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Recommend this book:
The Mourning Report
Caitlin Garvey
2021 Finalist
168 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Erin Nicole Cochran for Readers' Favorite
The Mourning Report by Caitlin Garvey is raw with edges of true honesty that you won’t read anywhere else. A non-fiction memoir, Garvey sits her audience down to listen in as she interviews five people who were part of her mother’s passage from life to death. A priest, hospice nurse, hairstylist, estate planner, and funeral director do their best to give her the answers that she seeks. Each no doubt hoping to bring Caitlin Garvey some small bit of peace.
Caitlin Garvey’s The Mourning Report is able to put you in the center of what it feels like to lose someone too soon and to a debilitating illness. It also takes us on the journey of Garvey’s own recovery process from her days spent in a psychiatric facility. The strength and courage that Garvey exudes go beyond awe-inspiring. Her candor throughout is another connecting thread that draws the reader into her words; she doesn’t sugarcoat or exaggerate, and anyone that is human responds to that kind of voice. One of the instances that pulled me in and rang so true was on page 37: “Spirituality is strange because it’s invisible. You have to feel it. At that moment, I feel something, too. I feel warm…” There were many times that Garvey’s writing overtook me. And I honestly can’t tell you how many times I was overcome by emotion. Too many to count. All I know is that you will be able to understand grief more in depth and in almost every form that it can possibly take when you finish reading Caitlin Garvey’s The Mourning Report.
The Mourning Report by Caitlin Garvey is raw with edges of true honesty that you won’t read anywhere else. A non-fiction memoir, Garvey sits her audience down to listen in as she interviews five people who were part of her mother’s passage from life to death. A priest, hospice nurse, hairstylist, estate planner, and funeral director do their best to give her the answers that she seeks. Each no doubt hoping to bring Caitlin Garvey some small bit of peace.
Caitlin Garvey’s The Mourning Report is able to put you in the center of what it feels like to lose someone too soon and to a debilitating illness. It also takes us on the journey of Garvey’s own recovery process from her days spent in a psychiatric facility. The strength and courage that Garvey exudes go beyond awe-inspiring. Her candor throughout is another connecting thread that draws the reader into her words; she doesn’t sugarcoat or exaggerate, and anyone that is human responds to that kind of voice. One of the instances that pulled me in and rang so true was on page 37: “Spirituality is strange because it’s invisible. You have to feel it. At that moment, I feel something, too. I feel warm…” There were many times that Garvey’s writing overtook me. And I honestly can’t tell you how many times I was overcome by emotion. Too many to count. All I know is that you will be able to understand grief more in depth and in almost every form that it can possibly take when you finish reading Caitlin Garvey’s The Mourning Report.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/farm-boy-city-girl&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y8zXegPjL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Farm Boy, City Girl: From Gene to Miss Gina is a work of non-fiction written in the form of a memoir by author John "Gene" E. Dawson. A memoir penned in three distinct stages of life, this is an incredible life story which will be an important read for LGBTQIA+ community members and their allies to understand the experiences of those Midwestern pio...){kind=link}
Farm Boy, City Girl
From Gene to Miss Gina
John "Gene" E. Dawson
2021 Honorable Mention
260 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Farm Boy, City Girl: From Gene to Miss Gina is a work of non-fiction written in the form of a memoir by author John "Gene" E. Dawson. A memoir penned in three distinct stages of life, this is an incredible life story which will be an important read for LGBTQIA+ community members and their allies to understand the experiences of those Midwestern pioneers who came before them and campaigned for rights. Gene’s tale takes us from a stark and strict upbringing in a farming family to his initial stage of adult life as a gay man, and then through to his full freedom to live as Miss Gina in the city of St. Louis.
Author John "Gene" E. Dawson delivers a superb life story with pathos, heart, and a whole lot of valuable wisdom that future generations must hear. One of the things which the narrative really explored was the cultural perceptions and the real struggles of being a young gay man in small towns and big cities, proving that the journey was never an easy one and rights were difficult to come by. Dawson’s enigmatic narrative style shows readers his true heart, and the expressions of his life are laced with nostalgia, love, humor, and heartache as we undergo his truly emotional and ground-breaking tale. By its end, this is a memoir where you really fall in love with the author and wish them every bit of good they’ve found in life. Overall, I would highly recommend Farm Boy, City Girl to all readers as a lesson in fortitude, love, and strength.
