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Recommend this book:
Always Moving Forward
A memoir of friends, family and building Humana
David A. Jones with Bob Hill
2025 Finalist
550 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In his memoir, Always Moving Forward, David A. Jones recalls growing up in 1930s-40s Louisville, where he excelled in academics and athletics despite the financial insecurity his family was up against. As a Navy ROTC scholar at the University of Louisville, he met Betty, his future wife, and later co-founded Humana with Wendell Cherry. Beginning with a nursing home, they expanded into hospital management, rebranding as Extendicare in 1966 and going public in 1968. Jones, influenced by Peter Drucker, guided Humana’s growth and international expansion. He played a significant role in local arts, healthcare innovations, and education reform, including contributing to the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Despite a financial setback from the Belknap Hardware acquisition, he supported civic projects, such as affordable housing and the Parklands of Floyds Fork. Post-retirement, Jones continued civic engagement, notably with the Parklands project, funded partly by a $38 million federal grant.
If Always Moving Forward by David A. Jones isn't one of the ultimate boot-strap memoirs circulating today, then I don't know what is. I wasn't familiar with Jones before picking the book up, but on a flick-through, it seemed like a safe bet. There is an inspirational element to the arc but it truly does read as a traditional autobiography, even going back to times before his birth and his family pushing through the Great Depression. Jones is at his best in conveying his life story when it is within the orbit of what an everyday reader who does not know him, or know of him, recognizes or can relate to. The standout here is the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center when Jones was doing a media rollout. Dinner on the 10th was at Windows to the World. Breakfast on the 11th was skipped, and that's why he's here to share his story. The writing is mostly conversational in style and there are moments where I laughed, like when Jones says, “...we could not pass up a chance to grow the company through a traditional business formula: Use other people’s money.” Overall, this is a well-written and insightful look into the story of a man who has accomplished so much in a single lifetime, and I have no doubt his legacy will resonate for generations to come.
In his memoir, Always Moving Forward, David A. Jones recalls growing up in 1930s-40s Louisville, where he excelled in academics and athletics despite the financial insecurity his family was up against. As a Navy ROTC scholar at the University of Louisville, he met Betty, his future wife, and later co-founded Humana with Wendell Cherry. Beginning with a nursing home, they expanded into hospital management, rebranding as Extendicare in 1966 and going public in 1968. Jones, influenced by Peter Drucker, guided Humana’s growth and international expansion. He played a significant role in local arts, healthcare innovations, and education reform, including contributing to the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Despite a financial setback from the Belknap Hardware acquisition, he supported civic projects, such as affordable housing and the Parklands of Floyds Fork. Post-retirement, Jones continued civic engagement, notably with the Parklands project, funded partly by a $38 million federal grant.
If Always Moving Forward by David A. Jones isn't one of the ultimate boot-strap memoirs circulating today, then I don't know what is. I wasn't familiar with Jones before picking the book up, but on a flick-through, it seemed like a safe bet. There is an inspirational element to the arc but it truly does read as a traditional autobiography, even going back to times before his birth and his family pushing through the Great Depression. Jones is at his best in conveying his life story when it is within the orbit of what an everyday reader who does not know him, or know of him, recognizes or can relate to. The standout here is the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center when Jones was doing a media rollout. Dinner on the 10th was at Windows to the World. Breakfast on the 11th was skipped, and that's why he's here to share his story. The writing is mostly conversational in style and there are moments where I laughed, like when Jones says, “...we could not pass up a chance to grow the company through a traditional business formula: Use other people’s money.” Overall, this is a well-written and insightful look into the story of a man who has accomplished so much in a single lifetime, and I have no doubt his legacy will resonate for generations to come.
