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My rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Book source: Library copy
Mildred Armstrong Kalish shares her memories of growing up with an extended family on a farm in Iowa during the Great Depression. As one would expect, they depend on each other through good times and bad and make the best of any situation.
I was particularly fond of the stories of her ancestors – those great pioneers that settled “Yankee Grove” and her memories of crawling up on her great grandfather’s lap and hearing stories of their early life.
However, the remainder of the book was a drudgery for me. Reading in staccato narration about polishing silver with baking soda and saving the tail-end of thread did not hold my interest whatsoever. It was also a book that had I been a family member, I would have treasured it immensely, but since I am not, I couldn’t connect at all to her recollections.
This has been a very popular book, and I’m really disappointed that I didn’t enjoy it more, because generally I’m drawn to stories of courage, endurance, and thrift.
Other bloggers have written favorable reviews -- please check out Melissa’s at One Librarian’s Book Reviews.
For a brief audio clip form the memoir, please see below:
Thanks for linking my review (which was one of those first reviews and really is quite crappy). Too bad you didn't love this one. I think I did because it reminded me so much of my own grandmother.
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