Take a peek at ‘A Peek At Living’

Take a peek at ‘A Peek At Living’

YOUNGSTOWN

P.D. Vasko has compiled a collection of life lessons to assist with daily living into a helpful little book, “A Peek At Living.”

The 67-year-old author believes his book will help make life more understandable, more interesting and more fulfilling, and will benefit more than a few people in their daily lives.

He points out that there are two ways to learn life’s lessons. The first is to try to do everything for yourself and gain experience. The second is to use the knowledge and experience of others to your advantage. He notes that both will save time, effort and energy.

Vasko, who lives in Youngstown with his wife, Geraldine, is the father of 12 children and grandfather of 23.

Author’s memoir to be discussed

CANFIELD

In her book “The Glass Castle,” Jeannette Walls speaks candidly about her dysfunctional yet loyal family. This is a gracefully written account of her life with a brilliant father who teaches his children how to embrace life fearlessly.

She explains that because her free-spirited mother abhorred domesticity and the responsibility of raising a family, and her father became dishonest and destructive when drunk, the Walls children learned to care for themselves.

They developed strong family ties as they fed, clothed and protected one another and eventually found their way to New York. Their parents followed them there, choosing to be homeless even as their children prospered.

The author tells her sad — and occasionally bitter — story without self-pity.

The book will be discussed at a meeting of the Ursuline Readers’ Book Club from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 5 at Prato Hall in the Ursuline Center, 4280 Shields Road. For information, call Eileen Novotny at 330-533-3831.

New book based on history of Salem

SALEM

Salem Historical Society has recently released a book featuring a collection of 29 articles and 34 pictures printed in local papers in the mid-1990s and previously lost to the public due to their format.

The book, “A Salute to Black History,” focuses on the plight of slaves and their flight to freedom through the Underground Railroad. Many settled in Salem.

Many of the articles in the book were written by Lois Firestone for the “Yesteryears” and “Quaker Heritage” publications. Among the book’s other contributors were members of the African-American History Project supported by the historical society.

The book is the second of a planned series of articles from Firestone’s writings.

It can be obtained at the gift shop at the historical society, which is open in the morning Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Contact 330-337-8514 for more information.

Book contains message for kids

UNIONTOWN, Ohio

Becca Lee, who lives in Uniontown with her husband, is celebrating the nationwide release of her new children’s book, “Skilda the Skunk,” a wildly descriptive tale of a nocturnal creature.

The story revolves around Skilda the Skunk, who learns to enjoy the wonderful world God has made, even though she is different from other skunks. Through an accidental mishap on Farmer Will’s farm, she learns that God has created animals with unique abilities to protect themselves.

Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, the book is available through bookstores nationwide, from www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore or by visiting barnesandnoble.com or amazon.com.

Vindicator staff reports