References

Working with MODERN MEMOIRS . . .
Scroll down to the bottom for a list of states and countries in which former clients can be contacted as references.

CLIENTS' COMMENTS:

ON BOOKS

“Thank you for your super job on Bea’s Journey. The book was received with rave reviews in Chicago! You were entirely professional to work with and I would recommend you without reservation.”
––Alan Schriesheim, director of Argonne National Laboratory (retired), Chicago

“Thank you for the wonderful job you did interviewing me, writing, and publishing my memoir, Journey Through the Twentieth Century. This book would never have been written and published so beautifully without your dedication, skill, and perseverance, all of which were quite useful in my case.”
––John Maki, age 96, retired university professor, administrator, and historian, Amherst

“...I would like to thank Kitty Axelson-Berry for her invaluable help in collecting, assembling, and reviewing all of this material, and for her sensitive handling of all the emotions and challenges of this project. She and the team she put together at Modern Memoirs helped make this book both a deeply personal story and a reference source of three of the historical periods through which I have lived.”
––Aharon Golub, (excerpted from his book, Kaddishel), Holocaust survivor, New York City

“I wanted to capture my father’s personal story in his own words and at the same time to create a document involving a high level of research and scholarship . . . and to be sensitive to the innocence and poignancy of my father’s retelling of his childhood, given how tragically things turned out for his family.
    “Modern Memoirs conducted extensive interviews with my father and his contemporaries on three continents in a variety of languages, researched historical archives in the U.S., Europe, and Israel, commissioned maps, added dozens of photographs, and created a book that is rich, deep, and accurate, drawing praise from well-known scholars such as Michael Berenbaum and Arthur Kurzweil.
    “We were so pleased with the results that we decided to have our books mass printed, promoted, and distributed commercially in Israel and the U.S. We’ll see whether they sell!”
––Ben Golub, (from Kaddishel introduction and conversations), co-founder, Black Rock Solutions, New York City

“Thanks, thanks for a beautiful thing, if that is a fair way to characterize a book. For a moment I had the same rush of joy that I remember when I first held each of my children.”
––Harold Hirshman, attorney, Chicago

“Many thanks for your helpful comments, sharp insight, and professional guidance during my first book publication cycle. Your kindness and encouragement has meant a lot to me. I hope we’ll have an opportunity to work together again.”
––Robert L. Singleton, author, West Stockbridge and Bonita Springs

“Thanks so much for your patience, your insight, your magic touch, your love. You made all the difference!”
––Lynda Sun Lee, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare, New Jersey, and co-founder of The American Tribute Center

“Kitty: Without your efforts I couldn’t even think about it, now it [the book] is here. It gives me a lot of sadness, happiness, a lot of thinking of my life. I think it is really good just for me to understand myself. Otherwise I would never know.
    “In today’s world it is so difficult to understand each other, especially if one doesn’t understand oneself. For that, I say ‘Thanks a Million’.”
––Rusty Sun, retired businessman and Chinese immigrant, New York City

“The comments I’ve had on my book have all been quite laudatory, quite praiseworthy (I’ve gotten great praise!), which makes me pleased and thankful to you.
Several family members have said, ‘I know it’s you talking! I can just hear you talking!’
    “My only critic was my son [name omitted], who didn’t like what I said about his cousin and one of his uncles––but it’s all true and those things had a very strong influence on me; I talked about personal matters that have been important to me, matters I have never talked about before. The same son also said that the rest of the book was great and important for future generations to know.
    “Here is one of many similar comments that I received: ‘Your book is a real treasure. I can practically hear you speaking the words, since it is so true to, and reflective of, your personality. The richness of our family history is priceless––I didn’t know a great deal of the history and am deeply grateful to you for preserving it for me and my children.’”
––Irwin Rose, real estate developer, Indiana and Hawaii

“We want to thank you for your enthusiasm, intelligence, insight and wonderful suggestions in making our [Celebration Book®]. Your patience and excitement made it easy and joyous. Your understanding and the love you developed for us during this process were treasured throughout and helped us create this treasure for [name omitted] and all who love him. Modern Memoirs offers such a priceless service. It was the best gift, and my father loved it so.”
––Judith Sanders, artist, Amherst

