“Reflections on Life’s Illusions….isn’t your run of the mill memoir….it’s a thoughtful and imaginative reflection ….like having coffee with a wise friend….learning to see through the stories we tell ourselves, without dismissing them.” — BookTrib.com
The Book
“[An] introspective memoir reflecting on the power of stories amid sociocultural upheaval….Painted with rich, evocative details….. a compelling glimpse into what it means to be alive” – Booklife Review/Publishers Weekly
“Reflections on Life’s Illusions: A Memoir of Culture and Consciousness,” dives into the pool of memory to explore what shaped the consciousness of the baby boom generation — and the author’s own perspective. Gallagher’s lyrical prose interweaves a search for identity, love and meaning with reflections on the larger forces that defined an era, piecing together a “patchwork quilt” of vivid memories and social commentary, featuring voices of leading intellectuals beside her own.
The explosive years between 1954 and 1975, when McCarthyism, the Vietnam War, Watergate and systemic racism collided with the rise of feminism, civil rights and environmental awareness inform Gallagher’s growing awareness as she moves from childhood to middle age, culminating in a life-changing hike through the mountains of Peru. Ultimately, this memoir offers a wise and graceful invitation to reexamine cultural stories, looking beyond nostalgia to rediscover wonder, curiosity and belonging for a deeper understanding of how culture molds belief— and how awareness can transform it.
Please request the book at your local bookstore or order it online below.
About the Author
Jane Gallagher was born at the height of the baby boom. Her teenage years unfolded in the ’60s and ’70s as rock and roll set the tensions of the times to music and the Anti-Vietnam War, Civil Rights, Environmental and Women’s movements took off. Her fascination with the interdependence of political, cultural and natural systems gave rise to an activist career. A mother of two and grandmother of three, she holds a BA in Political Science and International Relations from Carleton College and an MA in Urban and Environmental Policy from Tufts University.
About the Author
Jane Gallagher was born at the height of the baby boom. Her teenage years unfolded in the ’60s and ’70s as rock and roll set the tensions of the times to music and the Anti-Vietnam War, Civil Rights, Environmental and Women’s movements took off. Her fascination with the interdependence of political, cultural and natural systems gave rise to an activist career. A mother of two and grandmother of three, she holds a BA in Political Science and International Relations from Carleton College and an MA in Urban and Environmental Policy from Tufts University.
Contact
Please direct all inquiries to:
Reflections on Life’s Illusions
P.O. Box 131
38 North Main Street
Waterbury, VT 05676