Two book launches are planned for the end of April. One in London and one in Stratford. Details and how to register are outlined below.

The popular girl having a swell time makes the diary a fun read, but her systematic approach to partner evaluation calls for closer attention. I’m not sure she was aware of it herself. Her dating choices are often nuanced or easy to overlook amongst the crowd. When a boy she’d been seeing regularly drops off her calendar, she doesn’t specify why. The reader has to infer from previous comments.

Ever since I embarked on this journey to publish these diaries, I have steadfastly maintained that there is deeper value for readers interested in social history. The obvious beauty in this book is watching a young girl mature from adolescence to a married woman, but with careful reading, it becomes a record of how relationships unfolded in her era.

At these launches I want to talk about the dating protocols and expectations she had versus modern dating… or how couples become couples in any generation. She enjoyed dating multiple people simultaneously. Physical intimacy was off the table, which created a completely different dating environment compared to modern practices. She focussed on personality, values, and long-term potential. Modern couples often have sex early in the relationship. It’s almost inverted; intimacy first and then assess the long term potential.

My familiarity with the material and my relationship to her has most certainly influenced how I have interpreted her story. Others will spot nuances I overlooked. And please bring your own stories of how your generation dated; this is an opportunity to draw those comparisons, for better or worse, and to hear from people of any generation their response to the basic question, how does one choose a life partner? I’m looking forward to seeing where these discussions go.

I hope to spark some interest for book clubs and smaller venues; these two events are my starting point. Please join me, I’d love to hear from you.

London; Thursday, April 23, 2:30 p.m. Masonville Library, 30 North Centre Rd, London, ON. Please register (if you haven’t already) by email at annemilnewrites@gmail.com

Stratford; I am honoured to be a part of The Leonor Literati! Tickets can be purchased directly on their website, click here; The Leonor. April 28 at 7:00 p.m.

Copies will be available at both events ($20.00) and I’m happy to sign them if you’d like.

Keep your joy.

Posted every Sunday, unless it’s a holiday or summertime.

Contentment is for Cows: Short and sweet reflections on life’s complications.