January 2023 MBR The Biography Shelf

The Biography Shelf

The Forgotten Iron King of the Great Lakes
Michael W. Nagle
Wayne State University Press
4809 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201-1309
http://wsupress.wayne.edu
9780814349939, $26.99, HC, 368pp

https://www.amazon.com/Forgotten-Iron-King-Great-Lakes/dp/0814349935

Synopsis: Eber Brock Ward (December 25, 1811 - January 2, 1875) began his career as a cabin boy on his uncle's sailing vessels, but when he died in 1875, he was the wealthiest man in Michigan.

His business activities were vast and innovative. Ward was engaged in the steamboat, railroad, lumber, mining, and iron and steel industries. In 1864, his facility near Detroit became the first in the nation to produce steel using the more efficient Bessemer method. Michael W. Nagle demonstrates how much of Ward's success was due to his ability to vertically integrate his business operations, which were undertaken decades before other more famous moguls, such as Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller.

And yet, despite his countless successes, Ward's life was filled with ruthless competition, labor conflict, familial dispute, and scandal. With the publication of "The Forgotten Iron King of the Great Lakes: Eber Brock Ward, 1811-1875" Professor Michael W. Nagle makes extensive use of Ward's correspondence, business records, contemporary newspaper accounts, and other archival material to craft a balanced profile of this fascinating figure whose actions influenced the history and culture of the Great Lakes and beyond.

Critique: Informatively enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of a twelve-page Bibliography, fifty-eight pages of Notes, and an eight page Index, "The Forgotten Iron King of the Great Lakes: Eber Brock Ward, 1811-1875" by Professor Michael W. Nagel is a model biography that reads with all the narrative flair of a novel. Impressively researched, written, organized and presented, "The Forgotten Iron King of the Great Lakes: Eber Brock Ward, 1811-1875" is especially recommended for community and academic library 19th Century American Biography collections. A work meticulous and detailed scholarship, it should be noted for the personal reading lists of students, academia, historians, and non-specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The Forgotten Iron King of the Great Lakes: Eber Brock Ward, 1811-1875" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $14.57).

Editorial Note: Michael W. Nagle (https://www.facebook.com/MWNagleHistory) is Professor of History and Political Science at West Shore Community College in Scottville, Michigan. He is also the author of "Justus S. Stearns: Michigan Pine King and Kentucky Coal Baron, 1845-1933" (Wayne State University Press, 2015), which won the Kentucky History Award.

I Sang That: A Memoir from Hollywood
Sally Stevens
Atmosphere Press
www.atmospherepress.com
9781639886319, $27.99, HC, 390pp

https://www.amazon.com/I-Sang-That-Memoir-Hollywood/dp/1639886311

Synopsis: "I Sang That: A Memoir from Hollywood" by Sally Stevens takes her readers on a personal journey behind the scenes into the world of music-makers who created the film scores, television music, sound recordings, commercials and concert evenings over the last sixty years.

"I Sang That" is the story of a long singing career that began in 1960 with concert tours (Ray Conniff, Nat King Cole, and later, solo work in concert with Burt Bacharach) and went on for another thirty years of vocals and main titles for The Simpsons, vocals for Family Guy -- vocals on hundreds of film & television scores & sound recordings, plus twenty-two years as Choral Director for the Oscars.

"I Sang That" is also the personal story of growing up in a "his, hers and theirs" family in the forties and fifties, and how a shy little girl became a second-generation singer in the ever-evolving music business of Hollywood.

Critique: A delightfully informative and inherently fascinating memoir that will have a very special appeal to readers with an interest in the movie and television music business, "I Sang That: A Memoir from Hollywood" is an impressively written and unreservedly recommended addition to community and academic library Hollywood History, Contemporary American Biography and Composer/Musican Memoir collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "I Sang That: A Memoir from Hollywood" is also available in a paperback edition (9781639885510, $18.99) and in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.49).

