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Borrowed this book from a friend and thought my mother would enjoy it so I purchsed her a copy.
Kalish makes no attempt to gloss over the hard work involved. There was a time - not that long ago, really - within the memory of many of us, or right before our time - when people made a full life out of "making do." Mildred Kalish's book is a delicious celebration (complete with recipes) of that all-but-vanished part of the American character. People "made do" because there was no alternative, and Mrs. But the pride and satisfaction that comes with the achievement of self-sufficiency through individual and communal responsibility makes the whole book glow with a feeling of "this is as it should be. This is how people are supposed to live together."
Mildred Kalish articulated so well what was expected of her, the learning that took place and the resulting closeness she and her family members had. Mildred Kalish's story of her childhood made me realize, as a teacher, how the simple things in life are crucial to a child's overall development. Little Heathens was a page turner. How the togetherness in completing daily chores with her siblings added to her well being. In an age of high tech devices, we are truly missing the mark on what children need as tools for life's hardships. Hard work, discipline and an overall appreciation for our environment. Loved the recipes and household tips. I now yearn for a day in her past.
The book was a very good price and it arrived on time and in perfect condition. I had already read the book and bought this one to give to my daughter for her birthday. It is very "light" but interesting and educational reading.
Thumbs up, high fives - BUY THIS BOOK for anyone you know in that generation who had a rural touch to their lives and enjoys reading. We have since given it to a number of friends and relatives who lived in areas as diverse as upstate New York, Texas, and the mountains of North Carolina.
My niece was assigned this book in a Biography class in college. She was not particularly taken with it but had the good judgment to know that her Grandma, who grew up in rural / small town North Carolina during the depression, would enjoy it.
This woman has indeed written a memoir for her generation. We could tell this was special.
Niece hit a home run - Granda RAVED about the book, finding that it captured perfectly her childhood experiences - hard times AND good ones. She would call laughing about different episodes in the book.
They have been uniformly enthusiastic and grateful for the opportunity to relive their childhood memories with such a knowing storyteller. This is a very inexpensive gift that will bring invaluable pleasure to your older friends and relatives.
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