Giving Back: Memories, Reflections, and Lessons Learned by Edward A. Joseph

Wisely worded recollections from slightly simpler times, author Edward A. Joseph bares his soul in Giving Back: Memories, Reflections, and Lessons Learned, a heartwarming, powerful, and easy-to-read collection.

With an impressive career as a published storyteller, these personal and previously published stories are healthy, honest, and unafraid to probe the deeper meaning behind the simple joys and moments of life. From cinematic childhood misadventures as a caddy to his brief but hilariously recounted time as a car salesman, Joseph peels back his losses, victories, and discoveries with a smirk and a shrug.

Summoning full-bodied characters, eras, and visceral moments, this revealing collection covers an impressive amount of ground in just a handful of pages. There is undeniable heart in these stories, and their bite-sized nature makes them charming and memorable, like a well-crafted joke with a long-awaited punchline.

Some of the stories do feel rushed, as though Joseph may have cut a bit too much to keep that tight storytelling intact. The descriptive choices can also feel overly familiar, or unembellished; another bit of polish might spice up the more monotone moments. Though some younger readers might feel disconnected from the author’s more earnest musings, this book is a tender exploration of universal beauty with vital lessons for all.

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