In Tree. Table. Book., Lois Lowry uses stories as a connection that sparks and sustains the friendship of two Sophies: one eleven and one eighty-eight. They are neighbors and kindred spirits. As the elderly Sophie begins to lose her memory, the simple mention of commonplace objects gives her the impetus to tell her young friend stories from her childhood that have lain dormant for decades.
While reading this poignant middle-grade novel, I kept thinking about my mother-in-law, Anne, and the connection and friendship we had built on a foundation of literature and memory. Anne died a year ago this past January. I’ve thought of her every day with every book I open, every child I help to read, and every time I sit down and indulge myself with a slice of cheesecake. Anne loved cheesecake, bagels, and Kosher hot dogs – anything that reminded her of her childhood on the Upper West Side of New York, living with her mom, Ruth, and her grandparents while her dad, Sam, was serving as a medic in World War II. Anne’s grandfather, Alexander, had been a successful insurance salesman, but after he suffered a heart attack, he devoted his time to religious studies. Anne told me stories of how her grandfather read to her and encouraged her to be a thinker and scholar. He would have been so proud of her. She graduated from high school and enrolled at the University of Chicago at the age of fifteen. Anne loved history and literature, and after raising her two sons, she became a university reference librarian.
When we met, I was nervous that she would not like me, an Italian Catholic nursery school teacher. I thought we would have nothing in common. But from day one, we connected, and she adored me, and I loved her for seeing my strengths instead of my weaknesses. Both my in-laws made me feel special and cherished. I cannot tell you much I appreciated their unconditional love. They didn’t have to love me, but they did. Even when my own parents did not, they stuck by me. I will never forget that. I have been buoyed by Anne’s love and care many times over the forty years I knew her. In her later years, after my father-in-law died and she went to live in a nursing home, I tried my best to be her friend, to listen, to console, and to comfort. Anne would get anxious, worried that the Holocaust would occur again. I would reassure her, thinking that she was just being silly. Nothing that horrible could happen again. But I was so wrong. Anne wasn’t being silly. She realized the danger signs: rising antisemitism, violent protests, and prejudice, which I thought would never happen again. The world would not allow it. Surely, we had all evolved. But sadly, Anne was right; her worries were and are very real.
I am encouraged and so thankful that Lois Lowry has written Tree. Table. Book. The octogenarian author of Number the Stars and The Giver, Ms. Lowry is an expert storyteller and isn’t afraid to take on controversial subjects. She is a master at presenting hard situations and ethical problems to a young audience. This most recent book spans generations and shows how stories can connect people rather than tear them apart. With story and memory, we can build bonds and begin to understand each other. This connection between the old and young is crucial; it is the sticky hope that will ensure “never forget” leads to the promise of “never again.”
Word Dancer: Literature, the Arts, & Education 
I love how you used a connection to Lowry’s book to write so beautifully about your relationship with your mother-in-law. I struggle to write about mine who at 94 is still a very strong force in my life. That’s a generation of tough women who broke glass ceilings. My mother-in-law is also Anne with an E. Thanks for sharing this book and your heartfelt tribute to your Anne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It seems to be a day where I’m hanging onto everyone’s last sentences today. I love this:
This connection between the old and young is crucial; it is the sticky hope that will ensure “never forget” leads to the promise of “never again.”
There is so much truth to the importance of story. I wish I had more of my grandparents’ stories and life experiences.
LikeLike
Joanne,
I have a mentor in Boston who is Jewish. Her husband is a rabbi. She has often told me about warnings her father shared w/ her. She asked me a couple years ago if I’d hide her and her husband if another holocaust began against Jews. We talk about that often, and I reiterate my promise to be a protector to the best of my ability. Your MIL was a wise woman. I’m glad you had her in your life. We all need such women as friends and mentors. Now I must take a look at that Lois Lowry book.
LikeLike
It is such a beautiful story!
LikeLiked by 1 person
YES, this is a powerful book that really does ask us to remember the connections between generations. If we do not learn from those who have gone before us, we are destined to repeat the mistakes of the past. Your mother in law was wise and a gift. So was mine!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Though I haven’t read Tree. Table. Book., your poignant connection of its themes (i.e., stories bridging generations amid memory loss) to your bond with Anne is incredibly moving. Her wisdom about rising antisemitism proved tragically prescient, making Lowry’s message of “sticky hope” through literature feel urgent. Thank you for sharing her legacy; it honors the “never again” we all need.
LikeLike
I read everything Lois Lowry! Thanks for reminding me of this amazing story. I loved it when I read it 2 years ago when it first came out. Your slice reminds me to read it again!! I so enjoyed reading your connections and your reminder to never forget!
LikeLike
As I was scrolling to the bottom to post my link, this title caught my eye! I am so glad you read this book (and I hope it came about from our CL conversation!) I how you told about the relationship with your mother-in-law. Parts of her story and Sophie’s are similar. I cannot imagine the fear and anxiety she must have felt in the last year of her life. What a special bond you two shared. I am also a lucky daughter-in-law, and I would trade that relationhip for anything.
LikeLike
Yes – Leigh Anne – You gave me the book list that include Tree. Table. Book. I also read Not Nothing, which also was powerful. But no one can weave a story like Lois Lowry and I cannot believe she is 88 and still writing. Thank you, Leigh Anne – you always give me such great ideas!
LikeLike
Your story is beautiful. I never had the chance to know my mother-in-law and my father-in-law for only a relatively short time. I wish I could have had the type of relationship you had with Anne. I will definitely be checking out that book now!
LikeLike
I’m going to check out Ms. Lowry’s works – thanks for the review!
LikeLike
Joanne, wow, what a personal and effective book-history-present-day review! This is so powerful. I loved reading about your sweet and strong relationship with Anne. Wow. So much to love about your thoughts here. Thank you.
LikeLike