The other day I shared with you Richard D. Niece, Ph.D.’s tips for Teaching Responsibility in an Irresponsible Market. Today I want to share Dr. Niece’s new book The Side-Yard Superhero which he calls an “Automythography”, A work of nonfiction that looks reflectively at what we think we remember and how we think we remember it; an iridescent memory based upon truth and fact.
A university president and true storyteller, Niece shares an assortment of childhood memories, ranging from the eccentric and humorous (the trendsetting Fern Burdette who only wore a brassiere from the waist up) to the heartwarming and poignant (the reclusive Miss Lizzie who made the best pumpkin bread in the Midwest) to the true bittersweet moments, including Dick Tracy comic lover and wheelchair-bound, Bernie Jones.
“Being friends with Bernie Jones was no different than being friends with any other boy in town. Although Bernie’s world was confined to a wheelchair, it did not stop him from being an intrepid daydreamer, adventurer and hero,” says Niece. “I learned more from Bernie on how to live life than from any other person.”
Raised in a town of 900 residents, Niece learned the true sense of community and trust, a theme that runs throughout his memoir.
“The memories I share in The Side-Yard Superhero are about capturing a time of pure innocence and
simplicity,” says Niece. “I wanted to write a book that appealed to grandparents and grandchildren alike, opening the dialogue about the time when life was simple and people were downright good.”
This is a great feel-good book that will take you back to the good old days and keep you smiling all the way through. It is an easy read filled with quirky characters and colorful descriptions of the people and places in DeGraff.
You can win The Side-Yard Superhero here from The Mom Maven.
Just leave me a comment here telling me about a special childhood friend. PLUS you must click on the orange heart shaped RSS feed button and subscribe to my blog and leave a valid e-mail address or Twitter name so that I can contact the winner. The winner must respond within 48 hours or another winner will be chosen.
For additional entries, please leave a separate comment for each one of these that you do:
- for 3 extra entries-Place my blog button on your blog and leave me the link you your blog in a comment here
- for 1 extra entry each day-you can twitter about this giveaway and leave the URL of your tweet in a comment
- for 1 entry for each of these that you do-Stumble up with a review, fave on Technorati, fave on MomFaves
Good luck! This giveaway ends on Monday, April 20, 2009 at 10:00pm. US entries only please.
I have 3 sisters, so they were my best friends growing up:) I subscribed. Thanks!
I grew up on a farm in the midwest. I was an only child and my best friend lived about 3 miles away. We did everything together until we got to high school and then we sort of went separate ways. I don’t even keep in touch with her anymore. Kind of sad! I am a subscriber.
My best friend lived in the next house down the road from us (about 1/4 mile). We had great times, especially in the summer playing outside all day. I just subscribed to your RSS feed.
Chrysa’s last blog post..FREE Bread Cookbook from Fleischmann’s Yeast
One of my best friends was named Shirley. She moved away when we were about 13. We lost touch after a few years. I wonder what she’s doing now.
I remember the day I met my best friend in grade one – Aaron. His family moved in 2 doors away. He came over to my house and brought me a magic draw-erase board. He moved away not too long after and we lost touch. I often wonder where he is now and what he’s up to…
All through grammar school I had a dear friend Barbara. We went to a Catholic school and were best of buddies. Sorry to say we have lost touch over the years with moving etc. Thanks for having the wonderful giveaway
My best friend growing up was my sisiter. We lived out in the country and had a lot of time to spend together.
I had one wonderful friend growing up — Mary Jo — we did everything together until we were separated in high school. I miss those days, we had some wonderful times!
I had a very large family most of my siblings are much much older I am the baby of the girls and I had a younger brother we were inseparable we did everything together. Thanks for the contest
sharr1226 at yahoo dot com
i am a subscriber
My best friend Heidi lived right next door. We were inseparable until we were about 7. Then, her parents moved away and we lost touch.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo.com
I had a childhood friend Cara who lived in the house my Grandfather built and my Dad grew up in. We spent all of our time together.
My friend Barbara and I went through 8 years of Catholic School together. Thanks for having the wonderful giveaway.
I really liked your blog!