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Recommend this book:
FiNDing Hope
The Mind-Body Connection and the Importance of Being Seen and Heard
Jocelyn Bystrom
2024 Finalist
367 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
In FiNDing Hope: The Mind-Body Connection and the Importance of Being Seen and Heard, Jocelyn Bystrom offers readers a detailed account of her journey through traumatic events, the onset of health concerns and seizures, and the search for a proper diagnosis. Readers learn about Bystrom's symptoms, and the diagnoses doctors considered, like epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, as she shares her family's challenges and her time as an educator. Bystrom conveys her childhood and changing roles in her adulthood while she dealt with the effects of her symptoms and the pandemic. The author took notes and journaled her health and appointments with healthcare professionals, so she could chronicle EEGs, spinal taps, and seizures with accuracy. Bystrom includes her prayers as she struggled to find the source of her symptoms for seven years.
Jocelyn Bystrom relates her story as if the reader is a dear friend as she advocates awareness for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). With literary skill, she recounts her intense emotions during each defining event. In addition to her debilitating symptoms, Bystrom details losing her mother to dementia. Even though her husband and children were a strong support group, the author acutely felt the absence of parental affection and longed for it. Bystrom's experience should issue a call to action, and more healthcare professionals should understand the need to treat the mind and body as one unit instead of separately. Bystrom is an inspiration to people who struggle with the uncertainty of their symptoms and hope for a definitive diagnosis. FiNDing Hope is a good selection for anyone looking for validation who has been told "let's wait and see" by medical professionals as they wonder about the origin and progression of their symptoms.
In FiNDing Hope: The Mind-Body Connection and the Importance of Being Seen and Heard, Jocelyn Bystrom offers readers a detailed account of her journey through traumatic events, the onset of health concerns and seizures, and the search for a proper diagnosis. Readers learn about Bystrom's symptoms, and the diagnoses doctors considered, like epilepsy and Parkinson's disease, as she shares her family's challenges and her time as an educator. Bystrom conveys her childhood and changing roles in her adulthood while she dealt with the effects of her symptoms and the pandemic. The author took notes and journaled her health and appointments with healthcare professionals, so she could chronicle EEGs, spinal taps, and seizures with accuracy. Bystrom includes her prayers as she struggled to find the source of her symptoms for seven years.
Jocelyn Bystrom relates her story as if the reader is a dear friend as she advocates awareness for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). With literary skill, she recounts her intense emotions during each defining event. In addition to her debilitating symptoms, Bystrom details losing her mother to dementia. Even though her husband and children were a strong support group, the author acutely felt the absence of parental affection and longed for it. Bystrom's experience should issue a call to action, and more healthcare professionals should understand the need to treat the mind and body as one unit instead of separately. Bystrom is an inspiration to people who struggle with the uncertainty of their symptoms and hope for a definitive diagnosis. FiNDing Hope is a good selection for anyone looking for validation who has been told "let's wait and see" by medical professionals as they wonder about the origin and progression of their symptoms.
Recommend this book:
Passports and Parasites
An Extraordinary Journey of Adventure, Resilience, and Healing
Vashti Kanahele
2024 Honorable Mention
390 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Passports and Parasites: An Extraordinary Journey of Adventure, Resilience, and Healing is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, self-reflection, and inspirational writing subgenres. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Vashti Kanahele, this mesmerizing memoir takes readers on an incredible journey through the author's life. Her narrative is vivid and unfiltered, offering a rollercoaster ride of emotions as she explores foreign lands from her unique perspective. From the exhilaration of exploration to the depths of despair when facing unforeseen challenges, Vashti's resilience shines through. Her battles with parasites, infertility, and the ultimate joys of motherhood are shared with a candidness that's both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
Author Vashti Kanahele’s storytelling is gripping, and you can't help but become emotionally invested in her journey as the incredible path of her life unfolds before you. What struck me most while reading this memoir was the authenticity with which Vashti shares her experiences, as the narrative quality feels like you’re being let in on a secret tale by a dear friend who’s willing to tell it like it is. The work feels like it’s not just a personal account of adventure but a wellspring of inspiration for those who want to make changes on their own path. Vashti's story serves as a beacon of hope that reminds us of the power of the human spirit and the unwavering resilience that can carry us through life's trials. Whether you're seeking adventure, dealing with health issues, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, this memoir offers newfound inspiration and the courage to face life's challenges head-on. Overall, Passports and Parasites is a captivating and heartwarming read that I highly recommend to anyone in search of hope and strength.
