Memoirs are an interesting genre, because they allow the author to exclude things. The most powerful memoirs, however, are the ones in which the authoMemoirs are an interesting genre, because they allow the author to exclude things. The most powerful memoirs, however, are the ones in which the author lays all bear. Sick as My Secrets is the latter. Brooks shares an unflinching account of her journey through addition and recovery. She details her decades-long struggle with anxiety, depression and low self-esteem, and how she dealt with those things through unhealthy reliance on alcohol and men. She endured and overcame the brutality and shame of domestic abuse, and she found God while serving time in prison for driving while intoxicated.
Thirty-five years of sobriety has made her stronger, healthier, wiser, happier. Somewhere along the line, she realized she was “addicted to chaos.” It’s an idea to which many people can relate. If you have struggled with unhealthy behaviors or know someone who does, Brooks’ memoir sheds a bright and true light on what that really means....more
When it comes to sharing my thoughts and writing reviews about books, I can’t remember a time when I was at a loss for words. That changed today (hellWhen it comes to sharing my thoughts and writing reviews about books, I can’t remember a time when I was at a loss for words. That changed today (hell, I changed today), after reading Sharon Flanagan-Hyde’s memoir, Forget They Were Ever Born. Upon turning the final page, I pretty much gave up on being productive for the rest of the day. My mind was flooded, not with words, but with emotions – easily a dozen of them. There is so much to this slim, tightly-written account of the author’s experiences as the sister of Mary Jean, a profoundly resilient woman with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Flanagan-Hyde shares a deeply moving story with succinct, straightforward writing. The work is well-research and detailed. Yet, it doesn’t resort to graphic descriptions or sensational prose to relate the horrors Mary Jean endured for decades (first at Belchertown State School and later at group homes) and the stress and anguish her family experienced. Melodrama isn’t needed. The details are dramatic enough. The story is troubling and heartbreaking on many levels – from the shocking way in which people with all kinds of disabilities have been institutionalized, neglected and abused throughout our nation’s history, to the fact that one of our most vulnerable populations still suffers from such abuse today (look up Hacienda HealthCare in Phoenix).
As the eldest of five children to parents with untreated mental illnesses, Flanagan-Hyde took on a lot of responsibility to care for her siblings throughout her childhood. She never felt it was enough. As young as five years old, she changed diapers and tended household chores when her mother was incapable. She was a bright, curious child who loved to read and ask questions. Those qualities often rewarded her with tremendous pain (physical, emotional and at the hands of her father). As young as seven years old, Flanagan-Hyde was already keeping a journal and documenting her family’s history thanks to grown-up conversations with her grandfather.
This a tough read, but ultimately it is inspiring and affirming. Mary Jean finally found a safe and loving home, and the author finally found her way to understanding and forgiveness (not only of her parents, but also of herself). It takes great wisdom, courage and strength to reach that pinnacle. It takes even more to lay bare such a painful and personal journey for all the world to know. Flanagan-Hyde and her siblings have my deepest respect and gratitude for the way they have championed their sister, supported one another, and shared their story. This book gets my highest recommendation....more
I picked this book up on a whim while browsing my local indie bookstore. So glad I did! It's informative, and the author (a psychiatrist) includes botI picked this book up on a whim while browsing my local indie bookstore. So glad I did! It's informative, and the author (a psychiatrist) includes both anecdotal and research-based evidence to support the ideas that your diet impacts your mental health. I've always been a believer in the "you are what you eat" concept, and this book solidifies that belief. While prescription medication is necessary for many people with mental health illnesses, it may also be unnecessary for others with some simple changes in diet. I look forward to trying the recipes, but I have already implemented some of the small, easy changes the author suggests. ...more
This book won the 2018 Arizona Nonfiction Book of the Year, and it was well-deserved. The author met Henry through her job as a newspaper columnist. SThis book won the 2018 Arizona Nonfiction Book of the Year, and it was well-deserved. The author met Henry through her job as a newspaper columnist. She interviewed him for an article, and she knew after that first visit that his story belonged in a book.
In addition to Jews, Hitler wanted to eradicate the disabled, Jehovah’s Witnesses and many more groups of people he believed were less-than. Henry spent several years in German concentration camps during WWI as a political prisoner, because he was Polish. He survived partly because he was Catholic and strong-willed, and partly because of luck. He witnessed, endured and persevered through unspeakable horrors, torture and near starvation. Many people had asked him if they could write his story, and he had always said no – until Shawver.
