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Reconfigured: A Memoir
When Barbara Terao moves into a new home in Washington, two thousand miles from her husband in Illinois, she doesn’t know when—or if—she’ll ever live with him again. Her diagnosis of breast cancer three months later changes both of them in ways they never imagined.
In the ensuing months, Barbara’s husband and adult children show up to help her through a year of difficult treatments and surgery, and Barbara, in her Whidbey Island cottage, learns to listen to her heart and intuition. Nurtured by Douglas fir forests, the Salish Sea, and her community, she changes her life from the inside out. Her journey, she realizes, wasn’t about leaving her husband so much as finding herself. Reconfigured in body, mind, and spirit, Barbara finally has words for what she wants to say—and the strength to be a survivor.
In the ensuing months, Barbara’s husband and adult children show up to help her through a year of difficult treatments and surgery, and Barbara, in her Whidbey Island cottage, learns to listen to her heart and intuition. Nurtured by Douglas fir forests, the Salish Sea, and her community, she changes her life from the inside out. Her journey, she realizes, wasn’t about leaving her husband so much as finding herself. Reconfigured in body, mind, and spirit, Barbara finally has words for what she wants to say—and the strength to be a survivor.
- GenresMemoir
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 18, 2023
3 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 29, 2023
Reconfigured is a moving memoir tracing one woman’s cancer journey and shifting relationships. Barbara’s marriage is at a crossroads. She decides to fly across the country to try living in the Pacific Northwest while her husband remains in Illinois. An unexpected breast cancer diagnosis forces her to examine her life and relationships at the deepest levels. Reconfigured is about listening to your intuition, honouring your spirituality and living the life that was intended for you.
Thank you to @BookSparks and Barbara Wolf Terao for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. 🙏🏻🩷
Thank you to @BookSparks and Barbara Wolf Terao for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. 🙏🏻🩷
April 26, 2023
Reconfigured is honest, poignant, generous, funny, and suffused with the hard-won wisdom of a writer who has been paying close attention—to the people around her, to the Douglas firs and the sea and the salt air surrounding her Whidbey Island cottage, to the changes and challenges brought on by shifting relationships and illness. It is also an inspiring example of what can happen when you find the courage to be vulnerable and to reconfigure yourself, and with that, your entire world—as well as everyone lucky enough to be invited into that world through this extraordinary book.
July 23, 2023
“If you are only amusing others or playing roles, it’s a stage, not a home. If you’re only serving others, it’s a job, not a home. Where you can hear yourself and be heard, that’s home.” 💖
When Barbara Terao moves into a new home in Washington, leaving her husband two thousand miles away back in Illinois, she doesn’t know when—or if—she’ll ever live with him again. Her diagnosis of breast cancer three months later changes both of them in ways they never imagined.
In the following months, Barbara’s husband and adult children show up to help her through a year of difficult treatments and surgery, and Barbara, in her Whidbey Island cottage, learns to listen to her heart and intuition. Nurtured by Douglas fir forests, the Salish Sea, and her community, she changes her life from the inside out. Her journey wasn’t so much about leaving her husband as finding herself.
If you are a woman of a certain age, this book just resonates. If you’ve ever raised kids, had them leave, and then wondered what you and your husband still have in common, then you may see yourself in Barbara. Her story is about strength and fighting for your happiness..even though that can be very scary. Even if it means you’re alone. Even if it’s not what society tells you you should be doing. Even through cancer. Reconfigured is, at its core, a book about perseverance and the strength of a woman.
“Well, death. That’s on my mind. I’m not yet looking death in the face, but I seem to have received its calling card.”
Thank you @booksparks for the #gifted copy.
When Barbara Terao moves into a new home in Washington, leaving her husband two thousand miles away back in Illinois, she doesn’t know when—or if—she’ll ever live with him again. Her diagnosis of breast cancer three months later changes both of them in ways they never imagined.
In the following months, Barbara’s husband and adult children show up to help her through a year of difficult treatments and surgery, and Barbara, in her Whidbey Island cottage, learns to listen to her heart and intuition. Nurtured by Douglas fir forests, the Salish Sea, and her community, she changes her life from the inside out. Her journey wasn’t so much about leaving her husband as finding herself.
