“I was relieved to put this chapter behind me, and I think most of my friends felt the same. I wish I could say we learned our lesson, but I don’t think we did. We were just too young to absorb the meaning of our actions. It would take time to learn how wrong this was. More time than I care to admit. To my amazement, the class a year behind us, repeated our mistake when they were in the 8th grade, breaking into the school and vandalizing it as we had. Everyone was caught just like we were. I guess sometimes you can’t learn by others but have to suffer through it yourself.”
– an excerpt from the book
ARPress is honored to publish “Glory Days: Tales of a North Shore Dangerboy” by Tom Terrill. This book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and the ARPress website.
“Glory Days: Tales of a North Shore Dangerboy” is an evocative and nostalgic memoir that brings to life the triumphs, trials, and timeless tales of a boy growing up in the North Shore suburbs of Chicago. The memoir is filled with vivid recollections of the author’s childhood and formative years, primarily set in the North Shore area of Chicago during the 1960s and 70s. It captures adventurous, humorous, and sometimes reckless moments of youth, emphasizing camaraderie, family bonds, and personal growth.
Tom Terrill relives episodes like participating in a live television game on “Bozo’s Circus,” mishaps with a waterbed, breaking into his school, and close encounters on ice, among others. The narrative extends to tales of skiing in Aspen, skateboarding, and various pranks, portraying a life filled with exploration, learning, and occasional consequences. The author reflects on these moments with nostalgia, linking them to broader lessons on resilience, decision-making, and the joys of living.
Tom grew up on the North Shore of Chicago, where he met his fellow Dangerboys. Crisscrossing the country as their Glory Days unfolded in some of the strangest and most amusing ways. Tom retells the stories of his youth that will remind the readers of themselves.
Currently, Tom resides on the North Shore with his wife, Jenni. He works in insurance, which supports his ongoing adventures and storytelling endeavors. In addition to his writing, Tom is known as a raconteur and is appreciated for his engaging storytelling that resonates with readers who have shared similar experiences.
The memoir highlights how making mistakes can lead to personal growth. From accidentally flooding a house to engaging in mischievous pranks, each episode teaches responsibility and self-awareness. The book encourages readers to embrace and treasure their formative experiences, as they shape who we become.
“Glory Days: Tales of a North Shore Dangerboy” is a heartfelt reflection on the exuberance of youth, blending humor, nostalgia, and a touch of introspection. Through his anecdotes, Tom Terrill connects with readers, reminding them of their own “glory days” while painting a vivid picture of life on Chicago’s North Shore. Each chapter unveils a new tale, sometimes daring and other times reflective, celebrating the journey of growing up and the lessons learned along the way.
“Glory Days: Tales of a North Shore Dangerboy” by Tom Terrill is now available for purchase via ARPress Bookstore: