We are busy people-sometimes so busy making a living that we forget to stay connected with those we love. We even forget to make memories.

This was not the case for Marion Mosley, a busy Southern Illinois man who served as farmer, salesman, pastor, fisherman, and father, among other things. He wrote down events he remembered about author Wilda Young's childhood and insisted that she do the same. The result is Fishhooks in Treetops.

It recalls fishing trips, spelling contests, revival meetings, music lessons, disciplinary actions, racial tension, and tragic...