“You were so generous with your time, expertise and love in putting Dad’s fine book together! It is a wonderful gift to him and our entire family. 'Bonus' seems too limiting a term for my thanks to you for all you have done.
    “In rereading Dad’s words, I realize that this book is truly a fitting legacy and am somewhat in awe of his confidence and his ability, especially coming from such a non-literary background, to tell his story.”
––Carolyn Berry, high school English teacher (retired), Malibu

“One of my most cherished accomplishments was to have a book written about my father’s life. He had so many interesting stories that would have been lost if not for his book. Imagine picking up a book on your great-grandfather’s life, his interests, successes, failures, dreams! How much can we really say about our long-gone loved ones?”
––Brian Dunsirn, businessman (retired), Wisconsin

“Dad so enjoyed working with you.... Many thanks for all you did to make his final masterpiece just that.”
––Sandy Irwin, daughter of Mack Wallace, businessman and author, Massachusetts

“It is very important to me to let the world know what a good, kind man Henry was. Thank you for all of your help.”
––Liesel Margenau, widow of physicist, New Haven

“The entire day selling my book went quite well. I ended up selling and signing 92 books––I thought if we sold 60 to 70 at this event it would be great. Comments have ranged from, ‘It’s a very interesting book’ to ‘Fantastic!’. All of my family was greatly impressed with my choice of a publisher, and the reporter for The Country Journal was great in her praise of the book and how it was put together.
    “Frankly, I’m surprised at the reception it’s getting. The one thing I hear the most is, ‘It reads like you’re talking to me.’ On Sunday, one man from Westhampton said something to the effect that it was not only a great book but ‘one of the best I’ve ever read’. The cover you designed tells a story, too, and that helps.
    “Your part in all this has been just fantastic and I think you know I really appreciate it. You’re a great and wonderful friend. I hope I can continue to ask questions as this thing develops. Your advice is always good.”
    Three months later: “Thought you might like to know I have sold $10,110 worth of books as of now. This doesn’t include the several dozen free books that have gone out. The hospital gift shop sold over 110 and the local pharmacy nearly 100 so it has been interesting….
    “I have fond memories of working with you on the book and without you it would never have worked out. Your encouragement and personal interest made it all possible. You’re a delightful person and a good friend.”
––Charles Bisbee, former state senator, Western Massachusetts

“Thanks again for the great job on the memoir. It turned out wonderfully… pleasure to work with you.”
––Anne Ferguson, women’s studies professor, Amherst

“We were so pleased to receive our copy of Reflections. It’s great! You did a wonderful job with the text and putting everything together. I read it immediately, and Carolyn and I really had fun recalling when we were young. I loved the stories about Uncle Evan, Aunt Gertrude, and all the family. They were so fortunate to be able to work with you on the book. It’s a lovely memorial. I’m sure Gran enjoyed the preparation immensely––and he would certainly have approved of the outcome!”
––Jean and Barney Newcomb, graphic artist (retired), Kansas

“I can’t get through a page without crying, so I’ve only read about 10 pages! This is so wonderful! I knew there was going to be a book––it wasn’t a complete surprise––but I had absolutely no idea that it would be so amazing.
    “This book has made a big difference in our family––the process of creating it and, even more so, seeing the results and learning about each other. The children read each others’ letters and were very, very moved. And they were moved by the product itself, the fact that it had been created and is so beautiful, really wonderful.
    “I’m overwhelmed! The design is beautiful––the use of white space, the fonts you chose, the presentation of the photographs and cartoons, the use of separate pages for the letters, the size and shape––and the paper selection––the speckling on the outside edges . . . and I love the glass paperweight, too! Thank you!”
––Martha Joukowsky, archaeologist, Rhode Island

