Snippets is a collection of very short scenes in the author's life, that help the reader to recall similar moments in their own life. Over fifty snippets recount memories from childhood to old age. Topics range the gambit from preschool experiences to on the job memorable moments to hard-to-forget death scenes. Along the way, you are treated to first-hand accounts of fishers dodging bees and alligators. You have a front row seat as the author catches snakes and sells them for profit. You skate with him on a bridge over the Mississippi and ride falling trees. You watch in horror while little boys scare their mother with a dozen lizards. You go behind the scenes to see how New Orleans' traditions get started. You scramble for Mardi throes and watch mature adults turn into children. Along the way, you are introduced to another way to look at life.
The book concludes with a postscript, an essay on the origin of New Orleans' popular culture. It is the distillation of years of research on the demography and history of the City. It brings together in one place, the authors own work and the very best studies on the uniqueness of New Orleans.
The unmistakable message in the book is that life is meant for living. From the silliest scenes of two young boys stealing a large bean bag in front of a merchant to the more sobering episodes of death and dying, you meet life. Whether simply amusing or dramatic. each snip of life depicted is a message of hope and joy. Each snippet is a moment in time, a solitary note that points to an eternal song. The reader is asked to enter the song in celebration of life New Orleans style; forsake forgetfulness and watch for the rainbow.
Dr. Margavio is a retired professor of sociology. He was in the first graduating class and taught at the University of New Orleans. He presently lives with wife, Sandy, in Covington, Louisiana. He is the father of eight children and eighteen grandchildren, at last count. Of his considerable underwhelming accomplishments, he was invited by the Congress of Sicily to present "Bread and Respect: The Italians of Louisiana", a book he co-authored with Jerome S. Salomone. He is most proud of his children and grandchildren, and his wife, who made it all possible. These family sentiments go back generations to his Sicilian roots.He recalls, with happy memory, an incident in his life that was foundational. Present in his father's shoe repair shop was an elderly Italian friend. His father introduced his son to the gentleman in a way that reflected his father's deepest values. He did not say, "This is my son, Dr. Margavio". But rather said, "This is my son. He has eight beautiful children". This boast, coming from a man who could neither read nor write, is instructive for our times.
