Reviewed by Jefto Pierre for Readers' Favorite

Minu Cash's The Painted Pink Dress is a heartrending portrayal of her experiences as a young child with predominantly Caucasian features growing up in a traditional Mexican-American family. The author's formative years were fraught with many traumatic memories, including her family's battle with extreme poverty, her father's struggles with mental health issues, and emotional neglect by her mother. Cash's school life was no different, and she often faced ostracism from her peers and teachers. It was evident to everyone that she differed from her family members, who all had a darker complexion. This realization compelled her to confront her family's secrets and discover her full heritage. Even in adulthood, after starting a family of her own, Cash's relentless journey to reconcile with her identity encouraged her to shape her own destiny. Her story will inspire readers to embrace their own path and inner strength.

The Painted Pink Dress is a passionate and powerful memoir that sheds light on themes like trauma, family history, self-discovery, acceptance, forgiveness, resilience, and healing. Minu Cash's detailed and candid narrative takes readers on a deep journey as she discovers her true identity. From start to finish, her tale immerses us in her thought-provoking and oftentimes tragic experiences with mental illness, racism, emotional abuse, and rejection. The author does not avoid exploring the harsh realities and vulnerabilities of the human experience. Cash's empathetic and reflective approach will guide readers as they place themselves in her shoes while she discusses these sensitive topics from a wise and compassionate vantage point. Her incredible story overflows with several twists, some of which are humorous, whilst others allude to an all-encompassing suffering that no human being should ever have to experience or bear witness to. Nonetheless, the author thrives despite the many hurdles she encounters throughout life, reassuring us that we can do the same. Cash's memoir is an absolute must-read. I highly recommend it!

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Land Rich, Cash Poor: My Family's Hope and the Untold History of the Disappearing American Farmer by Brian Reisinger tells the story of his family's four-generation farm in Wisconsin, beginning with his great-grandfather, Alois, who emigrated from Europe in 1909. The Reisinger family faced numerous hardships over the years, including the Great Depression, the 1980s farm crisis, and ongoing economic pressures from larger agricultural enterprises. Reisinger speaks on the emotional toll of his father's battle with alcoholism and the burdens of managing the farm. Despite efforts to sustain the family farm, including a decision to sell their cows in 2001, the farm's future remained uncertain. In 2019, Reisinger returned to assist his sister, but the COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters, leaning into the decline of family-run farms and the deep personal and financial costs of maintaining such a legacy.

In his family biography Land Rich, Cash Poor, Brian Reisinger gives us a truly honest and affecting overview of one family's multi-generational fight to hold on to their calling in the face of economic instability, industry pressures, and everyday complications. Reisinger does a wonderful job of pulling readers in with writing that is conversational, and we get a real sense of the inextricable link between the people and the profession through his own history, as well as through the broader issues affecting small farms. Biographies can be tricky when we do not know the writer or know of them, but as Reisinger is tied to the backbone of what made America so economically and socially strong since its infancy, I really could not put this book down. And I'm a city girl who lives in London, so that says quite a lot. The standout is Reisinger's portrayal of his sister Malia in a male-dominated field. Overall, this is a deeply human story about the resilience needed to sustain both a family and a struggling farm, with great ideas on what can be implemented to save them. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

The Pursuit by Jim Ruth is a detailed historical biography chronicling the author’s journey to trace his ancestral roots through centuries of American history. What begins as a casual curiosity sparked by a seaside walk becomes a fully-fledged exploration into the life of Johann Peter Ruth, who emigrated from Prussia to America in 1733. The book follows Peter and his descendants across generations. Ruth’s narrative is both intimate and expansive. Through meticulous research into letters, passenger manifests, war records, and church documents, he reconstructs his family’s path from early settlers in Pennsylvania Dutch Country to participants in the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and both World Wars.

