Share the Good Things

Several of us at the library have recently finished reading (or re-reading) 84 Charing Cross Road and sharing our thoughts about it during a book discussion.  It is a fascinating glimpse into the not-too-distant past that uses letters (less than 100 pages worth) which help the reader realize that living conditions in England in 1949 were still fairly sparse following the aftermath of World War II.  Nylons were not readily available and food like meat and eggs were strictly rationed.  Contrast that with people living in the United States, like the author, who were long past any such restrictions.  The letters reveal that a combination of a shared love of literature and the author Helene Hanff's outgoing personality resulted in a deep and lasting friendship which developed through letters.  When contemplating the idea of sharing a part of oneself through letters (the actual printed word, not an email or text), one cannot help feeling nostalgic or sentimental regarding the demise of the art of communication in this manner.

There is nothing wrong with being sentimental or feeling nostalgic.  Michael Perry makes this very clear in his latest book, Visiting Tom.  You do not have to be from the state of Wisconsin to appreciate the unique title character of this book.  Tom and his wife Arlene are a snapshot of a vanishing breed of people.  Reading this book was like visiting with my own grandparents.  As I was reading, I could picture my father-in-law (who is an avid collector of things-that-might-be-useful-in-the-future) digging out an old part from one of his many boxes or piles and using it to fix something for one of his kids or grand kids.  These are the type of people that even if they can't do the work themselves, they know how to get it done, and don't worry, they will tell you the right way to do it.

Stories of growing up in
Manitowoc, WI
that will make
you smile.

People like Tom (or Grandpa or my father-in-law) are not known as great communicators.  However, as is clear from Perry's book, given the chance, they will gladly share their stories with you.  They may not be comfortable with email, cell phones, or writing things down, but give them some unhurried moments, and they will share moments of their past with you that is not to be missed.  This art, storytelling, is a window into our collective history.  There will come a time when these stories will be shared not by the people who lived them but by the people who cared enough to stop and listen.  Visiting Tom displays the joys of living in a small, rural community and the personal ties that develop from an interconnected past.  In order to enjoy the true benefits of small community life, we need to take the time to stop and listen. 
Don't miss an opportunity to learn more about the history you share with your community, even if you haven't been born and raised there.  I learned so many interesting things about Manitowoc from Dave Crehore's book, Sweet and Sour Pie.  His childhood stories are laugh-out-loud funny and he describes a lovely Manitowoc that has not vanished completely.  We can share in this love and laughter as we grow together and build our future.