Where Is the Department of Small, Medium and Large Miracles?
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by Mr. and Mrs. C and The Last Responders
Price: $14.95
200 Pages, Paperback, 6 x 9
ISBN-10: 0-9786374-0-2
ISBN-13: 978-0-9786374-0-8
Mr.C a former educator and his wife a former business owner turned volunteers after Hurricane are joined by newpaper writer Bennie Shallbetter. A group of residents and volunteers, ages 7 to 87, tell their stories and experiences in the gulf states over a thirteen month effort of recovery and rebuilding. The emotions and stuggle of everyday events provide an insight to the light humor, disappointments and frustration. The children's stories and top ten lists provide enjoyment and a lighter approach to the destructive experience. The setting covers New Orleans, LA to Bayou La Batre,AL and stories are selected by students that make up the not for profit group called The Last Responders. The most amazing story of this work is the student volunteers. Month after month their devotion and willingness to put their youth on hold and live a life of service for others. This Generation Y is a reminder of the 60's and the Peace Corp with an ability to create within themselves a system of books, film and down to earth human assistance for their fellow man. It is the students, over and over, that make this a compelling story.
About The Author
Mr. and Mrs. C consists of Ron, Kyle, and Vickey Clark from Illinois. Ron a former teacher, Vickey a former business owner and wife live in Illinois. They joined their son in the rebuilding of the gulf after Hurricane Katrina. Kyle, a graduate from the International Academy of Design & Technology in Tampa,FL has created The Last Responders. This not for profit organization works to assist in the rebuilding of homes and lives in the gulf states. The main professional writer of the group is Bennie Shallbetter, writer with the newspaper, The Sea Coast Echo in Bay St. Louis, MS. Bennie was with the paper before the Hurricane and has recently returned after the completion of the book. Other writers include Pass Christian, MS teacher Mary Ladner and housewife and mother Dottie Harris from Diamond Head, MS. Dottie's daughter, Debrrelah Holt brings the view of a twelve year old living in an uncertain world. Students at Asbury College in Wilmore, KY add their observation to an experience of a lifetime.
Reviews
Although there have been a large number of books to arise post-Katrina, this one has a goal different than all the others. Survivors of all ages, as well as volunteers from every corner of the U.S. are included in the compilation. As you read about the reality of Hurricane Katrina, the authors also include a developing plan for effictive, large scale help after disasters. The personal experiences by actual survivors throught Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana tell stories of loss, survival and finally hope. The volunteers' perspective is full of overwhelming destruction and work, but increasing hope and a bond with survivors. Any story of this type has the potential to be dark and hard to read, but even with incredible sadness, there is inspirationa and an overall theme of recovery. The final portion offers insight into the development of The Last Responders and those who plan to lead the way. www.thelastresponder.org - proceeds help in the recovery effort - Shannon Grannon, IBC
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