Book Review: The Significance of Curly Hair

Reviewed by Tomi Alo

A poignant story about the bond between a granddaughter and her grandmother

The Significance of Curly Hair is a heartwarming and enlightening memoir that reminds us to cherish our time with loved ones. Through a six-day account, author Kara L. Zajac takes us on a journey of grief, healing, family bonding, and hope.

On April 30, 2008, Kara receives a devastating phone call from her mom back in Boston. Her grandmother (Gram) fell down the stairs, and she is in critical condition. Unfortunately, the doctor said surgery would be too risky to perform because of Gram’s age. Kara’s mom urges her to come home immediately as Gram doesn’t have much time left. 

In a daze and panic, Kara rushes out of her meeting, goes home to pack, and buys the fastest ticket she can to Massachusetts. However, it is only on the plane that Kara manages to whisper her last words to Gram. With tears running down her face and her heart breaking at the thought of losing the closest person in her life, Kara gives her final gift to Gram: the promise of sharing Gram’s story.

“Just make sure that Gram knows that I am writing the book about her like she always wanted. She has to know that.”

As Kara recounts the journey back home, the funeral, and the loss, she brings to life the vibrant, resilient woman who shaped so much of her identity. Gram was not just a grandmother; she was a beacon of wisdom and kindness whose life was filled with rich experiences and lessons. In this memoir, we learn about Gram’s childhood, the challenges she endured, and the moments that defined her.

“Her story was about love and support, family, and the deep ties that bind us all together. She found joy in life’s little things, focusing on the moments that mattered and stood out. Most of all, her story was about how to be a good person, wholesome and true, without having to disguise herself to look better.”

Kara’s grief is palpable, but so is the love and gratitude she holds for her grandmother. You can see it in the memories she shares with her and the words she uses to reminisce about their time together. The Significance of Curly Hair beautifully captures the myriad emotions we go through after the death of a loved one. We not only see Kara’s grief but also the rest of the family’s. Each member mourns Gram’s death very differently. 

“Grieving is strange. Nobody really knows how to do it.”

There are also pictures included that add to the warm vibe of the memoir. These pictures, though old, breathe life into Gram’s story. They show the love and joyous moments of Gram and create a connection to her presence. As you flip through the pages, you can’t help but be drawn into the intimate moments captured in each one. I enjoyed looking through them almost as much as I did reading the prose. The pictures reminded me of how important it is to capture the moments we spend with our loved ones.

“Anyone can simply stand in front of a camera and smile,” she would say, “but an exceptional picture invokes emotion and feeling from the viewer. When you can look at a particular snapshot and feel as if you are experiencing what was happening at that specific slice of time, the photographer has captured a piece of history on film, and that is how photographs are meant to be viewed.”

Despite the sad circumstances that brought Kara and her family under the same roof, the gathering becomes an unexpected opportunity for reconnection, family history discoveries, and a new sense of purpose. 

The Significance of Curly Hair is more than a memoir of loss; it is a celebration of life, love, and family. It serves as a special reminder to appreciate the present, cherish our memories, and hold our loved ones close.

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