Open Book Publications

"This Is My Life is well-designed and thought-provoking. It improves on other such books by including questions about the especially emotional issues of life, like politics and religion. I also appreciated its acknowledgment of adoption and divorce as realities affecting families today. I will be giving a copy to my father so that he can write his autobiography, and we will share it with all his descendants."

-Celia Berdes, M.S.P.H., Associate Director, Buehler Center on Aging, McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University 

"They say anyone can write a book. Just seeing the table of contents in This Is My Life, immediately made it seem possible. Very impressive."

-Rose Appel, Senior Service Corps 

"Reminiscence is a well-recognized technique that has been frequently underutilized because of a lack of appropriate guidelines. This Is My Life is an exceedingly well-planned and well-written guidebook that provides the framework for an individual to organize biographical material in a manner that will be useful to themselves and future generations. Carol McConnell is to be congratulated for her sensitive, user-friendly addition to geriatric care."

-Monte Levinson, MD, Medical Director, The Presbyterian Homes Evanston, IL 

"If memories are your most valuable possession, you will treasure the opportunity to compose your autobiography. This easy-to-follow guidebook will help you begin your journey. Enjoy!"

-Marilee I. Lindley, Director, Illinois Department on Aging

"What a wonderful way to pass on personal history to your children -- words have more worth than money. This Is My Life would ensure an 'inheritance' for everyone."

-Rachel Shapiro, Senior Service Corps 

"Autobiography is not just for famous or the notorious. This Is My Life encourages ordinary men and women to take the time to reflect on their own history and accomplishments. It reminds us that each individual life is important and has something to contribute, and it provides a valuable methodology for recording the significant events in our lives."

-Dr. Ralph J. Crandall, Executive Director, New England Historical Genealogical Society