Wednesday, May 04, 2011

No Permanent Scars by Michael Hemery

No Permanent Scars
Michael Hemery is a former student and very good friend, so unbiased praise for his memoir about growing up in the same town where I teach and live is impossible. Sorry! But I enthusiastically recommend it to any one interested in reliving a lazy summer day of bicycle riding in the suburbs, or the agony of a poorly timed allergic reaction, or the wrath of an evil music teacher. Mike's combination of nostalgia and coming-of-age experiences vividly recreate not only his childhood, but the childhood of any one blessed enough to grow up the only child of loving parents who never sugar coated life's lessons. Perhaps because I am also an only child, the book rings true. The cover photograph only shows the hands of Mike's dad, whose memory the book is dedicated to, and whose wisdom and frankness permeate the vignettes.

Mike Hemery's website

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