The author gives special attention to pivotal historical moments experienced by his ancestors. Notable chapters revisit the family’s service in the American Revolution, the heartbreak of Civil War losses, and the sacrifices made during the world wars of the twentieth century. Interspersed throughout are engaging anecdotes, such as a 1983 Ruth family reunion, a visit to a still-standing ancestral stone house, and the surprise discovery of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Jane Addams in the family tree. Family photographs tie Jim Ruth's family history together. His writing brings warmth and humanity to history, grounding national events in personal legacy. The reader is drawn not only into the author’s lineage but into the ethos of an entire country shaped by hope, struggle, and perseverance. The Pursuit succeeds as both a personal tribute and a collective remembrance. It offers an engaging, heartfelt narrative that will connect with anyone interested in genealogy, American history, or the pursuit of a better life.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Adjacent to History by John J. Rilli is an engaging memoir that explores a family’s personal history shaped by the tides of history, yet not defined by historical figures or grandiose events. Instead, Rilli offers a personal account of his family's journey through America, starting with the humble beginnings of his immigrant ancestors. The book is divided into four main sections, each chronicling different facets of the author’s family saga, from the arduous struggles of immigrant life to personal tales from the Vietnam War and even reflections during the COVID-19 pandemic. This structure allows readers to fully digest the book or explore sections individually, catering to diverse interests. Rilli's narrative is grounded in extensive genealogical research, which he blends seamlessly with family lore and historical context. This meticulous research enriches the story, providing authenticity and depth.

The memoir shines particularly in portraying ordinary people living through extraordinary times. John J. Rilli’s storytelling brings to life the everyday experiences of his family members, who, though not famous, experienced historical events firsthand. This refreshing perspective offers a window into the past through the lens of personal struggle and triumph. Rilli's prose is engaging, devoid of jargon and overly technical details, making the book the perfect read for historians and casual readers. His ability to connect historical events with personal stories is the memoir's strength, providing an informative and deeply moving narrative. The accompanying photos tell a story of their own. Through his family’s story, Rilli preserves their memory and highlights the broader narrative of America’s past as lived by its everyday citizens. This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in genealogy, American history, or stories of perseverance and courage across generations.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

A Sometimes Paradise: Reflections on Life in a Wyoming Ranch Family is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, autobiographical writing, and coming-of-age genres. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Mark E. Miller, this charming work encapsulates the poignant journey of a Wyoming ranch upbringing, illustrating the rugged beauty and harsh challenges that shaped the author's youth and adulthood. Through gripping tales of survival amidst deadly ice storms and relentless droughts, Mark unveils the invaluable lessons learned amidst the unforgiving landscape. His narrative delves into the adventures, misadventures, and his profound bond with both the land and its animals, showing the strength of Wyoming ranch life. This memoir transcends just simple recollection, offering a compelling testament to the enduring spirit of the American West and the profound ties of family and friendship.

Author Mark E. Miller puts his whole heart into crafting this soul-stirring expedition through the rugged plains of Wyoming. I was swept away immediately by the eloquent prose that vividly brought to life the beauty and brutality of ranch existence. The author's narrative control and confidence weave a tapestry of personal growth and resilience that flows in a novel-like storytelling fashion that’s highly engrossing to read. As I journeyed through his anecdotes of perilous ice storms and relentless droughts, I found myself enthralled by the author’s unwavering commitment to his family, his land, and his heritage. Miller writes with detail and clarity, but also a great sense of empathy for those around him and that makes him such a warm figure to get to know. Through his words, I felt the palpable connection to the wild landscape and its inhabitants, and I emerged from the book with a newfound appreciation for the free spirit of the American West. Overall, I would certainly recommend A Sometimes Paradise to fans of evocative and vivid memoirs everywhere.

