October Book Review Denison, Iowa by Dale Maharidge
Maharidge and his photographer Michael Williamson lived in Denison for one year interacting with the people of the town and observing events that transpired. The story Maharidge wrote demonstrates the strained relationships between the Anglo citizens and the growing Latino population. In addition, Denison was suffering the changes in farming and agriculture and from the loss of jobs to overseas businesses, thereby creating a real loss in local business. In the 1980’s the meat-processing plant froze wages and remained static. He wrote about alone Lutheran woman who taught English to Latino immigrants. The author continues to trace the lives of the citizens, their trials and tribulations that lie behind the picture of the ideal Midwest town.
Maharidge chose Denison because it was the perfect example of the changes that were occurring in the nation as small towns struggle to stay alive during some hard economic times. Denison, Iowa is an interesting, thought-provoking book that takes a detailed view of the demographics and in the culture that coincides in a troubled small community.
Other books by Dale Maharidge:
Bringing Mulligan Home: The Other Side of the Good War
Journey to Nowhere: The Saga of the New Underclass
Scott Community College Library 