Farm Boy, City Girl: From Gene to Miss Gina is a work of non-fiction written in the form of a memoir by author John "Gene" E. Dawson. A memoir penned in three distinct stages of life, this is an incredible life story which will be an important read for LGBTQIA+ community members and their allies to understand the experiences of those Midwestern pioneers who came before them and campaigned for rights. Gene’s tale takes us from a stark and strict upbringing in a farming family to his initial stage of adult life as a gay man, and then through to his full freedom to live as Miss Gina in the city of St. Louis.
Author John "Gene" E. Dawson delivers a superb life story with pathos, heart, and a whole lot of valuable wisdom that future generations must hear. One of the things which the narrative really explored was the cultural perceptions and the real struggles of being a young gay man in small towns and big cities, proving that the journey was never an easy one and rights were difficult to come by. Dawson’s enigmatic narrative style shows readers his true heart, and the expressions of his life are laced with nostalgia, love, humor, and heartache as we undergo his truly emotional and ground-breaking tale. By its end, this is a memoir where you really fall in love with the author and wish them every bit of good they’ve found in life. Overall, I would highly recommend Farm Boy, City Girl to all readers as a lesson in fortitude, love, and strength.
Recommend this book:
Precious Silver Chopsticks
A True Story of a Korean Noble Family
Mae Adams
2021 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Precious Silver Chopsticks: A True Story of a Korean Noble Family by Mae Adams is a beautiful story woven around interesting characters; Grandpa, Grandma, Father, Mother, Little-Pa, Big-Sis, Intaek, Mae, and Hewitt Dayne Adams. The author weaves in the essence of the Korean spirit and their culture using these wonderful characters and tells the story of their incredible survival during World War II when the family escaped to South Korea. Her story of being abandoned by her wealthy parents, especially her mother after she was born (because they wanted a son), and her life with her grandparents who were commoners showed her society in two different ways. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the truth has all been outlined for readers to see the heart-wrenching moments and the happy moments she underwent in life.
Mae Adams is very vocal and honest when it comes to sharing the story of her life and she gives a lot of information about the customs, traditions, culture, society, and class system in Korea. The narration is detailed, descriptive, and vivid, and makes it easy for readers to connect with her life story. Her love story with Hewitt is beautiful and her message, 'The most precious things in this world are one’s heart and soul and the indestructible human capacity to love another human being,' is equally beautiful when it comes to describing her love for Hewitt. There is an element of warmth that runs through the book that will make readers connect with the characters who are the author's closest family, and that gives tangibility to the story, the emotions, the characters, and the experiences.
Precious Silver Chopsticks: A True Story of a Korean Noble Family by Mae Adams is a beautiful story woven around interesting characters; Grandpa, Grandma, Father, Mother, Little-Pa, Big-Sis, Intaek, Mae, and Hewitt Dayne Adams. The author weaves in the essence of the Korean spirit and their culture using these wonderful characters and tells the story of their incredible survival during World War II when the family escaped to South Korea. Her story of being abandoned by her wealthy parents, especially her mother after she was born (because they wanted a son), and her life with her grandparents who were commoners showed her society in two different ways. The good, the bad, the ugly, and the truth has all been outlined for readers to see the heart-wrenching moments and the happy moments she underwent in life.
Mae Adams is very vocal and honest when it comes to sharing the story of her life and she gives a lot of information about the customs, traditions, culture, society, and class system in Korea. The narration is detailed, descriptive, and vivid, and makes it easy for readers to connect with her life story. Her love story with Hewitt is beautiful and her message, 'The most precious things in this world are one’s heart and soul and the indestructible human capacity to love another human being,' is equally beautiful when it comes to describing her love for Hewitt. There is an element of warmth that runs through the book that will make readers connect with the characters who are the author's closest family, and that gives tangibility to the story, the emotions, the characters, and the experiences.
