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Following the Whispers - Creating a life of inner peace and self-acceptance from the depths of despair
In her poignant memoir, Karen Walker traces the effects of a cold, loveless home environment and an early sexual molestation on her growth, marriage, motherhood, and career. After freeing herself from a desert of a marriage, Walker loses custody of her child and then journeys to discover who she is and to find some sense of wholeness. The journey takes her from her old life to new friendships, new lovers, and new professions. From New York to Portland, Oregon, and eventually to Albuquerque, New Mexico, Walker seeks someone to love her as she is. She finds that and more -- a loving connection with her son. This fifty-year emotional odyssey ultimately leads Walker to a self who can look back over her life with a contentment and satisfaction that allow her to follow the whispers that the future may bring.
172 pages, Paperback
First published February 9, 2009
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 10, 2010
Parts of this book were difficult to read, but I finally got through the unhappy, abusive marriage relationships. I suppose, since I come from a happy childhood and am blessed with a happy marriage, that might be why I don't enjoy stories from the dark side of family life. However, Karen Walker doesn't dwell overly long on these issues and carries the reader beyond this to her self-discovery through listening to the still, small voice within her.
Ignoring this voice is what causes her to make poor decisions which results in misery. Finally listening to the voice, the whispers, is what gradually brings her back to strength and happiness. It's a message I truly believe in. This is a spiritual book, although not religious and not espousing any particular belief or church. The author comes from a part-Jewish background which she values, yet her final spiritual discoveries result from this simple philosophy-- to listen to the voice within and be guided by it.
Her story strengthens my own faith that we are children of a Heavenly Father, who loves us, and who guides and directs us throughout this often painful, difficult journey on earth. It was a beautiful thing to see this author's account of how God kept reaching out to her in so many ways.
If you are interested in following one woman's spiritual journey, then Following the Whispers is a memoir worth reading.
Ignoring this voice is what causes her to make poor decisions which results in misery. Finally listening to the voice, the whispers, is what gradually brings her back to strength and happiness. It's a message I truly believe in. This is a spiritual book, although not religious and not espousing any particular belief or church. The author comes from a part-Jewish background which she values, yet her final spiritual discoveries result from this simple philosophy-- to listen to the voice within and be guided by it.
Her story strengthens my own faith that we are children of a Heavenly Father, who loves us, and who guides and directs us throughout this often painful, difficult journey on earth. It was a beautiful thing to see this author's account of how God kept reaching out to her in so many ways.
If you are interested in following one woman's spiritual journey, then Following the Whispers is a memoir worth reading.
March 25, 2011
Another self-published book that I am remarkably surprised with. This book was amazing, heartfelt, superbly written. The author has obviously taken every single necessary step to ensure the quality of this book. So impressed. Despite the somewhat depressing subject matter, I REALLY enjoyed reading it. I even went to bed early a couple of nights so that I could get through more than I usually do in one sitting. Wow. Yes, very, very impressed. I totally recommend it! And I think even if you are not into memoir, you'll still enjoy it.
August 18, 2011
This is a brave and intensely personal memoir of a woman who experienced the depths of despair to new beginnings over a 50-year period. Her journey took her across the country and back again. Very moving and yet heart-warming as the author shows us how she reclaimed her courage and self-confidence to be the person she wanted to be.
October 1, 2011
With a frankness and honesty, Karen Walker details her life from childhood to adult, revealing how she overcomes great obstacles to reach personal acceptance. Told in a clear, matter-of-fact manner (no self pity anywhere to be seen!), one can't help but be pulled into this brave and forthright memoir. Definitely worth a read.
August 2, 2011
When she was 28, Karen Walker’s marriage ended in divorce, and she was awarded custody of their preschool-age son. A few months later, however, she was served a restraining order and told a judge had believed her husband’s debauched lies. Without a hearing, she ceased being David’s primary caregiver.
Karen’s best friend, her former husband’s sister and a cancer survivor Karen had supported throughout that ordeal, ejected Karen from her life without a word.
David later told his mom he needed to break off communication with her. He never gave a reason.
Karen had grown up with parents who fought constantly and bitterly. She’d been sexually molested as a young child. But losing her son was when she decided to stop “living unconsciously,” pretending that everything would work out OK. It was the end of denying reality and the beginning of a journey toward inner peace, of learning when she was responsible and when someone else is.
In her debut memoir Karen shares how inner peace isn’t something we achieve then keep feeling forever. It comes in moments, once we learn to believe the voice that is inside each of us.
As Karen explains, we aren’t born hating ourselves. We’re taught. And if we once thought it was OK to have dark skin or sing out loud when we’re happy but are made to feel otherwise, we start to wonder if all the other things we think about ourselves are “wrong” as well. We not only stop listening to that inner guidance; we forget it’s even there.
