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On the Way to Casa Lotus: A Memoir of Family, Art, Injury, and Forgiveness
USA Today and Wall Street Journal BestsellerLorena Junco Margain—passionate art collector and devoted wife and mother—is already shaken after abruptly fleeing Mexico and relocating in the USA with her family while pregnant due to safety concerns. Then, she learns she has a tumor on her adrenal gland. Having long experienced unexplained symptoms of dizziness and lethargy that neither medications nor holistic or Ayurvedic treatments have helped, she embraces the news with tears of with a simple surgery, she can regain her strength and joyful spirit. But fate can be mischievous, and to err is human—even for surgeons. Rather than improve after surgery, her condition worsens.On the Way to Casa Lotus is the gripping true story of Junco Margain’s journey coming to terms with the permanent consequences of a surgeon’s devastating mistake. Mindful that even good people make errors and that vengeance would not mend her broken body or soul, she chooses instead to embark on a quest for peace and healing—beginning by seeking space in her heart to forgive.Deeply compassionate, wise and poetic, On the Way to Casa Lotus lays bare some of the most poignant contradictions of the human condition, blurring the distinctions between guilt and neglectfulness, anger and sorrow, humility and shame, gratitude and despair. Rich with imagery and metaphors from the world of contemporary art, brimming with scenes from the author’s close-knit, abundantly loving Mexican family, the book plants a seed of hope that loss and pain can serve a higher one of promoting forgiveness as a force for personal and universal change.
198 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 23, 2021
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238 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
November 29, 2021
On the Way to Casa Lotus: A Memoir of Family, Art, Injury, and Forgiveness, tells the story of a beautiful, artistic, wealthy, young Mexican girl named Lorena Margain. She is married to a wonderful man and together with family and friends they share a perfect existence. Perfect that is until, Lorena, pregnant with her third child starts to feel sick.
Nothing is wrong, the doctors say, but Lorena knows differently. All blame seems to fall on the pregnancy, Lorena's busy life style, and the rigors of being a wife and mother. The family offers compassion, but there is little they can do other than to try and allay her fears. Lorena has her third child and looking for relief from the pain and suffering, she finds none to be had. She goes to see an endocrinologist and from there it is discovered that she has a growth on her adrenal gland. Although not cancerous, it must be removed and so Lorena schedules the surgery as soon as possible.
Of course, she and her family realize that the surgery will not make things better immediately, but as Lorena heals and goes home, the pain and suffering grow to major misery. She can't function and for a woman who once had a zeal for life, she blames herself for not being better. Doctors suggest perhaps it's psychosomatic and once again she wonders if indeed, she is the one creating this untenable life.
As she sinks deeper and deeper into pain, she becomes depressed knowing she is no wife to her beloved husband, Edwardo, or mother to her three young children. The family bands around her doing all they can to allay her situation. It is truly a loving family, one that supports each other no matter what.
Unbelievably, she eventually returns to her endocrinologist, and to both their shock and amazement, they find that the surgeon removed the incorrect gland and Lorena must endure surgery again on the other gland. The surgeon does her best and is able to save a part of the gland, but now Lorena must live differently from what she once was able to do.
Lorena and Edwardo, along with the family, are furious and want to sue the surgeon who made such a blunder, but as Lorena comes to fully understand both herself and life, she decides to not seek revenge against the surgeon.
In this horrible occurrence, Lorena learned that she must trust herself, know what her body feels and not rely on others' opinions to set a course for her. It's a cautionary tale, where so many of us who rush to find a cure to what ails us, perhaps, should listen more to our inner voice. We know ourselves better than anyone and we should always be our own health advocate, not afraid to question, and certainly always knowing when something is wrong.
This story of courage, strength, love, and the willingness to forgive and to move on, is a good lesson for us all. Perhaps if there was more forgiveness in our own life, we could go on as Lorena did, just happy to be alive with her husband, children, and family surrounding her.
Thank you to Lorena Margin, Independent Book Sellers, and NetGalley for this story.
Nothing is wrong, the doctors say, but Lorena knows differently. All blame seems to fall on the pregnancy, Lorena's busy life style, and the rigors of being a wife and mother. The family offers compassion, but there is little they can do other than to try and allay her fears. Lorena has her third child and looking for relief from the pain and suffering, she finds none to be had. She goes to see an endocrinologist and from there it is discovered that she has a growth on her adrenal gland. Although not cancerous, it must be removed and so Lorena schedules the surgery as soon as possible.
Of course, she and her family realize that the surgery will not make things better immediately, but as Lorena heals and goes home, the pain and suffering grow to major misery. She can't function and for a woman who once had a zeal for life, she blames herself for not being better. Doctors suggest perhaps it's psychosomatic and once again she wonders if indeed, she is the one creating this untenable life.
As she sinks deeper and deeper into pain, she becomes depressed knowing she is no wife to her beloved husband, Edwardo, or mother to her three young children. The family bands around her doing all they can to allay her situation. It is truly a loving family, one that supports each other no matter what.
Unbelievably, she eventually returns to her endocrinologist, and to both their shock and amazement, they find that the surgeon removed the incorrect gland and Lorena must endure surgery again on the other gland. The surgeon does her best and is able to save a part of the gland, but now Lorena must live differently from what she once was able to do.
Lorena and Edwardo, along with the family, are furious and want to sue the surgeon who made such a blunder, but as Lorena comes to fully understand both herself and life, she decides to not seek revenge against the surgeon.
In this horrible occurrence, Lorena learned that she must trust herself, know what her body feels and not rely on others' opinions to set a course for her. It's a cautionary tale, where so many of us who rush to find a cure to what ails us, perhaps, should listen more to our inner voice. We know ourselves better than anyone and we should always be our own health advocate, not afraid to question, and certainly always knowing when something is wrong.
