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Tag Archive One’s life in the 21st century

Author Alice Joyner Irby in Macchu Pichu

South Toward Home tells the story of life in the 20th Century – the American Century

Publisher’s Note

When I first met Alice Joyner Irby, I knew she had an extraordinary story to tell about her life, her family and people who crossed her path.

As she finished each chapter over a little less than year, I knew her extraordinary book was being created. And now it is here to be released in April as South Toward Home.

In this interview with Alice she tells what her book is about, why she wrote it and the importance of life as she journeyed through the early 20th century and the beginnings of the 21st.

Pictured in the photo, Alice, James, Andrea’s son, and Andrea, Alice’s daughter, in Sacred Valley, Macchu Pichu

 

OBXPG: What is the book about?

ALICE: There is a familiar saying, “May you live in interesting times,” offered by a British diplomat in 1936—just a few years after my birth.  I have lived in interesting times—spanning more than seven decades of the 20th century and, now, two decades of the 21st.

During those years, I have witnessed and experienced times of economic depression, hot and cold wars, societal upheaval and assassinations, expanding civil rights and broadening opportunities, measles outbreaks and a polio epidemic, and extraordinary technological and medical breakthroughs.

My stories capture events and happenings in my life during these times of disturbance, crisis, tumult, accomplishment, and joy.  They reveal ways in which I seized opportunities as doors opened and cleared fences that were in my path.  They bring to life the people in my family, my circle of friends, and the mentors who guided me along the way.

Cover of South Toward HomeOBXPG: Why did you write this?  What made you decide to do it?

ALICE: I have always believed that personal stories make history real, and, like most Southerners, I like stories.  I was inspired to put pen to paper to encourage my daughter, grandson, nieces, nephews and their progeny to learn something about their ancestors and how they handled the stresses, disappointments, and celebrations in their lives.

I became aware of how important human connections are in shaping and enriching one’s life.  It seemed to me that readers in the future—not just my family—might benefit from learning about the influential roles that individuals play in the lives of others.  And, I very much wanted to pay tribute to the men and women who guided and sustained me.

OBXPG: Is there anything else you want to say?

ALICE: Yes.

First, I want to say thanks to those heroes, both living and dead, who made my life rich and full.

Second, I want others to get to know the characters in my stories, for they are among the good-hearted, strong, independent people who helped make the 20th century the American century.

Finally, I want to celebrate life.  This book is not a story of one life—but a story of life itself, the value of friendships, and the enduring qualities of love, kindness, and hope.

 

 

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