Title: Every Person Has a Story to Tell
Author: Walter R. Hoge, DVM
Publisher: MainSpring Books
ISBN: 979-8891142725
Pages: 237
Genre: Nonfiction / Memoir
Reviewer: Anthony Avina
Hollywood Book Reviews
It is often said that memory and legacy go hand in hand. The legacy people find in their life, whether it is through their family, their friends, or their careers, can be tied to the memories people have of that person and how long it lasts. The type of legacy a person leaves behind is important to showing what kind of person they are, and is shaped by the memories of the experiences their lives gave them.
Memory and legacy become central to author Walter R. Huge, DVM’s Every Person Has a Story To Tell. The book is a look at the power of storytelling, and how there is wisdom and healing which can come from sharing those stories and experiences with the people that mean the most to them. A blend of personal storytelling and insightful observations into the heart of stories and memory, the book is a guide to readers to showcase why preserving their memories for future generations is so vital.
A wonderfully balanced read, the author does an incredible job of detailing powerful experiences which shaped his life while also reflecting on the balance science and faith have in the world, and how it informs humanity’s understanding of the Universe. The author shifts his thoughts and musings throughout this book fluidly, taking readers into introspective discussions of memory and visionary experiences that differentiate humanity from animals such as squirrels and elephants (and their similarities), to broader discussions of parallel realities and how these experiences can relate to a person’s faith as they wrestle with letting go of fear and embracing hope instead.
Readers who enjoy speculative nonfiction reading, especially those that utilize memoir style storytelling with philosophical discussions of faith and science driven through the lens of everyday life experiences will absolutely love this book. The honesty and reflective nature of the author’s tone in the book and the way it tackle themes of grief and loss, along with family history and what it means to the lasting legacy a person leaves behind as well as the power that storytelling has on a person or persons, make this book feel enlightening and thought-provoking all at once. From quiet victories to life-altering challenges, every person’s journey matters. Every Person Has a Story to Tell by Walter R. Hoge is an inspiring tribute to the human experience and the stories that shape our world.