From My Perspective

Still "wet behind the ears" when she became a newspaper reporter for the daily paper in Albion, Michigan, where she had graduated a short time earlier from Albion College, Jan got a buffet taste of small-town journalism. Readers loved her column, "Catch-All Corner," but Jan admits she didn't think she had enough to say to warrant making it a regular feature. Apparently she did, because several years and a career step or two later after leaving the world of newspaper reporting, she was asked by the Battle Creek newspaper to become a guest columnist.

After frequently hearing from readers that they clipped and shared her columns, or, being asked if she could send someone a copy of one they had misplaced, she decided to gather reader favorites together and tuck them neatly between two handy covers.

From My Perspective is rich reading. This insightful author offers something for everyone. There are views on marriage vows and precious gifts, old barns and urban sprawl, education and entertainment, questionable politics and unquestionable values, sad trees and happy frogs, misplaced priorities and misused words. This book is a keeper.

Readers speak:

"Your columns represent the essence of what a good newspaper is all about: the people it serves. Our only triumph as journalists is empathy. We're only successful when our stories allow our readers to experience their hopes, dreams, sorrows, and triumphs of the people we write about. Your columns help us make that connection."

Michael McCullough, Managing Editor, Battle Creek Enquirer

"As opinion page editor for the Battle Creek Enquirer for nine years, I considered Jan an editor's dream come true. She provided commentary that always was written knowledgeable, compellingly, and entertainingly, with a powerful sense of humanity. These qualities earned her status as the Enquirer's most popular non-staff writer. You now have a chance to discover my friend's insights and remarkable skill. Treasure them as I do."

John Sherwood, The News Journal, New Castle, Delaware

"…An astute observer of human nature and sensitive to the human condition and frailties, her view is always couched in common sense, compassion and love for mankind, and deep faith in God…"

Dr. Russell G. Mawby, Chairman Emeritus, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Battle Creek

"…Jan's columns in regard to family, neighborhood and community issues are inspiring, motivational, and as the saying goes, ‘as fresh as new-mown hay.’ They bring out the down-home values which seem to be disappearing from the American scene. Rare talent."

Jack Mawdsley, Retired Educator, Battle Creek

"Jan has the ability to explore everyday issues and concerns in a thought-provoking manner, infused with humor and personal passion that leaves her readers with food for thought and a challenge to make a difference."

Pat Maliszewski, Program Director, Character Unlimited, Battle Creek