For whatever reason, Henry and Shawver clicked. He opened up to her during many weekly conversations, which she recorded and transcribed. She also conducted extensive research, both locally and abroad. She expertly weaves together Henry’s stories (in his own words and voice), with important historical context and her personal reflections about Henry and the Holocaust. Henry’s light heart and positive attitude shines through on every page. The resulting book is at turns gripping and humorous, heartbreaking and inspiring. Highly recommended....more
In reading The Mountain Goat, one must suspend disbelief just a bit to go along for the ride; once you do, it’s a lovely trip. This is the story of RyIn reading The Mountain Goat, one must suspend disbelief just a bit to go along for the ride; once you do, it’s a lovely trip. This is the story of Ryan and Amanda, two strangers who embark on a spontaneous cross-country road trip in a tiny RV during which they explore small towns, art museums and national parks. Each has private reasons for wanting to run away from the real world. While the reader is privy to those reasons from the onset, the characters learn them from one another in small doses throughout the story.
This is an easy and engaging read overall. Ryan and Amanda come across as real people, each at a crossroad in life and struggling to find the right path. The prologue and opening chapter feel a bit disjointed, but the author finds his stride in chapter two. For me, the story and the urge to keep reading began there.
Jim Trainor, the author, is both an accomplished physicist and ordained Episcopalian priest (and interesting combination, to be sure). His background shines through in this work of fiction, exploring the many connections between nature, art, faith and science. He is adept at painting a vivid picture with metaphor and few words. In describing the stern CEO at the laboratory from which Ryan was recently fired, he writes, “Her calm, steady voice – part of her usual façade – was like a hand grenade wrapped in a cashmere sweater.” His descriptions of scenic roadways, natural wonders and hiking trails are especially lovely.
This story has many themes woven throughout. Yet, at its core, The Mountain Goat is a touching (and at times dangerous) exploration of grief, love and personal discovery. It is a thought-provoking read that would lead to great book group discussion. ...more
This is a pretty cool book. While it is geared toward opening up a world of opportunities for girls in STEM fields, it really applies to all kids (andThis is a pretty cool book. While it is geared toward opening up a world of opportunities for girls in STEM fields, it really applies to all kids (and adults!). The authors provide great information on how and why to encourage girls to follow their interests, while combining those interests with their strengths in STEM. For me, the biggest take-away is that you don’t have to commit to a life of being a “science nerd” or “math geek” to take advantage of skills in those areas and have a meaningful career doing something you love.
It had never occurred to me, for example, how someone could apply a passion for drawing, music or sports (to name just a few areas) to a STEM-related job that would pay well and be fulfilling. A young woman with a passion for fine art can leverage her chemistry knowledge into a career as an art conservator. Does she have an aptitude for numbers and also love to talk with and help people? Working as a financial planner could be a perfect fit. If she likes to study living organisms, botanists and biologists work in a variety of industries, both in laboratories and out in the field. Want to combine a passion for water and boating with an aptitude for math and drawing? Consider becoming a marine engine.
I’m so happy to have won a copy of this from the authors. It’s an easy read and valuable resource. I recommend it to parents, educators and anyone who has school-aged children in their life. ...more
The historical detail and sense of place in this book was impressive. I also enjoyed the author's unique writing style and gift for metaphor. The storThe historical detail and sense of place in this book was impressive. I also enjoyed the author's unique writing style and gift for metaphor. The story had a strong pull during the first third or more. However, for my taste, the story was too morose overall and I had trouble sticking with it. If you enjoy literary fiction with mystical and religious themes, and a strong melancholy undercurrent, THE SHINING FRAGMENTS is a worthy read....more
Novels that explore and shine a light on little-known events in history are among my favorite reads. David Dyer’s THE MIDNIGHT WATCH delivered just thNovels that explore and shine a light on little-known events in history are among my favorite reads. David Dyer’s THE MIDNIGHT WATCH delivered just that, along with vivid description, complex characters and a riveting narrative.
You might question how this could be possible in a novel about the sinking of the Titanic. I did. So many books, documentaries and major movies have been produced about the “unsinkable” mammoth luxury ship that struck an iceberg and slowly sank in the frigid waters of the north Atlantic in 1912.
