The Blue Box and Memories that Live in the Bones

by Sharon Mabry

A salad-eating dog, the haunted trunk, a 'possum who drinks coffee- The Blue Box and Memories that Live in the Bones by Sharon Mabry is a collection of stories about Mabry's growing up years in the mountains of East Tennessee, some of the adventures in her 56-year marriage, and her thoughts on retirement after teaching for 52 years at Austin Peay State University. Mabry writes with wit and candor about her mother's declining health and the changes to her family home. Throughout her life, Mabry finds the humor that lives within each moment. The Blue Box and Memories that Live in the Bones is a collection that glimpses into the inner joy that maintains Mabry's dimpled cheeks and smiling eyes. It's a contagious outlook that will inspire readers to find amusement in their own reflections.

150 pages, Paperback

Published January 25, 2024

About the author

Prior to novel-writing, Sharon Mabry, who is an award-winning mezzo-soprano soloist and recording artist, premiered works by more than forty composers and made nine critically acclaimed recordings.

She is the author of two books about music, Exploring Twentieth-Century Vocal Music (Oxford Univ. Press, 2002, 2009) and The Performing Life: A Singer’s Guide to Survival (Scarecrow Press, Rowman & Littlefield, 2012). In addition, Mabry established a long tenure as professor of music at Austin Peay State University, where she received the university’s highest award for creativity (the Richard M. Hawkins Award) and for teaching (the Distinguished Professor Award). Sharon Mabry is an East Tennessee native from Newport, TN. She currently lives in Clarksville, TN.

The Postmaster’s Daughter was her first novel and was a Finalist in the National Indie Excellence Awards for 2023 in the Mystery category and a Finalist in the 2023 American Writing Awards for Best Debut Fiction.

Reviews

[Joseph B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Mabry’s The Blue Box & Memories that Live in the Bones is special for several reasons. This memoir is interesting despite the fact that Mabry is not a Hollywood celebrity or a serial killer. The characters are richly-revealed and seem to be on the stage rather than on the page. The prologue, itself, makes the reader want to continue turning pages; it shows the humor, poignant sadness and strength which make the memoir vital without becoming tragic. Mabry never whines; she observes her life with toughness and laughter even in the most negative moments.

I adored Mabry’s father and often howled in laughter on reading her mother; probably not the reactions Mabry intended. She tells her story and lets the reader decide. As for her mother, wow! I was reminded of Gypsy Rose Lee’s now famous mother; the ruthless, basic intelligence and the vulnerability, the survival mechanisms employed. Two complicated women who seem to operate in a whirlwind of “keep going”; deep, and a potential for a type of cruel. However, I saw great love in Mabry’s mama, but some kind of hurt too often pushed the love under.

Mabry’s stories are hilarious. I actually laughed out loud when reading what I will call “the carrots story”! It has what great comedy demands: the situation has to appear to be serious. Some of these stories are adventures with her husband. The funeral! I’m sorry, but that was a riot! And, the poor prom date with the Listerine cologne...Well, I won’t give that away. Still, there is intense pathos and sadness in this memoir. Mabry has led a life of many emotions, and she is not afraid to show them while looking at those emotions with objectiveness and clarity.

There is a haunted trunk, the exciting and frustrating blue box, a wedding (and several surprises after that wedding), a mother bossing the wedding to the point of wanting to throw her out a not-first-floor window and eccentricity after eccentricity for Mabry to handle. I shook my head a lot while reading this memoir-at the often bizarre situations and people as well as the heartbreaking end-of-life puzzles and stunners. The Blue Box & Memories that Live in the Bones-A Memoir, by Sharon Mabry, is a fairly short but absolutely enjoyable read which will make you think.

Joseph Benjamin Collins

[Ellen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

It won’t take you almost a month to read Sharon’s latest book; I had travels and touring distractions but finally stole a few hours to finish this wonderful memoir.
Sharon’s childhood in Newport, Tennessee gave her so many memorable occasions to share, and her relationship with her mother and other family members was so relatable for me. She manages to make even serious situations humorous, or at least entertaining. Her vacation stories are some of my favorites, as she relates plans and missteps along the way that prove our experiences are the memories we carry into our golden years. Sharing is a natural storyteller (loved the report card note from the teacher that said she “talked too much”!); readers of a certain age will likely find themselves nodding and chuckling through the stories. Enjoy, friends!

[Susan Prater · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read THE BLUE BOX in one sitting. I lived in Clarksville during the school year of 1974-75, and Sharon was my voice teacher during that time. We have enjoyed a long-distance friendship for these 50 years, so her personal stories were especially poignant, sometimes heart-breaking, and often surprising and laugh-out-loud hilarious! I, too, have had some “interesting” relatives, as have most of us, and could easily relate to so many of her descriptions of different family members and her reactions to them. Reading about little Jocko brought tears of sweet remembrance. I did not know when I met him, however, that his diet consisted of salads and limes! This book of memories will keep you fascinated and anxiously turning the pages to delve into the next adventure (or calamity). Happy reading!

[Valarie Vousden · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the grandchild of East Tennesseans, many of her memories struck a chord with me. Some of this was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for me. Also, I sang in the college choir her husband directed so it was also relatable on that level.

I loved delving into her story, her environment and family dynamics. The stories are funny, touching, some unexpected! It is so easy to read, I got through it faster than I expected and the only down side is I've finished it now and there's no more to bring a laugh or a sigh to my day. Thank you, Sharon Mabry, for pouring your heart out in this book for your readers to feel, too.

[Joe Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because towns are small does not mean they are uninteresting. Sharon Mabry proves that point in spades in her newest book, The Blue Box and Memories that Live in the Bones. In something of a tell-all and totally delightful book you will read stories: some poignant, some hysterical. My two favorite characters may be Mrs. Cody and Aunt Kelpt, but there are many others that a reader might choose. If you would enjoy seeing a small town come to life, warts and all, you will love this book.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Mabry’s The Blue Box is a delightful collection of short stories about her life and family in Tennessee. Each time I pick it up to read I find myself smiling and being drawn into the endearing moments in her book. Actually, it is like sitting across the table from her and sharing a delightful exchange while sharing a glass of ice tea. Her humor and candor are refreshing and also encouraging! What a lovely memoir! I hope she will continue to write for a long time.

[Kenneth Kronholz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laugh, cry, slap your leg. Sharon Mabry's 'The Blue Box & Memories that Live in the Bones' serves-up these common emotions, and wonderfully, many more. Mabry's true gift is her telling these seemingly typical family events with writing chock-full of pointed, colorful, fluid adjectives. Amazing descriptions of real events. The full palette. Laughing, crying, or slapping my leg, I'm going back a second time.

[Jan Corrothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy to read the latest publication by Sharon Mabry! Her memoir spanned the gamut of emotions for me as I nodded in agreement and empathy over similar memories and experiences with my own mother. The detail in her story-telling is perfectly descriptive and laced with humor. The mental imagery is vivid and satisfying. This book begs the reader to want to meet Sharon and learn more about this rare and beautifully unique person who has lived to tell the tale of these uncanny events. I quickly devoured this book and excitedly await her next release! I give my highest recommendation!