Love, Sex, and 4-H (Made in Michigan Writers Series)

This poetic tale of growing up in Michigan in the sixties is simply one of the best memoirs I've read. A child of that era myself, I nodded my head at each reference, some silly like the orange juice cans we rolled our hair around or the aprons we made (as competent future wives) to the too long list of assassinations and the tragedy of Vietnam.. And here is our idol, of course, Jackie Kennedy and the A-line dresses and pillboxes..The Catholic rites of a never-ending Good Friday and the growing occasions of sin. The author's style is beautiful as she juxtaposes the details of sewing on her Singer, her mom looking over her shoulder tsking, and the tragic winter deaths in her family, her mom sobbing on her shoulder. I only hope Anne-Marie Oomen will let us in on more of her life in another memoir, telling us how she became the writer and poet we love. How she became the lace in her mom's life.

Just out and just finished, the memoir, Love, Sex and 4-H by Anne-Marie Oomen, resonates with urgency, and, I suspect, will leave you by turns breathless and relieved—like the pulse of the waves outside my window: at times full of tiger-eye defiance, at times kitten-like.I read LS and 4H feeling fully thankful that Oomen was able to capture the craziness of growing up, regardless of one’s own, personal circumstances. There’s a baseline (here I go suspecting again): a universal. Two authors came to mind as I read, though for different reasons. The first, Michel de Montaigne, because of his conviction, noted by Philip Lopate, that “in spite of the range of human diversity, there is a basic unity to human experience: ‘Each man bears the entire form of man’s estate’” (The Art of the Personal Essay, p. 44).The second, C. S. Lewis, because of the line from attributed to him by the screenwriter, William Nicholson: “We read to know we are not alone.”You are in for, what I’d say, is a small masterpiece.Ruth Nathan

I recommend it the book for younger readers, as well as adults. There is no sex in the book beyond a young reader Twilight style. If you grew up in the 50s - 70s anywhere near 4-H, you will relate to the book. As I read, I had one friend in mind who reminded me so much of this family. It is also interesting to see how much the focus of 4-H has changed from rural necessities (canning, sewing) to modern projects. Also explains the cultural shifts in 4-H. I recommend the book and patronage of a Michigan author.

Anne-Marie Oomen's writing is, as usual, solid and interesting although not terribly inspired. I loaned the book to a friend who had an urban childhood in the same era, and he is hoping for a follow-up, so maybe the flatness was as much in me as in the book.

Anyone familiar with a Singer, a seam ripper, and the 60's will delight in this wonderful memoir. I had flashbacks of my 4-H leader Mrs. Andy and shared similar sentiments. What a delightful way to spend the afternoon back in the insulated farm life of childhood.

A book that completely and accurately captures life in small town northern Michigan.

Not a great book, but still a fun read for those familiar with 4-H, the Sunrise Side of Michigan, or who grew up in the 60's.

I thought it was a well written coming-of-age book. It was interesting to see how this girl's 4-H experience had carried her from childhood to adulthood.