Motor City Boomer: The Car Culture That Defined a Generation
That Defined Generation: Motor City Boomer is Larry Lankton’s blend of memoir and history about postwar American car culture. Its 344 pages connect his coming-of-age memories, including a 1964 GTO, with the influence of the auto industry and cars on mid-century popular culture.
At a glance
- Combines a personal coming-of-age memoir with historical discussion of the car industry in the 1950s and 1960s.
- Focuses on how automobiles shaped popular culture during the postwar era.
- Includes memories of the author's family life, teenage adventures and 1964 GTO.
Reference price: $32.99
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- The memoir-and-history approach offers both personal recollections and broader context on mid-century car culture.
- The stated 344-page length gives room for both the author's memories and historical discussion.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Wayne State University Press |
|---|---|
| Publication date | August 18, 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 344 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0814353444 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0814353448 |
| Dimensions | 6.06 x 1 x 9.01 inches |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 1.08 pounds |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in American automobile culture and the 1950s and 1960s.
- Readers who enjoy memoir alongside social and industrial history.
- Car enthusiasts curious about a personal account that includes a 1964 GTO.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a technical repair guide, model-by-model reference or a book focused solely on vehicle specifications.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
65% 65% - 4 stars
18% 18% - 3 stars
17% 17% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
0% 0%
Aggregate ratings lean positive, with five-star ratings forming the largest share, but three-star ratings are also represented. The small rating sample and absence of written feedback offer limited guidance on the book's treatment or readability, so readers should use the listed memoir-and-history scope to judge its fit.
Frequently asked questions
What kind of book is Motor City Boomer?
The listing describes it as a blend of history and personal memoir about postwar American car culture and the auto industry's influence in the 1950s and 1960s.
Does the book include the author's own car memories?
Yes. The description mentions family life, teenage adventures and the author's 1964 GTO.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 344 pages.
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