Off Easy Street A Memoir

Mama admitted she was not the nest-building type." With these words author Jean Knight Green starts readers on an engaging journey through backwoods and dusty hamlets of the early 1900's Pacific Northwest. Told from the viewpoint of her high-spirited childhood self, she recounts her Mama's audacious bargain with Papa, bold Englishman and gold speculator, that began the family's saga. Here pledge: to support the family for three years by teaching in remote outposts (Spokane, where did they lived, did not allow married teachers) so Papa could have time to put the family "on Easy Street" as he always promised.



While Papa chased gold, strong-willed Mama fearlessly carved out an unusual, adventurous life for her daughters while opening minds of all ages in a chilly one-room schoolhouse. Off Easy Street: A Memoir recounts an inspiring tale of family and relationships, exploits and adventures. "Papa promised Mama mink and pearls, but all she ever wanted was a new corset." Chasing dreams, managing reality: in today's lives only the details have changed.



Concluding with Erma Bombeck-style tales from her later years, the author, a born storyteller, rounds out the engaging account of a life filled with remarkable memories and good humor. Green died in 2001. Her daughter Jennifer Ralston Blair edited and compiled her mother's works to introduce others to her mother's delightful tales.