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Single, Black, and Government Owned

A Memoir
O. Keeys

2012 Gold Medal
224 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography

2012 Gold Medal
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

"Single, Black, and Government Owned: A Memoir" by O. Keeys touched my heart. I began reading and could not put the book down until I had read the last page. It is her fault I had to work the next day with only 2 hours of sleep. Her book had me crying, laughing, fearful and triumphant. Keeys’ life has not been an easy one, and at times it seemed as if adversity was searching for her. She was an unwed teen mother who refused to be a statistic. She could have stood in a welfare line the rest of her life but she wanted more for herself and her child. Keeys was a track star and earned a complete college scholarship. Regardless of the fact that she “graduated” with a 3.89 the college refused to grant her the degree she earned, claiming she owed money...impossible on a complete scholarship. After weighing her options, Keeys decided to join the Air Force. It was not an easy decision, especially knowing she would have to leave her son with her mother and sister. This is the point where Keeys' memoir really begins.

Keeys is a remarkable woman. In her book she comes across as a loner, but also explains why. I felt as though we were old friends sipping tea, while she shared her life with me. I think the part of the story that made me the angriest was Lette’s attitude. The woman was downright mean. Keeys is a very talented author and I highly recommend her book. It will offer strength, courage and hope to everyone who reads it.

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Nothing but Respect

A True Victim to Victory Story
Julie-Anne

2012 Honorable Mention
228 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography

2012 Honorable Mention
Reviewed by Brenda Casto for Readers' Favorite

With the book "Nothing but Respect" the author Julie-Anne allows readers a close and personal look into her life. She not only shares her triumphs but her tragedies as well. We follow her from being a well-adjusted teen who loved to water ski, an overachiever who was loved by her family to someone who became a victim of rape and spiraled down into self doubt and lost all self respect for herself. As we follow her journey we slowly come to realize that we all deserve nothing less than respect, and watch her become a strong confident woman willing to open herself up and share her story so that she might help others.

This story really piqued my interest from the beginning, but I must say on a few occasions I wavered, wondering how in the world the sexual escapades and the poor relationship choices made by the author would ever inspire me, but I am so glad that I continued reading her story, because by the end of the story the message was loud and clear: we all deserve respect, and no matter what choices we might make in our life, we have to learn to forgive ourselves if we are really ever going to move forward, and the key to true happiness isn't something that we can buy or find in someone else but has to come from within. I have to commend the author for exposing her innermost feelings, and telling them in such a conversational way that not only allowed me to connect with the story, but also feel as if the author was a dear friend by the end of the book. I also found the information that she shared about Fibromyalgia and the pain one suffers from this disease to be very informative. While there were a few minor editing issues for me it didn't detract from the story. Overall, this author bares her heart and soul and in doing so will certainly help others who are going through similar situations. A true victim to victory story that leaves me wishing the author the best, and also wondering where life's journey will take this remarkable person.

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Highway Odyssey

Alexander Flint

2012 Bronze Medal
264 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography

2012 Bronze Medal
Reviewed by Rita G. for Readers' Favorite

"Highway Odyssey" by Alexander Flint is the story of a man attempting to discover himself. The year was 1978 and he found himself a single father after his recent divorce. He started traveling with his seven year old son. Together they made adventures: back packing across the Grand Tetons in Wyoming. The trek was not without dangers; they did not posses practical gear but managed to conquer Hurricane Pass. Alex recounts who they visited. He shares old friends and new ones. The descriptions of the places and people bring them to life. I felt as if I were looking at them myself. He expresses the cultural difference between families and embraces it. To some degree this is a travel journal, yet it is so much more. This book offers great insight. "Highway Odyssey" is a fascinating read through two decades of a man’s life. The reader looks through a window at his marriage, is privy to his emotions and watches as the metamorphosis of his being takes place. He faced his self doubts and overcame them. By reaching back into the past of his ancestors, Flint found himself and became a responsible single parent. For twenty four years Flint continued to travel and seek adventures.

I love this book. Flint discovered what some never do...what is most important in life. I found this book easy to read and it held my attention. It is much more than this man’s travel journal; it is the search for identity. I envy his free spirit and ability to face the challenges of life and overcome them. I find this book inspiring.

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And Rainedrops Fall Down My Cheeks

Raine

2012 Finalist
93 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography

2012 Finalist
Reviewed by Lisa Miller for Readers' Favorite

"And Rainedrops Fall Down My Cheeks" tells of the author's many different life experiences, in which she establish a justification of the reason for them is much more than being human and we have guardian angels.

