Mimi and Her World

Book excerpt: Mimi Cerniglia's autobiography begins with the introduction of the two people who will become the parents of her two sisters and her. You will find out why furniture manufacturing in the Piedmont area of North Carolina was important in the author's life and the state of North Carolina. Depression era modes of transportation and communication come alive from her excellent descriptions. Due to a family incident religion's decline and eventual rejection unfolds slowly. An annual family event helps the reader learn about the homestead of a southern family who had owned slaves. Terms used in local government reminds the reader that North Carolina was one of the original thirteen colonies and was settled from east to west. Public school education in her college town was so important the citizens paid extra tax for city schools. The end of World War II brought peace time production of everything. College and an education career as well as marriage led to the birth of a son and a move to Florida. More education in North Carolina and a return to Florida for the son's education was interspersed with a new marriage. Following traveling and house building in North Carolina came death and a move back to Florida to be near her successful son and twin grandsons. Her senior years of reading, writing and golf stopped due to illness. Recovery from illness and pursuit of academic endeavors concludes the book.