John Tenhula's New Book "Youngstown and Other Sorrows" is a Series of Vivid Portraits of a Once-thriving American City in Rapid Decline and No Real Prospects for Change
Recent release "Youngstown and Other Sorrows" from Page Publishing author John Tenhula is a timely memoir reflecting some of the real, human stories of Youngstown, Ohio the heart of America's Rust Belt. This book is a must-read for anyone wishing to understand the complex emotional, economic, social and political issues dividing our country in the early 21st century.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio, Jan. 28, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- John Tenhula, a political scientist, lawyer, and ordained clergyman who has spent most of his career as an international refugee advocate for the National Council of Churches, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and CEO of the Balch Institute, has completed his book "Youngstown and Other Sorrows": a collection of engaging and poignant memoirs that paint a complex portrait of a community dependent on a single industry that left 40 years ago.
John shares, "Youngstown and Other Sorrows is a timely memoir describing the economic, social, and cultural stories of those living inside what is known today as the Rust Belt capital: Youngstown, Ohio. Over 100 people were interviewed for the book.
In 1955 the city made the finest quality steel for most of country. By 1977, the mills were closed and 5,000 people became jobless. It was cheaper to import steel from Japan. Some left for the oil boom in Texas, but the majority stayed--waiting for the mills to return. Promises were made. In visiting Youngstown seven times before the general election, candidate Trump promised the mills would soon return. The city never diversified into other industries. The size of the downtown population has been reduced to 60,000 from a once-high of 200,000 people. An exodus of professional and business people has created gated communities 15 miles outside the city limits and residents now commute to Pittsburgh or Cleveland for work.
The reflections of those interviewed are a mosaic of memories and experiences of the place they call home. They are a proud insular community, people resentful of outsiders who give them labels. I worked in the Republic Steel mill as a "college kid." In Youngstown, I tried to elicit stories and events that gave clarity to each protagonist's story. Lives filled with humor, sadness, anger, and hope. The town somehow resorted into what a local priest called, "tribalism and racism." The school board was reorganized and taken over from Columbus, the capital. The only air service stopped in late 2017. The book helps describe how residents have coped. But Youngstown is not alone. Youngstown and Other Sorrows helps the reader understand the complex emotional, economic, social and political issues dividing our country in the early 21st century."
Published by New York City-based Page Publishing, John Tenhula's book is both a personal memoir of the author's family and home town and a sensitive portrait of a city waiting for salvation.
Readers who wish to experience this engrossing work can purchase "Youngstown and Other Sorrows" at bookstores everywhere, or online at the Apple iTunes store, Amazon, Google Play, or Barnes and Noble.
For additional information or media inquiries, contact Page Publishing at 866-315-2708.
About Page Publishing:
Page Publishing is a traditional New York-based, full-service publishing house that handles all the intricacies involved in publishing its authors' books, including distribution in the world's largest retail outlets and royalty generation. Page Publishing knows that authors need to be free to create - not overwhelmed with logistics like eBook conversion, establishing wholesale accounts, insurance, shipping, taxes, and the like. Its roster of accomplished authors and publishing professionals allows writers to leave behind these complex and time-consuming issues to focus on their passion: writing and creating. Learn more at http://www.pagepublishing.com.
SOURCE Page Publishing, Inc.
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