5.0 out of 5 stars Pittsburgher(s) and Much, Much More, September 1, 2011
By Greg –
This review is from: Pittsburgher(s) (Paperback)
The book Pittsburgher(s) by Jack Kernion is a memoir of the author’s life yet is much, much more. Set mostly in and around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the book follows Kernion from early childhood to an adult as a husband and father of three children. Pittsburghers for me, was a particularly interesting and important book for several reasons. First, was Kernion’s use of James Joyce’s Dubliners as a structure and framework for the book. Kernion effectively uses this creative mechanism, which allows the reader to understand better the evolution, complexities and contradictions of growing up in a region and time that is undergoing significant change.
Secondly, the book is full of great stories of Jack and his twin brother Mark growing up in rather austere circumstances, but thriving through sports (basketball), education and reliance on each other. Many growing up in similar circumstances will relate to how Kernion evolved from a ferocious competitor on the court, to a competitor in life wanting to continue growing in knowledge, wisdom and an understanding of how to live a full and meaningful life.
Third, and more importantly is the way throughout the book, Kernion weaves enlightening nuggets of poems, verses and readings to be savored like fine wine. Examples are the Rilke quote, the hymns River in Judea and Anticipation, Martin Buber’s famous work, I and Thou, and Joseph Campbell’s work Creative Mythology, to name just a few. I found myself constantly reflecting and contemplating about these works and eventually researching more on their background to better understand their meaning. In this way, Pittsburghers was the launching point for many more weeks of learning and understanding about a whole host of important topics.
And last and most importantly for me, is the fact that rarely do you come across a book full of such honest, intimate and personal reflections as contained in Pittsburghers. Kernion’s very detailed and personal thoughts during the death of his mother and his father, his deep and personal feelings about his children, and his description of the extraordinary relationship and love he shares with his wife Anne are all extremely moving and heartfelt. With these deeply personal revelations and stories interwoven with excerpts and teachings from great works throughout history, Kernion provides a rare glimpse into the real meaning of life and how to live it.
Pittsburghers is truly a book that will change the way you travel through life forever. I highly recommend it.
5.0 out of 5 stars Pittsburger(s), August 23, 2011
By Marilyn Schaub –
This review is from: Pittsburgher(s) (Paperback)
Captivating and delightful, a book that quickly involves the reader. Against the backdrop of an authentically portrayed Pittsburgh over the last five decades the author presents key moments in his own growth and development from childhood, adulthood, marriage, and parenthood. All of the players in the story are vividly delineated. Along the way powerful lessons are learned. The modeling of the author’s presentation after that of James Joyce’s DUBLINERS is both judicious and effective. Highly recommended!
5.0 out of 5 stars Integrity In Action, September 10, 2011
By Jacqueline DeCoursey –
This review is from: Pittsburgher(s) (Paperback)
The resilient residents of PGH have seen the city adapt and invent, and Pittsburgher(s) is an example of one man’s journey and his connection to the people from his hometown. The author bravely discusses topics from his upbringing and adulthood, and readers witness Jack reflect upon his surroundings, set goals, ask questions, and create relationships that are founded in his values. I am proud to call Pittsburgh home, yet readers from any city will relate to the author’s perspectives during various snapshots of his life.
5.0 out of 5 stars Pittsburgher(s), September 9, 2011
By Kit –
This review is from: Pittsburgher(s) (Paperback)
Jack Kernion’s gift for remembering life events with exquisite detail, from the age of 11 through his adult years, makes him an extraordinary storyteller a la James Joyce in DUBLINERS. His stories range from the simply hilarious (conversations of those gathered to celebrate his and his twin brother’s eleventh birthday) to the tender and poignant (many moments shared with his wife Anne and their three children, with his parents and his twin brother, and with his many friends and colleagues). Jack is indeed an astute and keen observer of life and people. In this memoir he has tackled the difficult task of articulating the shift from modern to postmodern perspectives implicit in Joyce’s DUBLINERS and his PITTSBURGHER(S), with an emphasis on the unique “Pittsburgher” character and its influence on his own personal development. I loved reading PITTSBURGHER(S) and highly recommend it. In this book, Kernion poses and answers the quesion: “Can we learn from history?” His stories also exemplify his belief, following Erich Fromm, that deep joy is only possible when Love is seen and lived as the answer to the problem of existence.
5.0 out of 5 stars An example of beautiful living, August 28, 2011
By BFC90 –
This review is from: Pittsburgher(s) (Paperback)
From the standpoint of a reader in their 20s, I found this book exceptionally moving. There are, in every person’s life, moments when you feel something has shifted – you decide how to live, who you want to be. Jack wholly exposes himself to the reader through his storytelling of these moments. By the end of the book, he clearly outlines not just how he lives, but how to live beautifully.
5.0 out of 5 stars A Journey Shared, August 23, 2011
By Marlene Markle –
This review is from: Pittsburgher(s) (Paperback)
Jack Kernion has been very courageous in sharing some of the deepest and most private moments of his life. Anyone who has either struggled or rejoiced in some of the same situations will be filled with compassion or joy as befits the narration. If you’ve lived through as many decades as Jack, you can easily relate to how your own home town has evolved or changed over the years. Pittsburgher(s) is not only a sensitive memoir but a beautiful and endearing love story. If “family” plays an important role in your life, you’ll especially enjoy Pittsburgher(s).
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful life story of a true Pittsburgher, August 22, 2011
By Sarah M –
This review is from: Pittsburgher(s) (Paperback)
Pittsburgher(s) is such a wonderful tale of how all the big and small moments of this man’s life have made him into the person he is today…with love being the most guiding element of his years. It is classically American, wholesome, and reflective. A story of a Pittsburgh boy turned man turned father, this book will read fast and have you quickly turning the pages to see how his life evolves and the people who changed him.
5.0 out of 5 stars Substantive Conversation, January 22, 2012
By Elizabeth –
This review is from: Pittsburgher(s) (Paperback)
Substantive conversation holds the the key to happiness for two reasons-one because humans are driven to find and create meaning in their lives and two because as social creatures they are driven to connect with each other. Jack Kernion, I think, has expressed much the same thing in his book, though he did it with what is rarely seen today-wise, warm and witty writing; affirmative and inclusive as his forerunner James Joyce. Like Joyce, Kernion, in the end, signals the acceptance of life in all its varied incantations, “yes I said yes I will yes”.
This book is one I will press upon friends with the advice to “read it!”
5.0 out of 5 stars Pittsburgher(s), September 22, 2011
By Rose Marie –
This review is from: Pittsburgher(s) (Paperback)
For all who appreciate a well written book, James Joyce, a sincere reflection on life’s essential questions, a glimpse into a unique American city and most of all a beautiful love story, this book is a rare treat.
pittsburghersthebook 