What Amazon Says
“[Our Town] leaves us with a sense of blessing, and the unspoken but palpable command to achieve gratitude in what remains of our days on earth.” — The New Yorker
Thornton Wilder’s Pulitzer Prize-winning drama of life in the mythical village of Grover’s Corners, New Hampshire—an allegorical representation of all life—is an American classic. It is the simple story of a love affair that asks timeless questions about the meaning of love, life, and death.
Our Town explores the relationship between two young neighbors, George Gibbs and Emily Webb, whose childhood friendship blossoms into romance, and then culminates in marriage. When Emily loses her life during childbirth, the circle of life portrayed in each of the three acts—childhood, adulthood, and death—is fully realized.
Widely considered one of the greatest American plays of all time, Our Town debuted on Broadway in 1938 and continues to be performed daily on stages around the world. This special edition includes an afterword by Wilder’s nephew, Tappan Wilder, with illuminating documentary material about the playwright and his most famous drama.
My 5-Star Review
The book I reviewed here last week references this play. Having never seen or read it, I was curious. I’m glad I picked it up.
The nice thing about reading a play, especially when one’s vision is limited, is that the playwright often provides vivid descriptions of the set and what the characters are doing. Thornton Wilder’s stage descriptions didn’t disappoint me. It was as if I were in the theater, seeing the play. I got more out of it than I would have if I’d seen it in person.
In Wilder’s story of young love and marriage and unexpected death, he teaches important life lessons. The third act, taking place at the cemetery, in which we see characters who have passed away, is effective. I can see why this play is often assigned in high school English classes and performed in high schools and community theaters. Our Town is a play everyone should read or see.
Photo Courtesy of Tess Anderson Photography
Photo Resize and Description
by Two Pentacles Publishing
I have great news! For those who use the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled in the United States, Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me is now available in an audio format from their site. To download this book click here.
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New! Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me
Copyright 2021 by Abbie Johnson Taylor.
Independently published with the help of DLD Books.
Photo Resize and Description
by Two Pentacles Publishing
Sixteen-year-old Natalie’s grandmother, suffering from dementia and confined to a wheelchair, lives in a nursing home and rarely recognizes Natalie. But one Halloween night, she tells her a shocking secret that only she and Natalie’s mother know. Natalie is the product of a one-night stand between her mother, who is a college English teacher, and another professor.
After some research, Natalie learns that people with dementia often have vivid memories of past events. Still not wanting to believe what her grandmother has told her, she finds her biological father online. The resemblance between them is undeniable. Not knowing what else to do, she shows his photo and website to her parents.
Natalie realizes she has some growing up to do. Scared and confused, she reaches out to her biological father, and they start corresponding.
Her younger sister, Sarah, senses their parents’ marital difficulties. At Thanksgiving, when she has an opportunity to see Santa Claus, she asks him to bring them together again. Can the jolly old elf grant her request?
My Corner 
Hi Abbie, my brother-in-law, Stu, recently had a part in this play here in the Atlanta area. I was sick and didn’t get to see it, but my sister didn’t like it at all. I have the book and plan to read it as soon as life slows down for me. Thanks for this review.
Glenda C. Beall 190 Burkemeade Ct. Roswell. GA 30075
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Hi, Glenda,
I’m sorry you were unable to see the play and your sister didn’t like it. I hope you enjoy reading it when you have time. It’s a sweet but sad story, told in a different way.
Abbie
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