An Indelible Event and Detour Through a Global Childhood: A Memoir Henry M. Silvert
At the age of 6, Henry M. Silvert was in a car crash on a country road in Mexico that would change his life forever. Before the accident, he had been an ornery, creative, precocious, and somewhat nerdy kid who enjoyed practicing the violin and playing bridge. The injuries he experienced were life-threatening, but, as his doctor said after an initial exam, "This boy doesn't know how to die!" An Indelible Event and Detour Through a Global Childhood shows how his stubbornness and will to live fueled a recovery that required him to relearn everything he'd known, from how to speak to how to walk. Silvert details an adventurous childhood spent in several South American countries and his experiences with political activism and prejudice during his high school years in Hanover, New Hampshire. He also delves into his intellectual awakening and pursuit of a life in the social sciences. Ultimately, An Indelible Event and Detour Through a Global Childhood depicts how Silvert's own optimism and the support he received from his family and friends helped him create a full life that transcended his initial tragedy.
Silvert grew up to become a PhD Sociologist. He did his undergraduate, 1967-1971, and doctoral studies at New York University, 1976-1985, and read for a Bachelor of Philosophy degree In Latin American area studies at the University of Oxford, 1971-1974. He spent his childhood living and attending elementary schools in New Orleans, Guatemala City, Mexico City, Santiago, and Buenos Aires. He spent his high school years at Hanover High School in Hanover, New Hampshire.
As a survey associate and statistician, he worked at The Conference Board for 23 years until his retirement and co-authored numerous reports regarding business matters. He also worked on projects addressing, among other topics, childhood hunger, drug use, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He gave presentations at conferences on Chile's return to democratic practices. As a visiting professor at the Colegio de Mexico, he taught comparative politics of Latin America. He taught various sociology courses as an adjunct professor in New York City. He was a member of the Latin American Studies Association (LASA) and The American Sociological Association (ASA). Aside from his professional work in the field, Silvert never missed an opportunity to speak with people from all backgrounds and ages about social issues of the day. He'd always impart wisdom infused with humor, not infrequently capping the moment with a sing-along of songs of social justice.
Sadly, Henry did finally succumb recently to an illness. But fortunately, not before writing the stories of his life in his memoir, An Indelible Event and Detour through a Global Childhood. His wife, Morrie Sherry, was with him through forty years of his journey. As a lifelong partner and editorial advisor on the book, she is helping get the inspiring stories of Henry's incredible optimism, humor, and perseverance out to the world.