I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed this book. It is awesome! (Sternig is)…such an accomplished writer. I don’t know how anyone could read this book and not want to be reunited with family”
-Christy Kastner, Nurse. Woodruff, Wisconsin
“I enjoyed On Chestnut Street immensely.…Wonderful!”
-Jere Ring, Pianist, Entertainer, one-time Liberace protégé. Palm Springs, California
“(The author)truly made (her) childhood come alive, referencing so many similar things we ourselves experienced when we were young, It was written with such love, humor, tenderness and was a real joy to read. …(Her) own relatives must treasure it.”
-Ron (and Peach)Britain, legendary Chicago Radio DJ and Personality. Louisville, Kentucky.
“I finished reading (On Chestnut Street) and I really enjoyed it. It was like I was standing outside her house, looking through her window and observing her and her family through the years. Many of these childhood memories jarred my own memories of growing up, particularly how enjoyable, invigorating, and educational it was, playing outside in all weather conditions. Thanks for helping me look back. I look forward to Part II.”
-David Ritterberg, Architect. Weaverville, North Carolina.
“What a treasure for a family, to document all the goings-on back in the day – quite a wonderful legacy.”
-Monica Mancini, Singer/Performer, filling footsteps of her dad Henry Mancini. Studio City, California
“I want to thank you for writing “our” book. I’ve been reading it avidly and enjoying every page, crying as often as laughing. You remember or found out lots more things than I remember, and to have it all here, a history of our family, is a treasure. Thank you thank you thank you.”
-Amy Klokner, Computer Programmer and the author’s older sister . Waukesha, Wisconsin
“An uplifting look at how the American Dream was fulfilled through one family’s dedication to education, work ethic, family bonds, and honesty… a warm, wonderful look back at life growing up in a middle-American family, in the 1940s. My, how things have changed! I found it to be a page-turner blend of history and humor. Sternig is an engaging and gifted writer, her words enhanced by her father’s pictures, letters, and notes of the family’s humble immigrant beginnings to their successful integration into full American culture. I recommend it to readers both young and old. I’m hoping for more! Fascinating!
-Charles Rowe, KREM-TV News Anchor. Spokane, Washington
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. A precious read! What fun to smile, enjoy your clever and eloquent writing, and to relive my own childhood with you on Chestnut Street. I loved reading it, laughed out loud, and sat here saying, ‘Yes, yes, ..that is exactly the way it was’! I can’t wait to read and re-read it again and again. Now I have ‘my Chestnut Street’ in writing to share with my husband and son. You did all the work for me, my family, and friends to enjoy. What a treasure! (P.S. Loved being on the cover of your book.)”
-Patty Mandel Quible, childhood next-door-neighbor and playmate. Stillwater, Oklahoma.
“Some things in my life, once started, I can’t stop, and discovering a great book is one of them. I so enjoyed On Chestnut Street, a well-crafted book whose story resonated in so many ways, and took me back to my own childhood, right down to the Chevy, and the thunder of the Hiawatha locomotive that still reverberates in my mind…..made me envy the dad, because that’s the kind of father I wanted to be but wasn’t…..a most enjoyable trip back in time to an era when life and family were savored instead of merely tasted.”
-Clark Weber, longtime WLS and WCFL Chicago Radio Personality. Wilmette, Illinois
“Obviously a labor of love and quite an achievement which brought back so many memories.”
-Phil Sternig, Psychologist and author’s uncle. Hartland, Wisconsin
“…having a great time reading and looking at those many great pictures. Even our kids are looking and asking questions. It makes for some good dinner conversations between the generations….special.”
-Donald and Mary, Brookfield, Wisconsin
“…This book is a great way to look back on family history and see first-hand what life in America was like in that time. I cannot wait to share it with my own children when they’re old enough.”
-Pam Fluegel, Business Manager. Carol Stream, Illinois
“The book is awesome. The pictures are fantastic, and (the author) has a wonderful way with words.”
-Roseann Witt, Brookfield, Wisconsin
“…a masterpiece of story-telling enhanced by the actual pictures of the memories about which Barbara Sternig so expertly writes.”
-Sid Roberts, pioneering Chicacgo Disk Jockey, WJJD, WCFL. Evanston, Illinois.
“Although this is not the kind of book I would normally seek out, I found that I couldn’t put it down. It is a vivid and highly entertaining trip down Memory Lane , to a period of history I also knew, and which saw a lot of big changes… with the exception of the author’s grandparents, probably more than anyone else will ever see. Author has real talent and did a great job of telling a special story. I can’t wait to read her next book!”
-John Boothe, Rancher. Bishop, California.
“This is the feel-good book of the year! Absolutely engrossing. Barbara Sternig calls up a true picture of how America was, with her child’s-eye view proven photographically! What fun and fascination for all ages, poring through the fabulous vintage pictures! It certainly reminds us of how families could thrive, grow and succeed here, using solid values that often seem forgotten now. This wonderful book embodies what the foundations of America made possible for all.
–Muriel Parker, Family Therapist. San Dimas, California
“I am absolutely astounded at the detail (the author) was able to recall from those early days. It obviously helped to have so many photos from the era. Having grown up in a similar small town, I closely relate to many of the things portrayed. Sternig’s Dad was an exceptional man, and her Mom, behind the scenes, reminded me of my mother’s role in our family. Can’t say how much I enjoyed following this family through those early years.”
-Dick Watson, Businessman. Beverly Hills, Michigan.
“What a great treasure your book will be for us for all time. We thank you for all the time and effort it took to get it created! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
-Marylou (and Dennis) Shelp, author’s younger sister. Boulder City, Nevada
