{"product_id":"growing-up-cairo-a-collection-of-stories","title":"Growing Up Cairo: A Collection of Stories","description":"What was it really like to grow up in a small river town where everyone knew your name—and your business?\nIn Growing Up Cairo, native Gene Crippen invites readers back to Cairo, Illinois—a town rich in history, character, grit, and unforgettable stories. With humor and heart, Crippen captures the essence of a southern Illinois small town through a collection of personal tales that are as entertaining as they are nostalgic.\nFrom boyhood mischief and school-day scandals to fishing contests, road trips, grease cars, and unforgettable characters, each story paints a vivid picture of life in a place where the rivers meet and memories run deep. Whether recounting the night he held basketball legend Pete Maravich to 58 points, reliving the “Sweater Scandal” that shook college life, or reflecting on the magic of Cairo Teen Towns and the Snooker Club, Crippen’s stories celebrate a community that shaped him—and countless others.\nThis collection is more than silly stories; it’s a love letter to a hometown. It’s about growing up in a time when bikes ruled the streets, dances defined your weekends, and the entire town showed up for the big game.\nFor anyone who has ever felt pride in their roots, longed for the simplicity of earlier days, or wondered what made small-town America special, Growing Up Cairo offers laughter, warmth, and a heartfelt reminder: you can leave your hometown, but it never truly leaves you.\u003cbr\u003eASIN: B0GRCPZVR9\u003cbr\u003eVSKU: BVV.B0GRCPZVR9.G\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Good\u003cbr\u003eAuthor\/Artist:Crippen, Gene\u003cbr\u003eBinding: Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eNote:\u003c\/b\u003e Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.  \u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/b\u003e: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact  including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.  \u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Blue Vase Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43611736506429,"sku":"BVV.B0GRCPZVR9.G","price":13.89,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0589\/4225\/9261\/files\/B0GRCPZVR9-0.jpg?v=1789247447","url":"https:\/\/www.bluevasebooks.com\/products\/growing-up-cairo-a-collection-of-stories","provider":"Blue Vase Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}