86 pages • 2 hours read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Summary
Background
Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Key Figures
Themes
Symbols & Motifs
Important Quotes
Essay Topics
Tools
Springsteen lives with his family in his grandparents’ house in Freehold, New Jersey. A descendent of Irish and Italian immigrants, Springsteen’s ethnically diverse family members don’t mingle. His father works various industrial and service jobs. His grandmother is overly protective of Bruce after losing one of her daughters, which creates tension in the family. Growing up in the looming shadow of a Catholic Church, Springsteen recalls Freehold as a place where people do “their best to hold off the demons that seek to destroy us” (6).
To make ends meet, Springsteen’s family scavenges neighbors’ trash for things they can repair and sell. His grandmother lets him live without structure and stay up late watching TV. His transition to school fills him with an “inner rage that lasted most of my school years” (10). Desperate to set boundaries, his mother moves with him to a new house, but he can’t tolerate the loss of freedom and often runs back to his grandparents’ house. His sanctuary, however, disappears when his grandparents die and their house is demolished.
Plus, gain access to 8,600+ more expert-written Study Guides.
Including features:
Art
View Collection
Books About Art
View Collection
Books on Justice & Injustice
View Collection
Books on U.S. History
View Collection
Childhood & Youth
View Collection
Coming-of-Age Journeys
View Collection
Common Reads: Freshman Year Reading
View Collection
Community
View Collection
Contemporary Books on Social Justice
View Collection
Equality
View Collection
Family
View Collection
Fate
View Collection
Friendship
View Collection
Inspiring Biographies
View Collection
Loyalty & Betrayal
View Collection
Memoir
View Collection
Memory
View Collection
Mental Illness
View Collection
Music
View Collection
The Power & Perils of Fame
View Collection
Trust & Doubt
View Collection
Truth & Lies
View Collection
Valentine's Day Reads: The Theme of Love
View Collection