Recommend this book:
Scott Stokely: Growing Up Disc Golf
Scott Stokely, Aaron Rath
2021 Silver Medal
207 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Cassie Widjaja for Readers' Favorite
Scott Stokely: Growing Up Disc Golf, written by Scott Stokely and Aaron Rath, is the first-ever autobiography detailing the life of a professional disc golfer. Through the eyes of the man who lived it, we get to see how the sport develops through the years and gains its fame, eventually becoming recognized as a professional sport. Scott's incredibly detailed account of his life includes decades of legends of the Frisbee family and hundreds of tournaments. Refusing to spare any detail, Scott lays the truth out for anyone to see as he tells about his highs and lows, successes and failures, and every other aspect of his career. Having earned seventeen World and National Disc Golf and Distance titles, Scott hopes to spread his love of playing disc golf through this book.
Scott Stokely and Aaron Rath truly outdid themselves with this brutally honest and extraordinary memoir. Mixing stories of how disc golf began with Scott's personal experiences, Scott Stokely: Growing Up Disc Golf is a true treasure as Scott's passion and dedication for his sport shine through these carefully composed sentences. I love how Scott refuses to hide his flaws and questionable decisions. Instead, he allows people to see how his mistakes have made him who he is today. He teaches us that our past doesn't define whether we succeed or fail in the end. By reading Scott's story, I understood just how important having a mentor is when you're trying to achieve a huge goal. Whether you are a disc golf fan or not, this book is a must-read!
Scott Stokely: Growing Up Disc Golf, written by Scott Stokely and Aaron Rath, is the first-ever autobiography detailing the life of a professional disc golfer. Through the eyes of the man who lived it, we get to see how the sport develops through the years and gains its fame, eventually becoming recognized as a professional sport. Scott's incredibly detailed account of his life includes decades of legends of the Frisbee family and hundreds of tournaments. Refusing to spare any detail, Scott lays the truth out for anyone to see as he tells about his highs and lows, successes and failures, and every other aspect of his career. Having earned seventeen World and National Disc Golf and Distance titles, Scott hopes to spread his love of playing disc golf through this book.
Scott Stokely and Aaron Rath truly outdid themselves with this brutally honest and extraordinary memoir. Mixing stories of how disc golf began with Scott's personal experiences, Scott Stokely: Growing Up Disc Golf is a true treasure as Scott's passion and dedication for his sport shine through these carefully composed sentences. I love how Scott refuses to hide his flaws and questionable decisions. Instead, he allows people to see how his mistakes have made him who he is today. He teaches us that our past doesn't define whether we succeed or fail in the end. By reading Scott's story, I understood just how important having a mentor is when you're trying to achieve a huge goal. Whether you are a disc golf fan or not, this book is a must-read!
Recommend this book:
American Dreamer
How I Escaped Communist Vietnam and Built a Successful Life in America
Tim Tran with Tom Fields-Meyer
2021 Gold Medal
390 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
American Dreamer: How I Escaped Communist Vietnam and Built a Successful Life in America by Tim Tran with Tom Fields-Meyer is the fascinating story of the author who was once a penniless refugee and a man without a country. It is also the story of an underprivileged kid who went through a lot of adversity and finally survived to escape from his country to the United States and live the American dream. His story is one of hard work, sheer perseverance, and good luck. This book chronicles his journey of trying to escape Communist Vietnam and his multiple attempts. He speaks of facing betrayal and deceit while trying to flee and how finally he and his wife Cathy managed to leave in a boat that was overcrowded with 350 other passengers, faced pirate attacks, and were in a Malaysian refugee camp before they reached Oregon. Tim Tran's success after reaching America gives hope to many readers who want to move to America and work for a better future and life.