Editorial Note: Sally Stevens (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sally_Stevens) is an American actress, singer and a vocal contractor. She has sung on hundreds of The Simpsons episodes, and sings the main title, which has been in use since the inception of the show. She also sings the main title for Family Guy and has worked for Seth MacFarlane, the creator of the show, as vocal contractor and singer since the inception of the series on Fox in 1999. She has sung, and been vocal contractor for hundreds of films, some of which include The Last Airbender, The Abyss, Contact, Amistad, Power of One, Behind Enemy Lines, Beyond Borders, Forrest Gump, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Walt's Apprentice: Keeping the Disney Dream Alive
Dick Nunis
Disney Editions
c/o Disney Book Group
https://books.disney.com
9781368078047, $25.99, HC, 320pp

https://www.amazon.com/Walts-Apprentice-Keeping-Disney-Dream/dp/1368078044

Synopsis: "Walt's Apprentice: Keeping the Disney Dream Alive" is the personal memoir of Disney Legend Dick Nunis. It is a warm personal reminiscence of learning directly from Walt Disney for 12 years, followed by more than 30 years devoted to championing his vision and standards as the Disney empire grew.

"Walt's Apprentice" covers many Disney's highlights, including the 1960 Winter Olympics, 1964-1965 New York World's Fair, and the development and opening of Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Epcot, Tokyo Disneyland and Disneyland Paris. Unlike other Disney histories and biographies, "Walt's Apprentice" is told from the perspective of operations rather than Imagineering.

It touches on decisions that defined the guest experience and Disney's reputation for quality in areas ranging from capacity and people-moving, training, delivering a consistent "good show", food service, and more.

This first-person narrative is presented as a series of wide-ranging vignettes. Some vignettes focus on personal, character-shaping events, such as the injury that ended his collegiate football career. Other stories touch on national events, such as Nikita Khrushchev's derailed visit to Disneyland, the decision to close the park following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan's assistance in expediting the visa process for cast members staffing the Epcot World Showcase.

Few people have enjoyed a life so immersed in Disney magic. These personal stories from Dick Nunis share that magic through the memories of one of the original doers and dreamers.

Critique: An absolute 'must' for the legions of Disney fans wanting a true insider's perspective and account of the evolving Disney accomplishments over the past 5 decades, "Walt's Apprentice: Keeping the Disney Dream Alive" will prove to be a welcome and enduringly popular addition to personal, community, and academic library American Biography/Memoir collections in general, and Disney theme park and corporate histories in particular. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Walt's Apprentice: Keeping the Disney Dream Alive" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $12.99).

Editorial Note: Dick Nunis (https://twitter.com/DickNunis) was a cast member when the gates of Disneyland opened in 1955. For the next eleven years, he learned professional and personal lessons from his mentor Walt Disney, America's greatest showman. This personal journey takes us through his remarkable forty-four-year career with The Walt Disney Company, beginning as an hourly cast member, and rising to Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, where he nurtured and applied with unwavering dedication and tireless energy the lessons he learned alongside Walt Disney. Thanks to his contributions, Dick Nunis is a Disney Legend, and Walt's Disney's dream of creating "The Happiest Places on Earth" continues to delight each new generation of guests around the world.

Witness to Dignity
Russell J. Levenson, Jr.
Center Street
www.centerstreet.com
c/o Hachette Book Group
https://www.hachettebookgroup.com
Blackstone Audiobooks
www.blackstoneaudio.com
9781546003298, $29.99, HC, 352pp

https://www.amazon.com/Witness-Dignity-Faith-George-Barbara/dp/1546003290

Synopsis: George and Barbara Bush belonged to and were active members of a Houston church for more than 50 years. The rector of that church, Reverend Russell Jones Levenson, Jr., believes he was invited into private moments with these public individuals so he could serve as a witness: a witness to observe, and a witness to tell.

With the publication of "Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush" and featuring never-before shared correspondence, experiences, and personal stories, Levenson offers new insight into the Bushes' wit and wisdom; their commitment to family and friends; their tireless desire to bless the lives of others; and their steadfast loyalty to their church, their faith, and their God. Before embarking on writing this book on faith, Levenson sought and received the blessing of all the Bush children, including the 43rd president.

Readers will laugh, cry, and be inspired as Levenson ponders how and why he was put in this unique pastoral position, asking questions like, "What on earth was I doing reading the sports section of the paper with the forty-first president, his cabinet member Brent Scowcroft, and a Chinese official on a breezy morning at Walker's Point in Kennebunkport, Maine?"

Levenson writes with emotion about being with President Bush and Barbara Bush as they each took their last breaths on this earth. He then describes in full detail the surreal experience of planning a state funeral and giving a eulogy with other presidents in the front row.

"Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush" is for readers who yearn for our public officials to serve with faith and integrity like the Bushes. But above all else, the story of George and Barbara Bush reveals just how powerful it is when world leaders are humbled before the power that rests above all powers.

Critique: A carefully crafted, informative, and ultimately inspiring biography, "Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush" is an extraordinary and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, community, and academic library American Biography collections. It should be noted for personal reading lists that "Witness to Dignity: The Life and Faith of George H.W. and Barbara Bush" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $15.99) and as a complete and unabridged audio book (Blackstone Audio, 9781668627587, $44.59, CD).

Editorial Note: The Reverend Russell J. Levenson, Jr. lives in Houston, Texas, where he has served as Rector of St. Martin's Episcopal Church since 2007. With nearly 10,000 members, St. Martin's is the largest Episcopal Church in North America. Levenson co-officiated and offered a homily at the state funeral for President George H.W. Bush in Washington, D.C. and in Houston. He also officiated and preached at the funeral for First Lady Barbara Bush in Houston. Levenson has been ordained for 30 years and is the author of several devotional books.

Snapshots of My Father, John Silber
Rachel Silber Devlin
Peter E. Randall Publisher
www.perpublisher.com
9781942155508, $29.95, HC, 320pp

https://www.amazon.com/Snapshots-My-Father-John-Silber/dp/1942155506

Synopsis: With the publication of "Snapshots of My Father, John Silber" Rachel Silber Devlin provides an extensively illustrated memoir of her father, John Silber, a man who entirely transformed Boston University as its president and was a controversial, yet intellectually formidable, candidate for governor of Massachusetts.

In this personal and informative memoir, Rachel Silber Devlin looks at her family and her father's trajectory from Texas to Boston and what life became like there; she examines his personality and temperament; and she describes his later years, the hardships he weathered and his continued accomplishments out of the public eye.

Devlin chose to tell her father's story because John Silber, the man, is so widely misunderstood. People who knew him either loved him or hated him. None were indifferent. This memoir is in no way a full biography of Silber's life. That would require several volumes. As the title implies, each chapter is like a snapshot taken from a daughter's perspective, peering into the past she saw.

Silber championed freedom of speech, believing all sides should be heard, especially on college campuses. He was also the father of seven children, and the author often meets people who want to hear what he was like as a father and they like to tell her their own stories about him. Snapshots of My Father is her clear-eyed vision of this authentic man of principle who had a drive to achieve great things.

Critique: Impressively illustrated with inserts of historical black-and-white photographs, "Snapshots of My Father, John Silber" by Rachel Silber Devlin is a deftly crafted and inherently interesting memoir showcasing a daughter's account of her distinguished father. While also available for personal reading lists in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99), "Snapshots of My Father, John Silber" is a welcome and recommended addition to community and academic library American Biography/Memoir collections.

Editorial Note: Rachel Silber Devlin (https://prbythebook.com/experts/rachel-silber-devlin) is one of John Silber's six daughters. As a wife, a mother, and a homemaker, she always had a strong sense of who she was apart from any labels. Devlin says that she sometimes feels like she and her dad grew up together because she knew him so well from a time when he was young and still learning how to make his way in the world. She divides her time between her homes in Texas and Massachusetts, the states where her children and grandchildren live.

The Sign Catcher
Otilio Quintero
Arte Publico Press
University of Houston
4902 Gulf Freeway, Bldg 19, Rm 100, Houston, TX 77204-2004
www.artepublicopress.com
9781558859395, $19.95, PB, 240pp

https://www.amazon.com/Sign-Catcher-Otilio-Quintero/dp/155885939X

Synopsis: As a young boy, Otilio Quintero lived with his family in abject poverty in a labor camp in California's San Joaquin Valley. Later, they moved to a housing project that exposed him to the madness of violence. Despite his difficult childhood, he managed to go to college. But more important to his development was a trip to Mexico in which he was taken in and taught by the Mayan Chol people.

With the publication of his memoir, "The Sign Catcher ", Quintero writes that he found his calling at an indigenous ceremony during The Longest Walk, a 3,000-mile march across the country (from Alcatraz Island in San Francisco to Washington, DC) in 1978 by Native Americans to protest federal attacks on their way of life. The marchers carried the scared pipe to the nation's capital and ultimately legislative bills detrimental to indigenous people were defeated.