I thought this book was a bit abstract through several chapters, however as I continued reading I became aware of the author's explanation of the medium and paranormal reasoning for many different life experiences. The author mentioned several experiences during her life that were devastating, such as the death of her grandmothers, her Dad and a family cat. Also, a very serious car accident was the highlight of her reflection into the medium, she believed she had the power to sense things from other people and guide them through communication of the spirits.

As mentioned towards the ending of the book, the author states; "I carry a deep belief from those times of near death experiences there is someone who await for each of us with an abiding love that is greater than any love experienced on this earth." In my understanding of the author's experiences, she has a very strong belief in the paranormal. I connected to Raine's ideas of having the sense of being watched and having the sense of a voice saying be watchful and listen to everything as well as communication through animals.

Warning! Before reading this book, grab a box of tissues. This book was well written and entertaining. Being an animal lover the sections that dealt with animals were my favorite. This book grabbed my attention from the beginning. The topic is fascinating. The author shares her experiences with readers and encourages them to develop their gifts. Fascinating!

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While I Was Learning to Become God

Roxana Jones

2011 Gold Medal
310 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography

2011 Gold Medal
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

While I Was Learning To Become God is based on the life of Sybil Vaughn. Roxana Jones sat at Sybil's bedside and listened intently as Sybil told her story which included "guardian angels." Guardian angels have been watching out for Sybil her entire life. Sybil was only one year old when she became very ill. Her mother, Cassandra, feared her daughter would not survive. However, it wasn't Sybil's time yet. A guardian angel told her mother to give her green coconut milk. Within a few months, Sybil was thriving. In another instance she was playing behind her father's truck where he could not see her. The quick action of her guardian angel caught her father's attention before he backed over her. Sybil's life and experience are unique and remarkable. She was only six years old when she communicated with dolphins telepathically. After her first marriage ended in divorce she visited a commune. During a worship/meditation service she once again saw her guardian angel. In an out of body experience she conversed with him. She found peace in her meditations.

Sybil had been controlled all of her life, first by her mother and then by her husband. I see Sybil as a butterfly. Her story is one of metamorphism, the reader watches as Sybil changes. I'm not sure I completely understand or agree in Sybil's belief system. However, I found her story fascinating. I have attempted to be vague and brief in sharing Sybil's life story, as my review would be too long if I shared all of the amazing events in her life. I can only imagine the joy and awe Roxanne Jones felt as she listened to Sybil. It is obvious they formed a great friendship. Sybil's discussion of her spiritual life was intriguing. I have a couple of questions I wish I could ask her.

Roxana Jones did an excellent job bringing Sybil's story to life. I felt as if I knew her personally. She also described the Guardian Angels in such a way that I could see them in my mind's eye, Sybil was a remarkable woman and this is a remarkable book.

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Graffiti On My Soul

Johanna

2011 Bronze Medal
308 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography

2011 Bronze Medal
Reviewed by Dr. Karen Hutchins Pirnot for Readers' Favorite

In the last line of her book Graffiti on My Soul, author Johanna concludes: "This is my Last Will and Testament." As an author and reader, I would certainly hope this is not the case. Johanna is a creative and talented writer, and most who read this book would be thrilled to hear there is another in the works.

Johanna is a Canadian-born child who struggled early on to understand a world whose meaning appeared foreign to her. At the age of seventeen, she joined a convent and remained there for years, studying and learning the principles of poverty and obedience. She then entered into the study of philosophy and psychology and another world of knowledge opened to her. After eight years in the monastery, Johanna elected to leave her vows and to take her new learning to the world at large. She married and had five children, feeling her nurturing and educational skills were well-directed in her new life. Her Austrian mother-in-law entered the picture, and Johanna was mandated to reach toward and beyond everything she was taught while serving as a nun. She battled the legal system, as well as her own personal demons of doubt and anger, as she struggled to recapture her sense of self within the dictates of her own religion.

This book is one which should appeal to all harboring self-doubts and personal conflicts. It is a book of personal exploration, bravery and tenacity. Despite one's religion (or not), Graffiti on My Soul is a book to stay with the reader long into the next, difficult situations in life.

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Reversible Skirt

Laura McHale Holland

2011 Silver Medal
264 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography

2011 Silver Medal
Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite

The mother of three small girls committed suicide leaving their father to raise them. More than anything he wanted to keep them together. In haste he remarries and tells his children his new wife is their mother. For a while the girls live with their grandmother. When their father brings them back home, their mother does not look the same. The youngest child, Laura, believes her mother must have gone through a magical transformation. She does not understand what has happened. The "mother" has very strict rules to the point of abuse. After the death of their father the "mother" becomes openly abusive. The three girls form an alliance. They vow to remain together just as their father wanted.

