I have always been drawn to anything about life in the Appalachians. The people and their stories inspire and fascinate me. I wish this book had been longer, it was incredible.
Looking at the past through the eyes of children is remarkable. You are able to see the untarnished truth told with innocence and honestly. Adults live the moment but children savor it. They capture details grown-ups miss because they have lost that magic and wonder of the ordinary. I love the way the author has captured her family history from her childhood memories.
It was 1940, in West Virginia, and Drema was only 5 months old when her father died. She and her two siblings are raised by their grandparents while her mother seeks work in New York City. World War II is in its beginnings. Drema’s recollections go back to when she was 8 years old. Her nostalgic, personal writing makes the reader feel like they have stepped into her childhood home to visit.
Her grandfather, a Pentecostal preacher, and grandmother stole my heart. No matter how difficult the times, they faced it with their strong faith and a positive outlook. I was reminded how adults soften the seriousness and pain in life for young children, giving them a sense of security. Their wisdom and sense of humor made me want to remember all their sage words. So many beautiful life lessons were shown.
Drema and her sister’s escapades kept me laughing and thoroughly enjoying all the down-to-earth fun of her childhood. Her perception of people and events were delightful and brutally honest! She took me back to the simpler times, when money and possessions were scarce, but family, love and the joy of life were center stage. I hope Ms. Berkheimer will write more books about her family and include old snapshots. A phenomenal book!
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