by Laura DeNooyer | Jul 16, 2024 | Book Reviews
As a kid in the 1960s, I had great respect for my grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles. So did my friends. Overall, grandparents and their wisdom were valued. I enjoyed hearing their stories. I asked questions, wanting to learn from them. I always figured...
by Laura DeNooyer | Jul 2, 2024 | Book Reviews
Have you ever heard a grandparent’s or older person’s story and thought it should be written as a memoir or a novel? I have. And so has Gretchen Carlson, author of More Than Grit. It’s based on an event in her grandmother’s life—one her grandma kept secret for...
by Laura DeNooyer | Jun 18, 2024 | Book Reviews
We all have our favorite family recipes with the memories and nostalgia they stir in us (pun intended). I especially value the recipes my mom and grandma wrote by hand. With the world wide web and dozens of cooking websites, do people even hand write recipes on...
by Laura DeNooyer | Jun 4, 2024 | Book Reviews
Two months ago, my husband and I drove through Bedford County, Tennessee. After meandering through the charm of downtown Bell Buckle (population 410 in 2020), we explored Shelbyville. We took a picture of the sign “Audrey’s on the Square” and sent it to our...
by Laura DeNooyer | May 20, 2024 | Book Reviews
In the early 1900s, the U.S. government pushed immigrants to assimilate into American culture. Authorities frowned upon immigrants using their native language or keeping their particular customs. Schools were taught in English; students were required to speak it. All...
by Laura DeNooyer | May 7, 2024 | Book Reviews
Who wouldn’t want to exchange grief and its source for a happier life? Have you ever wished for a do-over regarding a difficult choice or a deep regret? How many times do we ask “What if?” What if my dad had taken a different job in a different city? What if I’d been...
