Parker releases book of newspaper columns

MONTEZUMA — Our Front Porch Books and Montezuma newspaper man J.O. Parker are releasing “Good Things are Happening,” a 224-page book containing 75 of Parker’s newspaper columns.

“This book is a testament that no matter your background or life experiences, anything is possible. All you have to do is take a step,” said Parker. “My hope is that these columns will inspire others to see the good in people and learn the importance of sharing their own life experiences.”

The columns featured in “Good Things are Happening” were written between 2018 and 2024 while Parker worked as a freelance journalist.

“The title comes from the ending of my columns where I always write ‘Good Things are Happening,’” said Parker.

“The columns are written from my childhood memories and current life experiences. There are columns about going to church, spending time with family and my nephews, learning life lessons from my parents, modern day happenings, the county fair, the state fair, Old Threshers, Tulsa memories, meeting and talking with famous folks and inspirational interactions with farmers, family, friends and even angels.”

Parker wrote his first column in July 1998 while working as the editor of the North English Record. He had been rerunning columns from the former and late longtime editor, Carl L. Hogendorn, when a Record reader suggested that he write his own column.

His first column was about Texas barbecue. He wrote it after taking a trip to Van Buren, Missouri to attend a family reunion during the Fourth of July weekend that year.

The barbecue vendor was set up in a motel parking lot where Parker and his family were staying. Parker stopped to visit and asked about Texas barbecue while enjoying a tasty sandwich.

Plans are in the works to release a second volume of “Good Things are Happening” in 2025. The book will feature some of Parker’s older columns.

“Good Things are Happening” is available on Amazon. For a signed copy, contact Parker at goodthingsjo@zumatel.net.

A book signing in Montezuma will be announced on Monte Journal once plans are in place.

Parker, who is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma, is a graduate of Will Rogers High School and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in ag journalism from the University of Columbia in Missouri.

He and his wife, Debbie, live in rural Montezuma.

They have published two Iowa photography books, “An ABC Photo Album of the Iowa State Fair” and “Family Reunion: Midwest Old Threshers,” through their company Our Front Porch Books.

Debbie is also the author of the popular Hope Series, which contains three books based in fictional Hope, Iowa. She is also the author of a novella entitled “Mister Christmas.”

The couple hosts the annual All-Iowa Writers’ Conference, which takes place the third Saturday in September, and is held in Montezuma.