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In 1946, at the close of WWII, George O’Neill moved his family from New Jersey to Florida to start over. On the outskirts of Miami in a little town called Uleta, th...){kind=link}
Guava Dreams
Mary Torre Kelly
2010 Finalist
364 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Lynette Fowlston for Readers' Favorite
"Guava Dreams" is a fictional memoir or, as the author writes, “A Memoir, Mostly True”. I questioned what was truth and what was fiction. The setting is the 1940`s and 1950`s.
In 1946, at the close of WWII, George O’Neill moved his family from New Jersey to Florida to start over. On the outskirts of Miami in a little town called Uleta, they parked their trailer and began life anew. George built their new home. Louise O’Neill , five years old and the middle child, narrates her story as she looks back on her life. They lived in a town where different cultures clashed. Circus performers, to vagabonds, gypsies and Indians abound. Louise was from a dysfunctional family. Her father worked hard, her mother had problems that she tried to keep hidden. Louise had two brothers, the oldest was headed for a life of trouble making and the younger needed to grow up. Louise wandered around the area and met an assortment of different people, mostly circus performers and became friends with most of them. At times, she wondered about her own life as she closed herself off in dreams. We follow along beside her as she finds happiness and sorrow, enters the world of rock and roll, television and sex. She came to understand her mother as she learned more about her past.
I grew up in the same generation and was a middle child. I believe this helped me relate to the author`s story. This is such a fascinating read. The reader journeys through the childhood of a young girl. We see her fears, her joys, and her sorrows growing up in an time that is now lost, except for those of us who are old enough to remember. Beautifully written.
"Guava Dreams" is a fictional memoir or, as the author writes, “A Memoir, Mostly True”. I questioned what was truth and what was fiction. The setting is the 1940`s and 1950`s.
In 1946, at the close of WWII, George O’Neill moved his family from New Jersey to Florida to start over. On the outskirts of Miami in a little town called Uleta, they parked their trailer and began life anew. George built their new home. Louise O’Neill , five years old and the middle child, narrates her story as she looks back on her life. They lived in a town where different cultures clashed. Circus performers, to vagabonds, gypsies and Indians abound. Louise was from a dysfunctional family. Her father worked hard, her mother had problems that she tried to keep hidden. Louise had two brothers, the oldest was headed for a life of trouble making and the younger needed to grow up. Louise wandered around the area and met an assortment of different people, mostly circus performers and became friends with most of them. At times, she wondered about her own life as she closed herself off in dreams. We follow along beside her as she finds happiness and sorrow, enters the world of rock and roll, television and sex. She came to understand her mother as she learned more about her past.
I grew up in the same generation and was a middle child. I believe this helped me relate to the author`s story. This is such a fascinating read. The reader journeys through the childhood of a young girl. We see her fears, her joys, and her sorrows growing up in an time that is now lost, except for those of us who are old enough to remember. Beautifully written.
Recommend this book:
A Promise Kept
Elise Crawford
2010 Gold Medal
204 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
This is the true story of Elise Crawford and the murder of Mark McLaughlin. Thanksgiving Day 1998 changed Elise’s life forever. Crawford pens her story hoping to assist others grieving. Crawford utilizes photographs, newspaper clippings, and interviews with witnesses to tell her story.
On November 27, 1998 Seattle Metro bus operator, Mark McLaughlin was murdered by a transit rider. McLaughlin grappled with the man for the gun. The bus and its 32 passengers went off the Aurora Bridge and landed onto of an apartment complex. Crawford shares the rescue effort and the search for Mark.
Crawford successful connects the reader with Mark. He was a large man and a caring individual. He loved people and was always ready to help them. Elise describes their courtship. She and her children rode his bus each day. They were friends first and later husband and wife. For over 10 years Mark was Elise’s most ardent supporter. With him at her side she could accomplish anything.
Crawford takes the reader with her as she grieved. She refuses to accept his death. Her health languished. She lived in despair. Only after she accepted his death could she continue her life.
Elise Crawford is a talented author. She is a remarkable woman and her story is inspiring. Keep the tissues close at hand. I expect we will see more from this author.
This is the true story of Elise Crawford and the murder of Mark McLaughlin. Thanksgiving Day 1998 changed Elise’s life forever. Crawford pens her story hoping to assist others grieving. Crawford utilizes photographs, newspaper clippings, and interviews with witnesses to tell her story.
On November 27, 1998 Seattle Metro bus operator, Mark McLaughlin was murdered by a transit rider. McLaughlin grappled with the man for the gun. The bus and its 32 passengers went off the Aurora Bridge and landed onto of an apartment complex. Crawford shares the rescue effort and the search for Mark.
