Back When Life Was Simple and Wild
There’s something about looking back that hits differently. Not in a dramatic way, just in that quiet moment when you realize how things used to be. A Simpler Time: Growing Up Before Computers by Douglas Souris takes you straight into that feeling. It brings you into a world where kids didn’t need screens to stay entertained, where curiosity led the way, and where every day felt like an open invitation to explore.
What makes this book stand out is how real it feels. It’s not trying to impress you with big, over-the-top moments. Instead, it leans into everyday experiences that somehow became unforgettable. If you’ve ever climbed something you weren’t supposed to or pushed your limits just to prove you could, this book will feel like a memory you forgot you had.
There was a new park with a picnic area that formed after the dam was closed, and we would go there for picnics and to swim in the lake. The picnic area had huge boulders dotting the park, which were great for climbing on. And since we were kids, we loved to climb on anything. One of the games we played was follow the leader. Normally I was just a follower, but this time I was the leader. As the leader, you had to try and make each challenge harder than the last one. And since I wanted to show everyone just how challenging I could be, I started doing things that were a little unsafe.
A Simpler Time: Growing Up Before Computers, In The Beginning, page 8
Where Memories Shape Who We Become
This book is built on moments like that. Small decisions, harmless fun, and the kind of risks kids take without overthinking. But underneath those stories is something deeper. It shows how those experiences slowly shape confidence, judgment, and even the way we handle challenges later in life.
There’s no single “main character” in the traditional sense, but Douglas Souris himself becomes the center of it all. Through his perspective, you see how friendships, outdoor adventures, and simple routines turn into life lessons. Being a follower one day and stepping up as a leader the next might seem like nothing, but it’s actually where growth starts.
What really stands out is the message about balance. Freedom without supervision created unforgettable memories, but it also came with consequences. The book doesn’t hide that. Instead, it shows how those moments taught responsibility the hard way. It’s honest, a little nostalgic, and surprisingly reflective.
The Man Behind the Memories
Douglas Souris writes from experience, not imagination. Growing up in the 60s, he carries the values of that era into his storytelling. His background in healthcare, both in professional and volunteer roles, adds a grounded perspective to how he views life and people.
Now retired, he spends his time enjoying the outdoors, photography, and quiet moments with his family. That same appreciation for simple living shows up in his writing. It’s calm, genuine, and never forced. You can tell he’s not trying to sell you a story. He’s just sharing one.
Why This Story Still Matters Today
If you’ve ever wondered what it felt like to grow up before everything went digital, A Simpler Time: Growing Up Before Computers by Douglas Souris is worth your time. It reminds you that sometimes the best moments come from the simplest things.
A Simpler Time
Growing Up Before Computers
Take a step back and experience the kind of childhood that shaped a generation.