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Molly's Memoir
“Mr. Minion pushed open the door of the cabin and immediately froze when he heard the shrilling sound of an infant crying. He knew, for sure, that when he’d left out this morning there weren’t any babies living with him, and as far as he could recollect, he wasn’t expecting none either.”
Molly’s Memoir is a journey through the life and times of a woman who is raised by a Seneca Indian after she is abandoned on the porch of a log cabin in the hills of West Virginia. Growing up in the isolated Monongahela Mountains, she learns about love, faith, and of the craft of healing with medicinal herbs.
The background of these stories begins in 1905 when West Virginia was wild and wooly, and continues to the later half of the 20th century, when a journalism student, who works at the Springfield Senior Care Facility, is recruited by two gray-haired, knee-high wearing women to inscribe Molly’s tales.
Stories from the past, and from when the memoir is written in 1990, are intertwined as the most memorable events of a remarkable life, are revealed with a humor and a gentle touch.
Molly’s Memoir offers a fascinating picture of a strong Native American woman, medicinal healing, historical events, biases, and the significance of family ties – even when you aren’t blood kin.
Molly’s Memoir is a journey through the life and times of a woman who is raised by a Seneca Indian after she is abandoned on the porch of a log cabin in the hills of West Virginia. Growing up in the isolated Monongahela Mountains, she learns about love, faith, and of the craft of healing with medicinal herbs.
The background of these stories begins in 1905 when West Virginia was wild and wooly, and continues to the later half of the 20th century, when a journalism student, who works at the Springfield Senior Care Facility, is recruited by two gray-haired, knee-high wearing women to inscribe Molly’s tales.
Stories from the past, and from when the memoir is written in 1990, are intertwined as the most memorable events of a remarkable life, are revealed with a humor and a gentle touch.
Molly’s Memoir offers a fascinating picture of a strong Native American woman, medicinal healing, historical events, biases, and the significance of family ties – even when you aren’t blood kin.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 8, 2015
1248 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Deanna Edens
22 books62 followersDeanna Edens lives by a beautiful lake in Michigan, and is a native West Virginian. She has been married to her high school sweetheart for over twenty years. She teaches college classes in the areas of psychology and leadership. Deanna has several feline friends, and donates all proceeds from her book sales to her local Humane Society.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews
May 26, 2019
There were so many times as I read this book that I forgot it was fiction because it is that believable, and to be honest, I actually wanted it to be true.
The story goes back and forth between the present time and the early 1900's when two amazing people living in the hills find a baby girl abandoned on their doorstep. Nina and "Pop" Minion take in the child and begin raising her in an amazing and very loving environment. It never occurs to Molly to question why she doesn't look like either of her parents. Nina is a Native American healer and Pop is a white man so they turned a few heads when they married. Molly is a little too dark to be "white" and her hair is curly, but not tightly curled like the poor folks who live in the community down the road, who live in squalor, have little food, smell badly, and are generally ostracized.
One day Molly meets a little boy during her trek into the hills and woods. She is learning about natural healing from her mother and is looking for some berries. Zach is the one who first questions why she doesn't look anything like her parents, which causes her to question them at the dinner table and the truth comes out. Molly is upset, but she finally realizes that their love is the same, whether they are blood kin or not. One day, Zach's drunk and mean as a skunk father catches him talking to Molly and begins beating him with a belt for talking to "her kind". This experience leaves a mark on Molly's heart. When mom finds out, she takes it upon herself to handle Zach's daddy in her own way. Nina is a woman you will love and root for.
In the present time, Molly is telling her incredible life story to a woman who works at the retirement village where Molly resides so that she can write a book about Molly's life.
This is one of those books I will hold onto and re-read again in the future. It's a delight and it's a treasure, and I hated for it to end.
The story goes back and forth between the present time and the early 1900's when two amazing people living in the hills find a baby girl abandoned on their doorstep. Nina and "Pop" Minion take in the child and begin raising her in an amazing and very loving environment. It never occurs to Molly to question why she doesn't look like either of her parents. Nina is a Native American healer and Pop is a white man so they turned a few heads when they married. Molly is a little too dark to be "white" and her hair is curly, but not tightly curled like the poor folks who live in the community down the road, who live in squalor, have little food, smell badly, and are generally ostracized.