Yet, in all I had read and watched, I had never learned about The Californian, a British cargo ship that was stopped by ice flows just 20-30 miles away – close enough for doomed passengers on the Titanic deck to see her lights in the inky black distance. The Californian midnight watchman saw the Titanic’s bright white distress rockets, eight in two hours’ time. He informed his captain who was below deck. Yet, the captain did not come to the bridge. The Californian did not race to assist the distressed ship. And 1,500 men, women and children perished.
Why on earth had I never heard of this? More importantly, why and how could such a significant aspect of this tragedy remain shrouded in mystery for decades?
Dyer spent many years as a lawyer at the London legal practice whose parent firm represented the Titanic’s owners and also worked as a cadet and ship’s officer, having graduated with distinction from the Australian Maritime College. His self-proclaimed “obsession” with the Titanic and his painstaking research provides a unique perspective of the tragedy and its aftermath. He re-imagines the lives, actions and failures of the real-life people involved, in addition to several captivating fictional characters. He presents a flawed, yet honorable protagonist in John Steadman – a newspaper man who drinks a bit too much, yet still manages to break The Californian story and embark on a nearly life-long search for the truth. But what is truth? In the end, perhaps every person’s truth is unique to him or her.
All humans make mistakes and suffer failures in judgment, usually without any malice. Yet, how does a man reconcile – to others and to himself – the consequences of a mistake that mushrooms into unspeakable tragedy? That is the question Dyer seeks to answer, with piercing intellectual insight and almost merciful compassion.
Throughout it all, the reader is compelled to grieve for all involved – for the 1,500 innocent lives lost, for the survivors, and for the many thousands of people around the world who grappled with a tragedy that continues to mesmerize and defy logic more than a century later....more
Another wonderful book from Ann Weisgarber. She is now 3 for 3, in my opinion. While each of her novels are a bit different, they all feature resilienAnother wonderful book from Ann Weisgarber. She is now 3 for 3, in my opinion. While each of her novels are a bit different, they all feature resilient women in harsh conditions. Ann has a unique talent for understanding the human psyche – especially when it comes to love, family, survival and our tendency to rationalize our actions to fit the outcomes we want or believe we need. Her characters are not perfect. They’re real. They are endearing. And that is what makes her stories so powerful....more
If you want to learn how to get your dog to do what you want, this book will help. If you want to learn how to get people to do what you want, this boIf you want to learn how to get your dog to do what you want, this book will help. If you want to learn how to get people to do what you want, this book may help with that, too.
I initially picked Team Dog for novel research – my work-in-progress features a German shepherd with a fairly significant role in the story. My goal was to learn more about how dogs communicate with and respond to people. This book delivered that. It also delivered something deeper – insight on how people communicate and respond to dogs and to other people.
As a former Navy Seal, the author provided valuable insight on how to use your voice and body to communicate confidence, power and authority. This encourages dogs to trust you and follow your lead. It can have the same effect on people. In fact, many of Ritland’s strategies and ideas apply not only to your relationship with your dog, but to all your relationships. A case-in-point: doing for vs. doing with. You provide the needs – food, shelter, safety. Yet, the author explains, “for many dogs it isn’t so much about what you do for your dog, but what you do with him.” The dog’s needs “to not be alone and to be out in the world seeking and playing” also must be met. When it comes to dogs (or children, or spouses, or fill-in-the-blank), I agree with Ritland that “doing with often matters more than doing for.” ...more
This was a very touching middle-grade novel based on a true story. It presents important topics – treating animals with respect, protecting wildlife, This was a very touching middle-grade novel based on a true story. It presents important topics – treating animals with respect, protecting wildlife, dealing with economic struggles, taking care of family – with a gentle touch. It includes the right amount of light humor and is an easy read. At the same time, the writing features enough literary prose to help develop a young reader’s appreciation for rich language.
Here are a couple examples:
Ivan describing a baby elephant… “Her eyes are like Stella’s, black and long-lashed, bottomless lakes fringed by tall grass.” And sweet, gentle Ivan the silverback gorilla introducing himself to the reader and explaining how people see him… “In my size, humans see a test of themselves. They hear fighting words on the wind, when all I’m thinking is how the late-day sun reminds me of a ripe nectarine.”
This would make a fabulous book for a book club of young readers. Wonderful story and writing, along with rich topics to discuss....more
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