In My Mother’s Kitchen by Robin A Edgar

I was looking for something to do this afternoon-evening because hubby and son went to the race. While browsing the Borders site yesterday checked out the events they had going on this weekend. Robin Edgar was listed for this afternoon so I checked out the book she was going to talk about.

After reading the blurb I bought “In My Mother’s Kitchen” this morning and read it one sitting. It was an amazing read because it brought back lots of memories of my grandmother. I would like to write some of the stories of my grandmother for my son. Gramma had a large influence in my life and has shaped the person I am today. Unfortunately my son was only two and a half when she died so he has no memories of her. I also have very fond memories of my father-in-law. He was very special to me and I would like to pass along those memories as well. He died years before my son was born.

I’m an only child and so I don’t have siblings to help pass along stories of my family. I never realized how important those memories were until I had a child and then lost my Gramma. Right now my son isn’t that interested but when he has kids he might enjoy some of the tidbits of wisdom I picked up from my Gramma through her stories, outlook, habits and eccentric ways. And it might even help him understand some of my eccentric ways as well.

So after reading the book I was very excited about attending the discussion and book signing today. When I got there I realized there was an error on the website, she was going to discussion her new book “Personal Legacies: Surviving the Great Depression”. I felt bad because I’m sure she would have had a good turn out if the website (and other advanced advertising) would have listed her current book. This weekend was Teacher’s Weekend where the offered special discounts, drawings and other freebies, I’m sure some of the teachers would have enjoyed her historical discussion.

As it turned out I was the only person that attended. It was a shame because it was really interesting and enjoyable. We discussed the book I had read and she read passages from her new book and told how she met and interviewed all the people (over 100 and picked 20 stories) for her book. It was really interesting and enjoyable.

I would strongly recommend this book for anyone that is interested in recording memories of loved ones whether they are still with you or not. If you have lost a loved one this is a great book to help you work through your grief by using your memories and rituals to help keep their memory alive in your heart as well as passing those memories on.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book, meeting the author and talking to her about both her books and her memories. This was a well spent day reading, remembering and sharing.