The Place To Meet Your Friends

by Bernard Kubale

From a lifelong Wisconsinite, former Air Force lieutenant, and managing partner of Wisconsin’s largest law firm, a heartfelt, insightful and oftentimes hilarious look into middle American life as seen while often perched behind his dad’s bar. A Place to Meet Your Friends is a witty and nostalgic look back at the life in Reedsville, Wisconsin, a small town like so many others throughout the midwest, with its own stories, characters, trials and heroes. In this memoir, Bernard Kubale explores the power of camaraderie, the influence of small town life and the relationships that define us from our youth. Throughout his tale, Mr. Kubale recalls an earlier time with less stuff and more fun. He begins with the story of his mother - one of 21 children (all by the same two parents). He reminds us of a time when kids weren’t over-scheduled and had to find their own entertainment. A former state-champion basketball player, Kubale vividly recounts one of the greatest upsets in Wisconsin state tournament history. Always, we see how his small-town values of hard work, compassion and humor, influenced every aspect of Kubale’s life, from his long and varied career, to his drive to achieve personal goals. With a sparkle in his eye, Kubale takes you from the rooms above the bar where he grew up, to the ponds he frequented for summer swims, to the top of Mount Rainier. He introduces us to colorful characters, describes domestic life during World War II and takes us on a ride on the EUSAK Express from Pusan to Seoul. This delightful story of one man’s journey pays tribute to community, loving family, and the spirit of adventure.

342 pages, Paperback

Published March 9, 2017

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a later member to this wonderful family, arriving in 1951 a month after Grandpa Joe had died, I never knew either of my grandfathers. But over the years, living in a family of storytellers, I had heard a story or two about Josie and Bill, about Uncle Bill kept warm by (on/in) the oven, about Josie and Grandpa Joe, of mushroom hunting, and tales of growing up in Reedsville. Bernard's book has brought those stories and many others to life and has introduced me to the grandfather I never knew. Bernard gift for storytelling has brought back the sights, sounds, and smells of visiting with Grandma and all of the rest of the family in Reedsville. Thanks for taking me along on the journey.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the author's middle daughter I am biased, but I challenge you to read this wonderful memoir without laughing, crying and pondering love and loss. A thrilling description of the state basketball championship run by Reedsville still leaves me on the edge of my seat!

[Walkerzoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the authors's youngest daughter, I admit that I am biased to love this book. I was enthralled by the stories, especially the tales of tending bar as a kid at the family tavern and the state basketball championship.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit to being a close friend of Bernard’s oldest daughter, but that relationship aside, I absolutely loved this book. Bernard’s stories are funny, heart-warming, and relatable. Reading it made me wish my parents had written down some of their family stories for us to pass down to our children and share with our friends. Thankfully, the Kubale family had a lot of great stories to tell, and they had a talented storyteller who wanted to share them.

[Baglady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now I know why Uncle Bernard didn't contribute to the books / articles written by other people about the 1946 basketball team - he had this coming! I heard a number of these stories, and knew or knew of many of the people in this book, but had forgotten most, so this has reacquainted me with my hometown and extended family. My mother related many of the same family stories, though there were some surprises, but these are told in a way that engaged and excited me. I went "crabbing" in the same place, using the same gear, getting liver from the same store, twenty years after this telling. Although the intro says he changed some names, there really was a Bla-Bla! Loved this.