If you are a woman of a certain age, this book just resonates. If you’ve ever raised kids, had them leave, and then wondered what you and your husband still have in common, then you may see yourself in Barbara. Her story is about strength and fighting for your happiness..even though that can be very scary. Even if it means you’re alone. Even if it’s not what society tells you you should be doing. Even through cancer. Reconfigured is, at its core, a book about perseverance and the strength of a woman.
“Well, death. That’s on my mind. I’m not yet looking death in the face, but I seem to have received its calling card.”
Thank you @booksparks for the #gifted copy.
August 31, 2023
I really enjoyed this book.
While I knew it was a memoir, and a tale of recreation, I was blown away with the journey Barbara takes from child in the “Nice” Midwest, to the her healing island life in the Pacific Northwest.
Things people never tell you are central to her story such as the arch of Barbara and Donald’s marriage. Being practicing Buddhists, there was not a problem of hate, but one born out of loneliness and needing more freedom. How we as mom’s and wives can contort ourselves into being what we think we should be, and how that can play out. I love the respect she shows her relationship. While she doesn’t hide her struggle, she does turn the focus onto herself, defining path for growth, and gets to work.
I recommend this book to empty nesters, or mid-life seekers, or anyone in the throws of a health crisis. Her words expanded my vision for the future and gave me a hopeful sense of possibility and calm. I look forward to her next book.
While I knew it was a memoir, and a tale of recreation, I was blown away with the journey Barbara takes from child in the “Nice” Midwest, to the her healing island life in the Pacific Northwest.
Things people never tell you are central to her story such as the arch of Barbara and Donald’s marriage. Being practicing Buddhists, there was not a problem of hate, but one born out of loneliness and needing more freedom. How we as mom’s and wives can contort ourselves into being what we think we should be, and how that can play out. I love the respect she shows her relationship. While she doesn’t hide her struggle, she does turn the focus onto herself, defining path for growth, and gets to work.
I recommend this book to empty nesters, or mid-life seekers, or anyone in the throws of a health crisis. Her words expanded my vision for the future and gave me a hopeful sense of possibility and calm. I look forward to her next book.
May 18, 2023
A hopeful story about navigating illness and finding a new way to live and thrive. I enjoyed the authors warmth and spirit. A highly recommended read!
July 15, 2023
When your life calls, listen! This memoir is not only a love letter to the Pacific Northwest and its people, it is the story of marital and medical (cancer) challenges and how I navigated those rough waters. Somehow by shedding my old habits and assumptions, I became more myself—and happier, with the strength to survive. I wrote Reconfigured: A Memoir to encourage those going through their own life challenges. My Kirkus review calls my memoir "stirringly inspirational." I hope you'll like it!
July 20, 2023
Reconfigured is a very honest and detailed exploration of the author’s marriage, her solo move from Illinois to Washington, and her breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. For anyone going through cancer or re-examining their marriage, this memoir will really speak to you, as well as anyone on a journey of personal reflection.
As Barbara says, we all learn to deal with the highs and lows of life. “Whatever we experience, whether pleasant or painful, is part of our education on earth.” And since we are all “struggling with something,” this book is an invitation, a conversation, a meditation, and a kinship.
One of my favourite things about the book was how skillfully Barbara was able to weave in quotes, stories, and advice from so many other writers and healers. Every chapter starts with a meaningful quote, and there are details about Buddhism, Japanese culture, Indigenous culture, healing circles, talking circles and more, sprinkled throughout.
It seems like it was part of Barbara’s healing process to share her personal story – and I am sure it will bring comfort, healing and recognition to others in similar situations. As Mary Karr is quoted in the epilogue of Reconfigured - ‘To bring oneself to others makes the whole planet less lonely.’
Thank you to @BookSparks for the gifted copy.
As Barbara says, we all learn to deal with the highs and lows of life. “Whatever we experience, whether pleasant or painful, is part of our education on earth.” And since we are all “struggling with something,” this book is an invitation, a conversation, a meditation, and a kinship.
One of my favourite things about the book was how skillfully Barbara was able to weave in quotes, stories, and advice from so many other writers and healers. Every chapter starts with a meaningful quote, and there are details about Buddhism, Japanese culture, Indigenous culture, healing circles, talking circles and more, sprinkled throughout.
