work at a gas station where he would wear a complete uniform, pump the gas for the customer, and check the oil, tires, and wash the windows--all while the customer just sits in the car and watches. And it's slightly foreign that his mom basically existed to please her husband and children. I know that there are still stay-at-homes moms, and I know that mothers can be alcoholics, but I'm pretty sure that in modern America, stay-at-home moms aren't there just to make sure dinner is on the table at this time, and the house is clean before Dad comes home, etc. Except possibly is some dysfunctional families. We're all pretty much raised to realize that we have our own personalities, and we're all equally important nowadays.

Regardless, Chris Crutcher is an excellent storyteller, and the way he puts his own past together is entertaining. You get to read about pimples and masterbation; his religious upbringing; his shortcomings in sports; his gullibility and naivety; his realization that he wanted to be and became a writer; as well as his many run-ins with death. Most of the stories are self-deprecating, but not to the point where you think, "Man, this guy needs a higher self-esteem!" Because despite his many failings, you can also tell that Chris is still arrogant and confidant in his own abilities. He also seems self-assured. I certainly wouldn't want to debate him, because I get the feeling that he knows what he knows and he won't move from it.

This is a very well-put-together autobiography that doesn't really have a life lesson, though it does give some advice for aspiring writers. It's more of an explanation of why Chris is who he is, as well as just being a humorous read about someone's childhood, full of all the misjudgments and failings of which childhood is full.

If you need an autobiography on your library list, this is one I would recommend. Or if you need a laugh. Or if you're just curious about how other people have grown up and lived.