An author from Belmont relived some of his younger years as he took a stroll Thursday around his old stomping grounds.

Earl Carter's book, "Doo-Wop Dreams," is set in the South Bronx during the early years of rock 'n' roll. The book follows a popular doo-wop group with a hit record that is trying to escape the influence of local criminals.

"It was a very tough neighborhood," Carter said of growing up in the area. "The neighborhood had a tremendous impact on my life."

Carter looked at old photos as he walked around the neighborhood Thursday, pointing out a building that is familiar to him and standing outside his former school, P.S. 118. Carter reminisced about days spent as a youth bouncing small rubber balls off street curbs and hanging out.

He would go on to write more than 12 books and work in advertising. As an ad man, he said he created the Army's "Be All You Can Be" slogan.

"I was just fascinated with jingles," said Carter.