I've just begun trying non-fiction writing -- essays, memoirs. So I thought Trona to Austin by Paul MacLean might give me some hints on what works, how a published non-fiction writer gets published. Even before the prologue he gave me confidence by his comment "I simply want to leave a few tracks so further generations can know what came before."

I don't know that I have the ability to write so meaningfully of my generations' tracks as Paul does of his life, its up and downs, the connections he makes between the past, present and future. To me he's a gifted writer who gives meaning to everyone's lives through his experiences and how the interprets them. From kids to religion to sports, he chronicles his life and in so doing shows us all that we can survive -- and even more than survive -- and what we do has meaning.

With all its stories, challenges, internal debates and reminiscences, Trona to Austin is a book that validates Everyone. Take time to relish in the read.