What does it mean to grow up in Detroit? It means learning to navigate pothole-filled streets with the precision of a stunt driver, sneaking snacks into drive-in theaters, and knowing that every neighborhood has its own local legend—the man, the myth, the mystery that nobody questions but everyone knows. It's motels that make you rethink your life choices, freeway merges that test your patience, and the constant debate over which Coney Island reigns supreme.

In Growing Up Motor City, experience a hilarious and heartfelt collection of essays that celebrate the quirks, chaos, and unforgettable characters that make Detroit one-of-a-kind.

Through humor, nostalgia, and sharp observations, this book takes you on a ride through iconic Detroit adventures—from the legendary Detroit Auto Show mishaps to coffee shop chronicles, where everyone is either writing a novel, pretending to be deep, or just trying not to spill their latte.

Inside, you'll find:

The unspoken rules of Detroit freeway driving (hint: The Lodge is not for the weak).

A deep appreciation for Coney dogs—and the people willing to fight about them.

The haunted house every neighborhood had—and the one kid who had to go inside.

The city's thriving art scene, where graffiti can be either social commentary or just directions to the best tacos.

Hometown heroes, local eccentrics, and the people who gave our neighborhoods their soul.

Whether you grew up in Detroit or just love a good coming-of-age story set in an unforgettable city, this collection captures the humor, resilience, and undeniable spirit of the Motor City.

Detroit isn't just a place—it's a personality. And this book is proof that once it's in you, it never leaves.