Kiss Your Elbow

A Kentucky Memoir

By: Deanna O'Daniel

Narrated by: Deanna O'Daniel

Length: 15 hrs and 15 mins

Publisher's summary

You'll want to spend every minute of your time with the O'Daniel Family, experiencing their simple adventures in a way that only this oldest daughter can weave them. Written with a sense of hope and an amazing capture of mid-20th century detail, you will enjoy the opportunity to:

• Revisit big department stores again, when Louisville's only place to shop was downtown
• Spend a delightful day at Fontaine Ferry, Louisville's famous amusement park
• Be part of the quarrels, love and joy—feeling the bonds of this close knit era, when dependence on family members and neighbors was essential.
• Experience farm life in the suburbs.

Deanna's classmates jumped rope in subdivisions while the O'Daniels slopped hogs, killed chickens, and hoped they went to school without smelling like the animals they tended. Only a few can tell their story coherently like Deanna does with this touching memoir. First born in a large rural family, she relates her passage through childhood with charming and accurate descriptions of life in Kentuckiana. A chronicle of many customs and places that are fast slipping away from our collective memories, such as her description of the country store in Nelson County, Kentucky. A book you will tell others, "I'm so fond of this one."

"Deanna's story is of dedicated parents and (eventually) 11 children. They migrated near Louisville, Kentucky when Deanna was five. Her stories about those formative years paint a portrait in glowing colors, depicting struggles and love that molds and endures. You will love Deanna and her story." (John Allen Boyd, Emerson Avery, That Latin Teacher)

"O'Daniel, a gifted writer who tightly weaves her life's journey through stories that makes growing up on a farm sound like sunshine. She shares the daily toil, angst and rivalry associated with a large family in a humorous, but realistic way—tugging at your heart for a piece of those bygone days." (Terry Cummins, Feed My Sheep)

©2010 Deanna O'Daniel (P)2022 Deanna O'Daniel

Enjoying the Best of Yesterday

While I was listening to Deanna O'Daniel read her charming memoir, I came to experience that being stuck indoors on winter evenings gives one the leisure to indulge in memories. Do you remember the fun you had as a child? You don't? No matter. O'Daniel will let you borrow her family. The laughter, the tears, the heartbreak--she brings it all. Curl up with hot chocolate, a fire in the fireplace, and an afghan, and prepare for the warmth of nostalgia.
Arleen Carr
12/2022

Kiss Your Elbow - Review

About The Author: Deanna O’Daniel, has written a wonderful book (Kiss Your Elbow) about her life growing up. Her ability to remember such exact details is nothing short of incredible! In addition, her voice in the audio version is stellar. She imitates her subjects and occasionally sings a verse or two throughout the book - Exquisite!! She brings us all back to the towns & places where she grew up with such clarity; it makes you believe you are actually there! Places such as Gesimani, Howardstown, Lexington, Indiana, Hikes point in Louisville, and many more. Her descriptions of growing up on a farm and in the city during the nineteen forties through the nineteen sixties are both captivating and riveting. I listened to one or two chapters a day. Each one was more enticing than the last; it left me looking forward to the next chapter every time - Bravo!!

My Take away: Although it is not by design, the life lessons in her story are abundant and apply to today's world. Things like; honesty, bravery, self-confidence, family, neighbors, community, love, sharing, forgiveness, self-control, conflict resolution, humility, and much more! The rich values and lessons learned from this family in this era cannot be overstated. They should be shared with every person starting at the grade school level all the way to the highest collegiate level. DO NOT miss your opportunity to share Deanna’s journey and her ability to take you along with her in such a heartfelt way! She will not disappoint!!

Mark Krauss 2022

Sweet story telling

I so enjoyed listening but also hearing her talk of old Louisville. This will be a treat for anyone, the interaction with her family and friends are so true to life. But those who know the region will receive added enjoyment as she shares her memories of growing up in Louisville.

