Caryn Amster's book, "The Pied Piper of South Shore, Toys and Tragedy in Chicago" is the true story of the life and death of this beloved retailer told in gritty detail by his eldest daughter. But it's also the story of two children of immigrants, their American dream, and their richly diverse neighborhood each falling prey to the brutality of gangs. Enhanced by her own recollections of working in her parents' store and the fond reminiscences of hundreds of customers, Caryn Amster's tale is a heady ride from persecution in Russia to freedom in America, from Hula Hoops to hit men, from murder to trial. It is the story of loss but also of survival, even forgiveness."
With the challenge ahead to bring everyone together, I thought it would be appropriate to reach out to Caryn Amster. Who better to connect with than the established connector of the masses?
Hi Caryn Amster,
How long have you been publishing your newsletter?
"About 10 years since my book came out.
It started with one page just to tell people where I was speaking. Then people started asking if I knew someone and told me about reunions. So I added these.
I can tell you more.
Why are you asking me all this? Do you want to do a newsletter as well?"
Thank you for asking. I want to write a story about you.
"Omg... That is cool!"
In the past you have been helpful in getting the word out to alumni regarding the activities of the South Shore High School Alumni Association, especially our fight to preserve the name South Shore on the new school building.
If you can recall, we spoke afterwards about mentioning you in the South Shore High School Alumni Association’s newsletter.
South Shore High School Alumni Association’s newsletter is called The New South Shore Tide.
Anyone can receive it by registering at sshsalumi.org.
Why not feature you in a profile story?
"Well I never thought of that. I will take some time and answer your questions later in the weekend."
And so the responses appeared.
What was the initial approach to promote your book? I've heard some good things about the book.
"I have a lot of PR and Marketing experience so I knew how to get noticed. But if you are self-published – and I chose that because I knew I wasn’t Stephen King – You don’t get the same entrees to the book reading public as you have with a publisher. But I won lots of awards from publications and writers.
I decided to form my own publishing company so I owned the rights to everything.
I spoke in almost every library in Illinois.
I spoke for groups and non-profits.
I was on Chicago Tonight and Channel 7 and radio shows.
You should read it. It is ALL true!"
What was your MAIN reason for starting the newsletter and what do you attribute to its success?
"I wanted to tell people where I was speaking - I figured one page! But then people starting contacting me asking if I knew Mildred or when the next reunion for a specific school was I kept adding and adding and one day it was going to over 3,500 people all over the world who lived in Chicago’s greater south side from 1945-1970 – it goes out by email for free every month and readers are kind enough to send me gifts to support it – this pays for my use of the email service to deliver the newsletter.
People tell people who tell people and they meet old friends and school mates in stores and online – they mention the newsletter and the word of mouth has made it a success"
How would you describe your newsletter?
"It is a free monthly email newsletter containing future reunion information – photos and stories from past reunions and people looking for a reunion from their school and year. There are stories and photos from famous people who are doing great things, stories and memories from people about the joys and sometimes sorrows of living in that place at that time. It is often 45 pages."
What has it taught you about the community and the alumni that you did not already know?
"I never knew how many people evolved from that time and place to become VERY famous. Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle, many sports celebrities, Mandy Patinkin whose family was a customer in our store who did the foreword for my book, and hundreds and hundreds of other stories. I am planning a second book about some of those famous people’s stories as well as the “regular” people who were Dentist to a star. Plastic surgeon to the stars, Heads of major universities, Politicians, Famous ecologists, Philanthropists, etc.
I hope that helps."
It does. On behalf of all alumni, thank you.
Order your copy of the book, "The Pied Piper of South Shore, Toys and Tragedy in Chicago." It’s available via cmapublishing.net.
Alumni Spotlight is born. Look forward to another spotlight in the next issue. Maybe it will be you.