Recommend this book:
My Rude Awakening
A Combat Pilot's UNCENSORED Memoir of Passion, Peril, and Forbidden Desire (An Englishman’s Journey)
Edward Charles Featherstone
2025 Honorable Mention
496 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
My Rude Awakening by Edward Charles Featherstone is an unfiltered memoir that recounts his extraordinary life journey from the elite circles of English society to the unforgiving world of combat aviation. Raised in privilege, Charles undergoes personal and emotional transformations through intense experiences, from his passionate and socially forbidden love affair to the perils of flying combat helicopters in the Middle East. This raw and candid autobiography highlights the complexities of love, war, and self-discovery, revealing the profound impact of trauma and passion on his path to adulthood. Featherstone's unflinching honesty shines throughout the memoir, giving readers an authentic glimpse into both the emotional highs and the painful realities of his journey from passion to peril. His ability to vividly recount his experiences in combat, explaining the interesting nuances and the terrifying dangers of military aviation, speaks of his skill as a powerful storyteller.
I was particularly moved by Edward Charles Featherstone's exploration of societal expectations and his personal awakening through a forbidden relationship, which added an unexpected element of intrigue and high drama, making his story not just one of action, but also of profound emotional growth. The pacing and structure of the memoir keep the reader engaged just like a military novel would, with seamless transitions between reflective personal moments and high-stakes combat, and a great balance of intensity and reflectiveness. As I read this brutally honest account, I found myself deeply affected by his journey, feeling the weight of his decisions, the thrill of his passions, and the terror of his combat experiences, all of which combined to create a transformative story that left its mark on me. Overall, I highly recommend My Rude Awakening to readers who appreciate raw, honest memoirs that offer a unique perspective on love, war, and personal growth, challenging our perceptions of privilege and duty.
My Rude Awakening by Edward Charles Featherstone is an unfiltered memoir that recounts his extraordinary life journey from the elite circles of English society to the unforgiving world of combat aviation. Raised in privilege, Charles undergoes personal and emotional transformations through intense experiences, from his passionate and socially forbidden love affair to the perils of flying combat helicopters in the Middle East. This raw and candid autobiography highlights the complexities of love, war, and self-discovery, revealing the profound impact of trauma and passion on his path to adulthood. Featherstone's unflinching honesty shines throughout the memoir, giving readers an authentic glimpse into both the emotional highs and the painful realities of his journey from passion to peril. His ability to vividly recount his experiences in combat, explaining the interesting nuances and the terrifying dangers of military aviation, speaks of his skill as a powerful storyteller.
I was particularly moved by Edward Charles Featherstone's exploration of societal expectations and his personal awakening through a forbidden relationship, which added an unexpected element of intrigue and high drama, making his story not just one of action, but also of profound emotional growth. The pacing and structure of the memoir keep the reader engaged just like a military novel would, with seamless transitions between reflective personal moments and high-stakes combat, and a great balance of intensity and reflectiveness. As I read this brutally honest account, I found myself deeply affected by his journey, feeling the weight of his decisions, the thrill of his passions, and the terror of his combat experiences, all of which combined to create a transformative story that left its mark on me. Overall, I highly recommend My Rude Awakening to readers who appreciate raw, honest memoirs that offer a unique perspective on love, war, and personal growth, challenging our perceptions of privilege and duty.
Recommend this book:
Little Boy, I Know Your Name
A Second-Generation Memoir from Inherited Holocaust Trauma
Mitchell Raff
2025 Bronze Medal
236 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Juan Lynch for Readers' Favorite
Little Boy, I Know Your Name: A Second-Generation Memoir from Inherited Holocaust Trauma by Mitchell Raff is an insightful, heartwrenching story of the author's life. Mitchell's father and mother both endured the unspeakable evils perpetuated on the Jews during the Holocaust. This left them ill-equipped to take on the challenge of parenting. For a while in his early years, his paternal aunt, Sally, and her husband, Issa, took him in and loved him as best as they could; they were also Holocaust survivors. At four years old, Mitchell was enticed to live with his mom and little sister. He soon regretted this decision. His mother physically and psychologically abused him. This trauma went on to affect every relationship Mitchell would have.
