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E. Sheila Johnson

Author of My Father, in Snow

1 Work 7 Members 3 Reviews

Works by E. Sheila Johnson

My Father, in Snow (2014) 7 copies

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Written by a local author, who also graduated from Cedar Crest College, the private woman's college where I obtained my undergrad degree, this book is small, and mighty.

Beautifully written, it is a lovely, lush tribute to her father. Dying at an early age from a heart attack, this is a wonderful book filled with accolades and memories of her father and life with eight siblings, a loving mother who also had some health issues. As a child of the 1950's, I could relate to so much of what she remembered.

Her memories are intermingled with those of some of her brothers and sisters. It was a time when life was measured by the small pleasures such as a trip to get ice cream, or a decorated tree with a neat pile of presents for each child on Christmas morning. While reading this, I could almost close my eyes and hear the sounds of summer evenings in the small town neighborhood of my childhood.

Four Stars
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Whisper1 | 2 other reviews | Oct 13, 2016 |
This is the book that I purchased from the Monrovian Book Shop in Bethlehem, PA on that most special Saturday that I spent with Linda (Whisper 1) and Bill (weird_O). I wanted a book that was written by a local author and this fit the bill. First, this memoir, although written by the eldest daughter, it also has parts written by each of her eight brothers and sisters. Their childhood growing up in the 50's and 60's has the feeling of remembrance for me of such a wonderful time when you have the right parents. It also reminded me of my husband's childhood (I probably read most of it out loud to him) since he is one of 7 children and his family also had the "big kids" and the "little kids" like the Johnson family. Although, they lost their father far too young at 48, his legacy continued to mold each of their character and their interactions with their own children. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I was going to say, especially fathers, but it's important to understand how your actions affect not only your own children but everyone you come in contact with. I'm very lucky to still have my father and he's very much like Sheila Johnson's father. I still continue to learn from him every conversion we have which are many. A beautiful book.… (more)
1 vote
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Dianekeenoy | 2 other reviews | Feb 18, 2016 |
One of the most 'reach into your heart and grab ya' memoirs i've ever read. Plain, simple, written from the heart this book will edge its way right into yours. I too grew up in the same era, ( 50's and 60's) I'd have been one of the "little kids" in the authors family of 9 kids....ours only had 6.
Written by one of the older daughters of the Johnson family this is a book of memories of her dad, who died way too young. And in between chapters are short blurbs written by other family members. She says SO much with so few words, she opens her heart and the love and respect for her dad falls out!
I defy anyone to read this and not tear up, to relate in some way, to have your heart swell with emotion. You know what's coming and you mentally dig in your heels to delay the end. But life doesn't work that way and neither does this book.
A memoir yes, but a book of love for a father is more like it.
"....deep in memory, where life changed:placesacross boundaries we cannot cross, lines we must always stand on the otherside of looking back......."
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linda.marsheells | 2 other reviews | Dec 18, 2014 |

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1
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½ 4.7
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ISBNs
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