It seems like it was part of Barbara’s healing process to share her personal story – and I am sure it will bring comfort, healing and recognition to others in similar situations. As Mary Karr is quoted in the epilogue of Reconfigured - ‘To bring oneself to others makes the whole planet less lonely.’
Thank you to @BookSparks for the gifted copy.
July 18, 2023
𝓂𝒾𝓃𝒾 𝔹𝕠𝕠𝕜 ℝ𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨!
ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕪 ℙ𝕦𝕓 𝔻𝕒𝕪 🥳 July 18 2023!
Thank you to TLC Book Tours @tlcbooktours and the author @barbaraterao for a gifted copy of ʀᴇᴄᴏɴғɪɢᴜʀᴇᴅ.
I take solace in my humanity, caress the warm silk of my skin, and hold my own hand. I'm living love stories of myself, my body, my marriage, my family, my friends, hummingbirds, trees, the earth, the sea-- all interconnected. pp175-6
ʀᴇᴄᴏɴғɪɢᴜʀᴇᴅ is the person account, written by the author, of her experiences just prior to and living through two cancer diagnoses. The central premise is embracing the joy in the life that we have, as she did when she moved accross the country and cultivated the new life that would finally make her happy. Having so much to live for probably helped her survive, gave her what she needed to keep getting up every day to fight the good fight. There is no doubt about this: reading this book, I was constantly struck by Terao's bravery and boldness to reach out and grasp what she needed for her life. She is a tremendously strong woman!
Rating: 🏞🏞🏞.5 / 5 Island homes
Recommend? Yes
Finished: July 17 2023
Format: Gifted Copy
Read this book if you like:
🗣 Memoirs
🩺 Medical memoirs
❤️🩹 Marriage drama
ℍ𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕪 ℙ𝕦𝕓 𝔻𝕒𝕪 🥳 July 18 2023!
Thank you to TLC Book Tours @tlcbooktours and the author @barbaraterao for a gifted copy of ʀᴇᴄᴏɴғɪɢᴜʀᴇᴅ.
I take solace in my humanity, caress the warm silk of my skin, and hold my own hand. I'm living love stories of myself, my body, my marriage, my family, my friends, hummingbirds, trees, the earth, the sea-- all interconnected. pp175-6
ʀᴇᴄᴏɴғɪɢᴜʀᴇᴅ is the person account, written by the author, of her experiences just prior to and living through two cancer diagnoses. The central premise is embracing the joy in the life that we have, as she did when she moved accross the country and cultivated the new life that would finally make her happy. Having so much to live for probably helped her survive, gave her what she needed to keep getting up every day to fight the good fight. There is no doubt about this: reading this book, I was constantly struck by Terao's bravery and boldness to reach out and grasp what she needed for her life. She is a tremendously strong woman!
Rating: 🏞🏞🏞.5 / 5 Island homes
Recommend? Yes
Finished: July 17 2023
Format: Gifted Copy
Read this book if you like:
🗣 Memoirs
🩺 Medical memoirs
❤️🩹 Marriage drama
July 27, 2023
Review: Right off the bat this
was a good story to me: who goes to the doctor on a Friday the 13th? I know I would not, but our author and MC did, and not for a good reason, a breast biopsy- later diagnosed with words no woman wants to hear: invasive
ductal carcinoma= aggressive breast cancer HER/2+. Her journey resonated with me. She brings up all the anxiety and feelings of fear, and of death that come with the diagnosis. Dealing with all these feelings AND trying to decide if she wanted to stay married. Oh, and did I mention she moves from Illinois all the way to Washington the state within a few weeks. Can you imagine going through the worst possible diagnosis as a woman, moving, and doing it all by yourself?
My favorite quote from the book are actually two:
Bell Hooks~ “When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.”
Martha Beck from book title, The Way of Integrity:Finding the Path to Your True Self, “If you don’t walk your true path, you won’t find your true people.”
was a good story to me: who goes to the doctor on a Friday the 13th? I know I would not, but our author and MC did, and not for a good reason, a breast biopsy- later diagnosed with words no woman wants to hear: invasive
ductal carcinoma= aggressive breast cancer HER/2+. Her journey resonated with me. She brings up all the anxiety and feelings of fear, and of death that come with the diagnosis. Dealing with all these feelings AND trying to decide if she wanted to stay married. Oh, and did I mention she moves from Illinois all the way to Washington the state within a few weeks. Can you imagine going through the worst possible diagnosis as a woman, moving, and doing it all by yourself?
