A fascinating recollection of a 1930s and ’40s boyhood . Neil Nelson’s stories of growing up in Iowa during the Great Depression and World War II will keep you engaged and wanting more. You’ll meet the timid boy, born on a farm, whose hard-working parents keep going despite scarcity and whose grandpa teaches him to hunt and fish. Follow the family to their modest cottage on the shores of Big Spirit Lake. Neil introduces you to his sisters, relatives, friends, and neighbors, all of whom influence his development into an independent, determined young man. You’ll read about an inspiring school superintendent, a bootlegger, and a bandleader whose growing fame makes his name a household word. You’ll witness resourcefulness born of hard times, classmates who find ways to socialize without money, and boys called to serve in WWII—some of whom never return, and some who come home as men bearing scars. Be uplifted by these remarkable-yet-ordinary folks. People who faced the difficult 1930s and ’40s with diligence and fortitude. These snippets of life are told in Neil Nelson’s unassuming voice and punctuated by the enjoyment of trips to town. Lori Lipsky draws inspiration from her Midwestern roots, infusing her writing with a profound appreciation for the resilience and authenticity of small-town life. In Trips to Town , her latest literary endeavor, she brings to life the rich tapestry of a 1930s and 40s boyhood, inviting readers to embark on a nostalgic journey through the triumphs, hardships, and cherished moments that defined a generation.   Lori Lipsky is a storyteller at heart, weaving captivating tales that transport readers to realms of nostalgia and introspection. With her collections of short fiction, Used Cookie Sheets and Turquoise Parade , she has shown her ability to capture the essence of human experience through vivid narratives.   Lipsky's versatility as an author extends beyond her own works, as she has contributed her storytelling talents to several collaborative literary projects. With a love for the written word and a knack for crafting compelling narratives, she continues to captivate audiences with her ability to weave ordinary moments into extraordinary tales.   Now residing in Wisconsin with her husband, Lipsky remains a proud ambassador of her Iowa heritage, using her pen to preserve and celebrate the enduring spirit of the Heartland.