Skokie resident Roberta Markbreit has authored a new book entitled, "On The Street Where I Lived: Autobiography Of A Child." The book chronicles her years from a toddler to age 13. She grew up on the near north side of Chicago after the Depression and during the World War II years.
Markbreit's writing background comes from her experience as a high school English teacher, a newspaper reporter and a columnist. She continues to produce and host a public access cable television show for more than twenty years. Her motivation for writing the book stems from a long-term desire to document her childhood in written form. "I felt a need to write my history. Once I sat down at the kitchen table and began writing the words just poured out of me. I loved my friends and neighbors from my old neighborhood and wanted to share my happy memories," said Markbreit. "The book took me ten years to complete. I surprised myself with just how vivid my memories of those years were," she continued.
The book was a family effort. Markbreit's husband Jerry, a retired NFL referee, encouraged her to write and finish the book. Their daughter Kathy is a graphic designer who was responsible for the book's layout and design.
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According to Markbreit, "I grew to feel while I was writing that I very much wanted to tell how a child growing up experiences seeing the world for the first time and how they learn from what they see. In essence, I wanted readers to re-experience their own childhoods while I shared mine. I wanted my storytelling of the saga of my own life to remind them of their very own childhoods," she said.
"On The Street Where I Lived: Autobiography Of A Child" is available in hardcover and paperback versions. The Book Stall at Chestnut Court in Winnetka will host a book signing and discussion with the author on September 16th. Markbreit will also appear at local libraries and book discussion groups this fall. For information about the author, upcoming book signings or purchasing please view the website: www.RobertaMarkbreit.com