Passports and Parasites: An Extraordinary Journey of Adventure, Resilience, and Healing is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, self-reflection, and inspirational writing subgenres. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Vashti Kanahele, this mesmerizing memoir takes readers on an incredible journey through the author's life. Her narrative is vivid and unfiltered, offering a rollercoaster ride of emotions as she explores foreign lands from her unique perspective. From the exhilaration of exploration to the depths of despair when facing unforeseen challenges, Vashti's resilience shines through. Her battles with parasites, infertility, and the ultimate joys of motherhood are shared with a candidness that's both heart-wrenching and inspiring.
Author Vashti Kanahele’s storytelling is gripping, and you can't help but become emotionally invested in her journey as the incredible path of her life unfolds before you. What struck me most while reading this memoir was the authenticity with which Vashti shares her experiences, as the narrative quality feels like you’re being let in on a secret tale by a dear friend who’s willing to tell it like it is. The work feels like it’s not just a personal account of adventure but a wellspring of inspiration for those who want to make changes on their own path. Vashti's story serves as a beacon of hope that reminds us of the power of the human spirit and the unwavering resilience that can carry us through life's trials. Whether you're seeking adventure, dealing with health issues, or simply looking for a fresh perspective, this memoir offers newfound inspiration and the courage to face life's challenges head-on. Overall, Passports and Parasites is a captivating and heartwarming read that I highly recommend to anyone in search of hope and strength.
Recommend this book:
The Unvarnished Truth
Purpose in the Pain
Dr. Karla Hylton
2024 Bronze Medal
272 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Dr. Karla Hylton recounts her challenging upbringing and subsequent struggles, including a tumultuous marriage marked by financial strain and infidelity in her memoir, The Unvarnished Truth: Purpose in the Pain. Hylton discusses childhood trauma and experiences, speaking on the importance of addressing past wounds for healthy relationships. Her endurance of emotional abuse and marital issues fuel a drive to balance motherhood with career aspirations, even as she faces setbacks, like a home invasion and depression. Following her divorce, Hylton is overwhelmed by the impact of estrangement from her children but finds support in a new relationship, and musters strength in legal battles against her ex-husband. Despair leads to horrific consequences, but she ultimately finds resilience through faith, self-love, forgiveness, and solace in teaching, writing, and reconciling with her children.
The Unvarnished Truth by Dr. Karla Hylton is a very candid reflection of seemingly insurmountable adversity that is shared with raw honesty. The scars of domestic violence, family alcoholism, and a notably difficult upbringing are laid bare without reservation. Hylton's story is brave, and in telling it she prompts readers to confront issues such as the fragility of trust and the wreckage of betrayal, something that touched me deeply when she shared a story of her husband's unconscionable actions while she was in the hospital. The writing is well done and blends personal anecdotes with straightforward, conversational musings. She is at her best when offering her multi-layered insight into resilience and the human spirit, which she accomplishes via moments of vulnerability that are juxtaposed with displays of unwavering strength. It is not an easy read but it is a good one, and I applaud the courage required to share it.
Dr. Karla Hylton recounts her challenging upbringing and subsequent struggles, including a tumultuous marriage marked by financial strain and infidelity in her memoir, The Unvarnished Truth: Purpose in the Pain. Hylton discusses childhood trauma and experiences, speaking on the importance of addressing past wounds for healthy relationships. Her endurance of emotional abuse and marital issues fuel a drive to balance motherhood with career aspirations, even as she faces setbacks, like a home invasion and depression. Following her divorce, Hylton is overwhelmed by the impact of estrangement from her children but finds support in a new relationship, and musters strength in legal battles against her ex-husband. Despair leads to horrific consequences, but she ultimately finds resilience through faith, self-love, forgiveness, and solace in teaching, writing, and reconciling with her children.
