Join us in the shop for a reading and book signing with local author David Contosta. Stay for the wine and cheese reception.

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About An American Childhood

In their memoir, An American Childhood, David Contosta and Philip Hazelton, cousins who grew up in the same hometown, recount both the joys and pains of growing up during the middle years of the twentieth century. Experiencing the comforts of middle-class family life, they recall bonfires and marching bands, hikes through woods ablaze with autumn foliage, and an amusement park by the lake. They also remember the racism, sexism, homophobia, class discrimination, religious prejudice, and conspiracy theories that marred those childhood years.

About David Contosta

Dr. Contosta has taught American history at Chestnut Hill College for many years. He received his Ph.D. from Miami University of Ohio.  He is the author of more than 20 books. These publications include several regional topics, such as "Suburb in the City: Chestnut Hill Philadelphia" and "Metropolitan Paradise: Philadelphia's Wissahickon Valley," which has recently been adapted as a documentary film. Other books by Dr. Contosta focus on national and international themes: "Rebel Giants: The Revolutionary Lives of Abraham Lincoln and Charles Darwin" and "America's Needless Wars." At present, he is writing a book about the US Presidency entitled "American Monarchy." 

Dr. Contosta leads walking tours of sites in the local area and frequently gives talks to community groups.  He received the Chestnut Hill Community Association Award in 2005.  He has also lectured at Nanjing University in China and at Pyeongtaek University in South Korea. Dr. Contosta is a recipient of the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching. Earlier he was a Fulbright Scholar to France and a Visiting Research Professor at Cambridge University in England.