Customer Reviews

Kaleidoscope Memories

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Kaleidoscope Memories was a pleasant walk down memory lane with the Stees family. Many of the family stories reminded me of my own childhood experiences. What childhood isn't filled with good, bad, and lasting memories? This book is a journal of sorts with dialogue, so you can tap into the feelings of each family member. Everyone will be able to relate to some of the memories shared in this quick read.Plain JanePlain Jane

Take a nostalgic trip back to your childhood with these memories written by three sisters. They recall their Indiana youthful activities with many of the traditional games and some of their own invention like barrel-rolling. The pieces are arranged in categories like school days, playtime, family pets, the hungry palate, golden moments and potpourri.

They make very pleasant reading, though it lacks the tension found in some childhood memoirs. There is no alcoholic father, poverty, dying mother or racial discrimination that grip and tear at the reader. If your preference is for such a wrenching biography, try reading The Glass Castle. If you want relaxing reading for a summer day; one that jogs your own memories, then read Kaleidoscope Memories. The sisters make good use of dialogue to bring their memories alive in this collection.

The clever cover and title immediately caught my attention. I enjoyed remembering various scenes of my own childhood as I looked through this kaleidoscope.

My favorite story was about the fox fur stole of the 1940's. Oh, I remember the animal pelts complete with heads, feet, and tails. Who could forget saddle shoes of the 1950's?

Serious moments and delightful moments are recreated in stories of school days, family pets, playtime, mealtime, church activities, childhood fears, etc. How many of today's children can imagine 6 children and two adults in a house with only one bath room and no air-conditioning? How many of their toys run on imagination? How often does a group enjoy the action games described in this book? What did kids do before TV and computers! There wasn't a telephone in every house? They didn't have cell phones! Mealtime was always family time. Values were taught largely by families, church, friends, and interacting with each other.

This is a great book to share with children, teens, parents, and especially grandparents. Perhaps more of us should jot down a few notes or even stories to share with our own children: the first time we saw a microwave, what we were doing when we learned about 9-11, our experiences with teachers, friends, etc. as we grew up. I'm glad these three sisters have let us look into the kaleidoscope of their memories with this collection of short stories by each of them.

Kaleidoscope Memories is a heart-warming collection of childhood memories written by three sisters which gave me a good feeling that I found refreshing. It is uplifting, amusing and light-hearted. I liked peeking in on this family with six kids. Parents could certainly learn some tips from these wonderful parents who were strict, but not mean and responsible but also fun loving. I especially liked the tales about the monster dog, the blanket trap, the family pets and napping with mama. Reading this brought back similar memories but barrel racing was new to me. I recommend this to anyone who likes family stories and is looking for something wholesome and entertaining to read.

Three sisters share memories of growing up in a large family. Their stories revisit the fears, fantasies and happy childhood events and places that baby boomers cherish. Heartfelt recollections of school days, unforgettable teachers, favorite pets, backyard fun, hand-me-downs, and lazy afternoons under a willow tree transport the reader back to a simpler, less complicated time. They reminisce about holidays, picnics in the park, and the consequences of disobeying authority. Parents ruled and everyone ate what was on their plates.

This book is a delightful read that will evoke pleasant thoughts for anyone who has ever worn a pair of saddle shoes or ridden a bicycle on a summer day.

Lina Rehal, author of Carousel Kisses.