Nights in White Castle: A Memoir

Following up Sting-Ray Afternoons, about his 1970s youth, Sports Illustrated writer Rushin explores his 1980s teen years in this humorous, lighthearted collection of anecdotes. Opening with a story about his brother and friend passing themselves off as counter attendants at the local White Castle and handing out free burgers to their high school classmates, Rushin captures the good-natured hijinks that were at the heart of his upbringing in Minnesota. Mixed in the with the relatable dynamic between him and his loving suburban parents, his good-natured siblings, and tight crew of hoops-playing, R&B-listening friends are a slew of pop culture references—including Prince, Van Halen, Larry Bird’s Celtics, and Fast Times at Ridgemont High—that will have 50-somethings nodding their heads. Some sections, such as the origin story of Chi-Chi’s Mexican restaurant, can feel out of place, but the thread of Rushin’s love of books and guileless hunger to write for Sports Illustrated—encouraged by his mother—provides a strong backbone for the lighter fare. Even with the fear of nuclear “warheads raining down on Kansas” at any moment, Rushin describes what seems to be a safer, simpler time. For nostalgic baby boomers, this is a joyful romp down memory lane. (Aug.)