I nearly wrote her out of the book. Bob's grandmother, Emma, known to her family as Grandma R, was a character whose reputation preceded her, and...
Lis C. Richardson
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Praise
Seeking Yesterday: A Quest for American Roots is a beautifully written recounting of Bob’s journey retracing his ancestor's steps in southern California. In this book, you follow the lives of Emma and Ralph battling the harsh Palm Springs desert, facing tragedy during World War ll, and finding tranquility on a blue alpine lake...
...I also loved how Lis skillfully illustrated the effect of global historical events on the daily lives of Bob’s ancestors. It is a fantastic read, filled with layers of complicated family dynamics, woven throughout years of devastating global events, all viewed through the lens of a trip to rediscover family roots. I highly recommend reading this story and taking a journey with Lis and Bob through the harsh but beautiful deserts of southern California.
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Chelsea K
A great read
I enjoyed following this families searches and their “finds” of family roots. Well written and engaging.
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Mickie G
...Seeking Yesterday tells the story of a family’s journey into the past, sparked by the discovery of a 1922 land claim in the California desert. Richardson traces the lives of her grandparents Ralph and Emma, who dared to homestead on 160 acres of harsh desert terrain, while weaving in broader history from the Homestead Act to World War I, the rise of Palm Desert, and the fading dreams of pioneers. The book unfolds as both a personal quest and a sweeping historical account, blending memoir, genealogy, and local history into one. It is at once intimate and expansive, grounded in dusty documents and vivid imagination, pulling the reader into the struggles and resilience of people who shaped not just one family but part of the American West.
I’d recommend Seeking Yesterday to readers who enjoy family memoirs, regional histories, or stories of resilience in unforgiving places. It’s a book for those who’ve wondered about the lives hidden behind old photographs or land deeds. If you like the mix of memory and history, with a bit of grit and dust clinging to the edges, this one is worth your time....
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Literary Titan
