Carolyn Wing Greenlee has compiled an intriguing collection of stories in And This Is How I Lived: Stories from overlanders, immigrants, settlers, and pioneers who made new lives in difficult places.
Among the stories runs a thread of what it took to make America great. Although injustices abounded, especially among hard-working Chinese, their dedication shone through. I especially loved the stories about the author’s family and her Chinese heritage.
Many of these previously printed stories are precious glimpses of history, particularly of early California. I loved Greenlee’s quote: “What seems insignificant today becomes treasured memories later.” The author has captured the spirit of dedication to family and what it means to be a part of a shared humanity.
One of the lessons I came away with in reading this collection is how tasks at the time may seem minor, but upon reflection we realize the difference we have made in a productive future.
And This Is How I Lived is a treasure to be remembered.
