an exercise in walking in someone else’s shoes for a while.”
— Malorie Blackman
Ten years after the release of The World Comes to Alameda, Volume 1, May 2026 will see the release of Volume 2, a deeply personal collection of memories written by 32 members of Mastick Senior Center. Within its pages are vivid childhood recollections, reflections shaped by war, stories of travel, poems, and remembrances of life, work, and family. Each voice offers a unique perspective, coming together to form a diverse tapestry of experiences living around the world and culminating here in Alameda.
[1]The stories contained in Volume 2 provide firsthand accounts of significant experiences in the lives of Mastick members, including:
- Coping with a mother’s passing.
- The positive impact a teacher can have on a troubled child.
- Seeing First Lady Michelle Obama on Coast Guard Island.
- Overcoming the challenges of having a biracial marriage in the 1960s.
- Working in the Australian bush as a teenager.
- Hearing the Beatles for the first time.
- Discovering details about a late father’s secret life and family.
A launch event and book signing [2] is set for May 8, 2-4 p.m., at Mastick Senior Center, 1155 Santa Clara Avenue. Contributing authors will be present to sign copies and bring their work to life through live readings and conversations. This event is an opportunity to honor shared histories and to connect across cultures and generations. Coffee and pastries will be provided, and books will be available for purchase at $25 each.
For those seeking gifts for Mother’s Day, a copy of Volume 2 would be a perfect choice. In fact, both parents will enjoy this collection of stories by longtime Alameda residents. Volume 1 is still available for purchase on Amazon [3], and Volume 2 will be available there soon as well.
— George R.R. Martin
Bill Pai is the president of the Mastick Senior Center Advisory Board.