By: Christena
Books, ,

Memory Lane Texas Tradition – My Book Review

MUMENTOUS:
Original Photos and Mostly-True Stories about Football,
Glue Guns, Moms, and a Supersized High School Tradition
That Was Born Deep in the Heart of Texas
by
Amy J. Schultz
Nonfiction / Photo-Driven Memoir / Women’s History / Pop Culture / Texana
Publisher: Atmosphere Press
Page Count: 178 pages
Publication Date: April 25, 2023
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The closest you’ll ever get to seeing someone actually wear their heart on their sleeve is in Texas, every fall, at the local high school homecoming game.
They’re called homecoming mums. They are as bodacious as football, as irresistible as a juicy rumor, and as deep as a momma’s love. Over a hundred years ago when the custom began, mum was short for chrysanthemum, a typical corsage that boys gave to girls before taking them to the big football game. But through the decades, mum went from a simple abbreviation to a complicated shorthand for an eye-popping tradition that’s as ingrained in the culture as it is confounding to outsiders.
Through her original photography and collection of stories from across and beyond the Lone Star State, Amy J. Schultz takes us deep in the heart of mum country. You’ll meet kids who wear them, parents who buy them, and critics who decry them as just another example of consumerism gone wild. But mostly, you’ll discover that just like every ritual which stands the test of time, someone is keeping the tradition alive. Someone like Mom.
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XTRA Giveaway Enamel Pin 1x1.25 inch

Reading this book brought back memories of Chris and my first mum. The mum was real and handcrafted by the local florist. Our initials were above and below the chrysanthemum set against maroon and white ribbons. There were a couple of plastic helmets attached. I remember it was hard being in the marching band wearing the mum. It was truly a special moment when Chris gave me his mum. One that I wish I could go back in time now with and give Chris the bestest kiss ever for choosing me.

The innocence and sweetness of that time were all brought back by reading Mumentous.

Yes, homecoming mums are a huge tradition here in Texas. They have gotten more gigantic over the years with embellishments that the local florist back then could only dream of. Teddy bears, more ribbons, and bins of charms, plus more ribbons and even braided ribbons.

Author Amy J. Schultz of Mumentous takes readers down memory lane for all who have experienced a Texas homecoming football game. Yet, Mumentous is so much more. It recounts the history behind these homecoming mums and most significantly how the mum-making business has evolved over time. Who would think that in 2023 there would be a mum-making curriculum in some schools?

Amy’s black and white photos compliment the story superbly with their nostalgic flare. Her captions are perfect—simple!  The only photo I wish she had included was the final hanging image of Whatamum!

Mumentous is a super fab quick read where Amy did a fantabulous job of bringing this history and story to life.  Amazing to read how this Texas tradition has evolved because I could not imagine wearing anything bigger back then while twirling a Colorguard rifle for the marching band.

My favorite quote from this book is: “Be there for the moments that matter.” Perfection. Thanks, Amy for indulging me in reminiscing. Now I have a better appreciation for the florist and his helpers putting together all those homecoming mums.

Amy’s beautifully written book will take you down memory lane of this Texas tradition.

Amy J. Schultz is an author and award-winning photographer who explores unique aspects of modern culture that hide in plain sight. When she isn’t talking about homecoming mums, Amy is writing, taking photos, working on other creative projects, traveling, snort-laughing, or vacuuming up dog fur.

GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!
TWO WINNERS:
First Prize: signed hardback copy + enamel pin;
Second Prize: eBook + enamel pin
(US only; ends midnight, CST, 9/8/23)
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