This story of courage, strength, love, and the willingness to forgive and to move on, is a good lesson for us all. Perhaps if there was more forgiveness in our own life, we could go on as Lorena did, just happy to be alive with her husband, children, and family surrounding her.
Thank you to Lorena Margin, Independent Book Sellers, and NetGalley for this story.
September 15, 2021
Three Stars
This is a fairly short book just shy of 200 pages which recounts a harrowing and life-altering experience of a young woman having a botched surgery. The author is Mexican born and fled her country for the USA in 2008. She is an art collector and appears to have some means because she questioned whether to sue the surgeon, as for her it wasn't about the money. She is lucky to have a large and loving family including her husband Eduardo, two daughters and a son. Her life is a celebration of Mexican culture and art, family, love and charity.
The crux of this story is her recounting of going in for a necessary operation, seriously not feeling well afterwards- much less recovering as one should. It also stresses the importance of knowing yourself and the valid feelings/symptoms you are experiencing, and not putting a better face on it to go along with everyone. You have to communicate honestly with health personnel and be heard. If your pain level is a 9 or 10 when it shouldn't be- say it. After suffering greatly for awhile, she ultimately discovered that in a "right and left" situation, the wrong side was operated on. It was a mighty shock, but at least she had the justification for how horrible she was feeling. From there she and her family investigated various methods in rectifying this health crisis, with the right doctor, procedure, and medicines.
The author seems like a wonderful lady; beautiful, intelligent, creative and giving. She went through a shattering experience that has ramifications lifelong, but rose out of the ashes like a phoenix looking at the positives in life and striving towards forgiveness. This was already a short book, and I feel a bit guilty saying this, but as I read it I felt that this could have been a long magazine article rather than an entire book.
Thank you to the publisher Cuco Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
This is a fairly short book just shy of 200 pages which recounts a harrowing and life-altering experience of a young woman having a botched surgery. The author is Mexican born and fled her country for the USA in 2008. She is an art collector and appears to have some means because she questioned whether to sue the surgeon, as for her it wasn't about the money. She is lucky to have a large and loving family including her husband Eduardo, two daughters and a son. Her life is a celebration of Mexican culture and art, family, love and charity.
The crux of this story is her recounting of going in for a necessary operation, seriously not feeling well afterwards- much less recovering as one should. It also stresses the importance of knowing yourself and the valid feelings/symptoms you are experiencing, and not putting a better face on it to go along with everyone. You have to communicate honestly with health personnel and be heard. If your pain level is a 9 or 10 when it shouldn't be- say it. After suffering greatly for awhile, she ultimately discovered that in a "right and left" situation, the wrong side was operated on. It was a mighty shock, but at least she had the justification for how horrible she was feeling. From there she and her family investigated various methods in rectifying this health crisis, with the right doctor, procedure, and medicines.
The author seems like a wonderful lady; beautiful, intelligent, creative and giving. She went through a shattering experience that has ramifications lifelong, but rose out of the ashes like a phoenix looking at the positives in life and striving towards forgiveness. This was already a short book, and I feel a bit guilty saying this, but as I read it I felt that this could have been a long magazine article rather than an entire book.
Thank you to the publisher Cuco Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley.
August 17, 2021
Lorena Junco Margain grew up in Monterrey, Mexico, but was privileged to travel and study abroad. She married a Mexican national of similar status. Family (including extended family) and tradition were important in their lives. They lived in Austin, TX, with Lorena's husband commuting to Mexico for work during the week. (By the end of the book she and her husband become American citizens.)
Lorena writes eloquently of the non-specific malaise that sent her to several doctors. The closest she got to a diagnosis was postpartum depression until she accompanied her sister on a follow-up visit for thyroid cancer surgery. Because of her sister's medical history, the doctor suggested Lorena undergo testing as well. A tumor on her right adrenal gland was discovered. She went to the same surgeon who repaired a hernia after her youngest child was born.
After surgery, Lorena felt worse but everyone told her she just needed time to recover. Four weeks later, she collapsed in the Red Lobster parking lot and was rushed to the hospital. They discovered a tumor on her right adrenal gland. Lorena thought she was suffering a repeat of what she had just been treated for, only on the other side. It wasn't until her doctor called her with the news that he had removed the wrong, healthy adrenal gland that she realized what was happening.
Lorena's foundational belief system was an amalgamation of the Catholicism with which she was raised, new age philosophy, and a smattering of Eastern religion. First, she focused on getting out of the health crisis she had been plunged into, then she debated whether she should bring a malpractice suit against the surgeon.
It was the worst of circumstances, and the error could not be undone. In Lorena's words, "...the surgeon made a catastrophic mistake, destroyed my health, and left me with a lifetime of medical issues that can never be fully resolved and will likely take years off my life."
I'll let you read her book to find out her decision on the lawsuit, but the bottom line is her choice to forgive the surgeon.
Lorena had a strong family support system and she was educated and wealthy. She will always suffer the effects of the surgeon's mistake, but she is choosing to be positive about the situation. I wonder if a low-income and poorly-educated woman without a strong support system were in the same situation, could they choose the positivity, choose to forgive?
Lorena writes eloquently of the non-specific malaise that sent her to several doctors. The closest she got to a diagnosis was postpartum depression until she accompanied her sister on a follow-up visit for thyroid cancer surgery. Because of her sister's medical history, the doctor suggested Lorena undergo testing as well. A tumor on her right adrenal gland was discovered. She went to the same surgeon who repaired a hernia after her youngest child was born.
After surgery, Lorena felt worse but everyone told her she just needed time to recover. Four weeks later, she collapsed in the Red Lobster parking lot and was rushed to the hospital. They discovered a tumor on her right adrenal gland. Lorena thought she was suffering a repeat of what she had just been treated for, only on the other side. It wasn't until her doctor called her with the news that he had removed the wrong, healthy adrenal gland that she realized what was happening.
