I am an original baby boomer, born in 1946, who attended a very strict Catholic Grammar School for nine years. Parents back in the early 50s, not knowing or wanting to raise their own children, made a decision to punish them into submission. Understanding came from a B.V.M. nun with a stern hand wielding a yardstick. How did we survive and how did some of us turn out? From Kindergarten, when only six year old, to thirteen, we made it through the tension and anxiety of attending St. Tarcissus Grammar School. The experience was intended to teach us the correct way to conduct ourselves. Do you think it made a lasting impression in the years ahead? Education has come a long way. Did those good Sisters know what they were doing? Did our parents play a bigger role in our up-bringing? Some of my conclusions actually make sense. The hard truth is history. Our working careers are over. From the craziness of those grammar school years comes our final report card. All of us from that graduating class of 1960 are now senior citizens. Lets find out just what happened. Planning this reunion took six months and made me think about my whole life. It made me realize that life is a struggle, but happiness can be achieved, if you work at it. My other committee member, who was supposed to help me, gave me a migraine. Would this reunion be a success or a bust? It was all on my shoulders. To be sure, it is funny, thought provoking, and I assure you, 100% true.

Dr. Ione Vargus has long been convinced of the value of family reunions, especially among black families. For quite a few years, she traveled around the country to visit various black family reunions to observe what families did. She interviewed various members of those families as well. The result is this book, which delves into the social and psychological benefits of having reunions, as well as some advice and guidance on the nuts and bolts of planning and holding a reunion.

The distinguished political historian's journals provide an intimate history of post-war America, the writer's contributions to multiple presidential administrations, and his relationships with numerous cultural and intellectual figures.