Post #15 – Women’s Memoirs, Book Raves – Matilda Butler and Kendra Bonnett
Review by Kendra Bonnett
As I sat down to write this review, I flipped through the pages of Kim Pearson’s Making History: How to Remember, Record, Interpret and Share the Events of Your Life looking for something to stimulate a memory. There were many possibilities but I found a special memory on page 215–the first great blackout (November 1965). I remember Daddy coming home and telling us about rescuing a woman trapped in an elevator. My sister and I listened to his story while we sat at the kitchen counter coloring in the dark. We’d illuminate the page with a flashlight, try to commit the picture to memory, color in the dark and then examine our work to fits of laughter.
It’s a small memory but it’s part of my story. It goes to the safe, happy childhood I was privileged to enjoy. And this is the point of Kim Pearson’s excellent book. She goes beyond repeating the old saw that everyone has a story to tell and makes the case that everyone should tell their stories. Collectively and in the context of their times, our stories help expand our understanding of everyday people and their contributions–large and small.
Three quarters of Making History is devoted to 60 years’ worth of timelines (1930-1989). Kim divides events into eight categories ranging from economics and politics to technology and crime. There’s something in these lists for everyone. While the primary-source material makes this book an important tool, Kim waxes eloquently about writing the memoir. She makes her case for capturing our stories while we can and preserving them for all generations.
Kim is a self-confessed story junkie. The fact that she shares some of her memories and family vignettes with us is an added gift. Her memories are vivid, touching and colorful. I recommend that you do more than use this as the wonderful reference book it is. Take the time to read the many vignettes from Kim’s personal history as well as from some of her students. Then use the ideas to write your own vignettes.
Making History came out of Kim’s work to create a personal history and writing class for the senior continuing education program at her local community college. Her book is an essential addition for every memoir writer’s library. Keep it within easy reach because I guarantee you’ll be reaching for Making History regularly.