“I loved the book! It really made my birthday so special to have the words of dear family and good friends mark this occasion. Beyond that, the book was so beautiful, well designed, and beautifully edited! It was truly a joy to behold. I must say, what you did far surpassed my expectations of what the book would—or could—look like and be. Thank you for all you did. It was a memorable job (forgive the pun).”
––Dr. Jan Goldman, therapist, Philadelphia

“Thank you for your spectacular and thorough work on our book—through which I have come to know the dear, smart, sweet, wise, and incredible Kitty!”
––Judith Sanders, artist, Amherst

“I just love this little book. Even though I know all that was left out, what is included is so wonderfully knit together—it has become more than the individual fragments. I guess that's the magic of story!! What a wonderful, wonderful gift for all of us.”
––Patricia Gorman, Amherst

ON WRITING AND EDITING

“Working with Kitty is an absolute pleasure. Every time I ask questions, she has the right answers—she is smart. Every time I tell her my thoughts, she listens—she is sensitive and caring. Every time I ask for advice, she gives me good thoughts—she is intuitive. [Her] work is always splendid.”
––Jack Dunn, author, Western Massachusetts

“One of those rare editors who respects a writer’s desire for truly free speech.”
––Al Giordano, journalist, Mexico

“. . . an extraordinary editor and writer with remarkable talent for getting to the heart of an issue and a story… and easy to work with, too.”
––Harvey Wasserman, activist and author, Ohio

“She brings great skill to the craft of writing. I have a great deal of respect for her careful eye . . . and she follows through on any commitment with vision and persistence.”
––Rabbi Louis A. Rieser, New Hampshire

“The professional expertise of Alison de Groot of Modern Memoirs, Inc. has been indispensable, and I value her guidance and friendship.”
––Connie Markoff, retired businesswoman, New Hampshire

“I want to thank...Kitty Axelson-Berry and Alison de Groot, who put the final touches on my manuscript and brought it all to fruition.”
––June Judson, theatre director and actress, Boston

“Kitty published and designed my small book of poetry. She did a beautiful job and was fun to work with. She has creative flair.”
––Nina D. Wood, poet, Vermont

“I thoroughly enjoyed the process of working with you and found that you were respectful of my wishes and vision even when it was not entirely in accord with your professional knowledge. You were excellent in using your professional skills in guiding choices and providing me with the knowledge to make choices that affected the final
outcome of the project. I thank you for making me part of the process all along the way even though Modern Memoirs was doing all the heavy lifting. I am very pleased with how the finished book looks. So far, family who have seen the book are also pleased....”
––Claire Bateman, Western Massachusetts

“Thank you for editing and publishing Master of All Trades, A Tribute to Larry and Where or When! A Happy, Long Life. I enjoy working with you very much!”
––Margaret Williams, author, Virginia

ON WORKSHOPS

“Since my Mother’s death, I have been really adrift. I entered the [Bereavement Book] group feeling a lot of anger toward my Mother, focusing on our last 15 years . . . but working on my book gave me an anchor and focal point. I looked at her life and it allowed me to really feel the pain of her loss. It’s been a wonderful experience for me!”
––Betty Gage, teacher, Western Massachusetts

“[The Bereavement Book Workshop] is truly the most transformational and creative work I have done. I have experienced the pain and . . . have retrieved the treasures: greater peace of mind and a book full of memories of my mother that can be passed on to my family and children. At the beginning, my fear almost consumed me; now the fear is a memory, and my mother, a real person.”
––Ali de Groot, now the associate publisher right here at Modern Memoirs, Amherst

“Your Memoirs class was terrific, and I think everyone thought so. You made it possible for us to proceed in our own particular directions . . . . Your whole undertaking and enterprise are just awesome.”
––Carol Shadoian, teacher, Amherst

ON CELEBRATION BOOKS

This Celebration Book®, "Happy Birthday, Stanley!", was presented to Stanley Prowler on November 21, 2004 at his 85th birthday party. Stanley died two-and-a-half weeks later. Here are comments from readers:

