
With a mission to tell her story, describing her complicated journey with humor and a splash of wit, Jayne encourages her readers to travel this road with her and enjoy the ride.
Jayne’s parents moved the family to West Hartford, Connecticut in 1950, when Jayne was just six months old. Her neighborhood was bursting with post-war young marrieds (many of them Jewish) and their 2.5 children, every backyard connected so that kids were constantly running back and forth. It was noisy and nonstop until the street lights came on at night. That was our signal to retreat to our small colonial houses, lined up on our block in a neat little row.
Then suddenly, life as Jayne knew it changed dramatically. Her family moved to another street in town. To a bigger, older house. The new neighbors were quiet, well dressed and spoke in what seemed to be an entirely different language of refinement and restraint. This was quite different from the boisterous, chaotic world from which she came. And by the way, these people were so not Jewish.
All of this was a great deal to handle if you are a fourth grade girl with a foot in each culture.
The author takes you on her journey of self-discovery with an abundance of both humor and honesty.
Enjoy!
"I relished every page. You did an outstanding job of capturing family members, describing your parents, regretting a change of schools and “dumbing it down”, the conflict of adolescence and the thrill of being a mother to Jayne. I actually got very teary when I saw/read Grandma Lily’s handwritten apology note. So glad you saved this one. And, the photo that Ally took for the end page is a winner. Bravo. Kudos. Congratulations. I really enjoyed your story and….I wish I had captured the memories in my life as vividly as you did. SO proud of you, cousin. Xoxo Kathy"
"Jayne’s autobiography ovffers a vivid and touching portrait of a life lived with curiosity, resilience and a deep appreciation of family and identity. Set against the backdrop of 1950’s and 1960’s West Hartford, Connecticut, Jayne transports readers to her loving childhood that balanced her bookish father’s dry wit with her glamorous mother Doris’ charm and social milieu.
What sets Jayne’s story apart is her candid exploration of her mixed Jewish-Christian heritage, a source of confusion and eventual self discovery.
Jayne’s humor shines as she recounts the quirks and idiosyncrasies of her relatives
(especially her paternal grandmother) and her formative years. Lots of shopping-as-therapy, weight struggles, loves and losses along with glorious motherhood all contribute to a wonderful tale of a woman who grows into a confident, independent spirit." - Martha C.
You can send me a message or ask me a general question using this form or send me an email directly at Jayne@jaynehchampion.com.
I will do my best to get back to you soon!
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