October 1929 marked the beginning of a 10-year slide into an economic abyss America nearly didn't recover from. Years-long drought coupled with relentless dust storms wreaked havoc on the Great Plains region and forced the American people to dig deep within in order to persevere and survive. Droughts & Dreams contains intimate family stories from that generation. Many are first-hand accounts of people who not only survived, but who also did it well. Tucked inside these pages, you'll find timeless survival lessons, tips and even favorite from-scratch recipes. The memoirs in this book are not dreary recollections of the disgruntled. Rather, they are honest tales of families rediscovering how to live simply, be self-reliant and appreciate what they had. Perhaps 80-year old Jack Bolkovak stated it best when he said, "The Depression was a tough time.

But it was a great beginning to life. It taught us that life is not easy and to appreciate all that we have. We had food, clothing, shelter and a loving family. That was all we needed." "Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it."-Edmund Burke.