Those Diana Moments: A memoir

Those Diana Moments: A memoir

In this beautifully written, illustrated memoir, James C Brook unveils the “Diana Moments” of his fascinating life: vivid memories that will never, ever, be forgotten. Born at the tail end of World War II, Brook as a small boy was confronted by a ferocious one-legged footballer. As a teenager he tried to navigate his first ever roundabout during a driving test. As an adult he coped with grief at the death of loved ones. Through it all he never lost his humanity, his wry sense of humour, or his awareness of the profound. By describing the most evocative and lasting memories of his own life, Brook asks us to consider our own Diana moments. Where were you, and what were you doing when you heard about the death of Princess Diana? Or the assassination of JFK? Or when the planes flew into the twin towers? Or indeed, your more personal and private recollections: first kiss; birth of a baby; marriage; moments of undiluted joy or sadness. Those Diana Moments brings nostalgic smiles to our faces and forces an unexpected burst of laughter when we recognize something that has also happened to us. It draws forth the odd tear as we empathize with a nod of comprehension the poignant moments in his life. For without memories, we are as nothing. Brook shows us that even an “ordinary” life is full of “Diana moments” and this is the joy in looking back on our own lives, regardless of where we are now.