The Unvarnished Truth by Dr. Karla Hylton is a very candid reflection of seemingly insurmountable adversity that is shared with raw honesty. The scars of domestic violence, family alcoholism, and a notably difficult upbringing are laid bare without reservation. Hylton's story is brave, and in telling it she prompts readers to confront issues such as the fragility of trust and the wreckage of betrayal, something that touched me deeply when she shared a story of her husband's unconscionable actions while she was in the hospital. The writing is well done and blends personal anecdotes with straightforward, conversational musings. She is at her best when offering her multi-layered insight into resilience and the human spirit, which she accomplishes via moments of vulnerability that are juxtaposed with displays of unwavering strength. It is not an easy read but it is a good one, and I applaud the courage required to share it.
Recommend this book:
Here, Where Death Delights
A Literary Memoir
Mary Jumbelic, M.D.
2024 Silver Medal
302 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Here, Where Death Delights: A Literary Memoir is a work of non-fiction in the autobiographical writing, death, grief, and mortality subgenres. It is suitable for adult readers owing to the vivid descriptions of death, dying, and dead bodies throughout. Penned by author Mary Jumbelic, M.D., in this unique work, the author chronicles her lifelong obsession with death following the loss of her father at age 13. This traumatic event propelled her into adulthood prematurely, leading her to grapple with the unanswered questions surrounding her father's passing. Her journey to understanding death led her to pursue a career as a forensic pathologist, where she spent 25 years analyzing corpses and providing closure to grieving families. Through her experiences, she confronted her own grief and trauma, ultimately becoming an advocate for injury prevention and a voice for the deceased. Dr. Jumbelic's memoir is a poignant exploration of loss, resilience, and the human capacity for hope in the face of mortality.
Dr. Mary Jumbelic's raw and honest narrative delves into the complexities of grief, trauma, and the human experience of mortality, offering readers a profound and thought-provoking experience from cover to cover. Her journey from a grieving young girl to a seasoned forensic pathologist is both inspiring and heart-wrenching, with a close personal narrative style that pulls no punches and really lets us access Jumbelic’s exploration of personal trauma as well as processing the trauma of others. The memoir offers profound insights into the human psyche's response to death and the ways individuals navigate loss and trauma, which are both educational and enlightening when reflecting on my own experiences of grief. Dr. Jumbelic's story is a testament to the resilience and the transformative power of facing one's demons head-on, coupled with a gorgeous literary style that elevates the prose and allows for emotion to breathe through it. Overall, Here, Where Death Delights is an accomplished work that prompts readers to reflect on their own relationship with mortality and find solace in the universal journey toward acceptance and healing. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Here, Where Death Delights: A Literary Memoir is a work of non-fiction in the autobiographical writing, death, grief, and mortality subgenres. It is suitable for adult readers owing to the vivid descriptions of death, dying, and dead bodies throughout. Penned by author Mary Jumbelic, M.D., in this unique work, the author chronicles her lifelong obsession with death following the loss of her father at age 13. This traumatic event propelled her into adulthood prematurely, leading her to grapple with the unanswered questions surrounding her father's passing. Her journey to understanding death led her to pursue a career as a forensic pathologist, where she spent 25 years analyzing corpses and providing closure to grieving families. Through her experiences, she confronted her own grief and trauma, ultimately becoming an advocate for injury prevention and a voice for the deceased. Dr. Jumbelic's memoir is a poignant exploration of loss, resilience, and the human capacity for hope in the face of mortality.