Kiss Your Elbow

Kiss You Elbow is an excellent memoir that transports the listener to a simpler time, and takes me back to my childhood growing up in Louisville, Kentucky. I loved it. I had previously read it, but was delighted to discover that I like the audio version even better. Deanna O'Daniel's soft, sweet Kentucky voice soothes and relaxes, while it entices the listener to continue. My favorite parts include the chapters about Christmas in downtown Louisville. Deanna's trip to Sears and to the Christmas parade reminded me of my own. Once more I could smell the cashews and popcorn in the rear of the store, and see the parade from my vantage point on my own dad's shoulders. The other narrative that stands out to me is her loving description of Fontaine Ferry Park, which was a huge part of my West Louisville childhood. Only years later did it occur to me how privileged I was to be able to go there whenever I wanted to. I also very much enjoyed the vivid imagery and simplicity of Deanna's poems. She might consider a book of poetry someday. If you are looking for a special Christmas gift for a Kentuckian, Kiss Your Elbow, the audio book, is a perfect choice.

Review - "Kiss Your Elbow"

Listening to the audible version of "Kiss Your Elbow" brought back many memories from my childhood in the late 1950's and early 60's.  Although I did not grow up on a farm - our 2 acre homestead adjoined a 200 acre full fledged family farm.   I spent many of my early years on that farm and  experienced many great adventures, but also realized - running a farm was hard work, and on a daily basis!The author, Deanna O'Daniel, does a great job of painting a vivid picture of her early days on the farm  and how everyone must play a part in the many responsibilities of farm life.  But the book covers much more than just the daily activities on a  farm.  Deanna does a great job of describing her many life adventures as shared with her parents and siblings.  It seemed like everyday was a learning experience both inside the home,  as well as the many activities outside the home - schools/education, jobs, social events, shopping downtown, special outings (Fountain Ferry), visiting relatives, home relocation's.....and much more.  Deanna is a great storyteller and has a phenomenal  recall of her many life encounters.  I very much enjoyed - and recommend listening or reading  "Kiss Your Elbow."
Submitted by: Nick Morris

A remarkable detailed memoir of yesteryear.

Deanna O’Daniel is able to take one’s hand and walk them back through time to a mid 20th century rural landscape in America’s heartland with amazing detail. To say it was an eye-opener about post WWll rural American fortitude, sacrifice, perseverance and integrity is an understatement. I thoroughly enjoyed the ride of actually experiencing the ups and downs of that time period that Ms O’Daniel shared.
How I wish I could have shared this story with my father! This was his story, too.
Ms O’Daniel captured poignantly, through her words and experiences, a very important time period in American history.
Kudos.
I can’t wait for her next one!

Fabulous story

Fabulous!!! This was a brilliant analysis of what it was like for the transition from agricultural community to an urban community. Brilliantly told by the author and narrator. I recommend it to all.

Heartwarming, Joyful, 50’s in Derby City

Betty Lou Linton
I laughed, cried and remembered those fond and accurate memories of that innocent time . I had forgotten so much. This book was Lovingly written with an open heart to share just as it was in those days. I’ll listen to this again I enjoyed it so very much!

Heart warming

J fell in love with this story. Deanna touched my heart with her tales of growing up. I loved how she brought out how difficult life was for women. It was thoughtful and humorous.

Love, Love, Love this listen.

When I listened to Deanna O’Daniel’s wonderful Kentucky memoir called, “Kiss Your Elbow,” I couldn’t help but to think about the ‘good old days.” It gave me a welcome relief from today’s stressful times. Yes, I know that there have always been negative experiences throughout history, but I am living my history, now! Her book and the reading of it, took me back through so many positive experiences of my youth. I found her use of colorful detail and recall to be amazing! Some of the things I got to enjoy were the magic of fair food, fireflies, family and shopping in the beautiful department stores of yesteryear.

Thank you for this delightful audiobook, Ms. O’Daniel, I can tell it was written and read aloud straight from your heart! To the reader, I say, “Kick back, close your eyes and time travel; you won't regret the trip.”