Tim Tran's story is uplifting and inspiring, and American Dreamer is honest and straightforward, giving readers all the details about his struggles when it came to escaping from his home country and finding freedom. There is sadness, motivation, inspiration, struggles, compassion, and hope in this memoir, and it will keep readers hooked to the very end to discover how Tim Tran and his wife Cathy survived their ordeal, reached America, and made it their home. The depth of his struggles, while he lived in Vietnam, has been expressed in detail and is palpable to readers.
American Dreamer: How I Escaped Communist Vietnam and Built a Successful Life in America by Tim Tran with Tom Fields-Meyer is the fascinating story of the author who was once a penniless refugee and a man without a country. It is also the story of an underprivileged kid who went through a lot of adversity and finally survived to escape from his country to the United States and live the American dream. His story is one of hard work, sheer perseverance, and good luck. This book chronicles his journey of trying to escape Communist Vietnam and his multiple attempts. He speaks of facing betrayal and deceit while trying to flee and how finally he and his wife Cathy managed to leave in a boat that was overcrowded with 350 other passengers, faced pirate attacks, and were in a Malaysian refugee camp before they reached Oregon. Tim Tran's success after reaching America gives hope to many readers who want to move to America and work for a better future and life.
Tim Tran's story is uplifting and inspiring, and American Dreamer is honest and straightforward, giving readers all the details about his struggles when it came to escaping from his home country and finding freedom. There is sadness, motivation, inspiration, struggles, compassion, and hope in this memoir, and it will keep readers hooked to the very end to discover how Tim Tran and his wife Cathy survived their ordeal, reached America, and made it their home. The depth of his struggles, while he lived in Vietnam, has been expressed in detail and is palpable to readers.
Recommend this book:
Acid Test
LSD vs. LDS
Christopher Bigelow
2020 Finalist
297 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Acid Test is a work of non-fiction written in the form of an autobiography by author Christopher Kimball Bigelow. Subtitled “LSD vs. LDS”, the story follows the real-life exploits of the author from a strict religious upbringing in the Mormon church out into the world, where he experienced a total new '80s counterculture with mind-bending drugs. The book explores the author’s many varied experiences, visions, and the strongest influences on his life before returning full circle to once again examine his Mormon roots and the path that his life has taken with all its many ups and downs.
Author Christopher Kimball Bigelow writes with a frankness and honesty that is to be admired in so detailed and fascinating an autobiographical work. Whilst many people care to shut their young rebellious phase in a drawer somewhere and never speak of it again, Bigelow opens up an explosive rejection of a restricted upbringing and shows us the literal highs and lows of what his decisions led him to. Any reader who has experienced a rebellious teenage phase is sure to enjoy this read, and followers of the Mormon faith will find a cyclical strength in the messages and questions which Bigelow asks, particularly in the later parts of the book. What results is an excellent and intimately penned account of the power of influence and broadening of the mind through experience, and overall I would recommend Acid Test as a nostalgic and informative read for adults everywhere.
Acid Test is a work of non-fiction written in the form of an autobiography by author Christopher Kimball Bigelow. Subtitled “LSD vs. LDS”, the story follows the real-life exploits of the author from a strict religious upbringing in the Mormon church out into the world, where he experienced a total new '80s counterculture with mind-bending drugs. The book explores the author’s many varied experiences, visions, and the strongest influences on his life before returning full circle to once again examine his Mormon roots and the path that his life has taken with all its many ups and downs.
Author Christopher Kimball Bigelow writes with a frankness and honesty that is to be admired in so detailed and fascinating an autobiographical work. Whilst many people care to shut their young rebellious phase in a drawer somewhere and never speak of it again, Bigelow opens up an explosive rejection of a restricted upbringing and shows us the literal highs and lows of what his decisions led him to. Any reader who has experienced a rebellious teenage phase is sure to enjoy this read, and followers of the Mormon faith will find a cyclical strength in the messages and questions which Bigelow asks, particularly in the later parts of the book. What results is an excellent and intimately penned account of the power of influence and broadening of the mind through experience, and overall I would recommend Acid Test as a nostalgic and informative read for adults everywhere.
