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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
Kindle Edition
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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.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/red-sky-morning&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51esx1BYxLL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=How could I not love Red Sky Morning? My love of fishing goes back to my childhood. The fact that my experiences are in farm ponds did not stop me from enjoying Andrew Rafkin's adventures. He was seventeen-years-old when he took the summer job of working on his father's commercial fishing boat. I will never look at "StarKist" again without thinking...){kind=link}
Red Sky Morning
Andrew J. Rafkin
2009 Finalist
256 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
How could I not love Red Sky Morning? My love of fishing goes back to my childhood. The fact that my experiences are in farm ponds did not stop me from enjoying Andrew Rafkin's adventures. He was seventeen-years-old when he took the summer job of working on his father's commercial fishing boat. I will never look at "StarKist" again without thinking of Rafkin's experience. He tells of facing a storm at sea. Commercial fishing is extremely dangerous. "You could lose your boat by staying out too long, ignoring weather reports, or catching more than the capacity of his boat. A captain may violate all three of these risks, which could result in a disaster."
Red Sky Morning is a fascinating peek inside the life of a commercial angler. Andrew Rafkin has a talent for narrating a story and bringing it to life. Unfortunately, this book still needs some editing. Rafkin is the author of Creating Madness, a fictional account of a terrorist attack along the U.S. coast. This gripping tale is a must read for sportsmen.
How could I not love Red Sky Morning? My love of fishing goes back to my childhood. The fact that my experiences are in farm ponds did not stop me from enjoying Andrew Rafkin's adventures. He was seventeen-years-old when he took the summer job of working on his father's commercial fishing boat. I will never look at "StarKist" again without thinking of Rafkin's experience. He tells of facing a storm at sea. Commercial fishing is extremely dangerous. "You could lose your boat by staying out too long, ignoring weather reports, or catching more than the capacity of his boat. A captain may violate all three of these risks, which could result in a disaster."
Red Sky Morning is a fascinating peek inside the life of a commercial angler. Andrew Rafkin has a talent for narrating a story and bringing it to life. Unfortunately, this book still needs some editing. Rafkin is the author of Creating Madness, a fictional account of a terrorist attack along the U.S. coast. This gripping tale is a must read for sportsmen.
Recommend this book:
Incomprehensible Demoralization
An Addict Pharmacist’s Journey To Recovery
Jared Combs
2009 Honorable Mention
184 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Autobiography
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
We have an erroneous vision of what an addict looks like. The person sitting next to you in church could be an addict. It could be your doctor, lawyer, postal worker, or the little old lady that lives next door.
Incomprehensible Demoralization drew me in and held me captive. Jared Combs describes the life of an addict, namely his own life. It is with much courage that he shares the tale of his life. He was a drug addict and pharmacist. His marriage was deteriorating, but the pills were more important. Through the Lord, his church, the support of his family and AA, he has become a recovering addict. Combs seizes every opportunity to help others. Share his witness.
It’s been quite some time since I wrote this review. Recently I met Jared Combs in person. He’s a personable man. Will to share his story with those willing to listen. I witnessed his kindness, loyalty and faith. It is refreshing to know he truly lives a life of helping others.
We have an erroneous vision of what an addict looks like. The person sitting next to you in church could be an addict. It could be your doctor, lawyer, postal worker, or the little old lady that lives next door.
Incomprehensible Demoralization drew me in and held me captive. Jared Combs describes the life of an addict, namely his own life. It is with much courage that he shares the tale of his life. He was a drug addict and pharmacist. His marriage was deteriorating, but the pills were more important. Through the Lord, his church, the support of his family and AA, he has become a recovering addict. Combs seizes every opportunity to help others. Share his witness.
It’s been quite some time since I wrote this review. Recently I met Jared Combs in person. He’s a personable man. Will to share his story with those willing to listen. I witnessed his kindness, loyalty and faith. It is refreshing to know he truly lives a life of helping others.
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