Dr. Mary Jumbelic's raw and honest narrative delves into the complexities of grief, trauma, and the human experience of mortality, offering readers a profound and thought-provoking experience from cover to cover. Her journey from a grieving young girl to a seasoned forensic pathologist is both inspiring and heart-wrenching, with a close personal narrative style that pulls no punches and really lets us access Jumbelic’s exploration of personal trauma as well as processing the trauma of others. The memoir offers profound insights into the human psyche's response to death and the ways individuals navigate loss and trauma, which are both educational and enlightening when reflecting on my own experiences of grief. Dr. Jumbelic's story is a testament to the resilience and the transformative power of facing one's demons head-on, coupled with a gorgeous literary style that elevates the prose and allows for emotion to breathe through it. Overall, Here, Where Death Delights is an accomplished work that prompts readers to reflect on their own relationship with mortality and find solace in the universal journey toward acceptance and healing. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Recommend this book:
Bipolar
A Gift of Thorns
Dale Zurawski
2024 Gold Medal
248 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Christine Nguyen for Readers' Favorite
Bipolar: A Gift of Thorns is a deeply insightful memoir by Dale Zurawski about coping with bipolar disorder. Her husband, Geoff, is battling prostate cancer, which propels her to seek a psychiatrist. She is diagnosed as bipolar, which leads her on a path to understanding her painful past. Looking back on her childhood, she realizes that her father also struggled with bipolar disease. Dale inherited her father’s intelligence and bipolar disorder, resulting in alcohol abuse, drug addiction, and sex addiction throughout her college years. She excelled in science and school, but her wild lifestyle dismayed her family. Dale goes through years of trying to find the right balance of medication and therapy to cope.
Dale Zurawski writes with brutal honesty about her years of using sex, men, alcohol, and drugs to self-medicate. She gives readers glimpses into her turbulent life, leading a normal life with a high-profile job as a nuclear weapons scientist while jeopardizing her security clearance at night with risky behavior. The readers will learn more about living with bipolar disorder and maybe understand it more. Bipolar: A Gift of Thorns brings awareness of the condition and removes some of the shame and stigma our society associates with it. Kudos to Zurawski for her raw and often painful portrayal of her struggles with bipolar disease. This was a riveting and compelling read that held my attention throughout the entire book.
Bipolar: A Gift of Thorns is a deeply insightful memoir by Dale Zurawski about coping with bipolar disorder. Her husband, Geoff, is battling prostate cancer, which propels her to seek a psychiatrist. She is diagnosed as bipolar, which leads her on a path to understanding her painful past. Looking back on her childhood, she realizes that her father also struggled with bipolar disease. Dale inherited her father’s intelligence and bipolar disorder, resulting in alcohol abuse, drug addiction, and sex addiction throughout her college years. She excelled in science and school, but her wild lifestyle dismayed her family. Dale goes through years of trying to find the right balance of medication and therapy to cope.
Dale Zurawski writes with brutal honesty about her years of using sex, men, alcohol, and drugs to self-medicate. She gives readers glimpses into her turbulent life, leading a normal life with a high-profile job as a nuclear weapons scientist while jeopardizing her security clearance at night with risky behavior. The readers will learn more about living with bipolar disorder and maybe understand it more. Bipolar: A Gift of Thorns brings awareness of the condition and removes some of the shame and stigma our society associates with it. Kudos to Zurawski for her raw and often painful portrayal of her struggles with bipolar disease. This was a riveting and compelling read that held my attention throughout the entire book.
Recommend this book:
I Know What You Need To Succeed
How To Harness The 4 Seasons Of Success To Upgrade Your Career And Your Life
Kateryna Armenta
2023 Finalist
134 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
I Know What You Need to Succeed is an inspiring autobiography by Ukrainian immigrant Kateryna Armenta. The book comprises four chapters corresponding to the author’s journey to success. Kateryna’s birthplace was Kazakhstan but she grew up in Ukraine. After emigrating to the US, the only job she could find was being a waitress in Florida. However, she did not stop looking for better opportunities. Always wanting to improve herself, she became a receptionist and a property manager and was able to hone her skills. Then she realized there was more to life than a career and started seeking something deeper. This is her journey.
Kateryna Armenta’s I Know What You Need to Succeed is a thought-provoking autobiography that urges readers, especially women, to embrace their true calling and change their lives for the better. There is a conclusion and key takeaways after every chapter which I found helpful. Beautiful and captivating, the author’s writing style makes it easy for readers to empathize with her as she embarks on her journey. The story is well structured and her struggles while starting a new life in a foreign country are authentic. This book should inspire career women who are still trying to find their place in life. Her story should encourage us to find our inner strength and discover our true purpose in life. Highly recommended.
