Woodlawn Giants
Woodlawn Giants by Robert Ross Williams is an autobiographical book that recalls the author’s experiences in his childhood home playground in West Memphis, Arkansas, back in the ‘60s and early ‘70s. The author takes the readers into the world and time where fun and adventure await him and his friends outside the door.
A Coming-of-age Tale
The book tells a coming-of-age tale, following a group of friends in their adventure as they slowly grow and develop. It takes the readers on a journey of time and space, letting them see how each character experiences adolescence in the author’s account.
Based on Real-Life Events
Woodlawn Giants allows the readers to see the world from the author’s perspective. The story is autobiographical, giving you a glimpse of the author’s adventure along with his brothers and cousins in the welcoming playground of West Memphis, Arkansas. The readers will witness the hardships, fun, and emotional journey of the characters as they grow and move on from the memories that happily haunt the place.
Environmental Undertone
The story starts with the characters planting pine trees in the area, which triggers a narration of memories.
Robert Ross Williams calls his childhood home playground Woodlawn Giants because of the trees that witnessed their adventures. They might have moved on from everything as they grew up, but the trees still stand in the area, quietly imprinted with the memories that live on.
The idea of the trees that hold onto the memories of childhood friends gives the readers an idea of how the environment can be there to help recall good experiences. Growing up, people tend to remember adventures among the trees and leave prints to reminisce when the tree still stands over the years.
Takeaway: “It Takes a Village”
The story’s main theme is taking the proverb “It takes a village” in mind. It is about passing down the good memories to the next generation and letting them experience it themselves to create a new story to tell for the coming generation. Parents have once roamed and played in the Woodlawn Giants, giving them the chance to tell the newer generation their experiences in the area. The adventures help raise the young to be adventurous as they grow up and still have a sense of safety and positivity.
Another takeaway of the story is that memories will stay even if the people move on. The trees and other “witnesses” will still help the grownups tell their tales when they were younger even if they’re far from the place. The good memories they trigger will always be there, awaiting immortalized reminiscence.
Is the Book Worth Reading?
Woodlawn Giants is a gripping story of growing up and adventure. The book does not feel like an autobiography at all. The readers will feel like they are reading a coming-of-age, young adult novel. Yes, it is worth the read! The images in the author’s reminiscence are so powerful that one can clearly see everything in mind, like a movie. Readers can personally get into an adventure within the pages, getting insights into the author’s boyhood.
Get a copy of Woodlawn Giants by Robert Ross Williams on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or the author’s website (robertwilliamsbooks.com). Buy your copy today!
About the Author
Robert was born in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1960. His family lived in South Memphis for a short time before moving to West Memphis, Arkansas. Their home in West Memphis was the basis of his book Woodlawn Giants, where the trees that witnessed his growing years with his brothers and cousins still stand.
Robert is a retired Army officer. He holds a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Memphis. In addition, he also has an M.A. in Russian Studies from Florida State University.
0 Comments