Published in October 2020, Joseph’s latest book, Tuscola: A Memoir--Place, Time and Meanings of a Hometown, is a collection of essays about his growing up in his hometown of Tuscola, Illinois in the 1950s and 60s. He started writing his essays almost 30 years ago as a way to capture the memories of his childhood.
How much of your childhood do you remember? What can you recall of your hometown? Who were the people who influenced your life? These are questions that Joseph Colwell answers for himself in his recollections of growing up in the small Illinois town of Tuscola. At the time, his adventures and experiences seemed nothing special. But looking back over 60 years, he remembers with fondness the place where he grew up and the time of mid-twentieth century. The place and the time laid the foundation for his life and for countless others. His hope is that everyone who grew up in a hometown similar to this one, especially a half-century ago, will be able to relate to the place and a time that formed their values and character, staying with them throughout their lives. Think of your own growing up as you join Joseph’s journey through his personal stories and imagery.
Joseph previewed Tuscola: A Memoir in the Tuscola Review, as well as on Facebook during the past year.