Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Those Darn Stripes is a work of non-fiction in the memoir genre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by Tyrel Nelson. The book is a reflection on the author’s life during a period of intense turbulence and change, in which they return home from teaching abroad only to find themselves unemployed and ending a long-term relationship. Consoled through this period by his father, the author begins to recover only for his father to pass away, leaving him without his closest friend and confidant. Now in the world without his main source of emotional support, the author reflects on the connection with his father as well as older parts of his life.

This book is a beautiful depiction of the bond between father and son, and Tyrel Nelson’s loving description of his time with his father Jay never failed to be deeply moving as their bond carried the author through one of the most difficult periods of his life. One of the things that are so difficult to articulate about grief is that when you share a close relationship with someone, in particular a parent, their influence extends into almost every aspect of your life. With the person at the center suddenly gone, it’s almost alien to experience the things you used to share without them. This feeling was captured perfectly in Those Darn Stripes as the reflections on the past see the author use the memories of his father to continue finding joy in the things that they once shared. An emotional and thoughtful read, I recommend this book to all.

Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite

The loss of a loved one is always a painful episode for anyone but the death of a parent is a completely different kind of feeling. Words cannot fully define the cascade of emotions the individual passes through. This was the case for Malia Arries and her siblings who had to stand together as a family and support themselves through the final days of not just one parent, but two. Malia did the last thing most people would consider doing at the time of her father's passing on; she created a journal and with the cooperation of her siblings recorded the final days of her father and then those of her mother when she too passed on a couple of years later. Dad Died, Then Mom is her story.

Dad Died, Then Mom is an emotional true account of events. The attention to detail is quite impressive. Credit must go to Malia Arries for having the presence of mind to scribble every single detail down, even the supposedly mindless ones. She tells her story in an immersive manner so that I felt like I was with this unique family, experiencing their painful countdown. When they shared their father's coins among themselves, it moved me personally for its symbolism with the passing of the torch of life. The unusual supernatural events that she was astute enough to record as they happened are worthy of further investigation. Dad Died, Then Mom is a unique memoir filled with information that would aid a discerning reader in dealing with the pain of loss. This is one book everyone should read.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Available As Is: A Midlife Widow’s Search for Love is a work of non-fiction in the memoir subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Debbie Weiss. The book follows the author’s journey in the aftermath of her husband’s death as she began a new chapter without the only man she’d loved since high school. As she enters a maelstrom of men, each with enough baggage to stun an ox, the author realizes that the politics of dating has become an exercise in compromise for women. Making the decision to step away from the scene, she finds herself alone with nothing but her grief.

It’s impossible to fully imagine the experience of being left alone after a lifetime of having a devoted partner. The sudden absence of that one person for whom you were a top priority isn’t something easily understood by those fortunate enough not to have lived the experience. Fortunately, the beautiful prose of author Debbie Weiss articulates the experience in an authentic and heart-breaking way that delivers both the large moments of devastation and the smaller cuts that slowly build up over time. Her quest to seek out something to fill the void in her life that she struggled to understand is beautifully told in an emotionally honest way that lays bare some honest truths about middle-aged dating in the modern world and the current state of gender politics. Overall, Available As Is sets out a stunning and bittersweet journey of self-discovery that is elevated above your average memoir by a rare breed of emotional honesty and the magic of a gifted wordsmith laying out the lessons learned along the way.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

On Sunny Days We Sang: A Holocaust Story of Survival and Resilience (Holocaust Survivor True Stories WWII) is a work of non-fiction in the historical and memoir subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by Jeannette Grunhaus de Gelman. As the title suggests, the work follows the events in the life of Second World War Holocaust survivors Hil and Alexandra, who were the parents of the author. As they travel from ghettos to secret hiding places and try to escape Nazi oppression and persecution, the chances of survival for this young couple seem bleak, and every decision counts toward fighting for a brighter tomorrow.