Crawford successful connects the reader with Mark. He was a large man and a caring individual. He loved people and was always ready to help them. Elise describes their courtship. She and her children rode his bus each day. They were friends first and later husband and wife. For over 10 years Mark was Elise’s most ardent supporter. With him at her side she could accomplish anything.
Crawford takes the reader with her as she grieved. She refuses to accept his death. Her health languished. She lived in despair. Only after she accepted his death could she continue her life.
Elise Crawford is a talented author. She is a remarkable woman and her story is inspiring. Keep the tissues close at hand. I expect we will see more from this author.
Recommend this book:
Looks Easy Enough
A Joyful Memoir of Overcoming Disease, Divorce, and Disaster
Scott Stevenson
2010 Bronze Medal
451 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Fiona Ingram for Readers' Favorite
There are memoirs and there are love stories. “Looks Easy Enough-A Joyful Memoir of Overcoming Disease, Divorce and Disaster” is both and more. Scott Stevenson waited almost half his life to marry the right woman. He had his own architect firm in California. He met Susan when he was 46 years old. He knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. They planned to retire and build their own home in the mountains above San Diego. It sounded ideal and easy. When it was discovered that Susan had breast cancer, their world changed, but not their love for each other. If anything, it grew stronger. Scott was sure she would beat this and live a long life. When his sister went through a devastating divorce, Susan and Scott were there to help her and the children. With the help of his family, they built their dream home, only to have it destroyed before their eyes in a firestorm. They had no insurance and their retirement fund was dwindling, but they still had each other. Though faced with adversity, they grow stronger. Love, faith and inspiration sustained them.
Occasionally, I find a book that really inspires me I must read it in one sitting. We all think that we have stress and problems in our lives until we look at life and problems through another person`s eyes and voice. This book is written in an easy conversational style. I felt that I was sitting down with Scott and Susan, enjoying a cup of coffee as they shared their story. This story is filled with hope, humor, and inspiration. It challenges the reader to face their own struggles with hope and courage. I recommend this book for men and women. It clearly demonstrates love and commitment between a man and his wife.
There are memoirs and there are love stories. “Looks Easy Enough-A Joyful Memoir of Overcoming Disease, Divorce and Disaster” is both and more. Scott Stevenson waited almost half his life to marry the right woman. He had his own architect firm in California. He met Susan when he was 46 years old. He knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. They planned to retire and build their own home in the mountains above San Diego. It sounded ideal and easy. When it was discovered that Susan had breast cancer, their world changed, but not their love for each other. If anything, it grew stronger. Scott was sure she would beat this and live a long life. When his sister went through a devastating divorce, Susan and Scott were there to help her and the children. With the help of his family, they built their dream home, only to have it destroyed before their eyes in a firestorm. They had no insurance and their retirement fund was dwindling, but they still had each other. Though faced with adversity, they grow stronger. Love, faith and inspiration sustained them.
Occasionally, I find a book that really inspires me I must read it in one sitting. We all think that we have stress and problems in our lives until we look at life and problems through another person`s eyes and voice. This book is written in an easy conversational style. I felt that I was sitting down with Scott and Susan, enjoying a cup of coffee as they shared their story. This story is filled with hope, humor, and inspiration. It challenges the reader to face their own struggles with hope and courage. I recommend this book for men and women. It clearly demonstrates love and commitment between a man and his wife.
Recommend this book:
All Eyes
A Memoir of Deafness
Bainy B. Cyrus
2010 Silver Medal
132 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Anne Boiling for Readers' Favorite
Bainy B Cyrus was born unable to hear. She was 18 months old before her parents realized there was a problem. At first, the doctors thought she was the youngest child and maybe she didn’t have to speak because everyone met her needs. Eventually they discovered her mother had contracted Rubella during the first trimester. Rubella can cause a number of birth defects.
Bainy’s first hearing device was large. The technology, in the early 60s, was far from high tech. The device strapped to her like a body harness. Her parents sent her to a special school, Clark School. The school did not use sign language. The students were expected to learn to read lips and to talk.
Her story continues with tales of her misadventures while in New York, life with her friends, and her husband. One of the tales that stood out to me concerned a person at the hospital that could not communicate with the nurses. Bainy thought (correctly) that there should be someone on staff capable of interpreting sign language.
