Book SummaryThat Time of Year, by Garrison Keillor

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of That Time of Year

Formative Experiences and Upbringing

Keillor's Minnesota Childhood and Brethren Upbringing

This section delves into Keillor's early life in Minnesota and the impact of his Plymouth Brethren upbringing on his worldview and career path. It explores the strictures of the Brethren faith, their emphasis on separation from secular life, and how these factors shaped his formative experiences.

How Keillor's Relatives Shaped His Career in Broadcasting, Humor, and Storytelling

Keillor explains that while his family adhered to a strict Brethren lifestyle, his mother secretly loved comedy—a love that would significantly impact his future choices. The author fondly remembers gathering around the radio as a family, escaping momentarily from the seriousness of their faith to enjoy the comedic stylings of radio personalities such as Gracie Allen, Slim Jim, and Benny. Despite the Brethren belief that these forms of entertainment were frivolous, Keillor's mother found these comedians amusing, which would inadvertently guide him towards a career in radio and humor.

Another key point is the stark contrast between his mother and father's outlooks on life. His dad, representing the Brethren values of diligence and stoicism, was unmoved by humor. Yet, his mom's hidden appreciation for comedy left a strong impression on young Garrison. He found himself drawn to humor as a means of connection and enjoyment, a seed planted by his mom's comedic sensibilities, which would later blossom into a career performing and broadcasting.

Practical Tips

• Organize a 'vintage media night' where you and your friends or family gather to listen to classic radio shows or watch old comedy films. This can be a monthly event where everyone experiences the entertainment of previous generations together, creating a bridge between past and present forms of communal enjoyment.
• Explore humor in unexpected places by attending a comedy show in a setting known for seriousness, like a library or a museum. This juxtaposition can highlight how humor can be found and appreciated even in environments typically associated with more sober pursuits. For example, some museums host "after-dark" events with performances that include stand-up comedy.
• Explore your family's humor dynamics by creating a 'Humor Map' that charts out what makes each member laugh. Start by observing and noting the types of humor that resonate with different family members during shared activities like movie nights or dinners. This could reveal patterns and preferences, helping you understand the unique humor landscape of your family.

Other Perspectives

• It is possible that Keillor had an innate talent for storytelling and humor that would have led him to a career in broadcasting regardless of his mother's comedic preferences.

How Garrison's Aunts Influenced His Career Development

Keillor highlights the significant role his eighteen aunts had in his upbringing, offering a more nuanced and forgiving perspective than his uncles. He contrasts his uncles' unwavering dedication to principle with the more compassionate nature of his aunts. He elaborates on his aunts' generosity, kindness, and ability to tell captivating stories, which nurtured his love for storytelling. Keillor paints a vivid picture of spending hours in his aunts' kitchens, absorbed in their conversations and tales, which shaped his ability to weave engaging narratives.

Their influence goes beyond storytelling: Keillor credits his aunts with instilling in him the value of expressing feelings and forming genuine connections—a stark contrast to the reserved nature of the males he was raised around. His aunts provided a space for open communication, sharing personal anecdotes and experiences which enriched his understanding of human relationships. This contrast between his aunts' warmth and his uncles' strictness reveals the origin of Garrison Keillor's ability to connect with a wide range of people through his writing and radio shows.

Context

• In large families, aunts can offer diverse perspectives and experiences, contributing to a richer, more varied upbringing for children, exposing them to different viewpoints and life lessons.
• Social norms have traditionally allowed women more freedom to express emotions and engage in empathetic communication, which can create a more open and nurturing environment.
• Storytelling in familial settings is a form of oral tradition, where knowledge, values, and history are passed down through generations. This practice can deeply influence a person's narrative skills and appreciation for storytelling.
• Emotional expression and forming genuine connections are key components of emotional intelligence, which is crucial for effective communication and relationship-building.
• Kitchens often served as informal gathering places where family members, especially women, would congregate, allowing for natural and spontaneous storytelling and sharing.
• Keillor's work often centers around small-town life and community, themes that require an understanding of interpersonal dynamics. His aunts' influence would have provided him with insights into the importance of community bonds and personal connections.

Garrison Keillor's Academic and Early Work Experiences

Keillor reflects on his academic journey and early work experiences, emphasizing the importance of unexpected events and crucial failures in navigating his career...

That Time of Year Summary Career Development and Transition Into Writing/Radio

This section traces Keillor's career development, highlighting his initial successes in writing and his eventual transition to becoming a radio broadcaster. It emphasizes the role of mentors and opportunities in shaping his career path and the pivotal moment when he chose radio comedy over literary ambition.

Keillor's Early Career in Writing and Journalism

This section details the beginnings of Keillor's writing career, his initial goal to become a serious writer, and the unexpected opportunities that came to him.

How Keillor Succeeded With Short Stories and the Influence of Roger Angell

Keillor recounts his journey of submitting stories to the prestigious literary magazine and his eventual success with "Local Family Makes Son Happy.” He acknowledges the influence of Roger Angell, a fiction editor with The New Yorker, whose encouraging rejections and eventual acceptance letters fueled his writing ambition. He paints a vivid picture of his workspace, his typewriter, the desk made of plywood, and the eagerness he felt waiting for correspondence from New York, showcasing the dedication and perseverance involved in pursuing a writing career.

The author delves into the...

That Time of Year Summary Creation and Success of the Program "A Prairie Home Companion"

This section focuses on the genesis and evolution of APHC, its distinctive format, and the elements that contributed to its unparalleled success. It delves into the program's format, memorable characters, and Keillor's approach to writing and performing.

Origins and Development of a Prairie Home Companion

Keillor traces the origins of APHC, explaining the influence of programs such as the Opry and his desire to create a similar broadcast experience based on stories, music, and humor. He highlights Bill Kling's pivotal role, whose open-mindedness and belief in the program's potential allowed it to air.

He also outlines the gradual development of the format, the key individuals involved in shaping its identity, and the initial challenges they faced. He emphasizes the crucial role of musicians like Butch Thompson, Bill Hinkley, Judy Larson, and others including the duo Linda and Robin Williams, who brought their talent and enthusiasm to create a unique musical landscape for the show. This section unveils the organic growth of APHC, a process of trial-and-error, driven by a shared passion for real-time broadcasts and storytelling's influence.

Keillor's Grand Ole...

That Time of Year Summary Keillor's Personal Life, Relationships, and Legacy

This section delves into Keillor's life, exploring his relationships, marriages, and the impact of these experiences on his life and work. It also touches on his health issues and his reflections on aging.

Garrison Keillor's Marriages and Family Life

This section paints a portrait of Keillor’s personal life, a landscape marked by complicated relationships, the joys and challenges of fatherhood, and his evolving understanding of himself within a familial structure.

The Impact of Garrison's Upbringing and Relationships on His Experiences and Career

Keillor reflects on the influence of his childhood and family dynamics on his relationships with women and his struggles with intimacy. He acknowledges the challenges of maintaining a fulfilling personal life alongside a demanding career. His struggles with his first marriage, becoming a father, and subsequent divorce reveal the personal cost of his relentless dedication to his craft.

He also acknowledges the impact of his Brethren upbringing on how he approaches relationships, noting a tendency towards secrecy and a fear of vulnerability. He offers introspective observations about his own mistakes, acknowledging the pain...