His life then took a dramatic turn when he found himself in a maximum-security prison facing a possible 20-year sentence! Through a miracle of faith and hope, Quintero escaped prison and began teaching farmworkers at a community college. He would go on to become a leader in the movement against gang violence, joining forces with organizations such as Barrios Unidos and Homies Unidos.

He also worked alongside the likes of Cesar Chavez, Harry Belafonte and Tom Hayden, and his efforts to save lives took him to El Salvador, Nicaragua and Venezuela. "The Sign Catcher"s is a compelling read that exemplifies the need to make change within before attempting to change the world around us -- and Quintero contends the challenges of the current times require our awakening now!

Critique: An inherently interesting, informative, and well written memoir that will have a very special appeal for personal, community, and academic library Hispanic Biography collections, it should be noted for students, academia, and non- specialist general readers with an interest in the subject that "The Sign Catcher" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Otilio Quintero (https://mesarefuge.org/people/otilio-quintero) is a founding member of the Community Justice Network for Youth (CJNY) and a long-time youth violence prevention advocate. He worked for more than 24 years in prisons and detention centers in California and currently lives in Lebec, California.

Does My Voice Matter?
Cynthia James
She Writes Press
www.shewritespress.com
9781647422431, $17.95, PB, 208pp

https://www.amazon.com/Does-Voice-Matter-Self-Discovery-Authenticity/dp/1647422434

Synopsis: We live in a critical and oftentimes violent world. People are afraid to talk about what they feel, think, or believe. They withhold energy for fear of being ridiculed, punished, or excluded. They hide their deepest dreams and desires away and cover them up with doubt, insecurity, old experiences, and fears. Cynthia James know this -- because that was her personal experience.

Covering seven decades of living, traveling, and growing, "Does My Voice Matter? A Journey of Self-Discovery, Authenticity, and Empowerment" follows her journey of self-discovery and authenticity as she gradually recognizes that she has a voice -- and learns how to use it. She uses her own life experiences as a backdrop for her exploration of how the voice is used as a tool of engagement; how a singular or collective voice can enhance empowerment, transparency, and accountability; and, finally, how expression can develop new ideas, shift cultures, political views, transform organizations, create laws, and improve lives.

Written for anyone who wants to discover the power within that makes them special, "Does My Voice Matter?" has a vital message: Uniqueness is your own glorious imprint on this planet, and it is calling you to come out. It doesn't matter if your awakening is large or small, it doesn't matter what your age, race, religion, or history is -- anyone can begin right where they are, right now.

Critique: A deftly crafted memoir with a mission, "Does My Voice Matter? A Journey of Self-Discovery, Authenticity, and Empowerment" by Cynthia James is an extraordinary, thought-provoking, and ultimately inspiring read. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community and academic library Contemporary African-American and American Women Biography/Memoir collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "Does My Voice Matter?" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.49).

Editorial Note: Cynthia James (https://cynthiajames.net) is a transformational specialist and the author of "What Will Set You Free", "Revealing Your Extraordinary Essence", and "I Choose Me". She is a sought-after radio guest and the host of the podcast Women Awakening. She has completed two master's degree programs, one in consciousness studies and the other in spiritual psychology. An ordained licensed minister, she is a frequent presenter and workshop facilitator at spiritual centers around the world who also leads pilgrimages to sacred sites. She is also a featured presenter with the Shift Network and Humanities Team summits, two of the largest and most successful providers of virtual courses, online workshops, and tele-seminar events taught by experts in the areas of spirituality and personal growth.

My Maril: Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Hollywood, and Me
Terry Karger, author
Post Hill Press
www.posthillpress.com
9781637583265, $28.00, HC, 256pp

https://www.amazon.com/My-Maril-Marilyn-Monroe-Hollywood/dp/1637583265

Synopsis: Terry Karger is a child of Hollywood: the granddaughter of Metro Pictures cofounder Maxwell Karger, and the daughter of Fred Karger, a vocal coach at Columbia Pictures. Terry's memoir, "My Maril: Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Hollywood, and Me" revolves around her father Fred and a trio of silver-screen legends: her stepmother Jane Wyman, Ronald Reagan, and, primarily, Marilyn Monroe.

Marilyn, recently evolved from Norma Jeane Mortenson, was an unknown starlet when, as a twenty-one-year-old, she first met six-year-old Terry (and began dating her dad) in the spring of 1948. The orphaned, emotionally fragile actress initially babysat Fred's daughter while turning to his family for support. Although the Marilyn-Fred romance lasted just over a year, her close friendship with the Kargers, including Fred, continued for fourteen years until the end of Marilyn's life.

While Fred was Marilyn's first true love, his mom, Nana, was the mother she never really had. "Maril," as they fondly called her, was allowed to relax and be herself. It also enabled Marilyn to appease her own unfulfilled maternal instincts, acting as a cross between a sweet, playful big sister and generous, caring surrogate mom to Terry.

This exceptional memoir also reveals privately taken, previously unpublished photos of the iconic superstar with her adopted family and friends.

Critique: Candid, informative, fascinating, "My Maril: Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Hollywood, and Me" is a simply riveting read from first page to last and a 'must' for the legions of Marilyn Monroe fans. While especially and unreservedly recommended for community and academic library American Biography & Memoir collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that "My Maril: Marilyn Monroe, Ronald Reagan, Hollywood, and Me" is also available from Post Hill Press in a digital book format (Kindle, $9.99).

Editorial Note: Terry Karger (https://posthillpress.com/authors/terry-karger) graduated from the University of Southern California in 1963, one year after Marilyn Monroe's death. She taught at Crescent Heights Elementary and would later teach at Westwood Elementary where her students had parents such as Micky Dolenz, Millie Perkins, Ronny Cox, and Richard Pryor.

You're Not From Around Here, Are You?
Martin Lehfeldt
Belle Isle Books
http://www.belleislebooks.com
c/o Brandylane Publishers
5 South First Street, Richmond, VA 23219
www.brandylanepublishers.com
9781953021960, $16.95, PB, 178pp

https://www.amazon.com/Youre-Not-Around-Here-Are/dp/1953021964

Synopsis: More than five decades ago, Northeast-native Martin Lehfeldt was so captivated by the South that he made it his home. Reflecting on his experiences in "You're Not From Around Here, Are You? Notes from a Naturalized Southerner" Lehfeldt has assembled a uniquely diverse collection of impressions that embrace an overview of the region's historically black colleges and universities, the unequaled pleasure of sipping a Bloody Mary on a rainy Saturday morning in New Orleans, the joys of 1960s-era first-class air travel, the discovery of a coon dog cemetery, a revelatory visit to Key West, throwing a good party, brushes with celebrity, and plenty more.

Open Lehfeldt's witty collection of sketches at virtually any page and you will find a story that lyrically captures a moment, a feeling, and possibly a piece of your heart.

Critique: A combination memoir and cultural observation, "You're Not From Around Here, Are You? Notes from a Naturalized Southerner" is a fascinating read that is articulate, engaging, thought-provoking, and fun. Highly recommended, "You're Not From Around Here, Are You? Notes from a Naturalized Southerner" is an ideal addition to personal reading lists and community library Social Activist, Educator, and African-American Biography/Memoir collections.

Editorial Note: Martin Lehfeldt (http://www.belleislebooks.com/martinlehfeldt.html) earned a Master of Divinity at Union Theological Seminary in New York-but then self-defrocked in the mid-1960s. The opportunity to direct a program that recruited and placed outstanding young faculty members at historically Black colleges throughout the South gave him a unique perspective on that region, and lured him to Atlanta. What was intended to be a brief sojourn blossomed into a career as a college development officer, a fund-raising consultant, and President of the Southeastern Council of Foundations. During five decades as a naturalized Southerner traveling widely in the region, he has become known as a speaker and author whose books include The Sacred Call, Notes from a Non-Profitable Life, and (with Jamil Zainaldin) The Liberating Promise of Philanthropy.

He Charged Alone
John R. Strasburg
www.johnstrasburg.com
Lulu
Lulu.com
9781387855926, $17.98, PB, 249pp

https://www.amazon.com/He-Charged-Alone-Recipient-Private/dp/1387855921

Synopsis: Frank Gaffney was a 33-year-old papermaker from Western New York when America entered the Great War in 1917. While his age exempted him from serving in the military, Gaffney ran to the colors anyway. He fought bravely on Belgian and French battlefields as a U.S. Army soldier with the 27th Division's 108th Infantry Regiment.

