CHARGE (What is the author trying to say?): To comfort every daughter “who ever thought her mother was from another planet.”
FACTS: Mike Rowe, the television host and narrator, published his mother’s memories of her mother, Thelma Knobel. They were “two completely divergent personalities who interacted every single day for the better part of seventy years.” The book provides cute G-rated vignettes of life in a simpler time. For those of us of a similar age, the stories evoke similar memories of growing up in a kinder, simpler world. The book is full of love and humor. “…Cousin Jimmy laid his hand to the side of his nose, tilted his head, and honked like a barnyard goose during mating season.” We all have memories like this. It was a pleasure to recall them again. This book is very comfortable. Reading it is like an old pair of shoes, a cozy sweater, or a hug from your Mom. These are sweet memories that are pleasingly satisfying.
VERDICT (Was the author successful?): Guilty, as charged. This is a feel-good read.
Book Court 