Authors:Raymond M. Saunders and Craig Saunders

ISBN: 1418445843

This review was contributed by:  E.Dian Moore &  To read more about Dian Moore’s reviews click HERE:

To Read Dian's Interview With The Authors, CLICK HERE

Once in a blue moon, along comes a book that is made extraordinary by the teller of the tale. Written by 94-year-old Raymond M. Saunders, (now 95), BLESSED, I’M SO DAMNED GRATEFUL, is a book every household should have. What better way to experience a century of history than through the eyes of one of its sons. Saunders shares the beauty of life lived simply, with purpose, and with foresight. Above all, his tale is one that proves the beauty of the celebration of family in its most honest form.

Saunders doesn’t tiptoe around sensitive issues such as the murder suicide committed by his great grandparents which left a family of six orphans behind. Nor does he wax eloquent on the subsequent rise and success of his grandfather in the cattle business in Iowa. Rather, he has written a story penned for his family that begs to be shared in a larger audience. 

Throughout the reading of BLESSED, I experienced something that doesn’t often happen – that is of “hearing” the author speak. Throughout each page, each era, each memory, running through my inner mind was the voice of a man who has lived life to the fullest and recognized the lessons we are meant to learn.

Saunders decided to write some memories for his family when his eyesight began to fail in the early 1990’s, and he introduces each chapter with a vignette into his day on the Iowa farm he still lives on today and grew up on for 95 years. Then, prompted by a memory, he begins a journey into the past that is rich with description.  

Especially noteworthy is Saunders’ honesty with human foibles. Accepting them, recognizing them, and working through them. The world as a whole can learn from this unique historical memoir that documents the wide and varied changes in technology, family values and world events over the past 95 years and more.

A unique portion of this special book is the numerous, well-preserved documents and photographs that illustrate the different events
Saunders portrays in his written legacy. 

If only all generations had such an engaging, forthright historian willing to share the history of our immigrant families I believe our country would find deeper value and meaning in our every day lives and recognize the importance of living life.

My only regret is not being able to meet Raymond Saunders in person . I would willingly sit at his feet for hours and listen to whatever tale he cared to share. A natural storyteller, Saunders has blessed America with this story, and I’m more than grateful to have had the honor to become engrossed in history made alive through the voice of an Iowa farmer.