I found this book inspiring. For quite some time I’ve wanted to learn sign language. I believe I will start looking for a class locally. Bainy is a courageous woman. She shared her most precious memories to build a bridge between those in the hearing world and those in the hearing impaired world. Bainy writes with humor. Thank you Bainy.
Bainy B Cyrus was born unable to hear. She was 18 months old before her parents realized there was a problem. At first, the doctors thought she was the youngest child and maybe she didn’t have to speak because everyone met her needs. Eventually they discovered her mother had contracted Rubella during the first trimester. Rubella can cause a number of birth defects.
Bainy’s first hearing device was large. The technology, in the early 60s, was far from high tech. The device strapped to her like a body harness. Her parents sent her to a special school, Clark School. The school did not use sign language. The students were expected to learn to read lips and to talk.
Her story continues with tales of her misadventures while in New York, life with her friends, and her husband. One of the tales that stood out to me concerned a person at the hospital that could not communicate with the nurses. Bainy thought (correctly) that there should be someone on staff capable of interpreting sign language.
I found this book inspiring. For quite some time I’ve wanted to learn sign language. I believe I will start looking for a class locally. Bainy is a courageous woman. She shared her most precious memories to build a bridge between those in the hearing world and those in the hearing impaired world. Bainy writes with humor. Thank you Bainy.
Recommend this book:
The Sorcerer's Dream
Alysa Braceau, Dreamshield
2010 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Anna del C. Dye for Readers' Favorite
I was very interested to read this book based on the name alone. I guess the “Don’t judge the book by its cover” maxim is very true this time. First let me tell you that the name has nothing to do with fantasy at all, instead it deals with North American Indian lore, it describes an initiation into the sorcerer’s tradition. It takes you into the world of mastering conscious dreaming.
The story takes you through the life of a wife and mother on her quest for soul searching, spiritual healing. When she makes the acquaintance of a man dressed in a North American turban her life changes dramatically. According to her mentor she is a dreamer and she needs to learn how to manage her dreams to understand the message they bring to her. Through the help of this older mentor she is able to master her dreaming and to learn and see that which is in her body and mind. In the space of two and half years he teaches her all he knows, so then she can do the same for others. She learns to be in tune with her body, mind and soul in a healthier, happy way.
Soon they are talking of her as a medium and all the things she can see and why she sees them. They also talk about sex and how he has many women with whom he divides his time and energy. She is able to move through the experience with relative ease and later is able to pass her gift on to others that may become whole themselves. Her mentor then lets her understand that his training is done and leaves her with a charge to pass it on.
A different idea of a sorcerer is studied in this book, and it ends a bit abruptly for my taste. It was well done if you like mediums and ghosts, or people who like to communicate with spirits.
I was very interested to read this book based on the name alone. I guess the “Don’t judge the book by its cover” maxim is very true this time. First let me tell you that the name has nothing to do with fantasy at all, instead it deals with North American Indian lore, it describes an initiation into the sorcerer’s tradition. It takes you into the world of mastering conscious dreaming.
The story takes you through the life of a wife and mother on her quest for soul searching, spiritual healing. When she makes the acquaintance of a man dressed in a North American turban her life changes dramatically. According to her mentor she is a dreamer and she needs to learn how to manage her dreams to understand the message they bring to her. Through the help of this older mentor she is able to master her dreaming and to learn and see that which is in her body and mind. In the space of two and half years he teaches her all he knows, so then she can do the same for others. She learns to be in tune with her body, mind and soul in a healthier, happy way.
Soon they are talking of her as a medium and all the things she can see and why she sees them. They also talk about sex and how he has many women with whom he divides his time and energy. She is able to move through the experience with relative ease and later is able to pass her gift on to others that may become whole themselves. Her mentor then lets her understand that his training is done and leaves her with a charge to pass it on.
A different idea of a sorcerer is studied in this book, and it ends a bit abruptly for my taste. It was well done if you like mediums and ghosts, or people who like to communicate with spirits.
Recommend this book:
Blessings In Disguise
A Tale of Redemption
Gary R. Ryan
2009 Finalist
268 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Gary R. Ryan is brutally honest in his autobiography Blessings In Disguise. He states that his childhood was not the stuff of which fairytales are made. I suggest he look at more fairytales. They usually have a wicked stepmother. All he need do is insert the word father in place of mother. He was only nine years old when he seriously contemplated murdering his stepfather, Bill. In fairness to stepfathers…this narrative is told from Gary’s view point. I do not doubt anything he has shared. However, it is usually my rule to remember that his stepfather would probably tell it a bit different. I’m trying to hold the perspective that we each see things differently.
