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.

Reviewed by Lorraine Cobcroft for Readers' Favorite

Nicole Beverly’s abusive ex-husband offered fellow prisoners payment to murder her. Finding Nicole is a graphic memoir recording the author’s experiences as a victim, and survivor, of shocking domestic violence and her battle for justice and safety. It includes, at the end, a brief guidebook for victims of domestic violence and their loved ones. I began reading Finding Nicole intending only to read a few chapters before going to sleep, but the open, honest, and vulnerable manner in which Nicole Beverly told her horrific story pulled me in. I ended up reading the entire book in a single sitting, and I found myself walking in her shoes. I felt her fear and frustrations. I cheered her wins and her courage, and I grieved over her deep disappointments. I raged at the authorities who let her, and society, down again and again and again. And, eventually, I praised and profusely thanked those who helped to ensure her abuser was incarcerated for long enough to allow her and her sons to enjoy the freedom and safety so many of us take for granted.

If I could award this book six stars, or more, I would do so. It’s not a story to read for pleasure. It’s an educational read: a story that begged to be told and one that has the potential to save many of those who find themselves in abusive relationships. It also has the potential, if only the right people will read it and pay careful attention, to drive urgently needed reforms in the legal system; to educate police, lawyers, judges, and bureaucrats to understand domestic violence and to listen to and believe the victims and find effective and just ways to protect them from perpetrators.

Graphic language and reports of physical violence may disturb some readers, but while telling her story honestly, Nicole Beverly has shown admirable discretion and respect for readers' sensitivities, quoting police reports to tell what needed to be told objectively and factually. While revealing her abuser’s personality and character flaws, she has avoided expressing hatred or showing bitterness, focusing instead on her journey of self-healing. Even when reporting the shocking failures of law enforcement professionals, she has spoken of them respectfully and avoided condemnation. I commend Nicole both for the manner in which she has told her story, and for the courage and determination she has shown in her journey of healing and her mission to help others. Finding Nicole is a story that screams to be read, and the warnings it shouts heeded.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Cycle of Lives by David Richman is a non-fiction compilation of “15 People’s Stories, 5,000 Miles, and a Journey Through the Emotional Chaos of Cancer.” Richman embarked on a cross-country bike ride inspired by his sister, who had died from terminal brain cancer just a few days before an American Cancer Society fundraiser, and with an aim to raise more while elevating other stories of individuals who have been faced with cancer’s impact in several different ways. Richman rounds the book out with details of his ride, interspersed between the testimonies of people that range from Terri, a young woman with stage IV Hodgkin’s lymphoma who finds herself completely alone at the worst possible moment, to James, a chief medical officer who fights for care for the uninsured.

I had Cycle of Lives in a stack of to-read books for several weeks before I finally felt ready to read it. September 11th marked the day my mother died at age 43 after a hard nine years fighting breast cancer that just kept coming back. David Richman’s book reached out to me despite my fears. When I read it, I was touched by the profound honesty of those who shared and a feeling of comradery in a community none of us want to be part of. Yet here we are. It was Karen’s story that I most connected with, a vivacious woman who curls into the fetal position when a horrible diagnosis smacks into her. She writes: “Cancer shows you how little you control in life—how without time, without another day in front of you, everything is over.” This is the frankness that people in similar situations need, and this is what makes Richman’s anthology stand out and help the rest of us uncurl from the fetal position and finally stand up.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Find the Helpers: What 9/11 and Parkland Taught Me About Recovery, Purpose, and Hope by Fred Guttenberg is a memoir penned from the depths of grief to help readers see what we might be able to overcome, even when it feels impossible. In this profoundly honest and raw work, Guttenberg shares his experiences with loss. The first and most poignant is the loss of his daughter Jaime, who was murdered during a school-shooting rampage while a student at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. She was fourteen. Four months prior, Guttenberg lost his 50-year-old brother to pancreatic cancer that came in the aftermath and was a direct result of 9/11 debris particles at Ground Zero. Now an activist, Guttenberg has channeled his anger, his grief, and his loss into a selfless mission, one where he is committed to fighting for the legacy and protection of those who are no longer here to protect themselves, and those who might not be with us in the future—unless there is meaningful, quantifiable change. “...I can’t even imagine the courage it takes to do what you do, but thank you for turning that grief into safety for other people.” - Speaker Pelosi to author Fred Guttenberg