“I wish to thank you for the great yellow book that somehow keeps Stanley within us. I have it near my bed and I read a bit almost every night. Stanley is at his best on page 89: ‘Things I´ve loved in a lifetime/Things I´ve hated in a lifetime’. You should be very proud of your work, of the fact that this book exists. Just before I left, I visited Stanley and I read him my letter from the book. We both cried some tears, some good and felt tears. I am very glad I went to New York to Stanley´s birthday.”
––Nuno Mateus, Lisbon, Portugal

“I am so enjoying reading the book you created for Stanley. What a gift!”
––Sara Hattenbach, Los Angeles

“I gave Manuel and Bernadette a copy of the book, and Myrthes will deliver one to Rose Marie Octavio and Jose Octavio. All were very excited with it! This morning, I met my uncle Manuel on the street, and he told me he had been reading some of the letters and loved it very much.” ––Laura Machado, Rio de Janeiro

“The books arrived this morning. They are FABULOUS! Stanley will be delighted—the quality is just SO obvious. Congratulations on a job more than well done!”
––Ann Bunyaner, New Jersey

“Now that the dust has settled, and I am moving more leisurely into the New Year, I pause to drop you a note to salute you for the sublime success in putting together the wonderful book for your uncle Stanley.
    “Never having seen a copy before and not quite aware of the process beyond your gathering the data, selecting the end-papers, etc., I had no concept of what the outcome would be, the extraordinary finished product you conceived, designed, and assembled for the delight of Stanley and the astonishment of his admirers.
    “You should feel very content with your opus magnus of which we all have a copy to treasure and enjoy again and again in the coming years.
    “So, thank you from me, and I am quite certain, from all who helped make this book such a resounding success.”
––George LaBalme, New York City

“Thank you for returning Stanley’s pictures. I am impressed with the beautiful ‘Celebration Book’. There never will be another Stanley. He was special. He was always a challenge and he taught all of us! We can console ourselves with our memories of good times and the Celebration Book. Thank you so much for putting it all together!”
––John Bruce Dunlop, Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania

QUOTES FROM COLLEAGUES

“As a writer and then the editor of our 65,000-circulation publications, Kitty brought creativity, energy, integrity and good spirit to our organization and our pages. Key to her success was her ability to sense a story, to work well with writers and sources, and to turn stories into compelling pieces of journalism. Our Massachusetts newspapers grew and matured under her management.”
––Geoff Robinson, newspaper publisher (retired) and farmer, New Zealand

“Kitty is extraordinarily qualified to help people with the intimate business of memoir writing. She is shrewd at drawing sources out, but her tact and respect for their well-being prevents her from being invasive. Her wide travel and general knowledge equip her to deal with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.”
––Stephanie Kraft, journalist, Amherst

“I have known Kitty for 27 years and know her to be skilled, sensitive, reliable and trustworthy . . . she is highly esteemed throughout the Pioneer Valley community.”
––Albey Reiner, microbiology professor, Amherst

“Your books hear what people are saying, you treat your books like precious children, and you work as if you have no limits. I’ve seen this for a quarter century, first at the newspaper and now at Modern Memoirs, and in every book I’ve proofread for you. I hope you can imagine how good it feels to take part. I’m glad to know that the business is expanding rapidly because I’ve thought all along that Modern Memoirs really works and could serve many more people. You’ve made lots of friends among clients, brought in quality workers at every turn, and have already created a substantial operation.
    “And then there’s you! You talk to people so that they want to talk back––and work for you––and make books that will speak for them for centuries to come. Your books are more lasting and personal than inscribed rings, anniversary cruises, testimonial dinners, or anything else around today.
    “I want you know that I’ve never had a better job than Modern Memoirs and I’ll be at the front of the line of those ready to help it grow (and I offer much more than major league proofreading experience at the Wall Street Journal, Modern Memoirs, and the Advocate Newspapers). Mostly, though, I can’t think of a better place to be than at Modern Memoirs.”
––Art McLean, proofreader for Modern Memoirs, Amherst

REFERENCES ARE an important first step . . .
We have produced books for clients who are available for references in the following locations:

California
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Wisconsin
The Netherlands
Brazil
and Israel