One day Molly meets a little boy during her trek into the hills and woods. She is learning about natural healing from her mother and is looking for some berries. Zach is the one who first questions why she doesn't look anything like her parents, which causes her to question them at the dinner table and the truth comes out. Molly is upset, but she finally realizes that their love is the same, whether they are blood kin or not. One day, Zach's drunk and mean as a skunk father catches him talking to Molly and begins beating him with a belt for talking to "her kind". This experience leaves a mark on Molly's heart. When mom finds out, she takes it upon herself to handle Zach's daddy in her own way. Nina is a woman you will love and root for.
In the present time, Molly is telling her incredible life story to a woman who works at the retirement village where Molly resides so that she can write a book about Molly's life.
This is one of those books I will hold onto and re-read again in the future. It's a delight and it's a treasure, and I hated for it to end.
September 26, 2018
Compelling, interesting and educational read!
This really is a page turner! The author writes so vividly that you feel yourself to be a bystander with a special view into the lives of The Minion Clan. There are a handful of books that I will reread, this is one.
This really is a page turner! The author writes so vividly that you feel yourself to be a bystander with a special view into the lives of The Minion Clan. There are a handful of books that I will reread, this is one.
September 19, 2017
Remarkable Molly
Nina Pop and Molly..an unlikely family..Lived with Faith..Love..Hope..Herbs. Molly was reared by this livable Couple..who Found her on their doorstep..
Nina Pop and Molly..an unlikely family..Lived with Faith..Love..Hope..Herbs. Molly was reared by this livable Couple..who Found her on their doorstep..
October 3, 2020
What a treasure to read.
It was such a nice surprise to start the book with smiles and laughs. I'm am grateful that Molly's memories were saved to paper and that I didn't miss reading this it will be in my mind for a long while.
It was such a nice surprise to start the book with smiles and laughs. I'm am grateful that Molly's memories were saved to paper and that I didn't miss reading this it will be in my mind for a long while.
October 2, 2020
Great book.. uplifting story of family and unconditional love
September 28, 2020
Refreshing
While rather short, Molly’s Memoir brings to life the effects of growing up in simpler times. A reliance on God’s handiwork as well as the goodness of human nature resulted in an amazing life.
While rather short, Molly’s Memoir brings to life the effects of growing up in simpler times. A reliance on God’s handiwork as well as the goodness of human nature resulted in an amazing life.
September 27, 2020
Molly's Memoir
Very good reading about history in the hills of West Virginia. Well written on subject of herbs. I would recommend for a fast reading and entertaining story
Very good reading about history in the hills of West Virginia. Well written on subject of herbs. I would recommend for a fast reading and entertaining story
June 1, 2020
Informative
This has been an interesting story to read in many ways. First, the family love that strengthened Molly's life. The second is how Molly made her life so incredibly important to the world. Thirdly, how Zack came into her life. Also, I would like to see a picture of Molly and Zack.
This has been an interesting story to read in many ways. First, the family love that strengthened Molly's life. The second is how Molly made her life so incredibly important to the world. Thirdly, how Zack came into her life. Also, I would like to see a picture of Molly and Zack.
June 14, 2018
What a beautiful, quick read about an extraordinary life made all the more remarkable by Molly's humbleness. Read this one, you won't be disappointed!
September 25, 2018
A wonderful story
A baby found on a porch brought together a good man and woman who married and raised the baby in a house of love.
A baby found on a porch brought together a good man and woman who married and raised the baby in a house of love.
April 18, 2020
Wonderful story
This was a most wonderful story. I could almost hear the swish of the flying squirrels. Thank you so much.
This was a most wonderful story. I could almost hear the swish of the flying squirrels. Thank you so much.
June 15, 2020
Deanna writes memoirs like a novel. A short read that kept my interest, was sad it was over so quickly.
June 30, 2018
Enjoyable
I really enjoyed reading Molly's Memoir. It was hard to put down wants U started reading it it humorous at yet heart felt.
I really enjoyed reading Molly's Memoir. It was hard to put down wants U started reading it it humorous at yet heart felt.
June 13, 2020
A Simple Pleasure
I wish this story was one of those that never ended. So happy that you were able to capture the life of some that I would have loved to have known.
I wish this story was one of those that never ended. So happy that you were able to capture the life of some that I would have loved to have known.
August 31, 2020
Favorite Author!
Deanna Edens is my favorite author! I love all of the books of hers I have read as she shares historical information in an entertaining way. Can't wait to read the next one!
Deanna Edens is my favorite author! I love all of the books of hers I have read as she shares historical information in an entertaining way. Can't wait to read the next one!
September 14, 2017
Do you remember?
I loved this book. It is very educational and a real pleasure to read. I hope Deanna Edens has more to enjoy!