Lorena's foundational belief system was an amalgamation of the Catholicism with which she was raised, new age philosophy, and a smattering of Eastern religion. First, she focused on getting out of the health crisis she had been plunged into, then she debated whether she should bring a malpractice suit against the surgeon.
It was the worst of circumstances, and the error could not be undone. In Lorena's words, "...the surgeon made a catastrophic mistake, destroyed my health, and left me with a lifetime of medical issues that can never be fully resolved and will likely take years off my life."
I'll let you read her book to find out her decision on the lawsuit, but the bottom line is her choice to forgive the surgeon.
Lorena had a strong family support system and she was educated and wealthy. She will always suffer the effects of the surgeon's mistake, but she is choosing to be positive about the situation. I wonder if a low-income and poorly-educated woman without a strong support system were in the same situation, could they choose the positivity, choose to forgive?
December 26, 2021
My thanks to the publisher, as well as to NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an early copy of this wonderful book!
On the Way to Casa Lotus: A Memoir of Family, Art, Injury, and Forgiveness is a book I won't soon forget. It tells Lorena Junco Margain's haunting story of her life after her surgeon's error. The author spent the next couple of years in pain, utterly exhausted, and feeling as though she had lost her mind ... only to be patted on the head (after seeing doctor after doctor) and told there was nothing wrong with her. This happens, especially to women, far more than it should and I don't know why that is.
As Ms. Margain wrote: "...the surgeon made a catastrophic mistake, destroyed my health, and left me with a lifetime of medical issues that can never be fully resolved and will likely take years off my life." Thank heavens for the strong and loving support system she had.
It was quite interesting to learn more about Mexican culture than I already knew. From holidays, food, beliefs, familial support, and art, the author does a wonderful job of sharing so much! One of my very favorite parts of the book was the story of how Lorena and Eduardo met. I couldn't stop laughing!!
This is not an easy book to review without spoilers but I must say I will never again be frustrated when I'm asked over and over (and over) what my name is, my birthdate, allergy info, and what part of my body is to be operated on! I will thank everyone for being so careful!!
Most of all, I will never forget the author's amazing capacity to forgive.
On the Way to Casa Lotus: A Memoir of Family, Art, Injury, and Forgiveness is a book I won't soon forget. It tells Lorena Junco Margain's haunting story of her life after her surgeon's error. The author spent the next couple of years in pain, utterly exhausted, and feeling as though she had lost her mind ... only to be patted on the head (after seeing doctor after doctor) and told there was nothing wrong with her. This happens, especially to women, far more than it should and I don't know why that is.
As Ms. Margain wrote: "...the surgeon made a catastrophic mistake, destroyed my health, and left me with a lifetime of medical issues that can never be fully resolved and will likely take years off my life." Thank heavens for the strong and loving support system she had.
It was quite interesting to learn more about Mexican culture than I already knew. From holidays, food, beliefs, familial support, and art, the author does a wonderful job of sharing so much! One of my very favorite parts of the book was the story of how Lorena and Eduardo met. I couldn't stop laughing!!
This is not an easy book to review without spoilers but I must say I will never again be frustrated when I'm asked over and over (and over) what my name is, my birthdate, allergy info, and what part of my body is to be operated on! I will thank everyone for being so careful!!
Most of all, I will never forget the author's amazing capacity to forgive.
April 21, 2021
This is a story of a woman who suffers a debilitating and personal loss of bodily functions and sense of self after a surgeon, whom she trusted, makes a vital mistake. She suffers through a haze of not knowing or understanding why she feels so much pain and craziness until she finally learns the truth and begins to heal slowly.
The author writes lovingly and poetically of her close-knit family, art, love, and forgiveness in this emotional and agonizing memoir. Her family plays an important role in her life and her recovery, and references to her career as an artist and collector are woven throughout her story. As Margain philosophizes about her life and her injuries, readers will come to understand that compassion and forgiveness are possible, no matter what the circumstances.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC.
The author writes lovingly and poetically of her close-knit family, art, love, and forgiveness in this emotional and agonizing memoir. Her family plays an important role in her life and her recovery, and references to her career as an artist and collector are woven throughout her story. As Margain philosophizes about her life and her injuries, readers will come to understand that compassion and forgiveness are possible, no matter what the circumstances.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for this ARC.
October 22, 2021
This was a very well written account of the authors dealings with a medical issue which had debilitated her and made her feel as if she was going crazy.
The author moved to Austin Texas from Mexico, where she and her family were living a great life. She was very much into the arts, her extended family and her friends, husband and kids who are the constants in her life, always surrounding her. Then the symptoms started.
She gives us a detailed account of her symptoms, the research and Doctors, healers and spiritualist that she sought to cure herself. It's nice when you can pinpoint the reason for your pain, thinking this will cure everything, and then one unnecessary mistake had her worse than before.
It is a story which kept me reading as I wanted to find out what was causing this brutal attack on her body. We see how she deals with it, in pain but always with grace. She is a fighter and luckily she is.
She gives us a wonderful feeling for her passion which is art, and collecting art.
Her relationships with family, who were always there for her, and her compassion for people which gave her a very forgiving personality which you will experience as you see her outcome.
A worthy read for sure and look into a medical issue I had never thought of.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Cuco press for a copy of this book.
The author moved to Austin Texas from Mexico, where she and her family were living a great life. She was very much into the arts, her extended family and her friends, husband and kids who are the constants in her life, always surrounding her. Then the symptoms started.
She gives us a detailed account of her symptoms, the research and Doctors, healers and spiritualist that she sought to cure herself. It's nice when you can pinpoint the reason for your pain, thinking this will cure everything, and then one unnecessary mistake had her worse than before.
It is a story which kept me reading as I wanted to find out what was causing this brutal attack on her body. We see how she deals with it, in pain but always with grace. She is a fighter and luckily she is.
She gives us a wonderful feeling for her passion which is art, and collecting art.
