“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 S “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
“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 S “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.
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Gina –
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 h 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.
BETH F. MANN –
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.
Patricia –
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..
Sheila Burke –
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. 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.
Brenda L Brandon –
Great book.. uplifting story of family and unconditional love
Karen Steele –
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.
nancy floyd –
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 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
Jackie –
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. 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.
Mary –
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! 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!
Karen –
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.
billy –
Wonderful story This was a most wonderful story. I could almost hear the swish of the flying squirrels. Thank you so much.
Kellyn –
Deanna writes memoirs like a novel. A short read that kept my interest, was sad it was over so quickly.
Laura Moreno –
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. 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.
Kim –
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.
Lynda B Buermann –
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! 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!
caroljordan –
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!
Tish Ciccotelli –
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.
Patricia Manship –
Memoir A beautiful story that I couldn't put down until I finished it ! I wish there would be more like it . Thank you ! Memoir A beautiful story that I couldn't put down until I finished it ! I wish there would be more like it . Thank you !
clyde Henderson –
Couldn't put it down! Couldn't put it down!
Marie-Elena –
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.
Deb Pruitt –
Another winner Edens has written yet another witty, quick read that sends your imagination soaring into the middle of Molly's life. Wonderful! Another winner Edens has written yet another witty, quick read that sends your imagination soaring into the middle of Molly's life. Wonderful!
anita rosenthal –
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
Fonda Vandiver –
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.
Ellen M. Reed –
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!
Lisa –
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 drea 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.
Julie –
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. 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.
Diane Wachter –
EBk-M, Kindle, @ 2015, read 5/13/20. Fiction, 20th Century, West Virginia, Rural folks, Herbal Alchemy. A baby is left on the porch of a cabin in the Momongahela Mountains of West Virginia. The Seneca Indian woman and her man decide to marry and raise the child as their own. Totally engaging. Had to keep reminding myself that the book was fictitious. 5☆'s = Excellent...and I very rarely give a 5 rating! EBk-M, Kindle, @ 2015, read 5/13/20. Fiction, 20th Century, West Virginia, Rural folks, Herbal Alchemy. A baby is left on the porch of a cabin in the Momongahela Mountains of West Virginia. The Seneca Indian woman and her man decide to marry and raise the child as their own. Totally engaging. Had to keep reminding myself that the book was fictitious. 5☆'s = Excellent...and I very rarely give a 5 rating!
Cynthia S Major –
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. 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.
donna levine –
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.
Jill Derrick –
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.