I loved this book. It is very educational and a real pleasure to read. I hope Deanna Edens has more to enjoy!
August 18, 2018
Great read
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Simply written and fun I would recommend this story. The author brings you into the room with Molly and alluson.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Simply written and fun I would recommend this story. The author brings you into the room with Molly and alluson.
September 2, 2018
Memoir
A beautiful story that I couldn't put down until I finished it ! I wish there would be more like it . Thank you !
A beautiful story that I couldn't put down until I finished it ! I wish there would be more like it . Thank you !
January 13, 2019
Couldn't put it down!
August 27, 2019
Enjoyed the book very much, but too short. I was disappointed that it ended too soon. Felt there could have been more to the story and delve into the other characters.
March 14, 2018
Another winner
Edens has written yet another witty, quick read that sends your imagination soaring into the middle of Molly's life. Wonderful!
Edens has written yet another witty, quick read that sends your imagination soaring into the middle of Molly's life. Wonderful!
May 25, 2018
Great character development
I like reading about strong good people
And books with happy endings and filled with history culture and knowledge of herbal remedies
I like reading about strong good people
And books with happy endings and filled with history culture and knowledge of herbal remedies
August 31, 2018
This book was so very interesting. It kept me reading.
I sure enjoyed it. I love stories of mountain people, Indians, and herb remedies. I would recommend this book to all.
I sure enjoyed it. I love stories of mountain people, Indians, and herb remedies. I would recommend this book to all.
May 25, 2020
Excellent!!
I was caught up in the story right away and read it in one day!! Excellent story with brilliant characters interspersed with laughs, tears and lessons in life!
I was caught up in the story right away and read it in one day!! Excellent story with brilliant characters interspersed with laughs, tears and lessons in life!
June 19, 2020
This is a lovely book with so many wonderful themes that are current for today. Multi-racial families and adoption are central to the story. Not recognizing the differences in race because people should be seen for who they are, not the color of their skin, and when you view someone out of eyes of love you don't recognize color is one of the first lessons taught in the book. Overcoming and ignoring discrimination is a prevalent theme. The value of honest and hard work and following your own dreams is at the core of the book.
May 20, 2018
A story to carry with you
When you finish this book, you will have to pause and reflect. Such love and kindness and a way to live your life will take the rough edges from your day to day life. I have saved Nina's photo to keep her with me. She was a special and important person in this world.
When you finish this book, you will have to pause and reflect. Such love and kindness and a way to live your life will take the rough edges from your day to day life. I have saved Nina's photo to keep her with me. She was a special and important person in this world.
June 11, 2018
Very easy read. Enjoyed very much. A feel good story about how others step up to raise someone else's child.
Learning all about natures "products" to heal and help people with many different illnesses was very interesting.
This is a delightful story and when Molly and zac meet up in later years really surprised me.
I will definitely read more of Deanna Eadens books.
Learning all about natures "products" to heal and help people with many different illnesses was very interesting.
This is a delightful story and when Molly and zac meet up in later years really surprised me.
I will definitely read more of Deanna Eadens books.
March 31, 2019
Moll’s Memoir.
I was captivated by the characters in this book from the very beginning . The more that I read, the more engaged I became. This is a book well worth reading.
I was captivated by the characters in this book from the very beginning . The more that I read, the more engaged I became. This is a book well worth reading.
July 8, 2019
Wonderful read and loaded with history.
Could not put this book down once I started reading it. Such a lovely story of unconditional love in a family and how your roots stay with you always. Sweet read and you will learn so much history as well.
Could not put this book down once I started reading it. Such a lovely story of unconditional love in a family and how your roots stay with you always. Sweet read and you will learn so much history as well.
April 26, 2018
Lovely story
I very much enjoyed this uplifting story, especially knowing it is a true memoir. The story is warm, positive, humorous and educational. The characters are very likeable and I was thrilled to find a picture of "Nina" on the back pages. I do wish the author would learn the proper use of the comma. Like many Kindle books today, the comma is overused and often changes or blues the meaning of a sentence. The prose, especially when describing wooded mountain scenes and sunsets, is beautiful!
I very much enjoyed this uplifting story, especially knowing it is a true memoir. The story is warm, positive, humorous and educational. The characters are very likeable and I was thrilled to find a picture of "Nina" on the back pages. I do wish the author would learn the proper use of the comma. Like many Kindle books today, the comma is overused and often changes or blues the meaning of a sentence. The prose, especially when describing wooded mountain scenes and sunsets, is beautiful!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 128 reviews