Author Douglas J. Paul
Dr. Douglas J. Paul, a distinguished figure, founded ZAPS Learning Company in 1982, aiding nearly 500,000 students in boosting SAT and ACT scores. The company evolved into the non-profit Doorway to College, addressing various aspects of the high school-to-college transition. Simultaneously, he led Buckle Down Publishing Company (1991-2004), producing 500 educational workbooks. Dr. Paul, rooted in a one-room school in Kenosha, founded the Harvest Preserve Foundation in 2001, preserving land from development. His diverse journey includes freelance writing, marriage, and active participation in raising two daughters. A devotee of Paramahansa Yogananda, he practices daily meditation, emphasizing its role in coping with life’s challenges. Dr. Paul’s life epitomizes commitment to education, conservation, and spiritual well-being.
Go Figure
In the engaging pages of “Go Figure,” Douglas Paul invites readers into his life, weaving together humor, nostalgia, and introspection. The narrative begins in Kenosha, Wisconsin, with Douglas recounting humorous anecdotes from his childhood and early adulthood, providing glimpses into the formative experiences that shaped his character. Transitioning to college and the ensuing wandering years, Douglas shares pivotal incidents that led him to a career as a freelance writer in Iowa City.
Noteworthy among his adventures is the marriage to his boss, Linda, in Iowa City, where he completed his doctorate and successfully led an educational publishing company. Throughout the narrative, childhood stories elucidate Douglas’s roots and motivations. It becomes apparent that his drive stems less from financial gain and more from a desire to keep life interesting for himself and those around him.
In 2004, Douglas pivoted, selling his publishing business and dedicating his time to volunteer work at Harvest Preserve—a sprawling 100-acre expanse of hills, woods, and prairie on the outskirts of Iowa City. This haven, adorned with sculptures, walking trails, and an ancient stone circle, attracts thousands of visitors annually.
A member of the Self-Realization Fellowship Church since 1975, Douglas and his wife Linda have been an integral part of the Iowa City community since early 1977. The stories in this book, ranging from humorous to profound, traverse time seamlessly, prompting readers to contemplate the authenticity of each incident. Douglas, acknowledging the fallibility of memory, asserts, “Memory runs through a cloudy filter that provides a less-than-perfect glimpse of reality,” yet assures readers that the stories are as true as memory allows. This collection serves as a captivating reflection on a life richly lived.
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I read the book over ten days, savoring each chapter like a piece of delectable cake I didn’t want to finish. I found humor and insights into Midwest rural life, rolling prairies, and college towns. What began as a memoir about a seemingly goofy man evolved into a revealing read that glimpses into a complex and unique man. Combine that with elegant prose, captivating humor, and excellent storytelling, and you have a highly recommendable memoir.
Most of the stories are short enough to read in a couple of minutes, and most made me laugh out loud! Recommend for anyone who wants a book that doesn’t require a lot of time to read and will leave the reader feeling good.
“Go Figure” by Douglas Paul takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the author’s life, filled with anecdotes that are both humorous and poignant. The book invites us to explore the nooks and crannies of Paul’s memory as he recounts his experiences growing up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and later embarking on a meandering path through college, marriage, and the eventual creation of the Harvest Preserve in Iowa City, Iowa. “Go Figure” by Douglas Paul is a heartwarming and thought-provoking memoir that invites readers to embrace the imperfections of memory and find beauty in the unique stories of one man’s life. It’s a reminder that our own life stories, no matter how ordinary they may seem, are filled with humor, love, and unexpected turns. So, go ahead and dive into Douglas Paul’s world—you’re sure to find something to smile about and perhaps even inspire you to make your own mark on the world, just as he did with the Harvest Preserve.