Fifty years ago, Joan Crosby and her husband, Dick, moved from the Minneapolis suburbs to spend a winter on the outskirts of the BWCAW in a primitive one-room cabin without road access or modern conveniences. She baked pies in a Dutch oven while Dick kept the woodpile topped up. They heard the wolves howl and the loons call, watched the seasons change, entertained occasional visitors-invited or not-and made periodic trips across two lakes and a connecting portage to their vehicle, then on into Grand Marias to do laundry and replenish supplies.
When Franklin Delano Roosevelt founded the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1933, newspapers relating to the organization were launched almost immediately. Happy Days, the semi-official newspaper of the CCC, and other such publications served as soundings boards for opinions among the CCC enrollees, encouraged and instructed the men as they assumed their new roles, and generally supported the aims of Roosevelt's New Deal program. Happy Days also encouraged and instructed editors in the production of camp newspapers--well over 5,000 were published by almost 3,000 of the CCC companies from 1933 to 1942. This book considers all phases of life in the CCC throughout its existence from various perspectives, and analyzes the history of CCC camp journalism. As the author points out, the CCC newspapers were and still are significant because they provide readers with a look at American life--socially, politically, culturally and militarily--during the Great Depression. It also focuses on how Happy Days and other newspapers were created and distributed, who wrote for them, and what they contained.
'Alison, I've got bad news.' The voice of the pathologist at the other end of the telephone confirmed for Alison Tucker the news no woman ever wants to hear: she had breast cancer. Once the shock had settled, Alison decided that she would take charge. Not only would she take ownership of the dreaded disease, but she would do so with a positive mindset and prepare herself as best she could for what was to come. She did detailed research and paid close heed to what she was told by others who had walked the path before her. As she navigated her way through surgery and the chemotherapy and radiotherapy that followed, Alison's determination paid off. Not only did she make new friends, but she learnt valuable life lessons too: acceptance of the illness for what it was, the amazing impact of ongoing advances in medical science, and the importance of being able to ask for – and receive – help. In My Best Worst Year – A Breast Cancer Story Alison gives us an authentic account of her experience, offering insights and advice for others who might one day face the same diagnosis. You will accompany her on her highs, empathise with her lows, and be amused by humorous anecdotes along the way. Through the generous support of family and friends, she has amassed a collection of practical tips for both patients and supporters which she shares with open-hearted honesty. What to take to chemotherapy sessions. What to look for when choosing a wig. What side effects a person can expect when having the various types of cancer treatment. What to say, and what not to say, to a cancer patient. How to remove stress from a cancer patient's life. What kind of gifts and gestures are most appreciated. Contrary to Alison's expectations, her year of treatment turned out to be her best worst year. By telling her story, she underlines the importance of a positive attitude and hopes to show that a person can still lead a productive and enjoyable life even after being diagnosed with cancer. 'I learnt the power of gratitude, a learning that I will cherish forever and that I will draw on in no small measure in the good times and the bad.'
A moving, evocative tale of love, grief, and sisterhood from the author of the “brilliant, tender, and riveting” (John Dufresne, author of I Don’t Like Where This Is Going) The Winters in Bloom. She can hear the music in people’s souls. Mary Beth and her younger sister Leeann are trying to support themselves in their small Southern hometown. Mary Beth works to make ends meet by practicing her own unique talent: “song reading.” By making sense of the song lyrics people have stuck in their heads, Mary Beth can help people make sense of their lives. In no time, Mary Beth’s readings have the entire town singing her praises, including the handsome scientist Ben, who falls hard for Mary Beth and her unearthly intuition. What happens when she can’t make out the lyrics? When Mary Beth reveals a long-muted secret in the community, however, she turns off the music and gives up song reading for good. Soon everyone’s lives are out of tune: Leeann worries she’ll never graduate from high school, and Ben can’t conduct his experiments. Without Mary Beth’s music, the town’s silence is louder than ever. Could it be that all the lyrics to all those foolish love songs really aren’t so foolish after all?
Timberdick is back! She's living in a church vestry and working nights in the Curiosity Shop, when a stranger is murdered at the top of the stairs. Timberdick's girls are the likely suspects, and Timbers is arrested - but she has no time to waste in a police cell. She has a murder to solve - and a 'bun in the oven' as well.
