ReadersMagnet Review takes a closer look at Carol Wilson-Mack’s inspirational book Patchwork: Conversations Between Generations.
Every community has its tradition and local culture. These are two elements that bind the people together. It is also passed on from one generation to the next, not only to preserve the activities, knowledge, belief, or practices but also to preserve the community. Carol Wilson-Mack’s Patchwork: Conversations Between Generations introduces us to a remarkable group of women who formed a unique tradition through their passion for quilting. Despite coming from different generations, these women have come together to share their own narratives and in the process, established solidarity. ReadersMagnet takes a closer look at Patchwork inspiring stories.
Patchwork: Conversations Between Generations by Carol Wilson-Mack
Early this year, Carol Wilson-Mack published her second book Patchwork: Conversations Between Generations. Patchwork is a collection of stories and conversations about the lives of God-centered women living in rural Bamberg, South Carolina. These women built a community with the help of quilting, which served as their main activity and livelihood. The community is composed of women from different generations. The quilting community also became a venue for them to exchange ideas and share their stories. Both young and all had something to contribute and so a healthy atmosphere and an inclusive culture emerged. The stories in the book cover the period between 1939 and 1959.
“Patchwork encourages us to find a way to bridge the gap between generations by sharing helpful information through conversation. Both groups the youth and the elder must be open to a two-way conversation. Being the elder does not mean you have a monopoly on teaching, the youth also have something to say. Patchwork says we should have the conversation.” (excerpt from the book)
Patchwork: Conversations Between Generations highlights appreciating the valuable contributions of different generations. Generation gap often creates misunderstanding, division, and even antagonistic relationship at most. By sharing stories and experiences, we discover new things from others, and learn to understand where they are coming from. By creating tradition participated by both young and old, we learn to appreciate each others’ wisdom and strengths. By creating a community, we are teaching empathy and solidarity.
Patchwork: Conversation Between Generations is a remarkable work by Carol Wilson-Mack. It reminds us that good things happen and opportunities arrive when we set aside our differences and work together for the common good. The stories of the women community in Bamberg show us that people of different generations can come together and create a tradition that can last for many years. But perhaps the quintessential part that Carol Wilson-Mack wants to impart to us is the power of stories, and sharing narratives can erase prejudice, animosity, and barriers. By sharing experiences and perspectives, the community gains wisdom. And by listening to others, we develop a strong understanding of others and ourselves. Overall, Patchwork is an enchanting and inspiring read.
About Carol Wilson-Mack
Carol Wilson-Mack was born in Bamberg, South Carolina. She holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Arts from New York Institute of Technology. Wilson-Mack completed her Doctoral Study in Divinity in 2016 under Dr. Arthur Belanger with the Open Bible Institute and Theology Seminary. She is also a graduate of The Long Ridge Writer’s Group, the famous institute for writers. Wilson-Mack produced several scripts for plays and film. Some of her works have been in production in Newark, N.J., Baldwin, New York City, and Bronx, N.Y.
Her first book Fan Loyalty was published in 2013. The book is a tribute to the late Brook Benton, an American singer, and songwriter.