Final Touchstones is a tribute to all those who come to America to start a new life. It is also a tribute to the generations who build on and continue that life.

Linda Romanowski shares her family’s story across several generations and, through masterful prose and poetry, puts readers on a wonderful path of discovery. I found myself in a village in Sicily, in a South Philadelphia rowhouse, a crowded parochial school classroom waiting to be called on, a kitchen watching relatives make Sunday dinner, a basement hoping for a chance to press wine-making grapes. I could smell food cooking, hear the banter.

Not only did I cheer on the characters, I felt transported directly into the story. While I’ve never actually sat on a third-story window ledge eating a hot dog while watching the Mummers Parade pass by, I loudly gasped as that hotdog landed below and continued on its way up Broad Street. There were so many stories that made me laugh out loud, nod in recognition, and cry in remembrance. The writing is that good. I especially liked the author’s creative use of metaphors and titles.

Today’s Facebook posts, Instagram pics and TikTok videos recount pieces of our lives. But there is another way and more to tell. Final Touchstones is a thoughtful, delightful read that makes you want to call your relatives to learn your own story and then tell it to the next generation. And after reading this book, you’ll have some insight on how best to do it. Linda Romanowski got it right.

Heartwarming
I loved reading Final Touchstones. My favorite books are always biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs and this book certainly did not disappoint. Final Touchstones details the history of several generations of close knit families and will resonate with many readers who also have loving recollections of their parents and grandparents. I grew up at the same time as the author with a similar background, and this brought back many emotions and happy memories for me! The book is so well written and I especially enjoyed the technique of adding poetry to prose. I highly recommend it. Very uplifting!