I Know What You Need to Succeed is an inspiring autobiography by Ukrainian immigrant Kateryna Armenta. The book comprises four chapters corresponding to the author’s journey to success. Kateryna’s birthplace was Kazakhstan but she grew up in Ukraine. After emigrating to the US, the only job she could find was being a waitress in Florida. However, she did not stop looking for better opportunities. Always wanting to improve herself, she became a receptionist and a property manager and was able to hone her skills. Then she realized there was more to life than a career and started seeking something deeper. This is her journey.
Kateryna Armenta’s I Know What You Need to Succeed is a thought-provoking autobiography that urges readers, especially women, to embrace their true calling and change their lives for the better. There is a conclusion and key takeaways after every chapter which I found helpful. Beautiful and captivating, the author’s writing style makes it easy for readers to empathize with her as she embarks on her journey. The story is well structured and her struggles while starting a new life in a foreign country are authentic. This book should inspire career women who are still trying to find their place in life. Her story should encourage us to find our inner strength and discover our true purpose in life. Highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
A Notebook of Love
My Story on Mental Health
Luis Trivino
2023 Honorable Mention
196 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
Raised in a home filled with love, Luis Trivino never understood why his father’s mood would often change suddenly and violently. His mother did her best to cushion the effects of his behavior on the children but as they grew older it became increasingly evident that all was not well with him since he returned from the war. Years later and then a man in his prime, Luis followed his father’s path of service in the military, braving adversity. When he started following the same dark path of mental illness as his father, he knew there had to be a change. A Notebook of Love: My Story on Mental Health is the account of his journey into the depths of mental illness and how he not only clambered out but managed to raise a near-perfect family despite the odds.
They say that when life gives you lemons you make lemonade. This is exactly what Luis Trivino demonstrates as he gives us an exclusive insider’s view of living with mental illness. He is direct as he leads us through the early stages of his life while he grows up from being a child to an adult. It is interesting to note how he distances himself from his affliction, giving it the persona of a completely different entity, adopting an unusual but notably effective approach. His input on the symptoms of some mental disorders and the accompanying statistics, coupled with details of the helplines available in the event of an emergency, are evidence of his thorough research. A Notebook of Love carries an upbeat message of hope and is a must-read for everyone with loved ones who are struggling with mental illness. The nuggets of wisdom in this book are priceless.
Raised in a home filled with love, Luis Trivino never understood why his father’s mood would often change suddenly and violently. His mother did her best to cushion the effects of his behavior on the children but as they grew older it became increasingly evident that all was not well with him since he returned from the war. Years later and then a man in his prime, Luis followed his father’s path of service in the military, braving adversity. When he started following the same dark path of mental illness as his father, he knew there had to be a change. A Notebook of Love: My Story on Mental Health is the account of his journey into the depths of mental illness and how he not only clambered out but managed to raise a near-perfect family despite the odds.
They say that when life gives you lemons you make lemonade. This is exactly what Luis Trivino demonstrates as he gives us an exclusive insider’s view of living with mental illness. He is direct as he leads us through the early stages of his life while he grows up from being a child to an adult. It is interesting to note how he distances himself from his affliction, giving it the persona of a completely different entity, adopting an unusual but notably effective approach. His input on the symptoms of some mental disorders and the accompanying statistics, coupled with details of the helplines available in the event of an emergency, are evidence of his thorough research. A Notebook of Love carries an upbeat message of hope and is a must-read for everyone with loved ones who are struggling with mental illness. The nuggets of wisdom in this book are priceless.
Recommend this book:
 Buddhist is the real-life story of a woman who was raised in a fundamentalist evangelical Christian environment but later became a Buddhist. Author Pamela McConnell, MSW, LCSW, holds a master’s degree in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker. She experienced traumatic events, including being m...){kind=link}
The Adventures of a Southern (Baptist) Buddhist
Pamela McConnell, MSW, LCSW
2023 Bronze Medal
226 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite
The Adventures of a Southern (Baptist) Buddhist is the real-life story of a woman who was raised in a fundamentalist evangelical Christian environment but later became a Buddhist. Author Pamela McConnell, MSW, LCSW, holds a master’s degree in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker. She experienced traumatic events, including being molested by her grandfather and going through several divorces. One husband beat her, while another turned out to have a felony conviction and a problem with illegal drugs. She also had a relationship with a man who didn’t tell her for seven years that he was still married to another woman. The book also contains accounts of McConnell’s remarkable travels, including hiking much of the Appalachian Trail and a pilgrimage to India and Nepal. She also lived in other places that most people can only read about, such as South Korea. The book contains some graphic content, including child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and sexual scenes. There are also frank descriptions of religious intolerance.
