LocalLit book preview: ‘Memories From Margaret’ by Susan Shetina

I love candid, true stories of history, especially when those stories are of people with a local connection.

So I was delighted to stumbled upon, quite accidently, on this book: “Memories From Margaret” by Susan Shetina of Joliet.

Shetina’s book is a “poignant account of a woman’s life experiences that are filled with compassion, godly belief, and harmony,” according to a news release.

Margaret, Shetina’s aunt, had written down her memories and family stories about growing up in Alabama in the early 1900s, according to a post on Shetina’s Facebook page. Eventually the family moved to Joliet.

I previewed the pages from the “look inside” option on Amazon and was hooked. In just that bit of teaser, I read about the father’s amputation due to “tuberculosis of the bone” and the death of a baby brother at nine months. I’m sure these, and other experiences, will lead to an inner strength in Margaret. I’m eager to read more.

I’ve already downloaded the book onto my Kindle and will review it in Tuesday’s LocalLit newsletter. Subscribe to the free newsletter at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/newsletter/#//.

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Each week LocalLit will deliver an original short and family-friendly story (or a book review) by a local author to the newsletter’s subscribers.

Local writers: Do you have a book you’d like me to review? A short story you’d like to share with LocalLit subscribers?

Please contact me at 815-280-4122 or dunland@shawmedia.com.

Authors with a connection to our readership area may submit. Submission does not guarantee acceptance.