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Your Memoir, the Way You Want It

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Commencement Season Inspiration

For many people, memories of college life leave an indelible mark, not only because of skills and knowledge gained through studies, but because of relationships formed with friends, coaches, professors, and mentors. These memories often make their way into the books our clients publish with Modern Memoirs, with some people even choosing cover materials to match their college colors.


One current client shared how his love of his alma mater, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, led all five of his children to follow in his footsteps and enroll at UNC. Another recently wrote about her pride in earning her BA at Stanford University as a non-traditional-aged student in her 40s. Yale University is probably the school that has given us the highest number of clients, with four in progress at this very moment. And as a Smith College graduate who purchased Modern Memoirs from another Smithie (company founder Kitty Axelson-Berry), I’m immensely enjoying my work on a Smith College alumna’s book.


Since our offices are located in a college town, it’s nearly impossible to avoid feeling buoyed by the spirit of hope and possibility that pervades this month filled with university commencements. That word alone is inspiring as it names the end of one’s college years by heralding the commencement of life as a graduate. The aphorism “every ending is a beginning” finds its footing here, and I hope it will wend its way into your mind, as well, as you read about our latest news. Who knows what you might be inspired to commence?

Megan St. Marie

President


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Book review by Megan St. Marie, published in literary journal Résonance, of The Truth About Baked Beans: An Edible History of New England by Meg Muckenhoupt


Food often figures prominently in people’s memoirs and family history books, with recollections of special meals and family recipes appearing in the pages of clients’ books. When online literary journal Résonance  invited Megan St. Marie to contribute a book review to its latest issue, she was pleased to draw on her own Franco American heritage to review Meg Muckenhoupt’s The Truth About Baked Beans: An Edible History of New England. Click on the link below to read Megan's full review.


Read Full Book Review Here


Readers interested in buying Muckenhoupt’s fascinating culinary history can purchase it here.

Featured Blog Posts by Our Staff

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Piecing Together Family Histories with Timelines

By Genealogist Liz Sonnenberg


Read Here
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Reflections from Modern Memoirs Founder Kitty Axelson-Berry

Interview by Genealogist Liz Sonnenberg

Read Here
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Honoring the Grandfathers

by Director of Publishing Ali de Groot

It starts off like a fantasy story—a young boy is visiting his grandparents and wanders into an off-limits part of the attic, discovering Grandfather’s memorabilia and photographs from World War II. Grandfather proceeds to recount stories the wide-eyed boy had never heard.


In his book To the Front: Grandfathers’ Stories in the Cause of Freedom, publ. 2022, author and client Michael M. Van Ness describes growing up in a military family and later pursuing a Navy medical career. This in-depth historical memoir pays homage to staff and graduates of key military institutions (Landon School for Boys; West Point). It includes original letters from a relative as far back as the Civil War, plus journal excerpts and letters from his grandfather Major General John B. Anderson, who, among other accomplishments, commanded the XVI Corps and 102nd Infantry Division in WWII. The author provides detailed information on such pivotal events as the Battle of the Bulge, the Roer River and Rhine River crossings, and the Battle of Midway, with illustrations and maps. To the Front is a beautiful memorial and compelling read for any WWII enthusiast.


To purchase a copy from the author, please click here: TO THE FRONT

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May Question:

What is one trait handed down to you from your father or grandfather?

Write Your Response Here

Staff responses


Megan St. Marie: My love of books and reading.


Sean St. Marie: Taking time to do a job right—"Measure twice (or 7 times), cut once."


Ali de Groot: Patience.


Liz Sonnenberg: Belief that I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to.


Nicole Miller: A dry sense of humor.

Memory Lane Stroll


We’d love to hear your brief personal reflections on the question of the month. Write your response for a chance to be featured in the next edition of our e-newsletter!








Responses to our APRIL question: Is there a particular place you’ve visited or resided that gives you a sense of peace when you return to it in your mind?


"Watching the changing colors of the sunrise on the Teton mountain range in Wyoming."

—Erica Wheeler,

Sense of Place Consulting



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495 West Street, Suite 1C

Amherst, MA 01002


www.modernmemoirs.com

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