Title: Becoming a Lake Girl and Family
Subtitle: Owning and Operating a Family Resort on the Magical Lake of the Ozarks
Author: Debora (Christenson) Amandola, PhD
Publisher: Balboa Press
ISBN: 978-1982273415
Genre: Memoir
Pages: 67
Reviewed by: Margie Przybylski
Hollywood Book Reviews
In Becoming a Lake Girl and Family, Debora (Christenson) Amandola, PhD, offers a heartfelt and deeply personal memoir that captures her family’s transformation from city dwellers to “lake people” after their move to the Lake of the Ozarks in 1960. Through vivid anecdotes, she chronicles how her early years shaped her identity and instilled a profound connection to the lake – a connection she has worked to pass down to her children and grandchildren.
The book begins with a historical and geographical overview of the Lake of the Ozarks, setting the stage for the reader to understand its significance. The lake, created in 1931 with the construction of the Bagnell Dam, becomes not just a location but a character in its own right. Amandola seamlessly weaves historical facts with personal recollections, creating a vivid backdrop for her family’s journey.
The narrative is structured chronologically, with each chapter focusing on a specific era or aspect of life at the lake. Amandola recounts her parents, Bob and Bette Christenson, taking the bold step of leaving behind the stability of corporate employment for the unpredictability of running a lakeside resort. This transition is explored with nuance, delving into the sacrifices, challenges, and joys that came with it. The family’s resilience shines through as they navigate financial hurdles, social adjustments, and the demands of their new venture.
Amandola’s storytelling is enriched by a wealth of detailed anecdotes that bring the lake to life. From snowed-in winters to learning to water ski at age five, each memory paints a picture of a unique childhood defined by outdoor adventures, family bonds, and community involvement. One particularly poignant story involves her father’s ingenuity during a snowstorm, using a tractor to ferry the family and their luggage up a snowy hill. Such moments highlight the resourcefulness and determination that characterized her family’s lake life.
The memoir also explores the values instilled in Amandola by her parents, particularly their emphasis on “positive parenting.” Her recollections of lessons learned—such as her father taking responsibility for her accidental painting of his car – demonstrate a thoughtful approach to parenting that encouraged curiosity and accountability. These values, coupled with her experiences at the lake, laid the foundation for Amandola’s development into the “lake girl” she proudly identifies as today.
While the book primarily focuses on Amandola’s personal journey, it also touches on broader themes, including the importance of community, the evolving dynamics of family, and the ways in which the natural environment shapes our identities. The latter chapters reflect on how the lake continued to influence her life even after she moved away for college and adulthood. Her decision to create “lake people” within her own family underscores the enduring impact of her upbringing.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to balance personal reflection with universal appeal. Readers who have experienced significant life transitions or felt a deep connection to a place will find much to relate to in Amandola’s story. Her narrative is warm, engaging, and infused with a sense of gratitude for the lessons and memories the lake provided.
Becoming a Lake Girl and Family is not just a memoir; it is a tribute to the transformative power of place and the enduring legacy of family values. Amandola’s heartfelt storytelling invites readers to reflect on their own formative experiences and the places that have shaped them. This book is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt the pull of the water or wondered about the profound ways in which our environments define us.