Biography is not generally one of my favorite genres, and autobiography even less so. But, wishing to mark Tony Hillerman's passing, and having heard good things about his autobiography, I decided to give [book: Seldom Disappointed] a try, and I was seldom disappointed in it.

Hillerman begins with his childhood in rural, Depression-era Oklahoma. His love for his parents and siblings was well-deserved and reciprocated, and he tells many amusing boyhood tales. Hardships, including his father's death, are met and overcome as a family, strengthened by faith.

I had not known of Hillerman's war service until I read his obituary, which mentioned that he had been awarded a Silver Star. He tells the story of being an infantryman in Europe during the difficult fighting of 1944 and 1945 with the modesty we have come to expect from the "Greatest Generation." He also continues, as he does throughout the book, to point out instances of good fortune and how events that seemed bad at the time led to life-changing experiences.

The post-war years found Hillerman finishing college, meeting and marrying his wife Marie, beginning a career in journalism, and forming, with Marie, a family of one biological child and five adopted ones; then moving into academia and finally writing his first novel, [book: The Blessing Way]. Throughout, Hillerman comes across as a person I would have been glad to know, and have been privileged, along with many others, to know through his work. I would recommend reading his novels first, but if you've read all of them and would like just a bit more Hillerman, read this book. ( )

Enjoy his mysteries, and liked this autobiography, too.

Interesting and fun to read. ( )