If you’re looking for a summer read about the adventures of a summer kid growing up on the Vineyard in Oak Bluffs in the 50’s and 60’s…. this book is for you.
Even if you’re not on the Vineyard and just want to read a really, really charming, and interesting book, this book is for you.
I just finished reading this book “The Vineyard We Knew: by Kevin Parham . I enjoyed it immensely because like Kevin, I too was a summer kid on the Vineyard in Oak Bluffs during the 50’s and early 60’s. Our paths never crossed, and even though I’m quite a bit older than Kevin, we did do some of the same things and go to the same places. Flying Horses, Darling’s popcorn, Oak Bluffs beach (now known as the Inkwell) but I only knew it as … the beach … lol. If you enjoy stepping back into time little bit and reading about Martha’s Vineyard the way it used to be then treat yourself to Kevin’s book.
kevinjparham.wordpress.com
** (photographs used by permission of Kevin Parham)
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Here’s a little of Kevin’s introduction which pretty much says the way I feel about the Vineyard too :
“The Island of Martha’s Vineyard is a magical place filled with enchantment and wonder. For more than half a century I have been under its whimsical spell – one that continues to lure me back year after year.
Just as a migrating bird is compelled to return to a specific geographic region each spring, I gravitate back to the Vineyard. I do this not only to reconnect to a time gone by, but also to reenergize my soul so I am inspired to reach the full potential of my life’s purpose.
Those who visit Martha’s Vineyard for the first time often develop an irresistible urge to come back, an urge most people don’t readily recognize, perhaps because it resides at the subconscious – or even deeper molecular – level. Just as is true when one is addicted to a powerful drug, once you are hooked you reach a point at which you can no longer do without it.
I have long since crossed that line of demarcation in my relationship with Martha’s Vineyard. “
** (excerpt used with permission of Kevin Parham).
MV Obsession 
June 15, 2014 at 2:50 pm
beautifully written! I’d love to go back this summer. We will be on the Cape this week. Thanks for posting.
Judy
June 15, 2014 at 2:52 pm
Enjoy the Cape and I hope you get to MV as well.
June 15, 2014 at 3:54 pm
I am really looking forward to reading his “view” of the Vineyard. He is so right about the intoxication of the place. 🙂
June 15, 2014 at 4:39 pm
I think the first breath of Vineyard air intoxicates you and after that you’re helplessly hooked 🙂 I think you’ll enjoy this book.
June 22, 2014 at 12:01 pm
the book sounds like a marvelous read….even though i’ve never been to the vineyard, i *do* understand that *pull* that cajoles you to come back…..i grew up in the arizona desert, and i always hated the heat and swore i would leave….at 22 i finally did, and after moving up the west coast (california, washington, and oregon) i finally became a truckdriver and drove everywhere…all 48….every time i’d say *this is pretty* my husband would ask *pretty enough to live here?*….and i’d say no……eventually we fell in love with the south and made our home in the north georgia mountains….. our little corner of paradise we like to say…..when on the road, we’d get to eastern louisiana/western mississippi and it always seemed like the south was *smiling*…..and of course, the fireflies are the *cherry on top*….it may not be the vineyard, but to us it’s home sweet home….have finally found that perfect place i never want to leave…. ♥