Fathers Sons and Brothers

In this engrossing memoir Lott (The Man Who Owned Vermont) explores the relationships among the men in his family--his father, uncles, brothers and his own two sons. Through a series of vignettes, Lott compares the similarities and differences in outlook between generations; for example, the explanation about sex that he received from his embarrassed father was minimal compared to the talk the author had with his son. Lott sees how the humorous stories that his uncles and father tell about their adolescent adventures are reflected in what he and his brothers remember of their youthful days, and he wonders what stories his sons will pass on. To a large extent, Lott focuses on the bond he shared with his father, who, while working at Royal Crown Cola, was able to get his son jobs at the same company. Though Lott never felt the same dedication to a corporation that his father did, his father's example instilled in him the value of hard work. (June)