Her relationships with family, who were always there for her, and her compassion for people which gave her a very forgiving personality which you will experience as you see her outcome.
A worthy read for sure and look into a medical issue I had never thought of.
I would like to thank NetGalley and Cuco press for a copy of this book.
September 22, 2021
It’s hard to remember a memoir read recently that I enjoyed as much as this one - this book had me totally engrossed; scribbling and highlighting notes and phrases I wanted to remember; my heart vacillating between horror at what the author endured, rage at the flaws in a system that allowed it, and underneath it all, such a pure and clean lesson of hope, optimism and resilience that I literally felt “lifted” as I closed in on the last few pages, - those featuring the heartwarming (and heartbreaking) shots of the author and her family.
“There are moments that change everything, and there are moments that change our perception of everything.”
Lenora Junco is an artist, a mother, a wife and a member of a large and loving Mexican-American extended family. Life is blessed for the Juncos as they leave Mexico and settle in Austin, Texas. It’s clear that Lenora, vitally and compassionately entrenched in family life and her immersive art projects, has much to be grateful for.
All that changes, horrifically and suddenly, as Lenora battles mysterious health issues that escalate beyond a level any one of us should have to endure. Lenora’s journey to understanding - that is, the rational dawning of the reality of her physical situation, as it evolves (or, more accurately devolves) - is so hard to imagine as a reader; so appalling in it’s impact, and so terrifyingly close and possible to each of us, in our own lives.
What elevates this book to the extraordinary, however, is the inner emotional and spiritual journey we are also privy to; Lenora’s quest to “curate”, (to draw together and make whole), a renewed life and understanding “forged with intent”; a life that will allow her to accept, forgive, release, and build upon her deep-rooted optimism and resilience which, incredibly, has survived her ordeal and now awaits re-kindling.
“If you don’t have mud, the Lotus won’t manifest. You can’t grow Lotus flowers on marble”.
“This is the essence of enlightenment - understanding that perception is power”.
I read this book, as noted by the author, with love and gratitude. It’s a remarkable story and one that, once read, cannot help but make your life richer - in all the ways that really matter.
A great big thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
“There are moments that change everything, and there are moments that change our perception of everything.”
Lenora Junco is an artist, a mother, a wife and a member of a large and loving Mexican-American extended family. Life is blessed for the Juncos as they leave Mexico and settle in Austin, Texas. It’s clear that Lenora, vitally and compassionately entrenched in family life and her immersive art projects, has much to be grateful for.
All that changes, horrifically and suddenly, as Lenora battles mysterious health issues that escalate beyond a level any one of us should have to endure. Lenora’s journey to understanding - that is, the rational dawning of the reality of her physical situation, as it evolves (or, more accurately devolves) - is so hard to imagine as a reader; so appalling in it’s impact, and so terrifyingly close and possible to each of us, in our own lives.
What elevates this book to the extraordinary, however, is the inner emotional and spiritual journey we are also privy to; Lenora’s quest to “curate”, (to draw together and make whole), a renewed life and understanding “forged with intent”; a life that will allow her to accept, forgive, release, and build upon her deep-rooted optimism and resilience which, incredibly, has survived her ordeal and now awaits re-kindling.
“If you don’t have mud, the Lotus won’t manifest. You can’t grow Lotus flowers on marble”.
“This is the essence of enlightenment - understanding that perception is power”.
I read this book, as noted by the author, with love and gratitude. It’s a remarkable story and one that, once read, cannot help but make your life richer - in all the ways that really matter.
A great big thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book. All thoughts presented are my own.
November 18, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from Cuco Press – Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members’ Titles in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
If there is a book out there that has a story everyone can relate and connect with, it’s this book. I could not help but tear up when reading some of the chapters of the book but, what blew me away was the emotional strength and positivity Lorena had while going through her hardships making it perfect to tell her story. This book should be on reading lists for school all over the country. It will teach everyone to count their blessings and never give up hope no matter the circumstance. Especially for this difficulty time, we need a book like this to remind us that we are capable for more than we know.
We will consider adding this title to our Self Help collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
If there is a book out there that has a story everyone can relate and connect with, it’s this book. I could not help but tear up when reading some of the chapters of the book but, what blew me away was the emotional strength and positivity Lorena had while going through her hardships making it perfect to tell her story. This book should be on reading lists for school all over the country. It will teach everyone to count their blessings and never give up hope no matter the circumstance. Especially for this difficulty time, we need a book like this to remind us that we are capable for more than we know.
We will consider adding this title to our Self Help collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
August 24, 2021
A big thanks to Netgalley and the publisher of this book. On the way to Casa Lotus is a book that will stay with me for a long time to come. Lorena's an amazing woman and her book shows her courage and strength to face a very difficult medical situation with grace and honor. If the world could be just a little more like Lorena Junco Margain, oh what a wonderful place that would be.
I will be honest at first I was unsure I wanted to read this book but once I started it I could not stop. Not only is Lorena's story something I wanted to learn about but the way Lorena writes is simply beautiful. It's almost poetry so flowing and I got caught up in her story but also her words. I fell in love with her strong family. I send prayers and hugs to this amazing woman and her family and I pray that the medical world learns from her example, (especially her surgeon).
I will be honest at first I was unsure I wanted to read this book but once I started it I could not stop. Not only is Lorena's story something I wanted to learn about but the way Lorena writes is simply beautiful. It's almost poetry so flowing and I got caught up in her story but also her words. I fell in love with her strong family. I send prayers and hugs to this amazing woman and her family and I pray that the medical world learns from her example, (especially her surgeon).
September 17, 2021
Physicians make mistakes, and the doctor in this memoir made a damaging mistake. On The Way To Casa Lotus is a philosophical memoir written by the patient. The health of this young woman was harmed significantly by her surgeon, with no explanation or apology. However, as the author says, “The road paved with forgiveness leads to healing”. Just two years after my own bilateral mastectomy, it was difficult for me to read this book. It was very honest and forthright.
