this book spans generations
588696
When we were having our babies in the late '60's & early '70's, my friends and I gave this splendid book to each other.  Then it went out of print.  To my delight it reappeared in recent years.  It now is making the rounds with my childrens' friends.  Celebrating the wonder of being a new mother and the awe of this incredible little human entrusted to your care never goes out of date.  This book is for all new moms (and do share it with the dads too!).  Sharon L. Regan

  P.S.  There are also new books of meditations for the expectant mother and the adoptive mother by the same author.
2980146
Johnnie Bernhard wove together a story of adult siblings dealing with the death of a father, and of multiple earlier generations that had arrived in America to seek a better life.  The strengths and weaknesses of the earlier generations are reflected in each following generation as they strive to survive in this new land.  The characters in the historical sections of the book are well developed and how they meet the world's challenges is reflected in their character.  The current family's dealings with each other could represent the love and friction in any modern family.  A marked contrast can be seen between the mere survival issues of earlier generations, and the issues of modern living.  I truly enjoyed reading this book.
I read this book over a month ago, but the recent Hurricane in Texas that struck near the site of Indianola reminded me of the 1886 and 1905 hurricanes that the book discusses .  These were actual major hurricanes that struck Texas at points of immigration, and Johnnie certainly did her research when writing this book.  Highly recommended.
1374827
A book to be read by young and old and anyone in between. The author portrays a family's experience and those of others involved over the course of 5th grade.
4932280
This book has been passed down from five generations. Starting with my great grandmother, all women read it.
1158344
This book gives an excellent over-view of four generations and how they function, what they expect, and what they have to contribute.  It gives credit to all four generations, does not consider one "right" and another "wrong" but gives a well organized analysis that enables one to feel confident when working with people of a different generation than his own.  It applies not only to the business world but to people in any role.  It applies to working with people, whether in the business world, the school system, or the church.  I'm giving it to friends of several generations.
3094692
This book pays tribute to the authors great-grandmother, Ethel Van Wagnen, who wrote three journals in the 1920s that documented her life and life-long friendship with Graff  Gawne. Ethel was a good writer with an excellent grasp of language and grammar, so Lewis could have simply published that writing and had an interesting family memoir. But her writing instincts obviously told her that she needed to do more than that to have a book with wide appeal.

In challenging herself to imagine Ethels childhood years from clues in her journals, coupled with her own extensive research as discussed in the Preface, Lewis has created a sweet story of love and friendship that combines both fact and fiction. In a heart-grabbing opening chapter, she tells us how Ethel might have told the story of Graffs horrific loss of his wife in 1920, and then we begin to read Ethels 1921 journal written eight months later. As the books story unfolds, it periodically flashes back to the 1880s to show us how Ethel and the same people she is writing about were living forty years earlier. The interesting and well written dialogue in these chapters help us read between the lines in Ethels journals, and more than a hundred photographs let us see people and places mentioned in her writing.

One of my takeaway quotes from this book is from chapter three: A word spoken, or a simple act of love, may be carried with someone for a lifetime. Clearly Ethels journals, which she called little books, were written not only for herself, but as a gift for Graff so he would have a remembrance of their happy times together as he tried to get through his grieving journey. She knew that if she didn't write this story, no one else would, and she went to great lengths to document many details because she knew how easily they could be forgotten in years to come.

I applaud Ethel for preserving her life story in writing, and congratulate Linda Lewis for publishing this beautiful story of enduring love and friendship. I believe this book will touch the heart of anyone who reads it, while also prompting readers to wonder about the little-known lives of earlier generations of their own family. If they are lucky enough to have the writings of a grandparent or great-grandparent that tells what life was like in those days, that writing should be treasured and handed down in the family so their history is never lost.