This was a highly moving and inspirational story that I found incredibly poignant and well-paced in terms of its emotional journey. Although the tale is shocking and sad, and rightfully so, the tone and atmosphere are much less gloomy, and the story is focused on love, survival, and mutual support amongst those who want to help Hil, Alexandra, and thousands like them, and fight against the Nazi regime. Jeannette Grunhaus de Gelman delivers a heartfelt and culturally sharp narrative that highlights all the wrongs done to Polish Jewry as a whole, and her dialogue and passionate narrative parallel modern-day persecution and discrimination just as poignantly as she covers the heinous and unspeakable judgments made during the Second World War. I would highly recommend On Sunny Days We Sang to fans of WWII memoirs that resonate deeply in one’s heart.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

Find a Place for Me: Embracing Love and Life in the Face of Death by Deirdre Fagan is a beautiful portrayal of love against the backdrop of a terminal illness. It is a chronicle of a marriage and family that refuses to let amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) take over and dictate their lives. Following Fagan’s husband’s devastating diagnosis, the family has to adjust to an unfamiliar order while remaining focused on making each day count. They live to their fullest, allowing humor to guide them even on the worst of days. The couple’s love grows deeper as they confront the challenges introduced into their lives by ALS. The work is a celebration and a tribute to Bob’s courage and selflessness even in his final days. It is a poignant and moving portrait of a love that eclipses illness and death.

The memoir candidly explores the impact a terminal illness has on the family but also reveals the strong bonds of love that exist between them. The work is enhanced by its conversational language, compelling imagery, and concise chapters. Fagan writes with vulnerability, evoking powerful emotions at every stage of Bob’s journey. I appreciated that the book is also an intimate, touching picture of the role caregivers take on while balancing other roles such as motherhood. The conversations included are similarly raw, funny, and heartbreaking. Find a Place for Me by Deirdre Fagan remarkably captures the painful effects of terminal illness on a family. It is an image of bravery and resilience in the face of death.

Reviewed by Stacie Haas for Readers' Favorite

Untethered: Faith, Failure, and Finding Solid Ground is a poignant memoir of the life of the author, Laura Whitfield. At the tender age of 14, Laura lost her older brother, Lawrence, to a tragic accident. His loss changed everything in Laura’s life, setting her on a path to find meaning and to make every moment count. After his death, Laura gave her life to the Lord and sought happiness in the comfort of friends, but temptation was ever-present, especially as memories of abuse she suffered as a child rose to the surface. What followed was a promiscuous life in which Laura sought validation and comfort in the arms of exciting men wherever she found herself—whether at the beach on the Outer Banks where she discovered beer and bravado or in New York City where she sought success in the high-pressure world of modeling. The call of God was never too far from Laura’s life, although she succeeded in muting it as she persisted in her pursuit of happiness and an enduring reprieve from painful memories. After encounters with infidelity, a troubled marriage, and an unplanned pregnancy, Laura eventually met a man who accepted her for who she was—past and present—and became her partner as she navigated the uncharted territory of caring for her elderly and ill parents, a new career, and struggles with infertility. Ultimately, Laura found her way and the story of how she did is even more fascinating and enthralling than fiction.

Untethered by Laura Whitfield was absolutely engrossing. Expertly written, Untethered is a memoir written like a high-paced action thriller. The reader feels Laura’s struggles—her hurts, her heart, and her humanity. It is an incredibly open and honest look at the past and pulls back the curtain on a life scarred by tragedy. It’s not an apology, but an acceptance and an acknowledgment of a life that included repeated failures and mistakes. It is also proof that failures—even devastating ones—can be overcome with faith and persistence. As a reader, I was proud that Laura was able to find solid ground and I thank her for her courage in sharing her personal story with the world. An unbelievable memoir that will stay with you long after the final page. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Sefina Hawke for Readers' Favorite

The Last Stop by Patricia Street is a memoir that would most appeal to a diverse audience of parents and professionals looking to assist others dealing with addictions and who do not mind some explicit language. Patricia lost her son David to addiction and then later to death when he passed away at the young age of thirty-nine. Patricia shares the story of her struggles with her son, who almost became a stranger to her due to his habit. This raw account of the pain-filled impact of addiction is designed to help others cope with the pain of having a loved one who struggles with dependency.

The Last Stop by Patricia Street is a well-written account that took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride as I followed Patricia while she dealt with her son’s manipulation and deceit following his drug addiction. As a psychology professional, I found this book to be a treasure trove of information on the realities of addiction. It proved more useful to me than any textbook in understanding the emotional impact and the toll it takes on loved ones. I felt connected to Patricia throughout her journey and I could not help but feel her pain and loss. I enjoyed the second part of the book, which featured David’s writings. Reading his essays and poems, his talent and his writing made me feel his loss quite keenly. Overall, while this book was not always easy to read due to the pain within its pages, I feel that it has helped me to become a better psychology professional and that I am now better equipped to help those touched by addiction in their lives.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

On a Friday evening, Jenny Lisk's husband confesses to her that he's been feeling a little dizzy lately. Within two weeks after this event, Jenny would become his full-time caregiver. In this raw debut memoir, Jenny Lisk offers insight into her role as caregiver to her dying husband and her process of dealing with loss and grief. Future Widow: Losing My Husband, Saving My Family, and Finding My Voice is based on Jenny's Caring Bridge journal from the months when her husband was battling terminal brain cancer, and on her reflections that she added years later. Jenny Lisk has written Future Widow to show that even though grief is messy and confusing, one can still learn to deal with it and also to help those struggling with grief not to feel as alone and lost as she did.