Gary inherited the worst from his father, alcoholism. He admits that he was arrested so many times he lost count. He successfully completed a two year academic program at Camarillow State Mental Hospital. That was the beginning of his recovery. He was still struggling and his ex-wife suggested he attend AA. The organization gave him the support and hope he needed.
I was particularly interested in Gary’s art. I would have enjoyed seeing more examples. He has included a few samples. He is obviously very talented. I would have preferred to have more of his new walk with Christ and less of the bad stuff. The past is forgiven and it is time to concentrate on the new. I wanted more evidence of spiritual change.
Gary R. Ryan is brutally honest in his autobiography Blessings In Disguise. He states that his childhood was not the stuff of which fairytales are made. I suggest he look at more fairytales. They usually have a wicked stepmother. All he need do is insert the word father in place of mother. He was only nine years old when he seriously contemplated murdering his stepfather, Bill. In fairness to stepfathers…this narrative is told from Gary’s view point. I do not doubt anything he has shared. However, it is usually my rule to remember that his stepfather would probably tell it a bit different. I’m trying to hold the perspective that we each see things differently.
Gary inherited the worst from his father, alcoholism. He admits that he was arrested so many times he lost count. He successfully completed a two year academic program at Camarillow State Mental Hospital. That was the beginning of his recovery. He was still struggling and his ex-wife suggested he attend AA. The organization gave him the support and hope he needed.
I was particularly interested in Gary’s art. I would have enjoyed seeing more examples. He has included a few samples. He is obviously very talented. I would have preferred to have more of his new walk with Christ and less of the bad stuff. The past is forgiven and it is time to concentrate on the new. I wanted more evidence of spiritual change.
Recommend this book:
Just a Common Lady
Karen Pirnot
2009 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
I was hooked from the moment I read the Prologue of Just a Common Lady. Karen Pirnot knows who she is and she is proud of it. She does not have to put on airs and pretend to be one of the elite. Pirnot cares more about others than herself. I would guess that she would be a great friend.
Pirnot is a retired Clinical Psychologist. I suspect her childhood influenced her choice of careers. She was very young when her mother died. She and her siblings were raised scattered between relatives. Their father was never able to cope with the loss of his beloved wife.
Pirnot’s life was not easy. Yet nowhere in her book does she sound self pitying. She remembers her roots. She cherishes her memories. Community and family are important to her. I enjoyed reading her story. Like her I am proud to be a common lady. We may be common ladies but we have what it takes to survive and to thrive.
This book is written in an easy to read and understand style. I felt as though we were old friends and she was sharing her story with me. She actually reminds me of a dear friend, Dr. Fran Davis. Davis has that same special something that is rare in this day. Their cup is half full and constantly refilling.
I was hooked from the moment I read the Prologue of Just a Common Lady. Karen Pirnot knows who she is and she is proud of it. She does not have to put on airs and pretend to be one of the elite. Pirnot cares more about others than herself. I would guess that she would be a great friend.
Pirnot is a retired Clinical Psychologist. I suspect her childhood influenced her choice of careers. She was very young when her mother died. She and her siblings were raised scattered between relatives. Their father was never able to cope with the loss of his beloved wife.
Pirnot’s life was not easy. Yet nowhere in her book does she sound self pitying. She remembers her roots. She cherishes her memories. Community and family are important to her. I enjoyed reading her story. Like her I am proud to be a common lady. We may be common ladies but we have what it takes to survive and to thrive.
This book is written in an easy to read and understand style. I felt as though we were old friends and she was sharing her story with me. She actually reminds me of a dear friend, Dr. Fran Davis. Davis has that same special something that is rare in this day. Their cup is half full and constantly refilling.
Recommend this book:
From Riches to Happiness
A Semi-Autobiography by an Enlightened Orange county Woman
Judy Joseph Hamlin
2009 Finalist
84 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Judy Joseph Hamlin begins her book, From Riches to Happiness, by sharing a conversation with her soon to be ex-husband, John. When he dropped their sons off, he had seen a car in the driveway. That had set him on a tirade of how he intended to destroy her. Judy was from an affluent family. She and John were opposites. He worked long hours to attain more and more material possessions. He wanted the biggest, the flashiest, the best and the most expensive of everything. When Judy tried to discuss this with him he would became angry. Eventually she stopped trying to talk to him.
Divorce was inevitable. We’ve all heard the term dirty divorce. Judy’s divorce was worse than dirty. He took her to court over the smallest things. By the time the divorce was final Judy was deeply in debt.
