New book worth reading: A CURSE AT SQUAW CREEK FARM

Jerry Zimmerman's new book, A CURSE AT SQUAW CREEK FARM is an insightful look at the culture of of heartland America with vignettes offered by Jerry Zimmerman about his pioneer forebears of  the turn of the century and poignant  stories from Jerry's  childhood years of the 1930's-1940's.  The book is written as reflections looking back from the present of a life well lived. If you like culture and history you will enjoy this read. Jerry's ancestors were progressive, brave and willing to innovate to create a new life in America. The book is rich in colorful anecdotes, historic photos as well as descriptions of the characters who became examples for life.  Jerry adopted a culture that dealt with tragedy and obstacles as challenges to better things.  This training molded him into a life of recognition, success and a person admired to this day.  We at BOOTHEGLOBALPERSPECTIVES are pleased to recommend this book to you. 

This is a book for light reading, in a cozy comfortable place, and to see word and photographic images of a life and a culture almost lost in America. The book will elevate your spirit and your appreciation for good men such as Jerry Zimmerman. 

This is the crux of his story:
Every human carries landmark tragedies, events  or losses and how they respond to these defines them. In Jerry Zimmerman's case this book describes a childhood fall and crippling loss of the mobility of a locked leg...that was his challenge. He determined never to be a "cripple", a "beggar", a "victim", or handicapped in any way. People who have known Jerry for years, never even suspected that he ever had a problem...indeed this is part of his power and his charisma.  

We notice the book rarely mentions the "locked leg" does not use the word "handicap" or "cripple".  Jerry's parents simply did not acknowledge that he was different, or had a problem.  He was physically able to ride horses, chase kids, and take his Daisy BB Gun hunting, shoot a raccoon and then proudly show off his trophy. He was determined to achieve even as a child.  Instead of being the "victim" he became a leader of men.  With the book describing a refreshing lack of self pity, it describes how he dealt with it and achieved above average successes.  For this reason alone, the book should be read by children who wish to accept the modern day "victimology" that seems so prevalent in large parts of society.  I would like to see this book made "required reading" for every parent of an injured child, and to every Shrine "Kid" who has had an arm, leg, nose or face injured.  

The process and details of learning events that taught  perseverance and self confidence, added traits to his character that enabled him to excel. While some devote their lives to self pity, anger or use physical ailments as a marketing tool to manipulate others,  Jerry tried a superior path which led to quiet excellence contributing to others as he has moved forward.  He by example, using writing talent to paint pictures of lives in action, makes his point that this is a good path to follow.  Jerry Zimmerman's main character, himself, shines as an example for others to follow in service. The anecdotes are sometimes funny, as the future grand-mom who threw an apple and hit the head of a future grandfather, he said: "Why did you do that for?"  She replied: "Wanted to make your acquaintance."   Or the Mexican bully's who rushed up to steal Jerry's "Daisy BB Gun, still in the box" who got instead whacked on the head by the little boy Jerry, with the gun still in the box.  The stories, like Mark Twain give us cultural and societal insights of the WASP farm culture of farm life America, as the nation changed to a manufacturing and industrial economy, leaving the horse drawn plows and sustenance farm family life behind. 

One of Jerry's many achievements was his service to the Board of Governors of the Shrine Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, where Jerry helped make decisions that would benefit thousands of children. He continues to impact his world in meaningful ways, and thus this book has not yet ended.  To this day, Jerry is still a respected Shriner, Mason, and community leader. 

His message of life of turning adversity to joy in the book is this story: "I considered my surgical scar my own good luck omen...when I was young my little cowgirl sweetheart squeaked when she saw my surgical scar 'The Shriner doctors gave you a good luck scar, it's a lucky horseshoe'."

It is our good luck that this book is available.

A Curse At Squaw Creek, by Jerry Zimmerman, ISBN-13:  9781502917133,
ISBN-10: 1502927130
Beatlick Press, Albuquerque, NM.
Call Jerry Zimmerman for interviews or autographed copies:  (505) 235-2814 

You can order the book by calling bookstores or write Jerry. His email is: jezbo@nmia.com  for a personalized copy.