June 2, 2022
so so moving!!! this book is about love, loss, healing, and forgiveness especially!! this read also feels a little closer to me as the author is from Austin and had this unfortunate experience there too. I highly recommend reading this especially if you are trying to get more into memoirs/non-fiction!
October 9, 2023
Hard read if you work in Medicine or want to haha! Crazy, enlightening story nonetheless written by a local Austin queen
May 30, 2021
The Review
This was a beautiful memoir that made a huge impact early on in the book. The author takes a really fresh and kind look at a terrible situation. Striking to find the balance between speaking up for oneself and forgiving someone who has wronged you can be a tricky thing to do, especially in this modern age where people can be vilified with the simple push of a button. It was refreshing to see the author’s perspective take flight in this book, highlighting the heartbreaking reality that no matter how good a person is, we are all flawed, and hating someone is never going to change that.
The author does a wonderful job of capturing so much within this book. From the author’s culture and the shock of leaving the life you know behind to find safety in a much different land, to the fear and frustration that can come with facing not only a difficult health diagnosis but a failed attempt at correcting that diagnosis, this book expertly weaves the author’s life and experiences together while finding the perfect harmony with the author’s message of hope and forgiveness.
The Verdict
A heartfelt, emotional, and ultimately uplifting memoir that highlights the journey to overcome a great wrong and find peace in the wake of tragedy, author Lorena Junco Margain’s “On the Way to Casa Lotus” is a must-read non-fiction read. A thought-provoking story that speaks to so many of us, the author creates a great sense of pacing and imagery that brings their experiences to life wonderfully, and readers will be hard-pressed to put this book down themselves. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
This was a beautiful memoir that made a huge impact early on in the book. The author takes a really fresh and kind look at a terrible situation. Striking to find the balance between speaking up for oneself and forgiving someone who has wronged you can be a tricky thing to do, especially in this modern age where people can be vilified with the simple push of a button. It was refreshing to see the author’s perspective take flight in this book, highlighting the heartbreaking reality that no matter how good a person is, we are all flawed, and hating someone is never going to change that.
The author does a wonderful job of capturing so much within this book. From the author’s culture and the shock of leaving the life you know behind to find safety in a much different land, to the fear and frustration that can come with facing not only a difficult health diagnosis but a failed attempt at correcting that diagnosis, this book expertly weaves the author’s life and experiences together while finding the perfect harmony with the author’s message of hope and forgiveness.
The Verdict
A heartfelt, emotional, and ultimately uplifting memoir that highlights the journey to overcome a great wrong and find peace in the wake of tragedy, author Lorena Junco Margain’s “On the Way to Casa Lotus” is a must-read non-fiction read. A thought-provoking story that speaks to so many of us, the author creates a great sense of pacing and imagery that brings their experiences to life wonderfully, and readers will be hard-pressed to put this book down themselves. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
September 1, 2021
A story about family, art, injury, and healing. Lorena's doctor removed the incorrect gland and it is the story how her family and her art helped her heal. Beautifully written. Not only does it tug at your heart strings, it also gives your a true glimpse of Mexican-American culture on the how strong that bond of family truly is.
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC
Thank you to Netgalley for this ARC
December 9, 2021
Very poignant story of young mom Lorena who has a tumor in her adrenal gland. She has surgery, and the surgeon removes the wrong side. She decides not to sue him as it is too high an emotional price, and what she really seeks is for this not to happen again. She does confront him but who knows the effect? The last scene depicts a friend who had a wonderful, caring and careful surgeon, and it turns out to be the same doctor Lorena used. Also loved the depiction of her close family, particularly her mom who offered up her own adrenal gland and wiped her tush and cared for Lorena after the surgery.
-There’s a natural tendency, I think, to distance ourselves from that which makes us uncomfortable. Helplessness is uncomfortable, so if someone who loves you is confronted with the fact of your pain and their own inability to fix it, their knee-jerk reaction is to push it away.
-The situation was so egregious, there was no letting go, no moving on, no “forgive and forget. “ I live with the consequences every day. It would be ridiculous, hypocritical, to pretend that I never get angry about it. The truth is, trying to forgive without anger is like trying to bake bread without yeast. The sincerity of your forgiveness is directly proportional to the sincerity of your anger. If you deny your anger, your forgiveness is lip service, an empty prayer. And that anger doesn’t just evaporate. It has to go somewhere, so it goes inward, to the heart of you…. This anger was my right. I had paid a terrible price for it. It was mine to hold onto or let go of, however and whenever I chose to. For the moment, I embraced it. Every once in a while I had to allow myself to rage, weep, and swear, which was not easy for me…. Instead of directing it inward to choke me, I let it blaze outward and energize me.
-when you give a personal compliment, it’s better to express something personal. Your laughter is so contagious. It’s so much fun to be around you. If someone compliments my hair, the next time I see you them, I’m going to be self-conscious if my hair is out of control. I love the wisdom you bring to a conversation. You have such a good heart. These are qualities that deserve to be celebrated, compliments that actually mean something lasting and contributing to the person’s self-esteem, but for some reason, we’ve been trained to call out the superficial—clothes, shoes, hai—everything that’s fleeting, unimportant and far more changeable than anyone likes to think about.
-people automatically assume that was a lawsuit. They ask me bluntly: how much did you get? Nothing. And everything. Only a few people who went through it all with me understand that this tragedy while it was not a gift in itself opened my eyes to a host of hidden blessings. I’m not sure it’s possible to truly know the great power of love and resilience within us until we are tested. It’s the crucible moments in life, the refining fires, that strengthen & prove us, so forgiveness does not ask us to forget. It challenges us to forge a new self, capable of creating a new life.
-There’s a natural tendency, I think, to distance ourselves from that which makes us uncomfortable. Helplessness is uncomfortable, so if someone who loves you is confronted with the fact of your pain and their own inability to fix it, their knee-jerk reaction is to push it away.