As a British man who had always viewed the United States from the safe distance of a country where only 11 people died by gun violence during the same year that America lost tens of thousands, I did not quite understand the severity of American gun violence until I married an American woman. The first time I visited her family in Seattle, I watched her niece try to balance while standing on a toilet seat. She said it was what she had just been taught to do if there was an active shooter at the school and she was hiding in a bathroom. She was four years old. Fred Guttenberg took me even further and allowed me into the heart of a father and a brother who has suffered unimaginable pain. The writing is flawless and the journey is engrossing in a way that most memoirs are not. Equally moving is Guttenberg's push in seeing laws are written, such as the path to “Jaime's Law”. Then, there are the moments of fury I felt as a reader where Guttenberg describes politicking and intentionally placed roadblocks. The politicians who say things like “I understand” and a one-term POTUS who used a State of the Union speech to advance racism over the true national emergency: gun violence. It is beyond comprehension that this is a conversation that even needs to be had, but I am so grateful for courageous individuals like Guttenberg for continuing to fight the good fight. I am also grateful for Find the Helpers and would give it a whole bucket full of stars if I could.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

I have seen so many so-called professionals over the years, all of whom claim to know the almighty cure to my Deafness, Depression, PTSD, and myriad more ailments that remain a mystery to me. Choose to Prevail: Unexpected Insights to Help You Overcome Challenges examines intrusive, unwelcome thoughts, and mental illness from a different and positive standpoint. Written by Sandy Rodriguez, it does not show that “the rest of the world has it harder than you” or that “this is how to do it right.” Instead, Sandy expresses different hardships she has encountered through much of her life - many hardships which brought a lot of my own painful moments to the surface - and gave me a different way to look at them so that I may understand them. Whether it be bankruptcy, divorce, death, or losing a loved one, Choose to Prevail presents a new aspect which shows you that you are not alone and that you can and will make it through.

I must admit that when I started reading Sandy Rodriguez’s words, I had a substantial amount of cynicism due to my own life’s journey and extreme challenges. But learning a new way to think of these hardships and challenges made for an enlightening read. While I may not have yet lost a parent, I have lost a child - one of the most painful things any parent can ever go through. As I continued to read and started looking at my own problems through Sandy Rodriguez’s eyes, not only did I take comfort that I am not alone in this world (regardless of how much it seems to be so at any given time), but also that there is a light at the end of each and every tunnel, no matter how many obstacles are in the way. Choose to Prevail is an extremely insightful book and I am confident that I will be reading it more than just once. With so many challenges and uncertainties that lie ahead in today’s terrifying world, it is a breath of fresh air that I no longer need to internalize each and every problem that comes my way. I wholeheartedly recommend Choose to Prevail: Unexpected Insights to Help You Overcome Challenges to all readers aged 15 and over.

Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Taking The Cape Off: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimaginable Grief and Loss by Patrick J. Kenny is a powerful self-help book for leaders who need help navigating the dark waters of grief and loss. Fire Chief Pat Kenny had his identity wrapped up in being a leader. He was strong, a protector, and felt he could handle anything life dealt him. But when his son Sean took his own life after years of fighting mental illness, his position as leader of a fire department became clouded. He was a failure in his own eyes. This book is more than a memoir of loss; it's a guide for others--perhaps you're one of them--who need help moving through the darkness and into the light. The book is designed for leaders, but anyone can benefit.

Kenny honestly and bravely shares his personal journey and shows leaders how they can use professionals and their own faith to confront the social stigma surrounding mental illness in a variety of settings, from community, to home, to work, and elsewhere. Communication is a key component to being a leader, and the author shows you how to improve communication skills when dealing with a personal crisis. Kenny also covers how to maintain a healthy connection to your lost loved one's memory, how to be more affective, and how to serve others. I admire the openness that the author uses and his thorough approach to the subject matter. Mental health is still a taboo topic in some circles. It's easier for some to talk about it than others, but the fact that Kenny was bold enough to expose his private life, thoughts, and process is a testament to his leadership skills and helping attitude. You don't have to be the head of a fire department to learn from this book. Taking The Cape Off by Patrick J. Kenny is for anyone who needs to hear that it's okay to take your cape off and accept help.