Growing Up in Rural Louisiana

By: Ann Mullen-Martin
Publisher: JW Publishing
Publication Date: October 25, 2024
ISBN: 979-8-9914644-4-4
Reviewed by: Lily Andrews
Review Date: November 1, 2024

Growing Up in Rural Louisiana by Ann Mullen-Martin is a meticulous memoir detailing her journey from 1943 until 1962. Ann was born in Tioga, Louisiana, on November 11, 1943. She has two daughters and one son, five grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. In this memoir, she recounts many of her childhood memories, starting with the 1948 storm that destroyed a large portion of their town and the surrounding villages when she was five years old. She then describes how one of her mother's clients surprisingly stepped in to help them buy the House on the Hill, relieving her mother of a heavy burden. Hilariously, she also narrates the difficulty she envisioned in joining school as she imagined being apart from her mother, who gave her everyday validation and acceptance.

Mullen-Martin's affection for "porch time," where they learned to value the most fundamental thing in life—who they were—is clear. Among her other greatest and most unforgettable experiences—which she describes in great detail—was witnessing her father's softer side, which was typically hidden under the minutiae of everyday life. On one occasion, he forced her mother into a ditch by driving their car—which lacked seatbelts, door locks, and other safety features—down a tight turn. He then called to her, "Mary, what'd you get out for?" This incident demonstrates his humorous side, which would make even the driest ribs tingle.

Every family is different, and they all have stories to share. While some family stories are heartwarming, others are tragic, and Mullen-Martin's primarily takes on the former in this read. Her family's closeness, strong bonds, and exceptional affection undoubtedly worked together to produce an exceptionally strong and lovely family. Mullen-Martin's mother's heroic life and its conclusion, written with the highest deference and humility, immerse readers in the delicate world of a family, aware that a loved one is about to depart. However, the book's highlight is her father's subsequent involvement in enhancing his children's lives. Although her affection for her family is clear, she also recognizes their shortcomings and is not hesitant to point them out, including her personality, attitude, and self. Particularly noteworthy are the conversations she has with her family members, which provide them with the serenity of daily life, the bond, the optimism, and the faith in a brighter future.

Beyond that, Mullen-Martin's guidance on "the trick to winning" in life and how to create an environment where your adversary is thrilled about your win is crucial to every aspiring entrepreneur and decent citizen. Her deft use of language, description, and phrasing makes it easy to become engrossed and want to read more. She has a great sense of humor, an acute attention to detail, and a profound passion for inspiring others.

Quill says: Readers of Ann Mullen-Martin's Growing Up in Rural Louisiana will be brought back to the turbulent years of adolescence and young adulthood, as well as the hardships that came with it. This book is beautiful, engrossing, and full of enduring lessons. Despite its length, it is worthwhile to explore both its goal and its essence.

For more information about Growing Up in Rural Louisiana, please visit the author's website at: annmuma-publishing.com