I enjoyed reading Little Boy, I Know Your Name by Mitchell Raff. The story was conveyed mainly in chronological order and was well-paced. Raff's writing style kept me in suspense, always wanting to know what would happen next. His childhood was filled with sad episodes that helped me connect emotionally not only with Mitchell, but also with his sister Regina (Malka), Issa, and Sally. Raff masterfully captured the essence of every person that he spoke about, no matter how small their contribution to the story. This included lovable family members, slimy in-laws, and racist classmates. Additionally, Raff relates his battle as an adult against drug and sex addiction tactfully. The themes of self-discovery, family betrayal, life, and death are beautifully portrayed in this memoir. I highly recommend Little Boy, I Know Your Name to all avid readers.
Little Boy, I Know Your Name: A Second-Generation Memoir from Inherited Holocaust Trauma by Mitchell Raff is an insightful, heartwrenching story of the author's life. Mitchell's father and mother both endured the unspeakable evils perpetuated on the Jews during the Holocaust. This left them ill-equipped to take on the challenge of parenting. For a while in his early years, his paternal aunt, Sally, and her husband, Issa, took him in and loved him as best as they could; they were also Holocaust survivors. At four years old, Mitchell was enticed to live with his mom and little sister. He soon regretted this decision. His mother physically and psychologically abused him. This trauma went on to affect every relationship Mitchell would have.
I enjoyed reading Little Boy, I Know Your Name by Mitchell Raff. The story was conveyed mainly in chronological order and was well-paced. Raff's writing style kept me in suspense, always wanting to know what would happen next. His childhood was filled with sad episodes that helped me connect emotionally not only with Mitchell, but also with his sister Regina (Malka), Issa, and Sally. Raff masterfully captured the essence of every person that he spoke about, no matter how small their contribution to the story. This included lovable family members, slimy in-laws, and racist classmates. Additionally, Raff relates his battle as an adult against drug and sex addiction tactfully. The themes of self-discovery, family betrayal, life, and death are beautifully portrayed in this memoir. I highly recommend Little Boy, I Know Your Name to all avid readers.
Recommend this book:
Twice Over a Man
A Fierce Memoir of an Orphan Boy Who Doggedly Determined a Finer Life
Orvin T. Kimbrough
2025 Silver Medal
250 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Stewart Brian for Readers' Favorite
Twice Over a Man: A Fierce Memoir of an Orphan Boy Who Doggedly Determined a Finer Life by Orvin T. Kimbrough is an inspiring memoir that follows Orvin's life from trial to triumph. Orvin starts by sharing 23 personal growth principles that guided him throughout his challenges until he achieved his goals. He writes extensively about his early background, neighborhood, and childhood traumas, ranging from his mother’s drug addiction and her sudden demise to sexual abuse, hunger, poverty, and more. After the death of Orvin’s mom in August 1982, his journey into the foster care system began. Orvin further discusses how he overcame his reaction to perceived threats due to past traumas by identifying specific triggers. The book also highlights Orvin's journey through college and his ability to take charge of his life for good.
This book was quite intense due to the emotions it stirred up within me. Orvin’s story offers hope to anyone dealing with life challenges, isolation, rejection, and more. I commend Orvin for the courage to share his life journey with readers, as this book proves him to be an exceptional storyteller and a skilled writer. I found Orvin’s writing detailed, straightforward, and easy to comprehend. The narrative is also well organized and has a natural pace. The quotes featured in this book added to my reading pleasure. Orvin’s story covers themes of determination, faith, hope, resilience, and more. I recommend Twice Over a Man by Orvin T. Kimbrough to anyone struggling with trauma from their past and childhood.