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

The Politzer Saga is a memoir that beautifully captures the diverse achievements and struggles of Linda Ambrus Broenniman's family over the years. The book not only preserves her family's history but also honors the resilience and tenacity that have been passed down through generations. It offers poignant insight into their lives and pays tribute to their legacies. Despite being raised Catholic by her parents, who had survived and escaped World War I, the author always knew that she had Jewish Hungarian heritage. After discovering a box that survived a fire that consumed her parents' home, she found well-kept family documents dating back to the eighteenth century. Her relatives were authors, businessmen, art collectors, lawyers, and miners. They faced religious persecution and antisemitism, and some died from tuberculosis. They survived revolutions and both World Wars. From a wandering violinist to a brave woman who refused to renounce her Jewish heritage and a famous doctor who revolutionized otology, Linda retraces their footsteps and talks about their remarkable lives.

The Politzer Saga is one of the best family history books I have ever read. It is well-detailed, and Linda Ambrus Broenniman's ability to weave together personal stories and historical events creates an engaging and insightful read that pays tribute to her family's legacy while exploring themes of identity, survival, and perseverance. The incorporation of photographs and documents adds an extra layer of depth and authenticity to the storytelling. The author's diligence in uncovering her roots and piecing together her heritage is indeed commendable. It takes a special kind of dedication to delve into one's past and unravel the mysteries of one's origins. It shows not just a curiosity about personal history, but also a deep appreciation for the connections that bind us to our ancestors. I enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves captivating and emotionally engaging books.

Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite

A Sterling Life by Mark Hester is the biography of John Danz, a keen American entrepreneur born in Czarist Russia in 1877. John's birth name was Israel Danowsky. His Jewish parents, Leib and Jenni Danowsky, with their two sons, Israel and Chaim, left Russia, escaping the pogroms and oppression. They arrived in the United States in 1882 from Hamburg, Germany, through the Port of Swansea, Wales. The family members changed their names and took the surname Danz. They moved to Oregon after tending a farm in Kansas for a while. Young John worked as a newsboy and a messenger. He even helped on the farms and ranches. After working as a clerk and a porter at haberdasheries, John established his own business in Seattle at the beginning of the twentieth century. Step by step, John rose to prominence. A Nickelodeon theater arranged at one of his stores brought unexpected changes to his business empire. Mark Hester took a DNA test and learned that he had Jewish ancestors. He started researching to find the mysterious grandfather he knew nothing about.

A Sterling Life offers us a historically significant life account of an enterprising person who was always ready for new challenges. Mark Hester meticulously researched the facts of John Danz's life. The author also gives us an accurate historical setting, starting with John's childhood in Czarist Russia. I learned what the Pale of Settlement meant regarding the oppressed Jewish population of the Russian Empire, among other interesting and often shocking historical facts. Mark explains why John's family chose Seattle to settle in the US and how this city was connected to the gold mining in Canada and Alaska. I was absorbed while reading about John's fight against the unions and their strikes, which took around thirteen years. Mark created a puzzling and sometimes controversial portrait of a man who never feared changes or innovations but could be strict with his children. At the same time, the author shares his personal story of exploring his Jewish heritage. I liked the touching scene on a Parisian street, where Mark met a rabbi. I highly recommend A Sterling Life to fans of historical non-fiction, biographies, and drama.

Reviewed by Rolanda Lyles for Readers' Favorite

In Junkyard Girl: A Memoir of Ancestry, Family Secrets, and Second Chances by Carlyn Montes De Oca, we find that the author grew up surrounded by a family that loved her and tried to protect her. Her parents were immigrants from Mexico who had nothing, although they fought to give their kids a better life. The family had become hoarders, filling their home with things they had collected in case someone needed them. Her mother, Mary Montes De Oca, was the defender of the family and ruled with an iron fist. As Carlyn grew older, she noticed that there were big differences between her and the rest of her family. Even her interests and talents were not like theirs. Slowly, her older siblings left their junkyard home to go to school and find jobs, but the tension between her and her mother grew. She wanted freedom, but mami held on even more tightly. It seemed as if anything she enjoyed was taken away, and she slowly began to resent and hate. Carlyn looked forward to the day she could be free of her suffocating mami and their junkyard prison, but when she discovered the reason behind her mother's overbearing actions, could their relationship be repaired?