Future Widow by Jenny Lisk is an essential memoir covering the most difficult time in the author's life, defined by medical drama, pain, sadness, stress, and death while fearing for her children's emotional state. Jenny Lisk reminded me how fragile life can be, how one day you can reach the point of no return, and you must learn to go forward. I feared that her story would be too difficult to read, but fortunately, Jenny spares the reader the details of the agony one feels when preparing for the death of a loved one. I appreciate that she focuses on finding ways to help her children cope with their father's terminal illness and then his death. I highly recommend Jenny Lisk's memoir as it provides helpful information and advice to those dealing with the traumatic experience of loss and grief.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness: Proven Strategies for Discovering Happiness, Meaning, and Fulfillment by Christopher Martin is an approachable and useful guide for patients with chronic illness and their caregivers. As a person who suffers from multiple chronic illnesses, Martin understands the toll that such illnesses take not only on the physical body but also on other important aspects that are critical to living a healthy, joyful life. The book delves into grief and stress management and being aware of the limitations of positive psychology while applying its benefits. It explains the importance of support from loved ones when dealing with chronic illness. It also includes advice on navigating healthcare, how to advocate for your own needs and seek a professional opinion, and how to maintain a healthy diet.

Christopher does a brilliant job of explaining the tools for managing the social, spiritual, mental, and physical aspects that chronic illnesses affect, which many times are disregarded. It shows that patients who suffer from chronic illness can still live a wholesome life. I loved that the book contains straightforward tips for patients, their caregivers, and loved ones. Every chapter includes useful advice on how to navigate each topic, such as what to say to a patient, how to help them, and how a patient can navigate their diagnostic journey. The advice contained is also impactful and important in combating issues such as negative self-talk and stress. Though chronic illness can pose significant challenges to a patient’s wellbeing, Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness by Christopher Martin describes strategies for living a happy and rewarding life.

Reviewed by Leonard William Smuts for Readers' Favorite

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a dramatic impact. Society as a whole has had to deal with the virus itself, which brought with it fear and uncertainty. Individuals have had to cope with isolation, family issues, and new work patterns. Finally, there is the uncertain road ahead into the so-called “new normal”. In Restart: Designing a Healthy Post Pandemic Life, author Doreen Dodgen-Magee examines the pandemic from its roots, taking readers through the many issues that Covid-19 has raised. At the extreme, these include coping with illness, the death of loved ones, and the grief that follows. Disruption in the workplace, job uncertainty, and adapting to new circumstances are just a few of the many aspects covered. She highlights our growing dependence on information technology and reflects on its negative aspects, despite it having been a vital means of communication during the lockdown. Vaccines and public reactions to them are also discussed. People have become alienated and uncaring. Mental health issues are becoming more prevalent and the warning signs are mentioned, as well as advice on how to get help. Returning to work will provide new challenges and this book offers a welcome toolkit for managing the transition. It is also a timely reminder to apply common sense and not to neglect our personal wellbeing.

In writing Restart: Designing a Healthy Post Pandemic Life, Doreen Dodgen-Magee draws on her considerable experience as a writer and psychologist to provide a well-researched guide on the consequences of Covid and how to deal with them on both a personal and corporate level. The book has numerous sections which ask pertinent questions to guide readers in an analysis of their personal situations and how to find solutions. The advice given is practical and provides a logical framework for both self-defense and personal growth. I particularly liked the list of core values and the suggestion that we adopt the beginner’s mind, which will enable us to reengage with a clean slate approach. The writing style is fluid and refreshingly free of technical terms, but where these occur they are explained in easy to understand language. The book will resonate with readers from all walks of life who will identify with the many familiar situations. The book comes at a time when the world is on a recovery path and provides the opportunity to look ahead, start a self-care plan, and create a better reality. A detailed list of resources, references, a bibliography, and an index round off this excellent publication. It is a comprehensive guide, well written, and highly recommended.