-The situation was so egregious, there was no letting go, no moving on, no “forgive and forget. “ I live with the consequences every day. It would be ridiculous, hypocritical, to pretend that I never get angry about it. The truth is, trying to forgive without anger is like trying to bake bread without yeast. The sincerity of your forgiveness is directly proportional to the sincerity of your anger. If you deny your anger, your forgiveness is lip service, an empty prayer. And that anger doesn’t just evaporate. It has to go somewhere, so it goes inward, to the heart of you…. This anger was my right. I had paid a terrible price for it. It was mine to hold onto or let go of, however and whenever I chose to. For the moment, I embraced it. Every once in a while I had to allow myself to rage, weep, and swear, which was not easy for me…. Instead of directing it inward to choke me, I let it blaze outward and energize me.
-when you give a personal compliment, it’s better to express something personal. Your laughter is so contagious. It’s so much fun to be around you. If someone compliments my hair, the next time I see you them, I’m going to be self-conscious if my hair is out of control. I love the wisdom you bring to a conversation. You have such a good heart. These are qualities that deserve to be celebrated, compliments that actually mean something lasting and contributing to the person’s self-esteem, but for some reason, we’ve been trained to call out the superficial—clothes, shoes, hai—everything that’s fleeting, unimportant and far more changeable than anyone likes to think about.
-people automatically assume that was a lawsuit. They ask me bluntly: how much did you get? Nothing. And everything. Only a few people who went through it all with me understand that this tragedy while it was not a gift in itself opened my eyes to a host of hidden blessings. I’m not sure it’s possible to truly know the great power of love and resilience within us until we are tested. It’s the crucible moments in life, the refining fires, that strengthen & prove us, so forgiveness does not ask us to forget. It challenges us to forge a new self, capable of creating a new life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2021
I downloaded Lorena Junco Margain's On the Way to Casa Lotus on a whim, after hearing Lorena share her story on a podcast I recently started frequenting. A haunting memoir, this is a story of humankind: our tendency for error, and our capacity for forgiveness.
Lorena is from Monterrey, Mexico (coincidentally, my home town) but finds herself moving to Texas after Monterrey faces a spike in crime and growing insecurity. After the move, and following the birth of her third child, Lorena finds herself experiencing a random set of symptoms that have no apparent diagnosis. Consultations with several doctors conclude that there is nothing wrong with her, and that her physical and mental tiredness is the result of post-partum depression. The diagnosis feels wrong, but how can it be wrong if several professionals arrive at the same conclusion?
When Lorena accompanies her younger sister - who had battled thyroid cancer - to see an endocrinologist, the doctor requests scans for her as well. The results show that Lorena has a tumor in one of her adrenal glands. Although the diagnosis is scary, it comes with a bit of a relief: when you identify the problem, you can find the solution. And fortunately there is a solution: to remove the adrenal gland with the tumor through surgery. Luckily enough, she already knows one of the recommended surgeons and trusts him to help her one more time. What unfolds is shocking and haunting; a period of heartbreak, suffering, grief and - ultimately - acceptance. The story reminds us that life is short and sacred, and that it is forgiveness, not revenge, that can set us free.
The book is a combination of the different storylines that make up Lorena's life: her initial mysterious ailment and the catastrophic mistake that left her physically debilitated; her tight-knit family, one that is stereotypically Mexican in their support of each other against all odds; her aspirations as an artist, and how art has a healing and inspiring role in her life. While the threads at times feel disparate, with frequent back-and-forth between the topics, they ultimately come together and show us that Lorena is a truly gifted writer, and an amazing woman.
The book felt a bit slow for me at times, but I think this experience is unique to readers like me; readers who were already familiar with Lorena's story. All in all, though, this book is worth a read. Lorena is an admirable woman, someone who - in the words of Dr. K from NBC's hit drama This Is Us - took one of the "sourest lemons that life has to offer and turned it into something resembling lemonade." Mis respetos, Lorena!
Lorena is from Monterrey, Mexico (coincidentally, my home town) but finds herself moving to Texas after Monterrey faces a spike in crime and growing insecurity. After the move, and following the birth of her third child, Lorena finds herself experiencing a random set of symptoms that have no apparent diagnosis. Consultations with several doctors conclude that there is nothing wrong with her, and that her physical and mental tiredness is the result of post-partum depression. The diagnosis feels wrong, but how can it be wrong if several professionals arrive at the same conclusion?
When Lorena accompanies her younger sister - who had battled thyroid cancer - to see an endocrinologist, the doctor requests scans for her as well. The results show that Lorena has a tumor in one of her adrenal glands. Although the diagnosis is scary, it comes with a bit of a relief: when you identify the problem, you can find the solution. And fortunately there is a solution: to remove the adrenal gland with the tumor through surgery. Luckily enough, she already knows one of the recommended surgeons and trusts him to help her one more time. What unfolds is shocking and haunting; a period of heartbreak, suffering, grief and - ultimately - acceptance. The story reminds us that life is short and sacred, and that it is forgiveness, not revenge, that can set us free.
The book is a combination of the different storylines that make up Lorena's life: her initial mysterious ailment and the catastrophic mistake that left her physically debilitated; her tight-knit family, one that is stereotypically Mexican in their support of each other against all odds; her aspirations as an artist, and how art has a healing and inspiring role in her life. While the threads at times feel disparate, with frequent back-and-forth between the topics, they ultimately come together and show us that Lorena is a truly gifted writer, and an amazing woman.
The book felt a bit slow for me at times, but I think this experience is unique to readers like me; readers who were already familiar with Lorena's story. All in all, though, this book is worth a read. Lorena is an admirable woman, someone who - in the words of Dr. K from NBC's hit drama This Is Us - took one of the "sourest lemons that life has to offer and turned it into something resembling lemonade." Mis respetos, Lorena!
