The writers in this anthology belong to the Past~Forward Memoir Group, based in Charleston, Illinois. Their offerings include poems and 55-word stories as well as creative nonfiction. The writers share memories that are bittersweet, humorous, and nostalgic. There are coming-of-age stories: a first perm or first bra. A young girl learns the meaning of prejudice. A schoolboy and his friend dream of canoeing to Canada. There are stories about animals: a beloved horse, an old dog who must come to terms with his cataracts. Some of the writers recall childhood friends. Others explore the lives of their ancestors or the history of their town.
The group has been together since 2008. The Memory Pool is their second anthology. The first, Occasional Writers appeared in 2011.