Random Reflections: Family Fragments, True Short Stories, and Poems

by Don Pardue, Victor Pardue (Illustrations)

Random Reflections begins with a collection of the author's hectic life-long memories that include a dominating father, a gently mother, and five high-spirited and rebellious sons. Although it was a recipe for disaster, this family ultimately discovered forgiveness and redemption. The last portion of the book is a collection of short stories and poems in which the author introduces the reader to a meandering journey through a maze of contrasting themes. While some are serious, others are whimsical.

212 pages, Paperback

Published March 2, 2018

About the author

Don Pardue grew up in a small town in East Tennessee. After completing a tour of duty in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, he received his education at Tennessee Wesleyan College, Atlanta Art Institute, and The University of Tennessee, where he received a BFA degree and later taught courses in graphic design.

During his career he worked as creative director for a Knoxville design studio. He is now retired and spends his free time painting and writing in Lenoir City, Tennessee, where he and his wife Bobbie reside.

He is the author of five novels: Blossoms of Winter, Tom, Dick, and Harriet, Southern Sanctuary, Maiden Harvest, and Random Reflections.

Reviews

[Tilmer Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a combination of things. It is an autobiography followed by a series of observational short essays and poems. The book runs the gamut of human emotion as it paints a picture illustrating American life during the bulk of the 20th century. It's a good read covering an interesting family. There are ups and downs. There are good times and bad, happiness and sadness, triumph and tragedy. It's all there and it's unfiltered.