OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Our Story" by Bill Clark. Glenda Clark, Jim Clark.]

This is an incredibly detailed love story of Glenda and Bill Clark and their journey through life. It starts with a little bit about each of them prior to meeting each other, growing up on their respective farms in Braceville Township, Ohio. You then learn how they meet at an early age and start their story. We go through grade school, high school, and college with them. They depict their lives as they go through life events such as World War II when Bill goes into the Navy and how their relationship weathers this scary and unsure time in history. They also talk about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. We get a firsthand look at all they had in common and did together. Besides each other, basketball was their second love. Their dedication to basketball is evident. They started adding to their family and started having children. Both face family losses at various times. Their active community involvement resulted in making a lot of friends. We see a picture of a vibrant life created. Retirement lands them in Colorado, although they often go back to Ohio to visit. We learn a lot about how they deal with love, loss, marriage, family, and finding the strength to deal with all of it. One of Bills’ goals was to finish the book, the ending was bittersweet for me. I did feel the book was a little slow going at times, maybe a little too detailed in parts. This book would probably not be the best book for someone who is not interested in a lot of detail and lengthy storytelling. However, this is a memoir and true story of peoples’ lives as they wanted to tell it so I would not change a thing for that reason, it’s just my opinion! I give it 4 out of 5 stars since it did have some errors in it. All in all, it is a nice read.

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Our Story
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Review of Our Story by Bill Clark, Glenda Clark, and Jim Clark

Our Story is a beautiful and heartfelt memoir that gently invites us into the life journey of Glenda and Bill Clark — a couple whose love, strength, and resilience shine through every page. With deep sincerity and touching details, the book takes us through their early years, their shared passion for basketball, and the many moments that shaped their relationship across decades.

What touched me most in this book was the authenticity of their love. From growing up in rural Ohio to navigating life during the uncertainty of World War II, the couple’s bond only seemed to grow stronger with each challenge they faced. Bill's time in the Navy and their response to events like the bombing of Pearl Harbor add powerful historical context, showing how real love withstands even the harshest tests.

The book is rich with memories — some joyful, others marked by loss — and all are told with honesty and warmth. Their dedication to family, community, and each other made me reflect on the importance of living with purpose and staying true to the ones we love.

While some parts of the book go into a lot of detail, I felt that was part of its charm. It feels like sitting with a grandparent and hearing their life story — not rushed, not polished, just real. I appreciated how the authors stayed true to their voice, giving us a memoir that is as much about legacy as it is about love.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I highly recommend Our Story to readers who enjoy real-life love stories, memoirs filled with family, faith, and history, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of a life well lived. It’s a tribute not only to Glenda and Bill, but to every couple who faces life hand in hand, with courage and grace.

This sounds like a heartfelt and personal memoir that beautifully captures a lifelong love story, even if it moves a bit slowly at times. Great for readers who appreciate detailed, real-life journeys.