What Audible Says
If you search for the word “coffee” in the Bible, if you’re pretty sure that all the pairs of animals in Noah’s Ark were married, and if you think tuna hotdish is okay but fish sticks are a little too ecumenical, you’ll find humor in Growing Up Lutheran. If the Lutherans you know seem rather, er, mysterious, it will do you good. Combining their own memories with those of other Lutherans who grew up in the 1940s through the 1960s, co-authors Janet Martin and Suzann Nelson have created a delightful portrait of life as a Lutheran, from the moment of baptism (“And His Name Shall Be Called Gilman Einar Stedje”) until death (“He Is Not Gone, He Is Only Away”). In between, you’ll get the inside scoop on the Lutheran Church Basement Women, Lutefisk suppers, pew protocol, Haybelly Hanson’s views on clapping in church, and much more. Martin and Nelson are two 100 percent Norwegian Lutheran Farm Girls who have taken their religion on the road. The Minnesota residents have written six books together and are in demand as humorists, speaking together and individually in church basements, at country fairs, synod retreats, etc. They are also having hot flashes and documenting these experiences.
My 5-Star Review
This reminded me of Garrison Keillor’s Lake Woebegone stories of Lutherans that he often told for years during his radio program, A Prairie Home Companion. A negative review of the book by someone who apparently didn’t like Garrison Keillor attracted me to it, and I’m glad I picked it up.
I love the Norwegian accents of the authors, who narrate this book. Many of their tidbits of information and anecdotes kept me laughing. I was reminded of my own experiences with Sunday school, confirmation, and church camp, although I didn’t grow up Lutheran.
The snippets of church music throughout the recording and the information about Martin Luther at the end added a nice touch. Even if you didn’t grow up in any church, you should get a kick out of this book.
Photo Courtesy of Tess Anderson Photography
Photo Resize and Description
by Two Pentacles Publishing
I’m pleased to announce that from now through tomorrow, March 9th, my books, Why Grandma Doesn’t Know Me, The Red Dress, and My Ideal Partner, can be downloaded free as part of the Smashwords 15th annual Read an Ebook Week sale. You can click here to get these books. Happy reading!
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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 