Twice Over a Man: A Fierce Memoir of an Orphan Boy Who Doggedly Determined a Finer Life by Orvin T. Kimbrough is an inspiring memoir that follows Orvin's life from trial to triumph. Orvin starts by sharing 23 personal growth principles that guided him throughout his challenges until he achieved his goals. He writes extensively about his early background, neighborhood, and childhood traumas, ranging from his mother’s drug addiction and her sudden demise to sexual abuse, hunger, poverty, and more. After the death of Orvin’s mom in August 1982, his journey into the foster care system began. Orvin further discusses how he overcame his reaction to perceived threats due to past traumas by identifying specific triggers. The book also highlights Orvin's journey through college and his ability to take charge of his life for good.
This book was quite intense due to the emotions it stirred up within me. Orvin’s story offers hope to anyone dealing with life challenges, isolation, rejection, and more. I commend Orvin for the courage to share his life journey with readers, as this book proves him to be an exceptional storyteller and a skilled writer. I found Orvin’s writing detailed, straightforward, and easy to comprehend. The narrative is also well organized and has a natural pace. The quotes featured in this book added to my reading pleasure. Orvin’s story covers themes of determination, faith, hope, resilience, and more. I recommend Twice Over a Man by Orvin T. Kimbrough to anyone struggling with trauma from their past and childhood.
Recommend this book:
To Kill a Cockroach
Osvaldo Calixto Amador
2025 Gold Medal
278 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
To Kill a Cockroach by Osvaldo Calixto Amador is an autobiography that fully spans the author's troubled childhood in Cuba, his issues with identity, and his search for meaning through art and relationships. Born into hardship and trauma, Amador faced constant relocation, bullying, and neglect, while his mother battled with depression and their separation from Cuba. During this, Amador found happiness in books and art, especially after discovering Black Beauty as a child. His move to self-acceptance was really hard, especially with his strained relationship with his father, reconciling with his sexuality, and painful losses including his dog Toto. Eventually, Amador embraced his identity and his art as an outlet, cultivating a true understanding of himself, and finding peace and purpose in self-love and creative expression.
Osvaldo Calixto Amador’s autobiography is a powerful look at human vulnerability, self-discovery, and empathy, all of which he shares with courage. I like how completely honest his writing is and the sheer volume of what he is willing to share. There is the central metaphor of killing a cockroach, which is a twist on the famed Lee novel, but in Amador's case, I think he does a great job of using it to raise questions about morality, compassion, and conscience. Amador's autobiography is singular in the fact that he was born under communism, isn't heterosexual, and has the odds entirely stacked against him. Still, he prevails, circumventing social expectations for an authentic life. There's a sensitivity and emotional intelligence to his words that come clearly through on the pages. Overall, To Kill a Cockroach is a thoughtful, historic capsule of one man's life and an inspiration to those who read it. Very highly recommended.
To Kill a Cockroach by Osvaldo Calixto Amador is an autobiography that fully spans the author's troubled childhood in Cuba, his issues with identity, and his search for meaning through art and relationships. Born into hardship and trauma, Amador faced constant relocation, bullying, and neglect, while his mother battled with depression and their separation from Cuba. During this, Amador found happiness in books and art, especially after discovering Black Beauty as a child. His move to self-acceptance was really hard, especially with his strained relationship with his father, reconciling with his sexuality, and painful losses including his dog Toto. Eventually, Amador embraced his identity and his art as an outlet, cultivating a true understanding of himself, and finding peace and purpose in self-love and creative expression.
Osvaldo Calixto Amador’s autobiography is a powerful look at human vulnerability, self-discovery, and empathy, all of which he shares with courage. I like how completely honest his writing is and the sheer volume of what he is willing to share. There is the central metaphor of killing a cockroach, which is a twist on the famed Lee novel, but in Amador's case, I think he does a great job of using it to raise questions about morality, compassion, and conscience. Amador's autobiography is singular in the fact that he was born under communism, isn't heterosexual, and has the odds entirely stacked against him. Still, he prevails, circumventing social expectations for an authentic life. There's a sensitivity and emotional intelligence to his words that come clearly through on the pages. Overall, To Kill a Cockroach is a thoughtful, historic capsule of one man's life and an inspiration to those who read it. Very highly recommended.
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.
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