Reader Comments

“I particularly enjoyed Carolyne’s book because her brother Gray was my father. I remember the farmhouse, where I listened to Andy Griffith on the radio, jumped from the hayloft onto the hay below, drank sugar cane juice, and climbed the grape vines (which my grandmother did not appreciate me doing.) I remember the sugar cane grindings in the fall and the many metal gallon jars filled with cane syrup. I remember Aunt Lillie coming to visit with the best homemade chocolate cupcakes. When my mother visited the farmhouse, I remember her putting cream in a jar and shaking it until it became butter. My mother told me that my grandfather (Carolyne’s father), who I called ‘Pappy,’ could make extremely complex calculations related to his road work as well as to his farm. When my grandmother died, my father cried and so did I. All in all, Carolyne’s book not only entertained me, particularly her writings about her trips abroad, but it also brought back some very special memories of childhood as well.”
—Charley Taylor
Okatie, South Carolina

“Simple words. Simple times. A life lived simply from the heart. It was hard not to smile along with Carolyne as her stories came to life. I’ll lend my copy to my friends!”
—J. F. Hacker
Christchurch, New Zealand

“To read Through My Eyes is to hear the voice of a true Southern lady. With humor and insight, Carolyne Wynne tells us her story. You will almost feel like you were right there with her!”
—Susan Thomas
Snellville, Georgia

“I loved reading about Carolyne’s experiences as a child in Ridgeland at the same places that I visited and played as a child  myself. I remember playing with the children of the ‘hands’ that worked for Carolyne’s father. About five of us children rode on the huge oaken arm attached to the mule that went round and round grinding sugar cane into juice. I also remember the other children pulling me in a wagon. I really enjoyed reading about ‘The Family’ in the last chapters since Carolyne’s relatives are mine as well. There were so many relatives and as a child, I knew and met some of them, but after moving away, had no idea about their later  lives. I also enjoyed reading about Carolyne’s references to my father and even to me! The list of Carolyne’s travel accomplishments sounded like a lifetime world explorer. Carolyne phrased each accomplishment in such a unique way that was so interesting. I can truthfully say reading and enjoying Through My Eyes gladdened my heart.”
—Tommy Taylor
Telluride, Colorado
Note: Thomas Roland Taylor is featured in Through My Eyes in Chapter 4, “My Favorite Uncle.”

“If you are looking for murder, crime, drama or violence you won’t find it here. What you will find, however, are sweet memories of a lifetime in the South written by a woman who cherished her roots of a country childhood and the way she transformed herself into a true Southern ‘Lady.’ She writes with humor, love and at a pace that reflects the true Southern charm that only a true lady can carry off. These are the words of a true ‘Steel Magnolia,’ not written for fame or fortune, but only to recall how the beautiful Magnolia gains beauty, truth and longevity throughout its life.”
—Marilyn G. Poliakoff
Atlanta, Georgia

“Mrs. Wynne’s book is a treasure trove of information on life in the early twentieth century, told in rich detail. I was also fascinated by the stories of all her travels, told with much humor. I found this book to be a very charming read.”
—Lisa Still
Suwanee, Georgia

“If you want to recapture the lost stories from your parents and grandparents about growing up in the South, this delightful book is for you. The stories will touch you and make you smile with heartwarming memories of loved ones. An unexpected surprise is the short poems tucked here and there in the text. The poems are gems that could stand alone and may be the highlight of the book, especially the last poem.”
—Judy Cantwell
Atlanta, Georgia

“I found her stories light-hearted, fun and even whimsical. While some of the stories may have been embarrassing or difficult when they occurred, she was able to look at them in retrospect and see some humour or even insight. I found the short stories entertaining and liked being able to read it in bits and pieces, rather than a long narrative that required refamiliarising myself with the story-line each time I picked the book up again.”
—Carl Mize
Christchurch, New Zealand

“I really enjoyed this book and wanted to read even more. I could picture the descriptions and felt like I was present in the experiences. I could relate to some of the writings because they reminded me of stories I heard growing up in Europe, such as making do with very little and trying to cook without meat. I can’t believe all the countries Carolyne has seen! I liked reading about her travels and wanted even more details about the trips. I plan to reread this book so I can absorb more of it, then I plan to share the book with other people so they can enjoy it too.”
—Erika Perz
Decatur, Georgia

“I have thoroughly enjoyed reading Through My Eyes, written by my cousin Carolyne. I remembered fondly some of the people mentioned in her memoir, and gained insight about others whom I never knew. This is truly a treasure for me and for others who will read this memoir.”
—Walt Taylor
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