My favorite quote from the book are actually two:
Bell Hooks~ “When we can be alone, we can be with others without using them as a means of escape.”
Martha Beck from book title, The Way of Integrity:Finding the Path to Your True Self, “If you don’t walk your true path, you won’t find your true people.”
July 18, 2023
This memoir is an honest and vulnerable look into Barbara Wolf Terao’s life and marriage.
Her move to Whitney Island was to give her space. She and her husband had reached a crossroads of sorts and Barbara loved the island.
When she receives her cancer diagnosis, she moved forward with treatment and plans not knowing what the future will hold for both herself and her marriage.
This story is a look at the treatment of cancer and surviving it. It’s also a look at how a couple finds a new normal, and if that new normal includes permanently living separately and possibly divorce, or only living separately sometimes. Or, will they decide to work with their differences and live together again, learning from the cancer and each other.
While I can’t wrap my mind around living separately from my husband, I know that some couples choose to do so. I admire Barbara’s honesty in telling all sides of her story and sharing what she learned along the way.
This book is told in such a way that you just want to keep reading to discover what she is learning and feeling and processing.
If you are a fan of memoirs, of personal life stories, I recommend you read this book.
Thank you to BookSparks for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.
Her move to Whitney Island was to give her space. She and her husband had reached a crossroads of sorts and Barbara loved the island.
When she receives her cancer diagnosis, she moved forward with treatment and plans not knowing what the future will hold for both herself and her marriage.
This story is a look at the treatment of cancer and surviving it. It’s also a look at how a couple finds a new normal, and if that new normal includes permanently living separately and possibly divorce, or only living separately sometimes. Or, will they decide to work with their differences and live together again, learning from the cancer and each other.
While I can’t wrap my mind around living separately from my husband, I know that some couples choose to do so. I admire Barbara’s honesty in telling all sides of her story and sharing what she learned along the way.
This book is told in such a way that you just want to keep reading to discover what she is learning and feeling and processing.
If you are a fan of memoirs, of personal life stories, I recommend you read this book.
Thank you to BookSparks for the copy of this book. All views are my honest opinion.
July 8, 2023
Reconfigured - A Memoir
Barbara Wolf Terao
Pub Date: July 18, 2023
Reconfigured by Barbara Wolf Terao provides the reader with an honest look at life, marriage, motherhood and cancer. More than that, it’s about the authors journey towards finding herself. I really enjoyed this book and I loved how the author infused some humor throughout the book to make the book feel a bit lighter.
This book is all about living the life that was intended for you, and I found myself reflecting a lot while reading. I read this book at the perfect time and I am very thankful for the opportunity to read the authors memoir.
Barbara Wolf Terao
Pub Date: July 18, 2023
Reconfigured by Barbara Wolf Terao provides the reader with an honest look at life, marriage, motherhood and cancer. More than that, it’s about the authors journey towards finding herself. I really enjoyed this book and I loved how the author infused some humor throughout the book to make the book feel a bit lighter.
This book is all about living the life that was intended for you, and I found myself reflecting a lot while reading. I read this book at the perfect time and I am very thankful for the opportunity to read the authors memoir.
July 28, 2023
Thank you @booksparks @shewritespress for having me on this #summerpopup readalong.
This memoir is a awakening book that the author wanted us readers to be cognizant about our own self, emotions and psyche. Barbara’s journeys shared in this book brought tears, laughter, frustrations and love. I felt her writing because honestly whatever she endured, I know at least someone who passed through her journeys or crossed similar paths as her. A different kind of memoir but hope you get the opportunity to read this as well.
This memoir is a awakening book that the author wanted us readers to be cognizant about our own self, emotions and psyche. Barbara’s journeys shared in this book brought tears, laughter, frustrations and love. I felt her writing because honestly whatever she endured, I know at least someone who passed through her journeys or crossed similar paths as her. A different kind of memoir but hope you get the opportunity to read this as well.
