I’ve always loved stories.
As a kid, I befriended my neighbor with stories that quickly became intertwined throughout middle school and then high school and then into adulthood. Stories have birthed so many other friendships throughout the years. As a student, I’d always prefer a paper over a test. I’ve told stories on porches, in letters, in the gaps of working in newsrooms and while parenting. I’ve listened to others’ stories and forged bonds over words and experiences.
And, of course, I’ve read many books and strung together many words bound up in my own book and my own soul.
As I was settling into post-college young adulthood and figuring out who I was, I read “All Over But the Shoutin’” by Rick Bragg. I was a young newspaper reporter at the time soaking up a veteran reporter’s storytelling about his home. His childhood and career path were different than mine, but his words brought me home to my own experiences and places and people.
(Here’s a list of all of his books if you’re interested.)
We all have stories that connect us.
I got to meet Rick Bragg last weekend right here in the small Kentucky town I call home that’s probably not so different than his small neck of the woods in Alabama. I listened to him tell some stories and read a few paragraphs from his newest book, got to shake his hand, and share a tiny piece of my own story.
And, of course, I bought his newest book – “The Best Cook in the World: Tales from My Momma’s Table.” Yes, it has recipes inside, but, perhaps more importantly, it has the stories from around his family’s table.
When it was my turn to get his book – okay, BOOKS, plural, because I brought my favorite “All Over But the Shoutin’” with me too – the librarian I know introduced me as a former newspaper reporter who still writes and is a stay-at-home mom. I appreciated her letting him know where our stories overlapped and his words of encouragement were a blessing. (See that note and autograph above.)
Funny story about the other book I had him sign: I bought “All Over But the Shoutin’” at a thrift store or yard sale and it was already autographed to someone else. So he changed that and obviously enjoyed doing so. I didn’t know if I was going to have him (re) sign it, but when he talked about thrift stores in his presentation, I knew he’d appreciate me being introduced to him through someone else.
I’d love to hear about a storyteller you love.
*****
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Too cool, Kristin! How neat and funny about the thrift store experience. I love them and so do my kids. I grew up going with my aunt to these little shops in their hometown and found treasures there (my imagination gets the best of me). How did you find out he was speaking?
More than thrift stores, I really love yard sales. 🙂 I saw in the old-fashioned newspaper he was speaking. Thanks for being here, Meg!
I’m hoping to make time for those this year. I never was brave enough to take little kids and didn’t go for years. Newspapers!!! Love.
I haven’t been in awhile (hello, toddler!), but I hope to get in the routine again soon. As a former newspaper reporter, I don’t think I’ll ever be able to totally quit newspapers. 🙂
Love this story! How wonderful to see his sense of humor in his {re} signing of your book! Sometimes encouragement and affirmation come tailor made for us and this was surely true for you. You surely are a writer and should not give either of those books away. Hold onto them and pull them out on days doubt may attempt to creep in. This is just the best story!
You’re the best encourager, Joanne. I’m thankful we’re connected through our stories. xo
One of my favorite story tellers was a former missionary to China. I’m working right now on trying to remember and record some of the stories of her years there before WWII, and then before Communism changed everything.
We’re so blessed to be recipients of the stories of others.
Oh, I bet that’s really interesting! We are indeed blessed, my friend. xo
When I was teaching, I went to two different conferences where my hero teachers of writing were presenting their expertise. I had read their books and used their techniques in my own classroom. There was something inspiring hearing them tell their stories. I took their books with me, and each one graciously signed it. Those signed books are treasures.
Those are such inspiring moments. I’m glad you had that experience, Debbie!
I love the re-sign of the used book. Very cool.
Yeah, I was glad I brought it to show him. Glad you’re here, my friend! xo
Oh what fun! I love how he autographed both books and got a kick out of re-autographing the second one. One of my favorite story tellers is a Margaret Stringer, who was a single missionary to Papua New Guinea for something like 40 years. She’s “retired” now but busier than ever speaking. She’d have us rolling in the floor laughing over what was originally a scary situation. One of my favorite anecdotes was about a low time in her life when she felt alone and unloved. During the night something fell and hit her head, and when she turned on a light, she saw it was a plaque that said “God careth for you.” A unique but effective way for Him to get that message across. 🙂
Sounds like a good one! I’ll have to check her out sometime. Thanks for sharing, Barbara!
love this story and his book – will put the new one on my list!
His new one is one of those books that has paper and a cover that feel so good! I’m looking forward to diving in – so far I’ve only skimmed and flipped through it. Thanks for being here, Sue!
Aw, I love this story with Rick Bragg. How fun that you got to meet him! So cute how he re-signed the now-yours book. 🙂
I’m glad you’re here, Lisa!