A (peanut butter) slice of life: new story explores kids and religion in 1950s
MT. PLEASANT, Mich. (PRWEB) October 22, 2013 -- A fascinating interpretation of the world through the eyes of two young boys growing up in Brooklyn. “Peanut Butter Fridays,” a classic coming of age story set during the 1950s, unfolds through a series of letters written by the main character, Bobby Anderson, as he attempts to interpret the intricacies of life.
As a former New York City schoolteacher, Catholic school and seminary student and professor emeritus of literacy, author Robert Pehrsson combines his religious upbringing, Brooklyn stomping grounds and his passion for interpreting language and culture in the equally entertaining and thought-provoking novel.
“Peanut Butter Fridays” follows Bobby and his best friend, Earnest, on various adventures as they train cockroaches, play stickball in the street, endure dogmatic nuns in school and come to the aid of beautiful ladies.
Bobby’s language evolves from “Brooklynese” to Standard English as he matures. However, while Bobby develops as a writer, he remains somewhat naïve and relies on Earnest who knows the answers to life’s challenging questions – most of which he makes up.
As the story develops, readers will find themes of religion, love, education, culture, social justice and prejudice. Pehrsson inspires readers to examine these themes in hopes that the book will generate conversation about interpreting – and misinterpreting – cultural surroundings.
“Peanut Butter Fridays presents an opportunity to think critically and to challenge the basic assumptions of a culture,” Pehrsson said.
“Peanut Butter Fridays”
By Robert Pehrsson
ISBN: 9781458209153
Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Abbott Press
About the Author
Robert Pehrsson is an accomplished teacher and researcher whose experience attending Catholic school and teaching in New York City inspired him to write “Peanut Butter Fridays.” Pehrsson, professor emeritus of literacy at Idaho State University, resides in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan and is busy writing a sequel, “On the Stoop.”
Emily Wilson, Bohlsen Group, 317-602-7137, [email protected]
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