“The negative messages inside me were what I listened to rather than the voice of wisdom, because I didn’t know how to distinguish them. But I wasn’t alone and never had been. Guidance had been there all along; I just hadn’t learned to listen.”
Following the Whispers skillfully weaves scenes from Karen’s life with the wisdom gained years later. More than a memoir, it’s a warm and wise journey about learning how to believe in yourself so you can work on the things you can change while accepting those you can’t.
Karen is clearsighted, and her words are empowering and liberating. Reading this book is like having a loving mother, sister, best friend, religious counselor and self-help therapist all in one. You’ll learn that, for now, you might not have the tools you need to handle a situation, but you can learn them later and do better the next time—but only if you give yourself permission to stop beating yourself up. We are a work in progress, and that inner voice is always there and always on our side.
Karen’s best friend, her former husband’s sister and a cancer survivor Karen had supported throughout that ordeal, ejected Karen from her life without a word.
David later told his mom he needed to break off communication with her. He never gave a reason.
Karen had grown up with parents who fought constantly and bitterly. She’d been sexually molested as a young child. But losing her son was when she decided to stop “living unconsciously,” pretending that everything would work out OK. It was the end of denying reality and the beginning of a journey toward inner peace, of learning when she was responsible and when someone else is.
In her debut memoir Karen shares how inner peace isn’t something we achieve then keep feeling forever. It comes in moments, once we learn to believe the voice that is inside each of us.
As Karen explains, we aren’t born hating ourselves. We’re taught. And if we once thought it was OK to have dark skin or sing out loud when we’re happy but are made to feel otherwise, we start to wonder if all the other things we think about ourselves are “wrong” as well. We not only stop listening to that inner guidance; we forget it’s even there.
“The negative messages inside me were what I listened to rather than the voice of wisdom, because I didn’t know how to distinguish them. But I wasn’t alone and never had been. Guidance had been there all along; I just hadn’t learned to listen.”
Following the Whispers skillfully weaves scenes from Karen’s life with the wisdom gained years later. More than a memoir, it’s a warm and wise journey about learning how to believe in yourself so you can work on the things you can change while accepting those you can’t.
Karen is clearsighted, and her words are empowering and liberating. Reading this book is like having a loving mother, sister, best friend, religious counselor and self-help therapist all in one. You’ll learn that, for now, you might not have the tools you need to handle a situation, but you can learn them later and do better the next time—but only if you give yourself permission to stop beating yourself up. We are a work in progress, and that inner voice is always there and always on our side.
May 9, 2013
This was an honest, insightful memoir that meets the ugly parts of life head on and yet remains steadily infused with a message of hope. I think what impresses me most about this book is the author's remarkable objectivity in telling her personal tale. There is no judgement, and eventually there is even forgiveness. This isn't a self-help book, but the history is laid out and examined in such a way that others can gain from the author's experience and insight.
The writing is very smooth and kept my rapt attention throughout. I was vested in the author's struggle - and pulling for her all the way. Readers are rewarded for bearing through the painful decades of self-doubt and abuse with SO many beautiful and powerful moments in the later chapters. Keep a tissue box handy, seriously.
The writing is very smooth and kept my rapt attention throughout. I was vested in the author's struggle - and pulling for her all the way. Readers are rewarded for bearing through the painful decades of self-doubt and abuse with SO many beautiful and powerful moments in the later chapters. Keep a tissue box handy, seriously.
September 27, 2010
This memoir was very easy to read, despite the tough subject matter of a lifetime spent recovering from childhood abuse. The author did an excellent job of telling her story while explaining the emotional damage each new incident caused. She also did an excellent job explaining how she transformed her life, found herself and spirituality without preaching or coming off like a self-help guru with all the answers for everyone. Her story is touching and hopeful. I look forward to reading more from her.
July 1, 2013
"Following the Whispers" is a well-written, raw-boned memoir with a simple beauty and almost painful honesty. Walker's successful, and ongoing, struggle to get beyond a difficult past offers inspiration to readers who may be similarly haunted by painful memories, and she deserves a boatload of credit for sharing her story. But hey! You don't have to give her credit... just read her book!
February 23, 2013
Inspiring memoir of a woman who's childhood had her living with self-doubt through most of her life. Eventually she learns to embrace who she is and listen to her own instincts. Interesting read.
June 20, 2011
This is really powerful and so down to earth. If you don't cry at some point, you're not human!
August 15, 2011
I've never read a memoir before, but Karen's story is really powerful. Her style of writing just sucks you right into the story and it was over before I knew it. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews