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HomeShop at BookSurgeEducationClassroom Managementremembering... A Town That Was |
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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 6 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 found the following review helpful:
A captivating read Aug 29, 2006
By Felix Krull
"Felix"
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to read an advance release of remembering...a Town That Was.
First of all, the initial surprise was that there was a book documenting life in North Dakota, let alone the Mouse River Loop and Foxholm, ND. Secondly, it wasn't just a passing glimpse of NoDaker life or a reflection from a tourist, such as Pursig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - but rather the life of a local girl growing up during the depression and WWII in a tiny town on the North Dakota high plains.
The book gives a close look at a forgotten sliver of America -- a land of harsh climates and hardy people. Little thought is given to the world outside of their rural utopia - other than when their country calls on their boys to fight. Community life in Messer's book revolves around the local bar (which her father owned), hunting (including human casualties), fishing, gambling, baseball and basketball - admirable pursuits in any civilized society and all under assault in today's quest for the feminization of America. (I don't think NoDakers worry too much about a lack of testosterone or 21st century Hollywood shaping their ideals.)
The book looks at the history of a family that moved to North Dakota about the same time as a young Teddy Roosevelt did. During the reading of the book, one can better see why Roosevelt remarked "I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota," Roosevelt was reflecting on the influences that affected him throughout his life. His experiences in this harsh land shaped his life view on human nature and conservation.
Understanding that this book is a memoir makes reading easy going. In that light, it is also full of photographs which put a nice personal touch to each of the stories. Beyond a family or individual history, it is a history book on North Dakota and is presented as such. It details nearby Minot, known as "Sin City" or "Little Chicago", as an ethnic melting pot full of gangsters, pimps, prostitutes, shady politicians, Chinese opium dens, cocaine traffic, gambling parlors and big bands in the 20's and 30's -- quite "progressive" for a small town in rural North Dakota.
Messer also talks about Minot's history with sports and encounters with the likes of Satchel Paige, Jesse Owens and the "Zula Grass Skirt Team" and about her own relationship with Chicago Bulls and LA Lakers Coach Phil Jackson. After all, she was his 6th grade teacher in Williston, ND.
The book does deserve some criticism. It leaves you feeling that Messer is holding the saucier aspects of local life for another volume. We hope so.
The book will be enjoyed by NoDakers, anyone from rural America and by those who have never experienced such a remote and wonderful place.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Marvelous look at lost small town life Sep 24, 2006
By William Van Houton
"William"
Funny yet poignant. I found Remembering and the author's tales charming.
A great snapshot of growing up in a small American town.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 back to a better time Sep 21, 2006
By S. haider
"sam"
Ms Messer has written about life as it once was.
Small town america is gone as we once knew it and I for one am happy to at least read Ms Messer's recollections.
Wonderful stories and pictures. BRAVO!!!!
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
remembering...A Town That Was Mar 08, 2009
By Charlotte Jones
Thouroughly enjoyed the book!! Foxholm was my father's hometown and it was fun to read about the people who were a part of his growing up years, his school and other parts of the town. Thanks to the author for letting a little town become alive again. Charlotte (Johannes) Jones
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
Wonderful shared memories Jun 17, 2008
By D. Petry
This book memorializes a time in history when life was much simpler. Although times were tough, the small Foxholm community found reason and ways to gather and celebrate. Colorful characters come alive in every chapter. It's interesting, laughable, and down-right entertaining. I would recommend this book to everyone. You don't have to be from North Dakota to enjoy this book!
See all 6 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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