August 21, 2021
A great memoir from a debut author! A quick read, but wow ... what a read! What a compassionate woman!
After going through the ordeal of a surgeon making a horrendous mistake, instead of suing she sought out compassion and decided to work through her thoughts and emotions by writing this book. My heart goes out to her. Lorena, I'm sending you a spiritual hug!
I really didn't have an understanding of what role adrenal glands do to support the body; thank you for educating me and providing an understanding of what the body goes through when they aren't functioning properly.
Recently I've read novels American Dirt (by Jeanine Cummins) and Afterlife (by Julia Alvarez); we have heard your story regarding surgery. I'd love to hear your story from the perspective of immigration in the midst of this botched surgery ... and then successful surgery.
It seems that this book may have been released previously but there is a new publication date of 01 Oct 2021. This book is definitely worth a read, even if it is to just make sure that your doctor is operating on the proper body component. (I remember having surgery once and the doctor wrote on my elbow with a Sharpie "THIS ONE".)
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Lorena Junco Margain and the publisher Cuco Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for the opportunity to read this advance read copy of On the Way to Casa Lotus: A Memoir of Family, Art, Injury and Forgiveness in exchange for an honest review. All the best to you!
After going through the ordeal of a surgeon making a horrendous mistake, instead of suing she sought out compassion and decided to work through her thoughts and emotions by writing this book. My heart goes out to her. Lorena, I'm sending you a spiritual hug!
I really didn't have an understanding of what role adrenal glands do to support the body; thank you for educating me and providing an understanding of what the body goes through when they aren't functioning properly.
Recently I've read novels American Dirt (by Jeanine Cummins) and Afterlife (by Julia Alvarez); we have heard your story regarding surgery. I'd love to hear your story from the perspective of immigration in the midst of this botched surgery ... and then successful surgery.
It seems that this book may have been released previously but there is a new publication date of 01 Oct 2021. This book is definitely worth a read, even if it is to just make sure that your doctor is operating on the proper body component. (I remember having surgery once and the doctor wrote on my elbow with a Sharpie "THIS ONE".)
Thank you to NetGalley, the author Lorena Junco Margain and the publisher Cuco Press, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) for the opportunity to read this advance read copy of On the Way to Casa Lotus: A Memoir of Family, Art, Injury and Forgiveness in exchange for an honest review. All the best to you!
February 11, 2022
A quick read describing the life-altering experience of a young woman having a botched surgery. This is a story of a woman, Lorena Junco Margain grew up in Monterrey, Mexico, but was privileged to travel and study abroad, who suffers a debilitating and personal loss of bodily functions and sense of self after a surgeon, whom she trusted, makes a vital mistake. Life is blessed for the Juncos as they leave Mexico and settle in Austin, Texas. It’s clear that Lenora, vitally and compassionately entrenched in family life and her immersive art projects, has much to be grateful for. She suffers through a haze of not knowing or understanding why she feels so much pain and craziness until she finally learns the truth and begins to heal slowly. All that changes, horrifically and suddenly, as Lenora battles mysterious health issues that escalate beyond a level any one of us should have to endure. Lenora’s journey to understanding - that is, the rational dawning of the reality of her physical situation, as it evolves (or, more accurately devolves) - is so hard to imagine as a reader; so appalling in it’s impact, and so terrifyingly close and possible to each of us, in our own lives. A thought-provoking story that speaks to so many of us, the author creates a great sense of pacing and imagery that brings their experiences to life wonderfully, and readers will be hard-pressed to put this book down themselves.
My thanks to the publisher, as well as to NetGalley and the author for the arc..
My thanks to the publisher, as well as to NetGalley and the author for the arc..
November 19, 2021
Although the story is about a traditional girl from India, Vidya, it echoes the emotions of women of all nationalities. Vidya, whose mother died while Vidya was very young, is raised by her father in a poor neighborhood of Mumbai. When her brother comes to live with them, she not only has all the household duties, but becomes the mother figure to her brother. What she yearns for is the traditional dance of kathak. Becoming a kathak dancer is all-consuming, meaning hours of practice and the giving up of a traditional life. Vidya is determined, continuing her study of the dance through college and refuses to give it up when she marries. She believes her husband understands her passion to be a professional dancer. When she finds herself pregnant, she discovers her husband is thrilled and expects them to move in with his wealthy parents. At times the story is almost poetic, the emotion in Sneha Mathan’s narration provides voice to Vidya’s needs. Manthan ablely conveys Vidya’s devotion and dedication to her art despite society’s attempt to mold her into a dutiful wife, mother and daughter-in-law.
August 29, 2021
This was a really good read. The author suffered permanent damage during a surgical procedure that was designed to make her feel better. The book goes through all of the difficulties that she had just trying to get someone to listen to her. This happened to her all through the process, including before and after the surgery. Despite all of this, she was able to forgive her surgeon, and she has learned to live with all of her health issues. She learned to take responsibility for her health instead of assuming doctors know what is best for her. She also found herself more grateful for the life she has despite all of her health problems. Although the mistake was bad, she feels that she is a better person because of it. Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 3, 2021
On the Way to Casa Lotus is Lorena Juna Margain memoir of family, art, injury and forgiveness. It is her story of a botched surgery and the loss of bodily functions and sense of self after a surgeon, who she trusted, makes a fundamental error. She suffers through so much pain and unknowing until she finally learns the truth of what happened to her and only then can she slowly begin to heal.
The question of healing is not only physical but mental and you ask yourself to what lengths will you go for peace and forgiveness. Margain takes us along her journey of forgiveness. She has a beautiful voice; she tells her story as telling it to a friend so we too can learn as she did. Margain could be bitter but takes a very kind approach to her situation she reminds us to be compassionate.
