Pizazz!

Pizazz! by Julia Chadwell gives the reader a sympathetic perspective of people caught in circumstances and movements that are beyond their control. This story is, inspiring, amusing, instructive, and tells of redemption, resurrection, and renewal. The fiercely independent and undaunted heroine proves equal to the task of finding her way. Rose found a place in the world for herself with dignity and grace. She was a wife and mother, a teacher, and a storyteller. The story is told as a family saga that takes place in mid-twentieth century America. The backdrop for the story is a rich tapestry of world events. The Great Depression of the 1930s and its profound effect on the fortunes and psyche of those caught in its grip, the earth shattering events of World War II, the post-war era of the 1950s, and the social unrest of the 1960s all shaped the customs and attitudes of those times. Rose was determined to find dignity, respect, and more control of her life. The events of the 1930s had led to drastic changes for her and her family. In order to survive, they left their beloved Pennsylvania farm and migrated to South Texas. This relocation was traumatic for them. In Texas, they found only more poverty, desperation, and lack of opportunity. In the cataclysm of World War II, women took on new roles of home-front responsibility and exposure to new places and new skills. Rose traveled to new places and learned to take on the world on her own. In the post-war era of the 1950s, society attempted to return women to their secondary role only to find that the women were increasingly inclined to demand a share in the new prosperity. They began to insist on receiving recognition and fair compensation for their abilities and contributions. Rose decided to do a very bold thing. In 1950s America, women were supposed to stay at home, be supportive of their husbands and children and essentially put their family first. Rose was not content to settle for that life. She saw further education as the key to her success. She became a new woman when she stepped out and took control of her life. Rose sought and earned a college degree without ever having attained a high school education. She now had new skills, more freedom, and self-respect. The challenges of the 1960s led to women seeking more equality and freedom. Before the introduction of more effective birth control methods, Rose was further stymied in her quest for success by an unplanned pregnancy. This led to tragedy and heartbreak. The scourge of illicit drug abuse became more prevalent and touched her family in intimate and profound ways. This book explores and relates the terrible effect of drugs on a typical American family. The scourge of domestic violence and abuse, family perfidy, hidden elder abuse, the role of family in elder care, religion, and end of life issues are all dealt with in this moving story. The courage and determination of Rose shine through the story. Her love for her children and grandchildren is ever present. Though often misguided, she always attempted to take care of her family. She survived difficulties and triumphed on her own terms. She had a love for learning that was inspiring. Yet Rose, like all of us, was a real person with flaws and imperfections. She truly was a chameleon who re-invented herself (several times) in her quest for her dreams. She was representative of the American woman at that time - taking on new challenges, not readily willing to relinquish what she'd fought so hard to achieve. Rose was an inspiration, and her life was a testament to the value of reaching for your dreams.