I Shall Impersonate a Man is an autobiographical look of the life of James W. Morris, Jr. It is captivating to observe his 74 years of traveling the world first as an Army brat in a family of seven, studying and becoming an architect, maturing to be a 5th Grade school teacher and finally as a retired grandfather. Insights into the family dynamics and personal trials as he experienced moving from city to city, school system to school system both enlightens and points up the myriad differences of growing up in the 1950's and 60's as compared to today. His vignettes of being married in the early 70's to his college sweetheart, raising their two children and then the adventures that come with grandchildren give interesting insights to this period of American life.
His use of the phrase "it was a different time" rings throughout his humorous writing as one sees the world through his lens. This insightful read is a book you are able to enjoy, set aside and then pick up at any time and be quickly caught up in the swirl of a boy growing up through an innocent yet turbulent time in American history. Paraphrasing Ferrol Sams, "[Jimbo] senses a quiet and constant flow toward maturity" ... and he fights it every step of the way!