Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Book Preview:

#1 I grew up in El Cerrito, California, before rapid transit. I was a little kid who could walk around by himself, head over to the market with a nickel in his pocket, and buy an apple. I remember going over to talk to the butcher to get bones for my dog.

#2 I had a close connection with my community as a child. I loved going to the drugstore near my house, where I would spend my ten cents on the counter to get a soda fountain drink. I would watch the movies from my bed at home.

#3 I had a day for the ages when I was four years old. I was climbing some small apricot trees, and after eating a few green (unripe) apricots, we decided to climb to the top of the high school. We got all the way to the top level and stood up on the frame. There was nothing but sky above us.

#4 I learned about harmony from my parents, who were very good at it. I would sit between them and sometimes sing along. I had fun finding a note either over or under what the class was singing.