In Praise of
Growing Up Lillooet
a growing list of book reviews
– Patti Laplaca
An accurate and humorous reliving of our youth while capturing the history of our little town. From the minute Amazon delivered my copy of the book I had a hard time putting it down. For someone who isn't an avid reader, that's saying something … It was a great time and place to be a kid!!
- Former Lillooet Resident
A great story to read by all. A difficult book to put down. As you read Terry's stories and recollections, your own growing up memories will come flooding back to you. Although the setting is in Lillooet BC, which has its own little bit of magic, the stories, events, people, and his friends could have occurred to others in other communities. That’s what makes it readable by all.
- Ron S.
Terry Thorne masterfully weaves his memories and humour into a wonderful, wistful mosaic which will entertain any reader. You don’t have to be from Lillooet or know the people he writes about to appreciate the depth of his research and the skill of his narration.
He reminds us of an time gone by, of wonders and mysteries, pitfalls and pranks, of lost friends and neighbours, and makes us feel privileged to share the experiences of his youth.
- Bruce MacLennan, Former Publisher Bridge River-Lillooet News.
Growing Up Lillooet is a brilliant gem of small-town B.C. Life. Terry Thorne has assembled an amazing collection of mostly humorous memories about his early year. Between his incredible memory recall, historic photos and research, Terry brings 1950s Lillooet to life. Terry’s discription of his high school years is hilarious and will trigger memories and laughter for everyone, especially loud guffaws for people over 60.
This book is a must-read for Lillooet residents — past or present — and anyone who enjoys stories about growing up in rural B.C.”
- Bernie Fandrich, Author of BC’s Majestic Thompson River
Growing Up Lillooet is a must read for anyone who has ever lived there. Terry Thorne explores his childhood and coming of age with humour and candor, and brings Lillooet’s colourful characters to vivid life. He also documents the growth of a small rural community in the 1940s when outhouses and chilly school rooms were the norm, to the 1960s when the town began to assume its current shape.
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in B.C.’s rural history. It serves up a unique perspective that is entertaining and educational.
- Christ’l Roshard, Former Mayor of Lillooet
