Grundy's relocation project to higher ground, funded through an alliance between the town and state agencies, is designed to prevent further flooding and restore a waning economy. The decision to move the town has divided Grundy's citizens. The stories were compiled and transcribed by 28 students from Grundy High School, who were directed by English teacher Debbie Raines for two years. Although complete with a map and timeline of Grundy, it shouldn't be categorized as a history book, according to Smith. People's own personal stories of their lives are, in fact, representative of whole periods in history, of movements and trends, of groups of people.
Narrative is more compelling than facts.
An award-winning author of 11 novels, two short story collection and a musical undergoing production in New York, Smith has mastered the art of narrative. Her contribution at the start of the book explains why she holds Grundy close to her heart for more personal reasons. There, Smith learned how to be a narrator by watching store customers through the window of her father's upstairs office. The Rexall drugstore, which often makes an appearance in Smith's fiction, was right next door. Readers may find that the stories hold many revelations about people they thought they knew well.