UBC- Book Review: Experiences. The Autobiography of Charlotte Clem

April 3, 2020
The Ultimate Blog Challenge

EXPERIENCES. The Autobiography of Charlotte Clem by Charlotte Clem</ (Author)

The item number is: M0D1007715434 and the paperback price is: $11.95

Leopold Classic Library info:
ASIN: B07147V8XZ

Paperback: 114 pages

Description (taken from About Book blurb)

Our offering includes memoirs, or collections of memories that individuals have written about moments or events, both public or private, that took place in their lives. While the assertions made in these works are generally taken to be factual, the biases or perspectives of the authors are often present. Historically, memoirs have been defined as a subcategory of biography or autobiography, however, the genre is differentiated in form, since it presents a narrower focus. While a biography or autobiography tells the story "of a life", a memoir generally tells the story "from a life", tending to emphasize touchstone events and turning points in the author's life experience. The authors are referred to as memoirists or memorialists.

My Thoughts 

Before I ever knew there was a book of memoirs with regards to Charlotte Clem and her family, I had their names in my family tree. She was associated with my Great Granny Martin lines. I felt as though I already knew a little bit of her family story by research, I had done over the last several years on this branch in my family tree. 

When I learned of this book, I told my family about it. That was a few years back. This last year, my daughter asked me for a 'wish list' during the holidays. This book was on the top of that list. To my surprise, when I opened the package at Christmas and saw that I had finally received a copy of it, I was elated! That night, I read the book cover to cover. 

Charlotte Clem was the daughter of James and Sarah Huff Martin. The book tells the story of her family as seen through her eyes. She had a personal relationship with Christ and it's evident in her writings. She and her siblings wanted the memory of their mother shared in order that it would bring honor as they felt words were inadequate to express the love and regard, they felt for her. 

Her hope for publishing the little book - her experiences - was that it might influence some reader to trust in the Christ she found so precious; that it might strengthen others to trust him but need help, and that it may help her children and children's children to live as she tried to teach them and had prayed for them to live. (taken from Preface) 

Throughout the book, Charlotte shares memories of her mother's unwavering faith in Christ while sharing their life's' journey. 

Excerpt from Experiences: The Autobiography of Charlotte Clem

My dear mother, she was true To her children and her home; She was patient, tender, kind, and loy'd us all; I praise God for her sweet name, She was ever just the same; I can ne'er forget my mother and my home.

Although I have this family on my family tree and they are associated with my Great Granny Martin and my 5th Great Grandfather, Daniel Martin, 1781-1851, I would have never known the stance of their mother of her faith. I guess one could say it's true "that our grannies prayers reach the heavens". I'm glad Charlotte wrote this little book. Reading it gave me peace knowing that 'all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose', Romans 8:38 KJV. Both Charlotte and her mother's faith in Christ was evidence of this in their families. 

As I take part in the April 2020 Ultimate Blog Challenge, I'm honored to have the opportunity of reviewing Experiences. The Autobiography of Charlotte Clem not only as a reader but as a distant family member from our shared Martin lines. 

Learning about my family roots and ancestors is very important to me and having this book in my library is amazing knowing that Charlotte Clem and her family are a part of my family heritage. That's why I love genealogy. I never know what nugget of history will be uncovered as I walk with my ancestors. 

Heart to Heart Soul Creations

H2hsc2020

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