The Sugar's at the Bottom of the Cup
by Elda Del Bino Willitts, Patricia Lynn Henley
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Book Summary Information
Author: Elda Del Bino Willitts, Patricia Lynn HenleyEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-10-21
ISBN: 0977460207
Number of pages: 379
Publisher: Zucchero Press
Book Reviews of The Sugar's at the Bottom of the Cup
Book Review: Charming and Inspirational - a great read!
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Sugar's at the Bottom of the Cup" by Patricia Henley is the inspiring biography of Elda Willitts, a remarkable woman who lived through some of the most challenging times in recent history.
"Sometimes I can't believe everything I've seen and done. Of course, most of the time I was so busy living that I didn't think about the significance of any of it. I just got on with my life." says Elda in the early pages. And in this pragmatic and humble way, she begins to tell us her story.
Starting in rural Italy in 1916, Elda's tale includes memories of the courage and closeness of her immigrant family, traveling steerage, arriving on Ellis Island with nothing but a few bundles of blankets, and journeying by train to California. Her memories are interwoven with fascinating glimpses into the early history of San Francisco and the small towns of Marin County. Elda lives through the roaring twenties, the great depression, two world wars, and the Vietnam War. Her life encompasses changes brought about by technology such as automobiles, electricity, microwaves, computers and cell phones.
Through it all, the book glows with the determination of a woman who faced her personal challenges with courage, grace and humor, and never relinquished her love of life. We come to know Elda as we follow her through an impoverished childhood, the ups and downs of marriage, career and motherhood, and her victories over cancer.
Practical and matter of fact, Elda's memories are clear, and her optimistic outlook is as charming as it is inspirational. "Every life is a story, I guess. Sometimes mine has surprised even me." Says Elda in the final pages. She died at age 95, shortly after her biography was published. All who read her enthralling tale will be enriched for having known her.
Thank you, Patricia, for immortilizing the story of the redoubtable Elda for all of us to enjoy.
Summary of The Sugar's at the Bottom of the Cup
Set against the backdrop of Northern California in the 20th Century, this book is the compelling true-life tale of an ordinary woman with an extraordinary life; it is also a narrative blueprint for finding fulfillment and happiness. An Italian-American immigrant, Elda Del Bino Willitts came to the U.S. with her family in 1916, when she was seven years old. They traveled steerage on a steamship, then settled in San Francisco when it still had gas street lights and cattle pastures in Cow Hollow. Written entirely in first person, as if Elda is sitting down and chatting with the reader, the book recalls delightful details and insights from Elda's life in Northern Italy, San Francisco, Marin County, and the Sonoma Valley in California's Wine Country. Elda's loving heart, steadfast faith in God, and positive outlook supported her through adversities in her personal life, the business world, and her own health as she faced multiple battles against cancer. The book is an extremely honest account of all she went through, both good and bad, and how these experiences shaped her into a woman who "finally learned to savor the small daily miracles of love, joy, forgiveness, appreciation, and gratitude."Historical Books
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