The Adventures of a Southern (Baptist) Buddhist is a fascinating book. Pamela McConnell writes openly and candidly. Because of her education and background, she has unique insight into the human condition and in particular her own life. I appreciated her frankness as she doesn’t hide any of her experiences, terrible as some were. Many readers will find her religious quest to be captivating. One doesn’t have to have any particular religious convictions to identify with her struggle to find a faith that worked for her. Everyone can learn from McConnell’s experiences and her honesty in telling her own life story. Anyone who reads with an open mind and wants to live vicariously through both the best and worst life offers should read this book. They will rejoice with McConnell that she was able to overcome her past and become a happy and fulfilled woman.
The Adventures of a Southern (Baptist) Buddhist is the real-life story of a woman who was raised in a fundamentalist evangelical Christian environment but later became a Buddhist. Author Pamela McConnell, MSW, LCSW, holds a master’s degree in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker. She experienced traumatic events, including being molested by her grandfather and going through several divorces. One husband beat her, while another turned out to have a felony conviction and a problem with illegal drugs. She also had a relationship with a man who didn’t tell her for seven years that he was still married to another woman. The book also contains accounts of McConnell’s remarkable travels, including hiking much of the Appalachian Trail and a pilgrimage to India and Nepal. She also lived in other places that most people can only read about, such as South Korea. The book contains some graphic content, including child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and sexual scenes. There are also frank descriptions of religious intolerance.
The Adventures of a Southern (Baptist) Buddhist is a fascinating book. Pamela McConnell writes openly and candidly. Because of her education and background, she has unique insight into the human condition and in particular her own life. I appreciated her frankness as she doesn’t hide any of her experiences, terrible as some were. Many readers will find her religious quest to be captivating. One doesn’t have to have any particular religious convictions to identify with her struggle to find a faith that worked for her. Everyone can learn from McConnell’s experiences and her honesty in telling her own life story. Anyone who reads with an open mind and wants to live vicariously through both the best and worst life offers should read this book. They will rejoice with McConnell that she was able to overcome her past and become a happy and fulfilled woman.
Recommend this book:
Away To Me, My Love
A Sheepdog's Tale of Two Lives
Naomi McDonald
2023 Silver Medal
236 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
It all began with a black-and-white Border Collie and the desire to work with sheep. This is a unique memoir about the meaningful canine-human relationship between Luke and Naomi in Away To Me, My Love: A Sheepdog’s Tale of Two Lives by Naomi McDonald. A horse trainer by trade, Naomi takes on a shy puppy named Luke to become her teammate in sheepherding. How can she call him a herding dog when he hasn’t been trained? Her husband is cynical about her plans because Naomi is going blindly into something that she feels is important. Naomi takes a leap of faith in her ardent desire to enter the exciting world of herding. But herding might just be an unreachable dream with an untrained dog that also lacks the instinct for the task. Naomi will discover something far deeper, and in the end, Luke will have a say in everything.
Away To Me, My Love is oozing with canine-human bonding, but Naomi McDonald didn’t forget to throw in the proper tribute to the men and women instrumental in helping her find profound meaning in her relationship with her dog. There is so much canine psychology involved in this account, and it also illustrates people’s differing attitudes to their relationship with these four-legged creatures that share our lives. There is a strong spiritual element in this tale that McDonald credits with helping her to find the reasons behind key events in her life - and part of it is meeting Luke. You can also think of it as a dog story where the master learns from the dog, and those of us who enjoy watching movies or reading stories where the dog is a star will find all the trimmings of love, joy, pain, and sorrow in this heartwarming memoir.
