Stories of Family

The Charm Bracelet by Viola Shipman

This is a story of a woman, Lolly, her daughter, Arden, and her granddaughter, Lauren. When Lolly was young, her mother started a charm bracelet for her. All of the charms tell a story from Lolly's life. She started a charm bracelet for her daughter and granddaughter in the hopes that their charms would do for them what they have done for her: tell the stories of their lives.

Lolly is starting to lose her memory, so Arden and Lauren come home to Lake Michigan for vacation to spend time with her. Arden has always felt somewhat distanced from her mother and the place she grew up, so the stories annoy her...at first. As the time goes, Arden finds appreciation for the stories, and finds herself.

Sweet book.

The whole time I was reading this, I kept thinking how thankful I have always been to be able to hear my grandparent's stories, at least on my dad's side of the family. I wish I had taken the time to record my grandpa's stories, especially now that he is gone. He had some good ones: part truth, part tall tale, all entertaining. That's something I miss.