“I loved Through My Eyes! I felt like I was sitting on the front porch in Ridgeland listening to Carolyne. I could feel her presence. I started the book in the afternoon and could not put it down. I kept reading it into the night all at one time; then I reread it, and will read it again. I also plan to share it with my friend who will be visiting this weekend and will ask my relatives to read it. I have no words to describe this book. It’s fabulous, it’s fascinating, it’s the best book I’ve read in years!”
—Pat Harley
Batesburg, South Carolina

“I very much enjoyed this memoir of childhood in South Carolina and the author’s subsequent travels. One of the most striking things was the similarity to memoirs of life in the same time period in other countries, e.g. the party line on phones, everybody having to pitch in to do the farm and household chores, growing most of their own food. The author’s later life, descriptions of her family and extensive travels show a woman able to adapt herself to her changing circumstances.”
—Sue Colyer
Christchurch, New Zealand

“You know, I have never read a book for pleasure, it was always to learn something to do with my work or education within the Navy. I just never had the desire for a book to take my mind somewhere else. I just finished Chapter 2 of Carolyne’s book, and I find myself captivated by it, wanting to know what happens next. At times I find myself smiling, and at others, tears running down my face. Just finished Chapter 8. I’m still captivated not only by the stories but by the writing. I do remember Carolyne’s quick wit, soft voice, and patience—it really takes me back. I now find myself missing what I now cherish. Still have moments filled with smiles and others with tears. The book has  brought back memories of life with my family—the unforgettable meals, my mom and dad, my pets, holiday family gatherings, the list is endless, all gone except in my mind. Times that I would now give anything to relive, things I would change if I had the chance. All things that have made me who I am today. I never knew of Carolyne’s travels overseas, but that too has made me reflect in my Naval Career, places, people, different cultures that I can also identify with. I have now completed Chapter 11. The book has taken my mind back to a better time and place. Things, events, people, forgotten moments that now exist only in my mind. As far as the book goes, I was just a young kid 4 maybe 5 when Terry and Carolyne babysat me. I remember their house by the creek off North Decatur Road, Diane, and their dog. I remember my walk home when Terry told me “No.” I remember Terry and Carolyne’s kind voices, the patience they both showed me as a strong-willed fast-moving kid. I remember the trip to the principal’s office. I remember the friendship shared by my mother and Carolyne. Carolyne didn’t just exist, she lived and loved life to the fullest. I just finished Chapter 16. I didn’t realize how life altering the book would be for me!!! As I started reading Carolyne’s book I initially thought when finished, I would like to send it to my cousin in Loganville, Georgia, for her to enjoy. After completing Chapter 16, I realize I will never let it go. Carolyne’s book is a true gift I find priceless, a debt I can never repay. As for life altering, for me the timing of reading the book came at a time in my life where I felt as if I was missing something, but I didn’t know what it was. I kept asking myself what am I doing wrong and where do I go from here. For one thing, I now realize I have been existing but not living. My life has been built around work and accomplishments just like my dad’s. I can’t say enough good things about the book. I’m flattered that Carolyne thought enough of me to write about me when her life seemed to be so full of important people, things, places and adventures.   I love the poem “Shadows.” I think a lot of people will enjoy the book, but since I actually knew Carolyne, the book will always be extra special to me.”
—Richard DeLoach
De Soto, Missouri
Note: Richard DeLoach is featured in Through My Eyes in Chapter 6, “A Squirming Success.”

“In true Southern lady style, Carolyne Wynne quickly befriends her readers and turns us into confidants. She uses her wit, introspection, and acute attention to detail to divulge life’s beauty through its imperfections. Her conversations with us not only allow us to peek into the windows of her history as it unfolds before us, but also invite and inspire us to share the stories behind our own legacies.”
-Heather Norris Ricard
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Note:  Heather is featured in Through My Eyes in Chapter 17, “Heather.”

“This book is amazing!  It is fun to read. It tells about how life, people, and culture was different back when she was young.  She also visited almost every single place in the world!”
– Rylan Ricard (age 9 as of 2018)
North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Note:  Rylan is featured in Through My Eyes in Chapter 17, “Heather.”

