Bits and Pieces

Of the Times, Places, and Stories of My Life

By: Mary Chinn

Narrated by: Kara Lea Kennedy

Mary Chinn lived through most of the 20th century, and well into the 21st. At 80 years old, this astonishing woman finished compiling notes from her diaries into a beautifully layered series of vignettes, “written with love” for her family. Here you will find historical accounts of blizzards, revival meetings, travel by train and tired Model-T Ford, one-room school-houses, a war time romance, and a jailor who cried.

In her own voice, and through the beauty and humor of her personality, she portrays times and places that no longer exist. Readers will catch glimpses of authentic family life, parental love, honor, faith, creativity, and human dignity.

This is a portrait of survival. Mary and her family endured crushing poverty, class prejudice, frightening weather, and the grinding wheels of shame, loss, and regret.

These are also classic stories of rural America, told through the clear eyes of a child, a daughter, sister, wife, and mother.

©2013 Cool River Pub, Inc. (P)2023 Cool River Pub, Inc.

Priceless family treasure

These are stories about my grandma read by my cousin. What a unique experience that not many in life will have. I’ve heard so many of these stories directly from my grandma when she was alive. To hear them read to me brought them all to life. I laughed. I cried and although I have this book, I loved it even more in audiobook form. Well done Kara!!