Home Again and Again: Recollections, Stories, Guideposts by Dr. Ann Gentry Recine and Louis Recine is  our Spring/Summer 2024 Teaching Press project, and it is set to launch on August 10th at @ Roots Art and Wine Gallery in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

Maybe I’m biased—I mean, I was the Project Manager for the our Hard-Penned Press editorial and design services for this book. But I think this debut memoir has it all: a local Wisconsin author, guideposts for reader’s self-reflection, some crazy life experiences, humor, science that can translate into real life situations, and personable writing.

In fact, our entire summer Teaching Press staff helped create a Top 10 list of reasons why Home Again and Again should be your next book purchase:

  1. It’s a Collaborative Project by Undergrad Interns at The Teaching Press (and therefore it is perfect, and basically the best book ever)

Okay, yes, I currently work on The Teaching Press and very much enjoy what I do. But in all seriousness, our designers and team this semester really knocked it out of the park with this one. This book gives off all the heartwarming, comfy cozy vibes, and it was all worked on by a staff of students (and our fearless leader and Press Director Dr. Meacham) who spent months giving it their all and getting this book as polished and beautiful as it currently is. It’s unlike anything The Press has ever worked on before, and it really was a labor of love. By supporting this book you’re supporting student learning and a vital part of UW-Green Bay’s programs in Writing, English, Design Arts, and more!

  1. The Illustrations!!!

Who doesn’t love books with pictures? This book has some of the cutest little illustrations scattered throughout it, and our designers Emily Heling and Caliegh Cleary really did an excellent job of catching the essence of this story with their illustrations. Each chapter features its own pull quote and attached illustration, and they’re a really fun addition to the book. This is my current favorite.

Like, are you kidding me? Look at how beautiful that is!

  1. Recipes!

The author has included nine recipes she has learned from others in her life while trying to build a sense of home. These recipes all have a great touch of midwestern charm to them and will be delicious add-ons to your own recipe books at home if you purchase this book!

  1. The Life Lessons

There’s something really sweet and approachable about the way the author weaves her life lessons into this story. Her voice is warm and inviting, and she brings a lot of stories of experience and wisdom to the table. Each chapter of this book offers something for everyone. Ann shares her stories with us to help us grow and learn from the things she’s experienced and does so in a way that feels very casual.

  1. It’s the Perfect End-of-the-Day Read

This book is meant to be consumed in increments. The chapters are short and sweet, offering readers little bites of wisdom and experience. If you’re looking for a book to read over your morning cup of coffee or looking for a good read to wind down with before bed, Home Again and Again is the perfect book for you.

  1. The Humor

The author’s writing style is very playful. Ann can be joking about her grandchildren on one page, sharing the absurdity that children bring into our lives, and opening up to readers about hardships on the next. She knows when to focus in on serious topics, and when to lighten the mood. Because of the humor in this book, it really reads like you’re having a conversation with a close friend and confidant.

  1. Support a Debut Author

This is Dr. Ann Gentry Recine’s first book, and I think there’s something really cool about being a part of an author’s first published memoir. By buying this book, you will be supporting someone who has worked tirelessly on this project for a very long time and will be actively playing a part in supporting local arts.

  1. It’s an Interactive Experience

Each chapter ends with reflection questions to help readers to slow down and reflect upon their own notions of “home.”  When picking up this book, you could also pick up a cute journal and include these questions as part of your daily routine. Ann’s “Guideposts” help you slow down and find gratitude for your home, and the things that remind you of home. Reflecting on Ann’s questions will help you to do just that!

  1. Approachable Science!

I don’t know about you, but I’m someone who loves English, and actively avoids anything related to math, engineering, science, and anything else that requires the left side of your brain to comprehend. One thing I really love about this book is the science that the author works into her story. She has hypotheses about the importance of home for health and happiness, and backs them up with her own research, along with research from her peers. This adds validity to her statements, but it’s done in a way that makes what she is trying to say easy to understand.

  1. This Book Helps Us Understand Wisconsin History

I loved being able to view Wisconsin through Ann’s eyes. She’s originally from Massachusetts, but through the story we learn how she came to fall in love and put down roots in Wisconsin. Ann offers insights into what it was like living areas like Madison, Wisconsin during the Vietnam war, and what life what like growing up with a family that moved around a lot, and how she and her husband Lou created a home during the Covid-19 pandemic, on sailboats, and as professionals.

Home Again and Again: Recollections, Stories, and Guideposts is a beautiful new book, and one you should think about adding to your home library this summer.