Aunt Susy's Boarding House

The Story of A Girl Growing Up In Maine

Non-Fiction - Biography
186 Pages
Reviewed on 10/09/2015
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Gracie Bradford for Readers' Favorite

Aunt Susy’s Boarding House by Joy Swan is a story of a girl growing up in Maine. Celia Tainter tells the stories in the book, often referencing the role her Grandpa and Grandma played while she was growing up. The book is a story about several generations dating back to Plymouth Rock and Cape Cod. Emily appears to be the focal character; a school teacher who marries one of the Tainter boys, quite a “catch” for Emily. They had four children, three boys and one girl named Susy. The oldest son, Abraham, eventually owned most of the land in the small town they grew up in. Emily, their mother, also bought land and started her own businesses during a time when a woman’s role was looked upon as being domestic. In fact, Emily starts several businesses during her years in Maine. Simon, the second oldest son, married Bernice and was married to her for 60 years.

Aunt Susy’s Boarding House by Joy Swan was entertaining. The author had a remarkable memory of events that occurred throughout her life. For genealogy buffs, this is a book that you might want to read. I loved the quote: “Don’t think brats are never punished – they grow up to be parents themselves.” The more seasoned and mature adult will find this book entertaining, one which brings back memories of the “good ol' days” when families lived off the land while the younger generation probably would say “no way.” One may find the transition of stories between chapters a bit challenging; however, once you get to know each member of the family, it all comes together. For poetry lovers, the book has poems dispersed throughout the stories as told by each generation.