On September 29, 1918, Gaffney singlehandedly breached a section of Germany's Hindenburg Line, coming away with 80 prisoners. Six grateful nations recognized his bravery, including his own. In June 1919, the United States awarded him the Medal of Honor. Years later, the 27th Division's commanding general, Maj. Gen. John F. O'Ryan, wrote of Gaffney, "...no one man had performed more daring exploits and had exercised a bigger influence upon those about him by the gallantry of his conduct."

With the publication of "He Charged Alone: World War I Medal of Honor Recipient Private First Class Frank Gaffney", John Strasburg chronicles the life of a First World War American soldier whose bravery was once compared to that of the legendary Sergeant Alvin York.

To tell Frank Gaffney's story, Strasburg deftly weaves together Gaffney's personal correspondence with military/government records, newspaper accounts, and published unit histories. Nearly fifty illustrations (photographs and maps) augment the narrative.

While much of "He Charged Alone" focuses on Gaffney's military service, heroism on the battlefield, and subsequent rehabilitation from a combat injury he received in the war's closing days, it also covers Gaffney's upbringing and how he managed the burden that comes with being a Medal of Honor recipient. At its core, "He Charged Alone" memorializes a true American hero from New York State who in life was admired by people across the country but in death has been nearly forgotten.

In the pages of "He Charged Alone", Frank Gaffney's legacy returns to the fore, where it belongs.

Critique: Informative enhanced for the reader with the inclusion of a two page Epilogue, a two page Appendix, thirty-eight pages of Notes, a twelve page Bibliography, and a four page Index, "He Charged Alone: World War I Medal of Honor Recipient Private First Class Frank Gaffney" is especially recommended to readers with an interest in World War I Military History & Biographies. A truly exceptional biography that effectively rescues a World War I Medal of Honor winner from an undeserved obscurity, "He Charged Alone" is a ver special and unreservedly recommended addition to personal, professional, community, and academic library collections

Editorial Note: John Strasburg (https://www.johnstrasburg.com) is a genealogist who specializes in military records research and enjoys helping others discover their ancestral past. He is a retired U.S. Coast Guard commissioned officer and holds a bachelor's degree in political science from SUNY Stony Brook, a master's degree in library & information science from the University of South Florida, and a certificate in genealogical research from Boston University's Metropolitan School, Center for Professional Education.

Dancing in Their Light
Debbie Chinn
www.debbiechinn.com
Strange Fate Publications
9780578355993, $30.00

https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Their-Light-Daughters-Unfinished/dp/057835599X

Dancing in Their Light: A Daughter's Unfinished Memoir chronicles the as-yet-unconcluded life of a daughter of Chinese immigrants who was born and raised on Long Island, New York. Her family's successful restaurant was a family effort as the House of Mah Jong proved both her playground and her training arena, leading her to perform as a Polynesian dancer through her teen years as she evolved dreams and goals which moved far from the successful nightclub/restaurant world.

Under another hand, Dancing in Their Light might have ended at this point, with furthering her parents' dream; but Debbie Chinn had other goals, and eventually become the CEO of a non-profit arts group. Her family's journey that led her to this point is chronicled in a memoir that celebrates her heritage through history and explorations of the expanded Mah Jong family circle. Black and white and color photos of family and the restaurant/nightclub business liberally pepper the story to add visual attraction to her chronicle.

Along the way, readers also absorb circumstances of Chinese and American interactions, cultures, and perceptions that lend the memoir the added value of a cultural education as the family's fascination with Hawaii translates to an endeavor most Chinese immigrant families did not undertake.

While the blossoming restaurant business takes center role in this story, of equal interest is her family's background history and transformations as they moved between and within very different cultures, assimilating some of the best of both to present new opportunities to their inner circle and the community around them. In a nutshell, Dancing in Their Light is about how values, experiences, and perceptions translate between generations to affect and change outcomes and birth a legendary cultural icon.

Whether readers come to the story for its Chinese roots and heritage; its restaurant business insights; or for the evolution of a young woman who followed family tradition in following an unexpected path, Dancing in Their Light will reach a wide audience of followers with its engrossing juxtapositions of past, present, and future worlds.

Ideally, it will find a place not only in libraries strong in business and Chinese family memoirs, but in book club discussion circles looking for titles about immigrant experience, Chinese family history, and a daughter's lessons that led her to her own successes. Inspirational and enlightening, Dancing in Their Light is a memoir that is hard to put down.

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