Author to talk at Gridley
A special to the Gazette
Friday, September 5, 2008
Burlington resident Doris Johnson will visit the Gridley Branch of Coffey County Library at 7 p.m. Sept. 22. She will talk about her two recently written books.
“Gutsy Women” contains biographical sketches of 16 extraordinary women. The other is a children’s book, “The Cookie Crumb Trail.”
The women featured in “Gutsy Women” are not famous or world renowned, but have accomplished courageous and remarkable feats in their own communities. Many grew up during the Great Depression, which contributed to their fierce desire to not only endure, but succeed by rising above trials and disappointments. Although the lifestyles of today’s women are very different, they are faced with many of the same challenges of those women in her book.
Two of the women, who each have a chapter in “Gutsy Women,” are natives of Coffey County — Lois True and the late Josephine Haehn.
Johnson drew her inspiration for the story “The Cookie Crumb Trail” from her oldest grandson, Shane. It is a story about a boy and his pet duckling, who are flying to see the boy’s grandmother. They manage to get into all kinds of mischief at the airport, but with some luck and creative problem solving this unusual duo are able to continue their trip.
“As I Remember It,” co-authored with her brother, Ray Imhof, is another of her books. This is a memoir about their mother’s life growing up on the prairie of western Kansas in early 1900’s.
Johnson will talk about all of her books, telling why she chose the 16 women in Gutsy Women and what inspired her to write the others. There will be time for questions and answers. Copies of her books will be available to purchase.
Refreshments will be provided by Gridley Friends of the Library.