August 18, 2023
Reconfigured is an honest and vulnerable account of the author's marriage, her decision to move away from her husband from Illinois to the Pacific Northwest, her experience of being treated for and surviving breast cancer, and overall, her commitment to being true to herself.
Beautifully written and infused with a love of nature, Reconfigured is inspiring and spiritual, and will give strength and solace to anyone dealing with a serious medical condition, a challenging relationship or navigating change. Thank you to BookSparks for a gifted copy.
Beautifully written and infused with a love of nature, Reconfigured is inspiring and spiritual, and will give strength and solace to anyone dealing with a serious medical condition, a challenging relationship or navigating change. Thank you to BookSparks for a gifted copy.
September 29, 2023
Barbara Wolf Terao begins her journey as the sort of person many women can identify with--the nice girl, the one of sweet voice and calm demeanor who makes life work for the people around her. Barbara writes about confronting cancer while learning to respond to her world in ways that are more real for her. In the process of healing her body, she transforms her life into a true expression of love. Her story is a guiding light in the darkness. I think this is a book worth reading--and not just for cancer victims. For everyone.
July 18, 2023
I appreciate the honest vulnerability of the author to share her story. There’s nothing like a cancer diagnosis to shake things up, after they’ve already been stirred, by moving across the country alone. Who knew the fight of her life would give her a new lease? It began with courage and continued into a transformation that changed her life. The pages are sprinkled with hope and shared with the readers. it’s never too late to live the life you were meant to live. Well done, Barbara, well done.
April 9, 2025
Open and raw about her cancer and marital journey. I connected deeply with her spiritual side, Buddhism, native cultures, living in the PNW and deep love of nature. She and I have so much in common with being highly sensitive people. But, I probably shouldn’t have read it due to her experience with cancer treatment side effects at the beginning of my cancer journey. Wish I would have waited until I was done.
April 2, 2023
I too had a marriage on the rocks when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. In a time like that you can choose to become more or give up. You lose something, there’s no way around it, but the author shows, with intention, you can gain much more. Well told, the memoir reveals the world of treatment that many don’t know. Honest and still hopeful.
May 26, 2023
Reconfigured: A Memoir offers a study of one woman's life through a perilous transition, ultimately landing her in an unimagined new understanding of herself. An important read for women, especially those with a breast cancer diagnosis.
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July 19, 2023 This well-written memoir is an open and honest journey, drawing one in. A non-stop read of courage and endurance. It celebrates the ability to face the harsh moments in life and what it means to live fully. Roberta Kuriloff
July 20, 2023
RECONFIGURED: Going through cancer treatment evokes reflection on life, reexamination of relationships, rediscovery of self, and restoration of the soul. Set in the beautiful nature of the Pacific Northwest.
August 9, 2024
so much to learn; so much wisdom
Barbara’s journey is one we all can learn from regardless of whether or not we’ve ever experienced cancer. Her honesty and truth-filled chapters drew me in and caused me to ponder my own life, my relationships, and my existence here on this planet. Well written with many important messages for living. Kudos.
Barbara’s journey is one we all can learn from regardless of whether or not we’ve ever experienced cancer. Her honesty and truth-filled chapters drew me in and caused me to ponder my own life, my relationships, and my existence here on this planet. Well written with many important messages for living. Kudos.
March 23, 2023
such a wonderful read!
April 1, 2023
A powerful, poignant, inspiring book. Well worth the read.
April 6, 2023
For every woman who's feared breast cancer or has been diagnosed with it, and for the people in their lives, RECONFIGURED is an informative and moving recollection filled with openness and sincerity.
June 8, 2023
This one for me was a give or take read. It hit home a lot because my own family has been impacted by cancer. It was real and flowing and still worth the read.
June 15, 2023
In poignant prose, the author drew me into her story immediately and held me till the end.
June 25, 2023
A powerfully touching memoir about surviving cancer. Barbara’s story is not only one of the discovery of herself but speaks to the healing powers of nature. Worth the time to read this one!
July 21, 2023
This memoir is honest and beautiful. And I'm a fan of stories that explore relationships (marriage in particular) and all the complexities.
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July 28, 2023A beautiful, hopeful, warm read. A lovely description of the northwest and building a community while finding who you are- even when you're not following all the rules of what society thinks.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews