Reviews from

Grammy's Memoirs 2018

Viewing comments for Chapter 3 "Coming to America"
Bits and pieces of my life for my grandchildren

49 total reviews 
Comment from Brett Matthew West
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Notes so indicative of how time changes things, and not always for the better.

The Italian scattered throughout the piece adds another dimension.

"vines was still" should be "vines were still".

Back in those days many people would only do the things that benefitted their families, sometimes out of a means of surviving.

 Comment Written 28-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2017
    Hi; thank you for taking the time to read and review this chapter of my story. I appreciate your feedback - and for your catching the nit. I've gone back and edited that sentence.
    ~patty~
Comment from XGoneX
Excellent
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Hi,
"At a time in history when immigration to the United States is being frowned upon ..." -- unfortunately even today it's the case, at least in England.
Again, you write very well non-fiction in a way that captivates the reader and one wants to follow and know more.
It's almost heartbreaking to know that your great grandparents died within months apart. The story you shared here through your grandmother makes one feel how close and happy your great grandparents were.


 Comment Written 27-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2017
    Thank you for your thoughtful review. Nonna and Nonno were special people. My mother was mostly raised in their house, so she was always very close to them. I have very vivid memories of the houses, the grape arbor, and hearing the gentle lilt of their Italian.
    ~patty~
Comment from Jesse James Doty
Excellent
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Nice story. You refer to "the abuse" and then let it drop from your monolog. Did you mean to drop that hint for a particular reason? Otherwise, I think it was distracting from the story. It sounds good what your great-grandparents did for their family and for the other immigrants. The story seems to come to an abrupt end. I would have liked to hear you contrast our present situation with immigrants versus how your kin was treated. I am truly sorry that the family history died with your great grandparents. We could learn so much from their history in today's world. Thanks for sharing.
Take care, Jesse

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 28-Apr-2017
    Hi; thank you so much for reviewing my work. I'm sorry for your confusion about 'the abuse,' but you read chapter three of a book of memoirs. The abuse is addressed in the prologue and first chapter. I DO mean for these to be stand alone, too, so I will need to address that sentence for those just joining in.
    ~patty~
reply by Jesse James Doty on 28-Apr-2017
    Thank you for taking my critique so graciously. I must say that not all writers are as diplomatic as you to my comments. You have integrity and I applaud that in you. Thank you for not becoming defensive as so many others do. They say they don't want "fluff", but they don't want honest critique either. You can't win with some people that's for sure. Again, thank you for your gracious acceptance of my review.
    Take care, Jesse
reply by the author on 28-Apr-2017
    Hi; I am so sorry that you have bumped into the 'grumpy' writers. I do a lot of reviewing, and I've learned who NOT to make any suggestions to. I will still point out errors in spelling or grammar, but, . . .
    Feel free to comment on anything I write - it only stands to make me a better writer
    ~patty~
reply by Jesse James Doty on 28-Apr-2017
    Thank you, I appreciate that. I guess I have to learn the hard way with each writer. Sad, they complain about "fluff" but, those are the same ones who get defensive when I bring up something about their writing. Sometimes it feels like High School. Thanks, Patty, for being 'cool' about it.
    Jesse
reply by the author on 28-Apr-2017
    😃👍
Comment from Asem.inspirations
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

There is so much I want to say about your great well written story. Let me start with the fact that it seemed that, especially back in those days, the Grandparents always died a few months a part from each other. Mines did too. It was as if one just could not go on living without the other. The loneliness and the heartache took over. Marriage was always " till death do ud part"

Also I wanted to say that even if your Grand mom suspected abuse, she no doubt spent so much time with you because it was always a Grandmom thing to do. She obvious genuinely adored you and it was too important for her to make sure she got her Grand mom time.

I think it was amazing that your father brought up fourteen families and fulfilled his dream of being successful. Yrs he was a brilliant man.

I am so enjoying your stories as I am sure your children will also. What a loving gift you are giving to them in writing this life story.


 Comment Written 27-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 27-Apr-2017
    Thank you so much for your kind and loving review. The shiny six star rating is just icing on the cake of your praise for this story. I hope you have a wonderful day,
    ~patty~
Comment from Vijay Kumar V
Excellent
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These are so beautiful, "immigration to the United States is being frowned,
She looked at the ceiling as she gathered her thoughts, From this land, we will build our future, great-grandmother stroking my cheek, and telling my mother, She looks like she came straight from Italy. "
I love the Italian originals, it added a lot of life to the prose. A great work. Have a nice day. Namaskaram

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 27-Apr-2017
    Thank you so much for your review. I appreciate your time and your encouraging words,
    ~patty~
Comment from fafa
Excellent
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A good chapter of its book that I will have to read some chapters more to define my aptitude for thinking, I liked this one and I see that is marked like recognized work, congratulations

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2017
    thank you so much for reading and reviewing. Your kind words are appreciated,
    ~patty~
Comment from Rasmine
Excellent
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What great knowledge and have it passed to your grandchildren. I look forward to hearing your memoirs. I think that is very important, tell your grandchildren that if they scoff at this because I don't have this, and I wish I did.
TC

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2017
    thank you so much for stopping by to read and review. I know that knowing these stories was a great help in school for me and my children,
    ~patty~
Comment from Nikki-Nicole
Excellent
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'Coming to America'- Great title.
This an interesting read.
Well-written chapter.
Great dialogue.
Thanks for sharing a part of your book.
Good luck with your future writing!
-Nicole-

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2017
    Hi Nicole; I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. I had a good time writing this one. Thank you for your warm review,
    ~patty~
Comment from padumachitta
Excellent
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hi..thank you, these stories need to be written and remembered. We are a continent of immagrants...all of us are from somewhere else...and it is sad to think that with progress these places are lost..so they can only remain alive by stories...well done

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2017
    thank you so much for stopping by to read and review. It is true that this melting pot consists of children of immigrants who came to this country to build a better life. It is important to hold onto our heritage, but more important to love the country that gave us a chance - or did,
    ~patty~
reply by padumachitta on 26-Apr-2017
    yup...i am canadian...and prides itself in being mutli cultural...so it is okay to say 'I am German canadian ' or whatever...cultures makes us strong and diverse...i really enjoyed the glsimpse into your background
Comment from aryr
Excellent
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This was delightful to read. It was a wonderful tribute of love and respect for your great grandparents, your grandparents and your ancestry. It was a wonderful touch to add the comments in Italian. One could feel / sense the pride in the story. It was comfortable and enjoyable reading, thank you for sharing, well done.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2017


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2017
    thank you for your very warm and thoughtful comments on my story. I appreciate you stopping by to read and review,
    ~patty~
reply by aryr on 26-Apr-2017
    You are so welcome Patty.