Recommend this book:
Never Turn Your Back on the Tide
(Or, How I Married a Lying, Psychopathic Wannabe-Murderer and Kinda Lived to Tell)
Kergan Edwards-Stout
2020 Honorable Mention
376 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite
French author Guy Blaise states that: “The most tolerant people that I know, both in America and in France, are gay...people in same-sex relationships care more for each other at a level that would embarrass heterosexuals.” No books I’ve read give more credibility to those statements than Never Turn Your Back on the Tide by Kergan Edwards-Stout. While it was the sub-title suggesting I’d be reading about a lying, psychopathic wannabe-murderer that caught my attention, it was the emotions experienced by the principal character, Kergan, in this disturbingly beautiful autobiography that really spoke to my humanity.
Without putting a label on it, Kergan knew at a young age that he was gay. He wasn’t unhappy about it, but as he matured, entered the showbiz world, and learned first-hand how many others in all walks of life and at all levels of their businesses and careers were just like him, he also became increasingly aware of the intolerance toward gays. He watched sadly as his closest gay friends succumbed to Aids, one of whom, Shane, became his partner for several years before dying. It was Kergan’s depiction of this particular relationship that showed how people in same-sex relationships do indeed care more for each other “at a level that would embarrass heterosexuals.”
Unfortunately, the level of caring in Kergan’s next relationship with “Eyes”, the “lying psychopath,” was strictly one-sided. It took years for Kergan to wake up to the truth and by that time, he and Eyes had adopted a son. While the years Kergan spent with, and later, without Eyes, were heartbreaking for him, what a wonderful, caring single father Kergan became to not just one, but two adopted sons who might otherwise not have had any chance of a good life. Never Turn Your Back on the Tide is a touching and eye-opening read. The style is laid-back, easy to follow; the tone is compassionate, sincere, and honest. These are the kinds of books that need to be written...the autobiographies, the memoirs...if ever the world is to better understand and become more tolerant of the differences between each and every one of us. Thanks for writing this wonderful book, Kergan Edwards-Stout.
French author Guy Blaise states that: “The most tolerant people that I know, both in America and in France, are gay...people in same-sex relationships care more for each other at a level that would embarrass heterosexuals.” No books I’ve read give more credibility to those statements than Never Turn Your Back on the Tide by Kergan Edwards-Stout. While it was the sub-title suggesting I’d be reading about a lying, psychopathic wannabe-murderer that caught my attention, it was the emotions experienced by the principal character, Kergan, in this disturbingly beautiful autobiography that really spoke to my humanity.
Without putting a label on it, Kergan knew at a young age that he was gay. He wasn’t unhappy about it, but as he matured, entered the showbiz world, and learned first-hand how many others in all walks of life and at all levels of their businesses and careers were just like him, he also became increasingly aware of the intolerance toward gays. He watched sadly as his closest gay friends succumbed to Aids, one of whom, Shane, became his partner for several years before dying. It was Kergan’s depiction of this particular relationship that showed how people in same-sex relationships do indeed care more for each other “at a level that would embarrass heterosexuals.”
Unfortunately, the level of caring in Kergan’s next relationship with “Eyes”, the “lying psychopath,” was strictly one-sided. It took years for Kergan to wake up to the truth and by that time, he and Eyes had adopted a son. While the years Kergan spent with, and later, without Eyes, were heartbreaking for him, what a wonderful, caring single father Kergan became to not just one, but two adopted sons who might otherwise not have had any chance of a good life. Never Turn Your Back on the Tide is a touching and eye-opening read. The style is laid-back, easy to follow; the tone is compassionate, sincere, and honest. These are the kinds of books that need to be written...the autobiographies, the memoirs...if ever the world is to better understand and become more tolerant of the differences between each and every one of us. Thanks for writing this wonderful book, Kergan Edwards-Stout.
Recommend this book:
As Happy As I Can Stand
The Third Edition of Hatching Charlie
Charles C McCormack
2020 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
As Happy As I Can Stand: The Third Edition of Hatching Charlie by Charles C McCormack is a beautifully written book with strong psychological themes. In this autobiographical narrative, the author looks back at his life, at a family that suffered its own kind of struggles, at the challenges posed by racism, then the experience of being sent off to a boarding school in France. The author writes with unusual honesty, unveiling dread truths about his childhood to readers and the influence that a troubled childhood had on his life, but this book also explores the reality of mental illness in his family. This is the story of a man who evolved into one of the best in psychotherapy.
