Full
Life Histories
These books generally go beyond even one life story, for people
often begin with their ancestors and end with a note to their
grandchildren. Such memoirs are based on at least ten hours of
conversations. Using the words and phrases of the speaker, the
story is given shape and dimension according to the themes and
values of the storyteller's life.
Focused
Memoirs
Memory books focus on a special time of a life. They may be stories
of childhood, the war years, your child's youngest days, a romance.
One family wanted to record their mother's memories of her childhood
in a cherished summer home.
Commemorative Volumes
Celebrate a person's life with a volume of memories, told by
others, given to honor a special event: birthday, anniversary,
retirement, Mother's or Father's Day. These are often created
as albums, with anecdotes, pictures and stories.
Or decide to create such
a volume at a wedding, 50th anniversary, family reunion, special
birthday, confirmation, Bar or Bat Mitzvah. I will attend your
event, collecting stories and good wishes from your guests to
create what you might think of as annotated photo album.
Oral
Histories
Oral histories are verbatim transcripts of interviews, created
as archival documents, retaining the narrator's exact words.
Left in a question and answer style, these booklets accommodate
the budgets of libraries and historical societies. They are also
an economical way to preserve family stories.
Ethical
or spiritual wills
As you think of leaving a legacy of possessions for your family,
think also of leaving a statement from you about what has given
your life meaning. Ethical wills, also known as spiritual legacies
or wills, are an ancient tradition, a means of putting your values
in writing, sharing with those dear to you your hopes, dreams,
cherished moments, maybe even what you most regret.