Review: EXCELLENT WRITING - 5 BUTTONS!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 08 15, 2013
Ginger Marcinkowski's stories about buttons that reveal family memories is my first read from this fine author.  I was immediately drawn into the Polk family saga and recalled the "buttons" in my own life.  Both of my grandmothers saved buttons in lovely old tins, as well as an elderly next door neighbor lady that I visited often.  How I loved going through those buttons and admiring the sparkly ones mostly, but bright colors and odd shapes piqued my imagination over and over.  I wonder if all my questions about these peculiar items were a nuisance to their collectors.Back to the story at hand, John Polk's family was ordinary, in that their ups and downs, dreams, tragedies, and faith in God were much like other families.  The subtle difference was the loving Christian characterization of John Polk.  I felt like part of the family around the blazing fire listening to John reveal memories through a button picked from an old tin box by one of his two daughters, grandchildren or himself.John's daughters were different from each other in their reactions to John's revelations.  Maureen, the oldest, displayed boredom with indifference.  Carol, the youngest, more like her gentle mother Ellen, was always caught up in the story and grasped the value of God's ultimate message.  Maureen was becoming rebellious in her identity and a worry to her parents.In fact, John had displayed rebellion in his youth that led to a drunken experience ending in tragedy; ultimately realizing the need for God's love and forgiveness in his life.  This story began in Plaster Rock, New Brunswick, Canada 1956 - nostalgic to my own years of being a teen and related easily to the years that followed to 1997 when this story concluded in a poignant intention of carrying on this family tradition.When I began reading this sweet novella, I was unaware that it is a sequel to Ms Marcinkowski's Run, River Currents.  Wishing I had read it before The Button Legacy, I intend to read Ginger Marcinkowski's Run, River Currents soon.  The character of John's granddaughter, Emily, was bittersweet and the favorite of her "Grampy" John.  Emily Evans, being the daughter of Maureen, might have followed in her mother's footsteps; however Grampy John was wise in the Lord, and effective in teaching a lesson of trust.Rich and deep in meaning of God's love are Ginger Marcinkowski's words - so compelling in faith and knowledge of God's Word.  The humor is addictive, causing giggles so hard my bed shook.  The button stories gather personal emotions of happiness and tears.  How our lives parallel our neighbors as well as in the generations before us are awesome and amazing to witness God's touch throughout.  Well done, Ms Marcinkowski.  Thank you for writing loud words of joyful noise.I received a free kindle copy of this story from Cross Focused Reviews in exchange for my honest review.