I loved this book and the unmistakably clear voice of the narrative, a voice that is gripping and that reverberates in the hearts of readers as they listen to stories rendered strangely familiar. In the heart of this book is a succinct documentation of Charles C McCormack’s search for meaning and happiness, a journey that eventually took him into a practice that put him directly in contact with human misery. Readers will experience McCormack’s life behind the psychiatric screens with his patients and his own self-analysis. What makes this story unique is that it presents a protagonist that is flawed and that struggles to help others in their brokenness. The effect of being in contact with the fragility of human life is beautifully captured in this book. As Happy As I Can Stand is written in crisp prose and the evocative language, coupled with the strong themes and the unique storytelling skills, make for an enjoyable read.
As Happy As I Can Stand: The Third Edition of Hatching Charlie by Charles C McCormack is a beautifully written book with strong psychological themes. In this autobiographical narrative, the author looks back at his life, at a family that suffered its own kind of struggles, at the challenges posed by racism, then the experience of being sent off to a boarding school in France. The author writes with unusual honesty, unveiling dread truths about his childhood to readers and the influence that a troubled childhood had on his life, but this book also explores the reality of mental illness in his family. This is the story of a man who evolved into one of the best in psychotherapy.
I loved this book and the unmistakably clear voice of the narrative, a voice that is gripping and that reverberates in the hearts of readers as they listen to stories rendered strangely familiar. In the heart of this book is a succinct documentation of Charles C McCormack’s search for meaning and happiness, a journey that eventually took him into a practice that put him directly in contact with human misery. Readers will experience McCormack’s life behind the psychiatric screens with his patients and his own self-analysis. What makes this story unique is that it presents a protagonist that is flawed and that struggles to help others in their brokenness. The effect of being in contact with the fragility of human life is beautifully captured in this book. As Happy As I Can Stand is written in crisp prose and the evocative language, coupled with the strong themes and the unique storytelling skills, make for an enjoyable read.
Recommend this book:
Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life
A Memoir
Lewis Kempfer
2020 Silver Medal
464 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
In the introduction to Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life: A Memoir, Lewis Kempfer tells readers what his book is not: “It’s not a typical memoir that focuses on one event, nor is it an autobiography, chiefly because I’m not a celebrity. But I believe my story must be told and that someone out there desperately needs to hear the message of hope that’s woven through it.” It turns out this is an unusual memoir indeed, the story of one man’s journey through the lows of life, from childhood trauma, failed relationships, crystal-meth, sex and drug abuse to an uplifting hope in an encounter with God. From the first chapter, the author offers an introspective look at himself and tells readers that one of the things that caused him to indulge in negative and traumatic experiences was the lack of self-love.
This is a story of hope. It begins at the lowest moment in the author’s life and takes readers through his terrible experiences. Here is how he describes that moment between life and death: “No, I didn’t want to die—at least not this way. Naked, except for the leather restraints on my wrists and ankles, I found myself sliding around in my own bodily fluids on the filthy floor of an infamous gay drug motel in east Hollywood.” The writing is fluid and filled with humor, the descriptions allow for clear and powerful images, and the author does an incredible job of exploring the dark despair that stole into his soul many times. Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life: A Memoir is a conversion story, the tale of someone who reached rock bottom in his moral life and whom God drew out from the pit. Lewis Kempfer’s writing is filled with wisdom and insight, a story that is shared with unusual honesty and a voice that is irresistible. There is a bit of every one of us in this memoir and that’s what makes it so appealing and enjoyable.