Thank you #netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 14, 2021
Cathartic
Over and again, while reading this superbly written memoir, I asked myself why I was reading it, but I could not put it down. You see, I am preparing my body and mind for a difficult surgery and recovery. I wondered if the results Lorena experienced would shake me of my resolve. In fact, it did the opposite and has propelled me forward as an informed consumer. I am not certain how I came to choose this book for my reading library, nor do I know why I picked it to read when I did, but I am so glad I did. Thank you, Lorena Juno, for sharing this part of your extraordinary journey. Were mine to take the same path, I pray that I would be so forgiving and generous. You have set a fine example for all.
Over and again, while reading this superbly written memoir, I asked myself why I was reading it, but I could not put it down. You see, I am preparing my body and mind for a difficult surgery and recovery. I wondered if the results Lorena experienced would shake me of my resolve. In fact, it did the opposite and has propelled me forward as an informed consumer. I am not certain how I came to choose this book for my reading library, nor do I know why I picked it to read when I did, but I am so glad I did. Thank you, Lorena Juno, for sharing this part of your extraordinary journey. Were mine to take the same path, I pray that I would be so forgiving and generous. You have set a fine example for all.
September 19, 2021
This book attracted me due to the theme of forgiveness. I've just divorced after a lengthy and acrimonious divorce process and was looking for some insight. The author had botched surgery and will have life-long medical problems. She chooses to forgive her unrepentant surgeon afterwards. I disagreed with her decision.
I think the problem with forgiveness is people define it differently much like the concept of God varies enormously depending on who you ask. The author did a nice job detailing her physical and mental issues before and after the surgery. But I found her repetitive when describing her family dynamics. I'm glad I read the book and recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to review.
I think the problem with forgiveness is people define it differently much like the concept of God varies enormously depending on who you ask. The author did a nice job detailing her physical and mental issues before and after the surgery. But I found her repetitive when describing her family dynamics. I'm glad I read the book and recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to review.
January 2, 2022
The author is the memoir of a wealthy Mexican wife and mother raising her family in the U.S. She is suffering from physical and mental ailments after the birth of her son that everyone writes off as post partum depression, though she is convinced otherwise. Finally, when she is attending a doctor visit for a friend, the doctor suggests that she also needs to have her renal activity checked. As a result, she is diagnosed with a tumor on one of her renal glands. She changes doctors to find a different surgeon, then rushes to have the surgery because she is so anxious for the symptoms to end and for a return to health. Her condition inexplicably worsens after the surgery, and still she gets no support or sympathy from her family and friends, who all seem to think that it is "all in her head".
The author has a poetic voice and writes with with compassion and wisdom that allow the reader to step into her shoes. Her journey to finding a solution for her medical issues is arduous but ultimately rewarding.
The author has a poetic voice and writes with with compassion and wisdom that allow the reader to step into her shoes. Her journey to finding a solution for her medical issues is arduous but ultimately rewarding.
September 25, 2021
Lorena Junco Margain writes about part of her journey, and I was amazed that this was her debut book. The story flows like the journey she has lived. I could feel the struggles with the pain while everyone said it was nothing, the strength she had to go through all that she went through, and the calmness, after she made the decision she had to do what was right for her.
The book is so well written, told by everything she went through, and I never thought when I decided to read the book that I would like it as much as I did. She writes with truth, honesty, and it is part of her healing process.
I received an ARC from Cuco Press through NetGalley.
The book is so well written, told by everything she went through, and I never thought when I decided to read the book that I would like it as much as I did. She writes with truth, honesty, and it is part of her healing process.
I received an ARC from Cuco Press through NetGalley.
October 26, 2021
On the Way to Casa Lotus was a wonderful memoir by Lorena Junco Margain. It was short but very powerful story. Lorena was diagnosed with a tumor on her RIGHT adrenal gland but unfortunately the Doctor took out her left adrenal gland. Her story not only shows the results of his mistake on her life but also her grace in handling his error. It is a horrific but yet beautiful story on humans and how to be a good human. I would recommend this memoir to everyone. It's well worth your time and you will benefit from reading it. Thank you to Net Galley once again for a read I would have otherwise missed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 10, 2021
Just finished this book written by a friend in my community, and I was blown away! While I knew bits and pieces of her story, Lorena shared her very heart and soul in this memoir, and her choice to forgive is a freedom so many never realize…. Our world needs more messages like this—that you can forgive and choose love and light, even when things aren’t tied up in a neat bow. If you need encouragement—particularly if your struggling with a medical issue—this would be a great resource for you. It’s a powerful story, and I am so thankful that she was brave enough to share it!
September 16, 2021
It is horrifying what happened to Lorena Morgain. She spares no details, and her symptoms make me wonder if others with similar symptoms who have been diagnosed with a mental illness may have problems with their adrenal gland(s) functionality... More important is the lessons that she learned from her ordeal, including being an advocate for (instead of merely a participant in) your own health care. It would have been all too easy to become trapped in a state of bitterness, but she chose to free herself in forgiveness and move forward with her life, and what became her new normal.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2021
It was heartbreaking to read of the hardship the author experienced after surgery in which her surgeon removed her healthy adrenal gland. Junco Margain was able to find a specialized surgeon who was able to remove her adrenal tumor while sparing what remained of her adrenal gland. It was inspiring to read how as she slowly adjusted to life post surgery, she was able to forgive the first surgeon.
October 8, 2021
So many Quotable moments
Deep. Profound. This book is one that boasts the difficulty of true forgiveness after trust and betrayal of sorts. It honestly discusses the humanity of those we place on a pedestal. I will definitely be able to refer back to this book when going through times of grief or necessary accountability, there are so many helpful and thought-proving statements within the experiences of this woman.
Deep. Profound. This book is one that boasts the difficulty of true forgiveness after trust and betrayal of sorts. It honestly discusses the humanity of those we place on a pedestal. I will definitely be able to refer back to this book when going through times of grief or necessary accountability, there are so many helpful and thought-proving statements within the experiences of this woman.
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