Title: Life Stories of Peepaw
Author: Matthew Rucker
Publisher: Book Venture Publishing
Pages: 116
ISBN: 978-1-64348-122-7
Genre: Memoir
Reviewed by: Ella Vincent

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Life Stories of Peepaw is a sweet and inspiring memoir about a man’s life on the farm and learning life lessons from his grandfather. Matthew Rucker has written a book that readers will love. Rucker is a minister who recounts stories of how he grew up on a farm with his loving family, especially his beloved grandfather. He narrates the stories to his granddaughter Alyssa and refers to himself as her Peepaw. Rucker writes about events in his life because he feels that children need to know their grandparents’ histories. Rucker writes about how he had chores taking care of the farm animals, had fun hunting raccoons with his relatives, and enjoyed fishing with favorite uncle, Ed. Life Stories of Peepaw also details how Rucker’s faith increased after he preached at the eulogy of his uncle and officiated an unusual wedding with a light-headed groom. Rucker also shared how he overcame family tragedies and his own health issues through his belief in God.

Rucker’s writing in Life Stories of Peepaw is so conversational and relatable; readers will feel that they are listening in on a conversation between Rucker and his granddaughter. His stories are a mixture of downhome storytelling yarns and moving testimonies that show the complexity of life. Rucker’s anecdotes are also enriched by his vivid descriptions of the farm and the lakes where he would fish. Readers can easily imagine themselves down on the farm with Rucker’s family and his barnyard animals.

Life Stories of Peepaw would be best for readers who want to read stories about grandparents and their relationships to their grandchildren, like Leslie Stahl’s Becoming Grandma. This book has touching stories like Going to the Mountain: Life Lesson from My Grandfather by Nelson Mandela’s grandson, Ndaba. The memoir would also be best for readers who want to read books about rural areas and the simple pleasures of growing up in small towns.

Life Stories of Peepaw would be best for readers who are looking for spiritual stories about families. The book could also be ideal for readers who want to read memoirs about the joys and trials about the ministry and could be read in church groups as well.

Life Stories of Peepaw is a moving autobiography that is a short book, but will leave a long-lasting impact on readers. Rucker’s memoir is a collection of heartwarming tales that will inspire readers.