Julia Park Tracey recently won awards for The Doris Diaries. In my eyes, editing and publishing diaries that belonged to her aunt is a fabulous example of preserving history. I hope that you enjoy learning about this inspiring, unique project.
The Nook: What updates do you have about your award?
Julia: I recently was flown to Los Angeles to receive awards from the Great Northwestern Book Festival and Los Angeles Book Festival for the second volume of the Doris Diaries. I won the grand prize at the GNWBF and best regional book at the LABF.
The Nook: What's next for The Doris Diaries?
Julia: Volume 3 is set for fall release. The Great Depression has begun and Doris is no longer in school. She gets a job selling real estate -- or trying. And she's still looking for true love. And there is no money to be had!
The Nook: Please tell me why you decided to create this project, after inheriting the journals.
Julia: I felt that Doris's young voice was so refreshing and unique that I wanted to share her. I started by sharing snips on my own Facebook feed but it became so popular that I created her own FB and Twitter pages. We've all heard Anne Franks' voice but a girl from the 1920s was unique.
The Nook: What's next for The Doris Diaries?
Julia: Volume 3 is set for fall release. The Great Depression has begun and Doris is no longer in school. She gets a job selling real estate -- or trying. And she's still looking for true love. And there is no money to be had!
The Nook: Do you feel your aunt would've minded having her diary published?
Julia: She says that she's reticent in her diaries, at the time. But knowing her later, I think she would be pleased, and would very much appreciate the attention she's gotten from publication. Doris is loved, and she would enjoy that.
A Book Nook Review
A Charming Celebration of Freedom
In 'Reaching For The Moon', Doris Bailey Murphy's grand-niece provides a glimpse of life in the 20's. Julia Park Tracey chronicles adventures of a teen girl, continuing events of The Doris Diaries, from 1927-1929.
In volume 2, Doris Bailey is a teen struggling with scarlet fever. This serves as a backdrop for a young spirit still interested in matters that are present in most teen and young adult minds--boys, friends and socializing. Some diary entries are a few lines long. Others give more insight into Bailey's opinions, spunk and personality. They prove to be more entertaining. Embracing freedom, despite challenges in life, dominates the tone of the majority of Doris's diary entries.
Doris is a likable subject, despite illness. 'Reaching For The Moon' may be best experienced as a collective work for those who are interested in history or intriquied by journals. The longer entries accompanied by photos offer the most insight. Ms. Tracey's inclusion of footnotes, and her introduction, strengthens credibility as a researcher and curator.
In futue volumes, longterm value of the project could be maximized by integration of more photos, inclusion of historical captions that may tie highlights of Doris Bailey Murphy's experiences together, and/or alternate considerations of including every entry. 'Reaching For The Moon' is comprehensive, original and insightful. It also possesses potential to be utilized as an entertaining teaching tool.
Reviewed by Andrea Blackstone
Purchase the first installment on Amazon.
Reaching For The Moon
Connect with The Doris Diaries on Facebook. Click here.
http://www.juliaparktracey.com/
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