Judy has a courageous spirit. She made mistakes but did not let that stop her from surviving. She went to college; she developed a product to sell. From Riches to Happiness is an encouraging read. Judy writes with more than a bit of wit. It is very easy to recommend From Riches to Happiness.
Judy Joseph Hamlin begins her book, From Riches to Happiness, by sharing a conversation with her soon to be ex-husband, John. When he dropped their sons off, he had seen a car in the driveway. That had set him on a tirade of how he intended to destroy her. Judy was from an affluent family. She and John were opposites. He worked long hours to attain more and more material possessions. He wanted the biggest, the flashiest, the best and the most expensive of everything. When Judy tried to discuss this with him he would became angry. Eventually she stopped trying to talk to him.
Divorce was inevitable. We’ve all heard the term dirty divorce. Judy’s divorce was worse than dirty. He took her to court over the smallest things. By the time the divorce was final Judy was deeply in debt.
Judy has a courageous spirit. She made mistakes but did not let that stop her from surviving. She went to college; she developed a product to sell. From Riches to Happiness is an encouraging read. Judy writes with more than a bit of wit. It is very easy to recommend From Riches to Happiness.
Recommend this book:
Out of the Village
Overcoming Barriers
Banya Ku’Caya
2009 Finalist
238 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Banya Ku’Caya was born in 1957 in Uganda. He was the first child of four. He shares his story with readers. Ku’Caya was born in a democracy. In 1971 there was a government take over. Ku’Cay lived in a dictatorship. He was discouraged from continuing his education passed the secondary level. “In Pangani he witnessed the torture of alleged criminals.” His first teaching position was in Kenya. Eventually he came to the US. Upon arriving a taxi driver stole from him. A kind man by the name of Jesus offered him assistance as he made his way to Los Angeles. He never forgot the land he left behind or the people.
Out Of the Village is the autobiography of Banya Ku’Caya. He is an incredibly care man. He never forgot those he left behind and worked for their freedom from tyranny.
Banya’s writing style is easy to read and understand. He clearly and humbly shares his story with readers.
Banya Ku’Caya was born in 1957 in Uganda. He was the first child of four. He shares his story with readers. Ku’Caya was born in a democracy. In 1971 there was a government take over. Ku’Cay lived in a dictatorship. He was discouraged from continuing his education passed the secondary level. “In Pangani he witnessed the torture of alleged criminals.” His first teaching position was in Kenya. Eventually he came to the US. Upon arriving a taxi driver stole from him. A kind man by the name of Jesus offered him assistance as he made his way to Los Angeles. He never forgot the land he left behind or the people.
Out Of the Village is the autobiography of Banya Ku’Caya. He is an incredibly care man. He never forgot those he left behind and worked for their freedom from tyranny.
Banya’s writing style is easy to read and understand. He clearly and humbly shares his story with readers.
Recommend this book:
I Choose to be Happy
A School Shooting Survivor's Triumph Over Tragedy
Missy Jenkins with William Croyle
2009 Bronze Medal
298 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
I remember praying as I listened to the tragedy unfold in 1997. The setting was Paducah, Kentucky, only 150 miles from the small Kentucky community I live in. Michael Carneal opened fire in Heath High School. The boom of the gun shots echoed throughout the school. To the horror of the faculty and students, three were dead and five were injured.
Missy Jenkins is a courageous person. She faced the challenges and overcame them. Jenkins forgave Michael Carneal. Forgiveness is taught by Jesus Christ. The title of this book says it all, I Choose to be Happy. As I looked at the photos of Missy and observed the sunshine of her smile, I was reminded that happiness is a choice we make. Missy brings many of us to shame. I Choose to be Happy is well written. I found myself in tears as I read the events on that fateful day. I found myself praising God that Missy could walk again. May God continue to bless Missy Jenkins.
I remember praying as I listened to the tragedy unfold in 1997. The setting was Paducah, Kentucky, only 150 miles from the small Kentucky community I live in. Michael Carneal opened fire in Heath High School. The boom of the gun shots echoed throughout the school. To the horror of the faculty and students, three were dead and five were injured.
Missy Jenkins is a courageous person. She faced the challenges and overcame them. Jenkins forgave Michael Carneal. Forgiveness is taught by Jesus Christ. The title of this book says it all, I Choose to be Happy. As I looked at the photos of Missy and observed the sunshine of her smile, I was reminded that happiness is a choice we make. Missy brings many of us to shame. I Choose to be Happy is well written. I found myself in tears as I read the events on that fateful day. I found myself praising God that Missy could walk again. May God continue to bless Missy Jenkins.
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