Reversible Skirt is an amazing story. It is written through the eyes of a young child. The three girls believed they were responsible for their mother's death. I felt so much love for Laura. I wanted to hold, hug and protect her. This tale captivated me from the first page to the last. I read this book twice before writing this review. There are many types of abuse. This book sheds light on child abuse.

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It's Not Weird Anymore

An Extra Ordinary Tale
Laura Legere

2011 Gold Medal
236 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography

2011 Gold Medal
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite

It's Not Weird Anymore: An Extraordinary True Tale by author Laura Legere is her spiritual journey. The story begins with the author and her friend Julie vacationing in Mexico. They were riding scooters in Cozumel when Laura crashed her scooter and landed on a coral rock. Many bones in her face were broken. Her eyes swelled shut. She broke her upper-palate in half that left a large gap between her front teeth. Her nose was barely hanging on. After extensive x-rays she was in surgery. I found it significant that she experienced little pain. She describes how having essential oils applied to her face reduced the amount of swelling significantly. Laura believes in and practices many forms of alternative therapies. Among the methods she mentions are Raindrop Aromatherapy, essential oils and Lymphatic Massage.

This book is Laura's deep spiritual journey. Along her path she met many others who have assisted her and whom she has assisted. She met Peter on an internet dating service three weeks before the accident, fell in love and married him. He has Hepatitis C and went through his own healing journey with Laura's help. Laura embraces life. She has a positive mental, physical, emotional and spiritual demeanor.

The last section of this book is a list of resources which Laura mentions or supports. These resources are to repair and preserve our best possible health. Laura offers insight into the use of Belly Dancing, Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Colon Hydrotherapy, as well as a multitude of others.

I'm very impressed with Laura Leger's book, It's Not Weird Anymore. The story of her healing is miraculous. She believes in the energy of the body, nature, and all of creation. I have had a minimal experience with herbal therapy, certainly not enough to be considered an expert. However, I do believe it is worth investigating. I was so curious about many of the therapies that I took time to do a little research on some of them.

This book is well-written, well-organized, easy to understand and very informative. It is very easy to recommend this book.

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We've Never Had A King

Guests of the State
Brad and Mary Bradbury

2011 Silver Medal
288 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography

2011 Silver Medal
Reviewed by Diane Carter for Readers' Favorite

We've Never Had A King is a fascinating look at the lives of Mary and Brad Bradbury and a bit of the history of Iraq. The setting is the 1950s, Iraq. Brad was a guest of the state, and advisor to the Government Oil Refineries Administration. Brad and Mary were married for fifty years. The tales of their adventures in Iraq are entertaining. He also shares great insight to the customs of the country. They were in Iraq during a turbulent era.

Bradbury shares the experiences from his point of view. I found the short essays to be humorous. This would make a great audible book if the author would read it himself giving it his personal touch. The style is conversational and entertaining. I felt as if I was enjoying a summer day with Brad as he reminisced.

This book is an easy and fast read. It is obvious Mary and Brad shared a great love. This book stayed with me long after I closed the cover.

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Addicted To Cold Water

My Story
Jill Peck

2011 Bronze Medal
408 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography

2011 Bronze Medal
Reviewed by Rita G. for Readers' Favorite

Addicted To Cold Water by Jill Peck Voan is not an easy read but it is a necessary read. There are many forms of addiction. When we hear the word addiction we think of drugs, medications, alcohol, gambling, sex, and food. But there are many other forms of addiction. Addicted To Cold water introduces readers to other forms of addiction and helps the reader to understand the addiction. Addiction affects you, your family, work and every part of your life.

Jill shares the story of her life and her addiction. Early in life she realized she had a problem. She would get hot and swimming was the only thing that brought relief. She had problems eating and her food had to be at certain temperatures. Swimming at the lake and pools and shower were her only relief. The water had to be cold. The house had to be kept at a constant temperature. She had rituals that she HAD to keep 365 days a year.

Paul offered her unconditional love. He took care of her, loved her despite her demands, and met her needs. Eventually she learned to cope. Change was difficult for her.

There are a few editing errors and at times the words run together. However, this is a story that had to be told. It is difficult to understand the addictions that some people face. We need to know, attempt to understand and offer assistance.