History 21 The Podcast - 3.03 Myra Blumenthal Shapiro

Myra Blumenthal Shapiro grew up in Columbia Heights in the 1930s and 40s. The city she remembers from her childhood with one stop light is very different from the bustling city today. She shares stories about her father, the community that surrounded her, the Heights Theater and the way her graduating class still comes together each year. Myra recorded her “docu-memory” in 2010.

Host Sara Given, ACHS Volunteer Coordinator and Rebecca Desens, ACHS Executive Director.

“The Doctor’s House” in Columbia Heights where Myra’s father, Dr. Blumenthal, and their family lived.

In the Vault

Watch Myra Blumenthal Shapiro’s video complete with accompanying photographs.

The Vault

The title card to Myra Blumenthal Shapiro’s “Docu-memory” recorded and edited in 2010.

Anoka County Library Minute

In this book, the author encourages his contemporaries, that is baby boomers, to “have the last say.” That is, he suggests that people should take it upon themselves to eulogize themselves in their middle age. At a time in one’s life when there are hopefully many years to come, but enough years behind to have gained some wisdom, the author suggests writing out a short memoir to act as one’s legacy. He offers writing tips and tricks to do just that.

The Truth of Memoir: how to write about yourself and others with honesty, emotion, and integrity by Kerry Cohen (808.06692 COH)

Writing a memoir may mean exposing some less than ideal details about one’s experiences. This guide to the art of memoir teaches its readers how to balance telling hard truths candidly, while also maintaining a level of grace and respect for those affected by these stories.

The Art of Time in Memoir: then, again by Sven Birkerts (808.06692 BIR)

As part of GrayWolf Press’s Art Of series, this book examines several popular memoirists’ works to shed light on how the art form unites significant past events with wisdom incorporated into one’s present life. This particular guide focuses on the role time plays in memoirs, and the circular and dynamic qualities of time.

You Should Really Write a Book: how to write, sell, and market your memoir by Regina Brooks (808.06692 BRO)

This memoir guide focuses in on publishing. If you are interested in writing a memoir not just for personal reasons but for profitability, this book is essential. If the commercial value of your story is important to you, this book will show you how to get published, teaching you the ins and outs of the market.

Writing Hard Stories: celebrated memoirists who shaped art from trauma by Melanie Brooks (808.06692 BRO)

A compilation of reflections from renowned memoirists, this book dives into how writing about the most difficult times in our lives can have tremendous healing power.

Handling the Truth: on the writing of memoir by Beth Kephart (808.06692 KEP)

National Book Award finalist, and author of multiple memoirs herself, Beth Kephart guides readers through not only the how-tos of memoir writing, but also the whys and what it means.

Your Life is a Book: how to craft & publish your memoir by Brenda Peterson (808.06692 PET)

This guide focuses more on the practical issues when it comes to writing a memoir, whether you are doing so for your own benefit, to leave a legacy, or to publish and make money. The book matter-of-factly offers resources and advice.

The Story Cure: a book doctor’s pain-free guide to finishing your novel or memoir by Dinty W. Moore (808.3 MOO)

Here’s a book to cure all your memoir writing ailments! From writer’s block, to flat plot, the author offers the antidote for your anecdotes.

Heart on the Page: a portable writing workshop by Wendy Brown-Baez (808.042 BRO)

With an angle of spiritual and emotional self-help in the wake of trauma, this book on writing packs a therapeutic punch. The author tells of her own tragedies of losing both her husband and son to suicide, and how writing helped her to deal with her pain. The author has taken the writing lessons she’s learned and brings them to prisons, hospitals, schools, churches, libraries, and now on the printed page from which its readers can benefit.