Soulinks: Pursuing Multi-Generational Significance

Author Wright posits cross-generational relationships as “an endangered species” in this slim volume, offering 10 inspiring reasons to seek and nurture such relationships. The first cross-generational relationship she examines is between the author’s son, Andrew, and an elderly neighbor, Jennie, who became his de facto grandmother. Elsewhere, Wright writes about a young woman who drew on years of correspondence with her grandmother in her college application essays. Another anecdote describes elderly nursing home residents whose contact with preschoolers helps them rediscover their conversation skills. Wright writes with such enthusiasm about annual “multiple generational gatherings” on John’s Island, Fla., that it’s easy to presume at least one of the included families is hers. Readers are encouraged to look for their cross-generational friend—their “soulink”—“next door” and Wright offers tips for making easy connections. Wright laments the Internet replacing the older generation in young people’s lives as a source for information and education, writing that “we must change this.” It’s unlikely that Soulinks will supplant Wikipedia anytime soon, but Wright does make a persuasive argument for forging bonds across generations and enjoying (and benefiting from) the meaningful relationships that can develop. (BookLife)