In the introduction to Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life: A Memoir, Lewis Kempfer tells readers what his book is not: “It’s not a typical memoir that focuses on one event, nor is it an autobiography, chiefly because I’m not a celebrity. But I believe my story must be told and that someone out there desperately needs to hear the message of hope that’s woven through it.” It turns out this is an unusual memoir indeed, the story of one man’s journey through the lows of life, from childhood trauma, failed relationships, crystal-meth, sex and drug abuse to an uplifting hope in an encounter with God. From the first chapter, the author offers an introspective look at himself and tells readers that one of the things that caused him to indulge in negative and traumatic experiences was the lack of self-love.
This is a story of hope. It begins at the lowest moment in the author’s life and takes readers through his terrible experiences. Here is how he describes that moment between life and death: “No, I didn’t want to die—at least not this way. Naked, except for the leather restraints on my wrists and ankles, I found myself sliding around in my own bodily fluids on the filthy floor of an infamous gay drug motel in east Hollywood.” The writing is fluid and filled with humor, the descriptions allow for clear and powerful images, and the author does an incredible job of exploring the dark despair that stole into his soul many times. Don't Mind Me, I'm Just Having a Bad Life: A Memoir is a conversion story, the tale of someone who reached rock bottom in his moral life and whom God drew out from the pit. Lewis Kempfer’s writing is filled with wisdom and insight, a story that is shared with unusual honesty and a voice that is irresistible. There is a bit of every one of us in this memoir and that’s what makes it so appealing and enjoyable.
Recommend this book:
My Every Breath
A Memoir of love, loss and hope
Anna Maynard with Karen Emilson
2020 Gold Medal
326 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Kayti Nika Raet for Readers' Favorite
My Every Breath by Anna Maynard with Karen Emilson is an autobiography detailing her experiences growing up living with Cystic Fibrosis during the late 60 and early 70s. Using photos from that time, Maynard shares a more personalized look at the disease and what life was like at a time when the life expectancy of a child with Cystic Fibrosis was just fourteen years old. Her older sister France also had Cystic Fibrosis but unfortunately died at just fourteen years old. What Maynard does well is to share her story in such a way that we feel each moment she goes through in a visceral way. With the blessing of time and a double lung transplant, she is able to look back on her childhood, as well as the life she's lived that would have seemed impossible fifty years ago. Now a mother and a grandmother, tragedy unfortunately strikes her life again with the murder of her mother and a subsequent trial in 2013.
Throughout the book, Maynard shows her resilience in the face of adversity. I thought My Every Breath was pretty well written. The photos add a lot to the story as well as the words detailing Maynard's life. She has a way with words that help the reader not only gain an understanding of Cystic Fibrosis but also feel the highs and lows of emotion as Maynard goes through triumph and adversity. In My Every Breath, Anna Maynard crafts an evocative collection of words and images that is sure to sit with the reader long after the last page is turned. I enjoyed every passage and feel that My Every Breath would be a great read for anyone looking for a first-hand account of Cystic Fibrosis and its early treatment.
My Every Breath by Anna Maynard with Karen Emilson is an autobiography detailing her experiences growing up living with Cystic Fibrosis during the late 60 and early 70s. Using photos from that time, Maynard shares a more personalized look at the disease and what life was like at a time when the life expectancy of a child with Cystic Fibrosis was just fourteen years old. Her older sister France also had Cystic Fibrosis but unfortunately died at just fourteen years old. What Maynard does well is to share her story in such a way that we feel each moment she goes through in a visceral way. With the blessing of time and a double lung transplant, she is able to look back on her childhood, as well as the life she's lived that would have seemed impossible fifty years ago. Now a mother and a grandmother, tragedy unfortunately strikes her life again with the murder of her mother and a subsequent trial in 2013.
Throughout the book, Maynard shows her resilience in the face of adversity. I thought My Every Breath was pretty well written. The photos add a lot to the story as well as the words detailing Maynard's life. She has a way with words that help the reader not only gain an understanding of Cystic Fibrosis but also feel the highs and lows of emotion as Maynard goes through triumph and adversity. In My Every Breath, Anna Maynard crafts an evocative collection of words and images that is sure to sit with the reader long after the last page is turned. I enjoyed every passage and feel that My Every Breath would be a great read for anyone looking for a first-hand account of Cystic Fibrosis and its early treatment.
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