It all began with a black-and-white Border Collie and the desire to work with sheep. This is a unique memoir about the meaningful canine-human relationship between Luke and Naomi in Away To Me, My Love: A Sheepdog’s Tale of Two Lives by Naomi McDonald. A horse trainer by trade, Naomi takes on a shy puppy named Luke to become her teammate in sheepherding. How can she call him a herding dog when he hasn’t been trained? Her husband is cynical about her plans because Naomi is going blindly into something that she feels is important. Naomi takes a leap of faith in her ardent desire to enter the exciting world of herding. But herding might just be an unreachable dream with an untrained dog that also lacks the instinct for the task. Naomi will discover something far deeper, and in the end, Luke will have a say in everything.
Away To Me, My Love is oozing with canine-human bonding, but Naomi McDonald didn’t forget to throw in the proper tribute to the men and women instrumental in helping her find profound meaning in her relationship with her dog. There is so much canine psychology involved in this account, and it also illustrates people’s differing attitudes to their relationship with these four-legged creatures that share our lives. There is a strong spiritual element in this tale that McDonald credits with helping her to find the reasons behind key events in her life - and part of it is meeting Luke. You can also think of it as a dog story where the master learns from the dog, and those of us who enjoy watching movies or reading stories where the dog is a star will find all the trimmings of love, joy, pain, and sorrow in this heartwarming memoir.
Recommend this book:
How to Be Happy on Mondays
Life lessons to create wealth, health, and happiness every day of the week
Bruce McCombs
2023 Gold Medal
248 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Frances Deborah Kerr-Phillips for Readers' Favorite
How to be Happy on Mondays by Bruce McCombs is an intriguingly curious mix of the ordinary and the extraordinary which is what makes it so enjoyable. Whilst on the one hand McCombs traces his life’s journey in an autobiographical style, on the other, he punctuates his life account with powerful thoughts and ideas which make a significant impact on the reader. Blighted from his early years by constantly being told by his grandmother that he’d never amount to anything, just like his father, McCombs had very low self-esteem as a youngster. Often, inadvertently, he got entangled in trouble, whilst the exuberance of youth led him inexorably closer to going off the rails. But McCombs’ mother’s drive and commitment inspired him to push onward and upward.
The very title of McCombs’ book, How to be Happy on Mondays, was what drew me to pick it up. I was not disappointed. McCombs is disarmingly frank, and he has no qualms with being honest about himself. His style is personal as if he is chatting to the reader which leads to an authentic reading experience. The short punchy chapter titles arouse the reader’s interest, whilst the intermittent quotations give a pause for thought. McCombs’ dogged determination, inspired by his never-complaining mother and other powerful influencers in his life, led him from self-centered indulgence to living completely for others. This makes the book ultimately one of inspiration and upliftment. McCombs’ book will motivate, encourage, and renew your passion for life.
How to be Happy on Mondays by Bruce McCombs is an intriguingly curious mix of the ordinary and the extraordinary which is what makes it so enjoyable. Whilst on the one hand McCombs traces his life’s journey in an autobiographical style, on the other, he punctuates his life account with powerful thoughts and ideas which make a significant impact on the reader. Blighted from his early years by constantly being told by his grandmother that he’d never amount to anything, just like his father, McCombs had very low self-esteem as a youngster. Often, inadvertently, he got entangled in trouble, whilst the exuberance of youth led him inexorably closer to going off the rails. But McCombs’ mother’s drive and commitment inspired him to push onward and upward.
The very title of McCombs’ book, How to be Happy on Mondays, was what drew me to pick it up. I was not disappointed. McCombs is disarmingly frank, and he has no qualms with being honest about himself. His style is personal as if he is chatting to the reader which leads to an authentic reading experience. The short punchy chapter titles arouse the reader’s interest, whilst the intermittent quotations give a pause for thought. McCombs’ dogged determination, inspired by his never-complaining mother and other powerful influencers in his life, led him from self-centered indulgence to living completely for others. This makes the book ultimately one of inspiration and upliftment. McCombs’ book will motivate, encourage, and renew your passion for life.
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