“Today I finished reading Carolyne Taylor Wynne’s delightful book Through My Eyes.  I enjoyed it for two reasons.  First, I love biographies.  And while this is not a biographical account of her life, it is a nostalgic look at days gone by beginning with rural life pre-WWII through modern day travels all over the world.  The second reason I enjoyed it is because I knew Mrs. Wynne.  She was the mother of my dear high school friend and confidant, Terry.  I did not know Carolyne the tomboy.  That was an unexpected glimpse of the Mrs. Wynne I knew as the gracious lady who welcomed 10-15 giggling, squealing teen aged girls into her home for spend-the-night parties (yes, that is plural).  I knew Mrs. Wynne the smart corporate accountant who Terry was frightened to face one morning when she arrived at school.  She had gotten a speeding ticket on the way there.  I convinced her to tell her mom immediately rather than spend a panic-filled day.  Sure enough Mrs. Wynne assured Terry that they would do what needed to be done.  I never saw Mrs. Wynne ruffled.  I also discovered that while Terry and I met in the ninth grade we may have played together as children.  As I read the story of Mrs. Wynne’s best friend, Marcia, childhood memories flooded my mind.  I called Terry and asked, “Could that possibly be Marcia __?”  There was complete silence for a few seconds then Terry asked, “How could you possibly know that.”  I told her that Marcia’s family lived down the street from us.  How many Marcias could there have been in DeKalb County Georgia in 1955 who had two small daughters and died giving birth to her third child, a son?  I really wish Mrs. Wynne and my mama were alive to hear that story.  They probably met briefly at that sad time but didn’t remember 8 years later when Terry and I became friends.  For me the book not only gave me new insights to Mrs. Wynne but also revealed things I didn’t know about Terry.  While she was busy jetting all over the world to exotic places with her mom I was very mundanely being a wife and mom raising 2 boys.  We didn’t’ speak often then but are reconnecting in our later years.  I would like to say that I am not at all surprised by the insect in the bathroom incident, but I would give almost anything to have observed the live camel offer!  This book would have been a trip down memory lane for me in many ways even if I hadn’t known the Wynnes.  Though I grew up in Atlanta I have many wonderful memories of stories and visits to my mama’s family home in rural Tennessee and my daddy’s family in a small south Georgia town.  If your roots take you back to those types of places you will find yourself feeling like you’re going home.”
– Ann Maffett
Cookeville, Tennessee

“I enjoyed reading Through My Eyes by Carolyne Taylor Wynne.  Since I grew up in south Georgia on a farm, it reminded me of my childhood and I could relate to her memories.  It was enjoyable reading and brought some laughs.  I had met Carolyne and played bridge with her.  She was a delightful person, an impressive world traveler, and a master of her memories.”
– Joyce Dove
Decatur, Georgia

“As wonderfully entertaining as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking, Through My Eyes is a skillfully written and impressively candid volume of inherently interesting anecdotes that is unreservedly recommended for personal reading lists and community library Contemporary American Biography collections.”
– Midwest Book Review, A Reviewers Choice Selection (Volume 18, Number 5, May 2019)

“I read Through My Eyes in one sitting but will read it again and recommend it to my friends. Her book is fun, warm, and interesting; she puts a smile on your face. She adds various types humor, whether it’s clever, funny, dry, silly, whatever the occasion calls for. Being from the north I got a glimpse of growing up in the south.  Carolyne made me feel like I was right there with her – I could smell that pie!  I wish I had been, she sounds like an  adventurous, warm, intelligent, funny woman. I am a 40 year international flight attendant and I couldn’t describe my travels as well as she. Her daughter Terry, who she traveled with, told me about her mother’s book and I am so glad. Now I am waiting for Terry to write her story – Terry  has her mother’s gift of writing.  Challenge is on Terry! I’ll be the first to read it!”
– Nancy Senner Kimble
Atlanta, Georgia

“A fun and pleasant read and I know I would have enjoyed talking to Carolyne about her many experiences as I could compare some similar experiences myself having traveled a lot with my military family. I also enjoyed hearing about her international exploits and looking at all the pictures her daughter, Terry, took (which are on the website) – a lifetime of memories! In particular, since I know Terry, it was fun getting to know her better “through her Mother’s eyes” as some of the family stories Carolyne told showed me another side of her. I also would like to thank Terry, and indirectly her Mother, for inspiring and encouraging me to write my own family memoirs which I’m presently working on. I’m fortunate to be able to do this with my whole family giving input so not only are we are all sharing these treasured memories now, but will have it in writing for the future. As Terry and her family can testify, this is really meaningful to have.”
– Nancy Kluisza
Stone Mountain, Georgia

“I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a heartwarming and charming story of a life well lived. It’s nice to read something which makes you smile and educates at the same time. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel uplifted.”
– Paul F. Richin, M.D.
Atlanta, Georgia

“Ms. Carolyne’s clever and humorous observations conjure up nostalgic images of Dixie gentility that makes one lament just how ‘homogenized’ the South has become…this book brings us back to homier times.”
– Mark P. Feinsilber, Ph.D.
Cumming, Georgia