Carlyn Montes De Oca's memoir Junkyard Girl chronicles her coming of age and discovering her lineage. Carlyn's story is about the love and protection of her family. They all come together as shields that keep her sheltered in a cocoon of secrets. The story also shows how strong a mother's love can be. Mary is a strong and proud woman, but eventually, pride leads to their relationship hitting an impasse. Carlyn's story is moving and told from the heart. No family is perfect, and all families have secrets, but one thing that I think Carlyn realized at the end is that they all loved her and only did what they thought was right. Bonds of love are more substantial than any blood ties. Join Carlyn as she relates her story of discovering her family's history and who she is in Junkyard Girl.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Fortitude: Preserving 400 Years of an American Family's Faith, Patriotism, Grit and Determination by Dale R. Spaulding is a sprawling work that takes a deep dive into the history of the Spaulding family. Spaulding takes readers back to the ancient and medieval origins of the Spaulding name, the 'u' being added at later date, to the 17th century, sailing from England to the United States before it was the United States. The Spaulding family survived the upheaval of basically every event in American history, including the Revolution, with proof that is as comprehensive as a witnessed signature by John and Abigail Adams. Spaulding includes documents, landmarks, and photographs of the progression of the Spaulding family to where they stand today, with the author having served the country as a decorated Navy veteran.

Biographies and memoirs can be extremely tricky to review because it is rare that a book and its subject, however important it might be to the writer, are likely to be as enthusiastically embraced by a wide audience. Fortitude sets fire to this trend with a stunning, just remarkable encyclopedia of history. Dale R. Spaulding is writing more than just Spaulding history. This is a far-reaching account of American history and a name that can be argued legitimately as one of America's first and foremost families. The legacy is surreal, particularly as I am an American who moved to England a decade ago and am deeply involved in the American ex-pat community. I was in Plymouth standing on the Mayflower steps on the 400th anniversary of her sailing, to the minute. I am admittedly a history buff and so this is right up my alley. However, my daughter who has very little interest in American history was fascinated by the photographs and exhaustive detail. This is well and truly a book that will tickle the fancy of anyone with an interest in genealogy, history, and the making of America. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

A Century+ of Living: The Autobiography of Cora Jones “Boot” McLeod by Dr. Beverly “Eagle” Rogers presents a biographical narrative of McLeod's rural upbringing in Wake County, North Carolina, highlighting her strong family bonds, church, and agricultural life. Her idyllic childhood is shattered by the sudden death of her younger brother, Big Baby. After moving to Durham during the Great Depression, her family grapples with urban life's challenges, including poverty and Papa's death. Despite hardships, McLeod marries Buster, becomes a mother, and attends beauty school, finding joy and purpose in her new roles. The family purchases a house in North Durham and navigates the complexities of their African American identity and societal pressures, particularly during urban renewal projects. They also establish successful businesses such as McLeod's Beauty Nook. McLeod reflects on historical injustices, her family's fortitude, her love for baseball and fishing, her turbulent but resilient marriage to Buster, and a full lifetime of memories.

A Century+ of Living by Dr. Beverly “Eagle” Rogers is a compilation of both the small and large moments that together form both the good and more challenging pieces of centenarian Cora Jones “Boot” McLeod's life. I think that the hundred years that were given to McLeod were particularly special because of the landmarks she witnessed that altered the course of human history, especially with regard to technology. My wife's great-grandmother, who also surpassed the hundred-year milestone, once had her close her eyes and imagine being born when horses and buggies were still commonplace and living to see a man walk on the moon. For me, personally, as a person of color, it is the perseverance in the face of overt and extreme racism that felt most human, and the smaller moments that include happy slices of family life that were the standouts. Readers who do not know or know of McLeod, or her biographer Dr. Rogers, are definitely going to find interesting nuggets within this written time capsule. I am certain that the audience that will adore this legacy the most are the friends and family of McLeod who will treasure this comprehensive family history through the eyes of a matriarch for generations to come.