Ann Anderson’s book ‘Posts of a Mid-Century Kid’ details growing up in Topeka in the 1950s and 1960s – The Topeka Capital-Journal

Ann Anderson has many fond memories from growing up in Topeka from visiting her grandparents’ farm to such simple daily activities as spending time with her mom.

Many of those moments are detailed in Anderson’s new book “Posts of a Mid-Century Kid.” The book was published Oct. 24 and is available for purchase at Barnes and Noble, Target, Walmart, Amazon and local bookstores for $21.

Anderson was born in Topeka and spent her early life here. She graduated from Topeka West High School before attending the University of Kansas. She now lives in Lawrence and has been coaching tennis at the Jayhawk Tennis Center for five years.

Much of the book details Anderson’s life growing up in Topeka in the 1950s and 1960s, experiences in Kansas and other places she has lived through the years.

Many of Anderson’s favorite memories of life in Topeka include baking, reading and doing art projects with her mom, and visiting her grandparents and helping them with farm chores.

Anderson included some recipes in the back of the book that people can make at home.

Inspiration for book started with Facebook posts

The book is a compilation of posts that Anderson has made on her Facebook page since 2008.

“I’ve always written on Facebook little posts about childhood memories and day-to-day experiences,” Anderson said. “One day my friend in LA who reads it every day sent me a flash drive and said, ‘I wish you would write a book with all of these in it.'”

Anderson had previously thought about writing a book, but it was the push she needed.

“I think a lot of people would like to reconnect with a little more simple time, not so many devices and just being able to visit family and friends,” Anderson said.

The book allows readers to do just that as it creates a nostalgic feeling.

“It’s a chronicle of what it was like to grow up in Topeka when people didn’t lock doors. You could walk to the fire station and firemen would give you candy,” Anderson said. “It was a lot more simple time for everybody.”

Taking time to reflect

Anderson said those who have already read the book compare it to a devotional that allows them to quiet their minds.

“I hope that people don’t read through it quickly but that they savor it and reflect upon what are some of their favorite memories,” Anderson said. “I’m speaking to a lot of senior retirement communities, and I’m very excited about that because I think that group longs to remember all of those years and shared memories.

“I’m just hoping that people reflect.”

Brianna Childers is the food and fun reporter for the Capital-Journal. Reach her at bchilders@cjonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @brichilders3.