Best Book Publishers UK | Austin Macauley Publishers

By: Martin R Oliver

Happy Jack

Pages: 218 Ratings: 4.8
Book Format: Choose an option

*Available directly from our distributors, click the Available On tab below

Happy Jack: Reflections of Growing Up During the Sixties – A Decade of Rebellion, Change and Defining Moments are the memories of a young man from a working-class family coming of age during the sixties decade, and the many iconic moments and sometimes humorous events of that period.  

Over fifty years later, people still talk about the Vietnam War, the moon landing, Woodstock, Monty Python, the music of The Beatles, and The Rolling Stones. James Bond movies continue to be popular to this day. There were the Mods and Rockers, The British Invasion, The Hippies, Pirate Radio, The Civil Rights Movement, Che Guevara, and JFK’s assassination.      

The stories portray school, factory, teenage years, family life, and summer holidays, before colour TV was introduced and the internet, email, mobile phones, laptops and gadgets were ever invented.

These stories are for the younger generations to understand the decade that became known as “The Swinging Sixties”, and our youth-driven Cultural Revolution, which saw a surge in freedom of expression, a time when working-class youth challenged authority, a time of creativity in fashion, music, photography, art and technology that went on to change the world.

The stories are also for those that, like myself, grew up or came of age during that tumultuous time, who will relate to my stories and the challenges of the sixties’ generation. My observations may not always be correct and, yes, your recollections might not be the same as mine; maybe I didn’t mention Fleetwood Mac, Elvis Presley and some important events that were important to you, but I make no apologies for that. These are my recollections of that time, which I hope will bring some fond memories and nostalgia.                                  

– Martin R Oliver

Martin R Oliver grew up in the industrial city of Coventry, England. He left school and worked in a car factory before joining the Merchant Navy. He later immigrated to Brazil but now lives between Dubai and Bangkok. He has previously published two books: a travel book, The Never Lonely Planet, and a book of short stories, Worlds Apart.

Customer Reviews
4.8
8 reviews
8 reviews
  • Tony Clevett

    Those of us in our teens and twenties during the 1960s will love this book.Martin Oliver has hit the nail on the head with how it was.They say if you can remember the 60s,you were not there.But we were, and this book brings those wonderful days back to life.Those of us who were there can reminisce and remember," Oh yeah,I forgot about that".Those who are younger can read about how it was for their Parents & Grandparents and maybe raise a laugh comparing to what they have today.
    Well written and well done Mr. Oliver.

  • Alan Cox

    I've read all of Martin books over the years and am happy to recommend Happy Jack as an informed and interesting read, although I lived in Coventry at the same time as the book I believe you can still find this an interesting read for anyone, growing up in the sixties was a great time to be young and I'm sure younger people would get a great deal of pleasure visiting these times in the pages of Happy Jack.

  • judith oliver

    Excellent review of life in ’60s, brought back many happy memories, the detail very informative, great comparisons with our day to day life.
    Those of us who lived through those times were very privileged

  • Karen Sultan

    I really enjoyed reading about the sixties. Now i understand why older people still talk about it a lot. The lifestyle, the music (which I was really interested in) and all the things that happened back then were amazing! Great read!

  • Nalva Improta

    The stories are a must for those that enjoy everything sixties.
    The music, the events and news from that era, explain how life during that decade was so special.

  • Mag Bowker

    A change from the usual non-fiction recollections of the Baby Boomer Years, Martin''s book comes from a different angle. It's about a young man whose teenage years, in the 60's, were influenced by the events that were shaping post war Britain.

    I imagine many readers will be able to relate to the different topics covered in his book. Ugar Gagarin, 1966 World Cup, Assassination of Kennedy. However, Martin writes about more than this. He describes attitudes, expectations and an insight to how a teenager viewed the future.

    Its entertaining and informative, a perfect book for a holiday.

  • Andrew Robinson

    Martin Oliver found the words to express what we all felt about growing up in those years and the impact that events have on the people of the time and future generations.
    Always positive in his outlook but with a cynical touch, Happy Jack will take you back to the good old days!

  • Andrew Robinson

    Martin Oliver found the words to express what we all felt about growing up in those years and the impact that events have on the people of the time and future generations.
    Always positive in his outlook but with a cynical touch, Happy Jack will take you back to the good old days!

Write a Review
Your post will be reviewed and published soon. Multiple reviews on one book from the same IP address will be deleted.

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience and for marketing purposes.
By clicking any link on this page you are giving your consent for us to set cookies