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The world has changed so much in the last century that it can be hard to stop and really take stock of how much daily activities have changed in one lifetime of any length. In this memoir, the author looks back on her life growing up in the town of Addis, Louisiana, in a large family but a small community. Reflecting not just on time spent with her brothers and sisters and pets but also with first loves and community groups, Hall excels in her ability to convey with clarity the details of these memories, pulling readers right into a world that may be relatively close to them in time and space but that still feels somewhat distant. With its emphasis on people and moments, the narrative delights its audience with first-hand snapshots that come to life with cherished fondness.
The incorporation of personal and family stories with town history and even handed-down recipes gives this book an almost diary feel despite not being compiled until recently. The recall of minor details speaks to small-town life where any development or occurrence would be news to share at the dinner table or as gossip among friends. The author’s style is honest, divulging her personal feelings as she relates to each story while also being unafraid to admit ignorance of details that readers will find themselves curious about. Exemplifying the best qualities of the genre, the book effectively shares Hall’s personal details and feelings, casting her recollections permanently in the minds of readers.