In The Band Plays On: Going Home for a Music Man’s Encore by Rick D. Niece, Ph.D., the author describes DeGraff, Ohio to be a warm, inviting small town that almost anyone would want to join. After reading his delightful memoir about the town and its members, I found myself wanting be become an honorary member and go for a visit.
Dr. Niece grew up in a small town in Ohio, and reminisces about this his childhood, and the people and events that were significant to him. It is full of charming stories of a variety of people, with funny insights into a young boy’s thoughts and feelings. The author has a way of creating a clear picture of what the people were like, and how a small town takes care of its own.
Having moved many times in my childhood and not having the experience of growing up in a small town or in one place, I was drawn to this story of DeGraff, Ohio. Dr. Niece’s father was the band director and a teacher at the only school in DeGraff, and the story works up to a reunion with Mr. Lewie Niece coming back home to lead the band one last time. This heartwarming memoir left me feeling hopeful that there are still small communities like DeGraff, Ohio out there. The Band Plays On is a feel-good book that will inspire you to go out, smile and say hello to a neighbor. I highly recommend this book.
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