Barbara Brabec, author of
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Marcella-s-Secret-Dreams-and-Stories-A-Mother-s-Legacy/dp/0985633328/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Marcella's Secret Dreams and Stories: A Mother's Legacy</a>
4136225
Every child should read this book and spend time with their grandparents partaking in life activities. It is true the old ways are the best ways and our grandmothers were the ones who taught us that.
1569580
This book is recommended for parents, grandparents, teachers, and children of all ages.  It was written to show how valuable all the little things that we do and share in life with our families create the adult that we become.  Our precious memories will always remain in our hearts.  It also sends a message of the importance of sharing time with family members.
This book also depicts a time in the past when little things, like canning, cooking, and drinking sodas at the country store were so important to the author. Both of my parents passed away within a few months of each other.  This book helped me relive some of my childhood memories, while healing from my grief.
749771
A generational study of following one's heart, beginning with the mother coming of age in the 60s and the daughter in the 80s. With very different perspectives and the usual mother/daughter drama, this is a very richly readable book that reminds me a lot of Pilcher and Binchy. The dialogue is a little muted, but this is intellectual (as in "use your imagination") non-bodice ripper kind of romance. An amazing weaving into a very enjoyable book that will take the reader from the Cornish Coast, to swinging London, to Scotland and ... then on to Afghanistan. The timing of this book makes the story all the more interesting in light of current events.
There is another generational novel entitled LEGACY OF LOVE which, if you are a more orderly person than I, you may wish to read first. Apparently that book leads up to this one, though I have to say this one stood quite well on its own. I do intend to read the earlier book, for I truly enjoyed this author.
1058984
This book is like an old family friend.  I read it to my children and to my grandchildren.  Each generation has taken it to heart.
2484607
This book is about the multi-generational familial experiences of the author. It is beautiful, endearing, and hopeful. It is a great read for children ages 5-9. This book award is well-deserved.
4404209
As great grand parents of little ones, we wonder how to communicate two generations of love and history.  this is a nice reference.
4109085
I love this book.  There are many stories of the Native People in this small book-and it is filled with stories to be remembered for the generations to come. It is tradition to tell stories over and over, and they are remembered in that particular way-never to be forgotten.  Now they are written for the future generations.
3057097
My family really enjoys these books by Arcadia Publishing. Although I have not personally read this edition we know how important it is in keeping history alive. One day, a few summers ago while visiting my hometown we drove to all my favorite childhood places. Our family's favorite place is Hillside Farms in Trucksville, PA. While enjoying homemade ice cream straight from the farm there, my Dad noticed one of these books on display from his hometown Wilkes-Barre PA. He opened it and tears came into his eyes. We enjoyed every last page. It was an in-depth trip down memory lane. The quality of the pictures was amazing with the detail to explain that period of time. Thank you to all the artists and publishers who capture history as it was for future generations to enjoy.
3287161
I love books about Irish immigrants having had g-grandparents that made the journey. This one did not fail to entertain me. I can't begin to imagine coming from Ireland to New York at the age of 15 and having two brothers (ages 7 & 11) to look after on the voyage. I feel that most children during that period grew up much faster than those of today. The responsibilities they faced were much greater than most of today's generations.

Annie's parents came to America three years prior to her arrival. Their oldest son, Tom, came with them and was helping financially. Not knowing what to expect, Annie is somewhat shocked when she finds the tiny room the family will live in. She also is sad that she will be required to work and help out financially rather than continue her education.

With the help of a friend Annie finds work in a laundry. As with many establishments during that era, safety wasn't the concern it should have been (where's OSHA when you need it). The laundry eventually catches on fire killing 11 people and closing for good. We leave Annie with new employment as a domestic.

This is the first book of a trilogy. Although the books are works of fiction they are inspired by Annie Moore who was indeed the first person to step foot on Ellis Island.

<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Annie-Moore-First-in-Line-for-America/dp/1842624466/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Annie Moore: First in Line for America</a>
4043157
I was born in Martin, and, even though I left with my family when I was 4, I spent many summers at my grandparents. Many of the names in the book were familiar in that I knew the grandchildren of the characters.  I also bought copies for my mother and aunt, as they were born there, and went to school at the old high school. They really enjoyed reading stories that they had been told in their youth.

Although I think this book would appeal most to the people with ties to the area (the reason I gave it only 4 stars), it is a good read, and tells the story of a way of life that is slipping away.  The people are real, and Ms. Slatalla keeps them that way.  Now, if she wants to write another book, my family could tell her a lot more stories :-).
4243812
This book was a freebie on Kindle, but I would happily purchase it. The author tells the story over several generations of people within a family and their connections. In the beginning all the POV changes are a little hard to follow, but it gets much easier after a few chapters. I read this book in a few sittings, and highly recommend it.