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Recommend this book:
A Voice From Heaven
From Earthly Struggles to Thriving in the Afterlife
Cynthia Girman
2026 Finalist
250 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Reviewed by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers' Favorite
In A Voice From Heaven: From Earthly Struggles to Thriving in the Afterlife, Cynthia Girman relates the thoughts and feelings of her son, Alexander “Alec” Girman, after he crosses over into the afterlife. Girman, her son, and her husband provide different views of Alec’s physical time on earth leading up to his drug-related death. After he moves beyond the physical world, Alec communicates visions and feelings to his mother as he describes his surroundings, discusses guardian angels and spirit guides, and answers her questions. The book covers their transcendental conversations while reflecting on the later years of Alec’s earthly life.
Cynthia Girman controls the pen and computer keys as Alec relays the most beautiful vision of his experiences after physical death. Alec’s words are comforting, embracing love and light. Alec shows that some of the smallest tokens of a spirit’s presence may be left for those in the physical world if they open their minds to it. As she relates Alec’s struggles with addiction, Cynthia Girman is tactful but straightforward. The consequences of Alec’s actions are clear, but the reader is pulled into his story, wishing for a different outcome. The message of loving oneself and others is clear from the beginning, and many readers will embrace peace and will be encouraged to obtain a higher level of learning as they read Alec’s reassuring words. A Voice from Heaven is a great selection for anyone struggling with grief and hoping for a connection with a loved one who has crossed over to the other side.
In A Voice From Heaven: From Earthly Struggles to Thriving in the Afterlife, Cynthia Girman relates the thoughts and feelings of her son, Alexander “Alec” Girman, after he crosses over into the afterlife. Girman, her son, and her husband provide different views of Alec’s physical time on earth leading up to his drug-related death. After he moves beyond the physical world, Alec communicates visions and feelings to his mother as he describes his surroundings, discusses guardian angels and spirit guides, and answers her questions. The book covers their transcendental conversations while reflecting on the later years of Alec’s earthly life.
Cynthia Girman controls the pen and computer keys as Alec relays the most beautiful vision of his experiences after physical death. Alec’s words are comforting, embracing love and light. Alec shows that some of the smallest tokens of a spirit’s presence may be left for those in the physical world if they open their minds to it. As she relates Alec’s struggles with addiction, Cynthia Girman is tactful but straightforward. The consequences of Alec’s actions are clear, but the reader is pulled into his story, wishing for a different outcome. The message of loving oneself and others is clear from the beginning, and many readers will embrace peace and will be encouraged to obtain a higher level of learning as they read Alec’s reassuring words. A Voice from Heaven is a great selection for anyone struggling with grief and hoping for a connection with a loved one who has crossed over to the other side.
Recommend this book:
The Layoff Journey From Dismissal to Discovery
Navigating the Stages of Grief After Job Loss
Steve Jaffe
2026 Honorable Mention
154 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Layoff Journey From Dismissal to Discovery by Steve Jaffe looks into the multifaceted experience of being laid off, which surprisingly often stems more from economic or organizational shifts rather than individual performance. Jaffe talks about the impersonal nature of termination processes and uses real examples from companies like Twitter and Tesla. There's a wealth of practical advice on managing finances, healthcare, and severance negotiations post-layoff, and he speaks openly on emotional responses. Jaffe leans into the impact of job loss on identity and workplace relationships and advises maintaining professionalism when discussing former employers. He offers a structured approach to recovery, including self-assessment, goal setting, and career realignment, and goes a long way in encouraging tangible, deliberate action to rebuild and redefine one's professional direction after a disruption.
The Layoff Journey From Dismissal to Discovery by Steve Jaffe is an extremely well-presented and uniquely approachable read that, in a stroke of genius that makes it feel less like a guide and more like a chat with a friend, comes across as genuinely personal. This is largely in part due to his conversational style of writing, and also his candid sharing of his own experiences. My wife grew up in San Francisco, and we had an interesting discussion about the impact of layoffs during the 2001 tech downturn. The book’s organization makes it easy to revisit specific sections, a feature I appreciated when reviewing practical advice. One of the most valuable parts addresses health insurance, a topic often overlooked until it’s too late. Jaffe combines clear guidance on rebuilding a career with strategies for emotional regulation and professional reinvention, and the inclusion of exercises for self-assessment and goal setting provides a useful framework for those moving forward. Overall, this is a must-read on the approach to job loss with deliberate planning and a focus on actionable steps.
The Layoff Journey From Dismissal to Discovery by Steve Jaffe looks into the multifaceted experience of being laid off, which surprisingly often stems more from economic or organizational shifts rather than individual performance. Jaffe talks about the impersonal nature of termination processes and uses real examples from companies like Twitter and Tesla. There's a wealth of practical advice on managing finances, healthcare, and severance negotiations post-layoff, and he speaks openly on emotional responses. Jaffe leans into the impact of job loss on identity and workplace relationships and advises maintaining professionalism when discussing former employers. He offers a structured approach to recovery, including self-assessment, goal setting, and career realignment, and goes a long way in encouraging tangible, deliberate action to rebuild and redefine one's professional direction after a disruption.
The Layoff Journey From Dismissal to Discovery by Steve Jaffe is an extremely well-presented and uniquely approachable read that, in a stroke of genius that makes it feel less like a guide and more like a chat with a friend, comes across as genuinely personal. This is largely in part due to his conversational style of writing, and also his candid sharing of his own experiences. My wife grew up in San Francisco, and we had an interesting discussion about the impact of layoffs during the 2001 tech downturn. The book’s organization makes it easy to revisit specific sections, a feature I appreciated when reviewing practical advice. One of the most valuable parts addresses health insurance, a topic often overlooked until it’s too late. Jaffe combines clear guidance on rebuilding a career with strategies for emotional regulation and professional reinvention, and the inclusion of exercises for self-assessment and goal setting provides a useful framework for those moving forward. Overall, this is a must-read on the approach to job loss with deliberate planning and a focus on actionable steps.
Recommend this book:
The Good Death
A Guide for Supporting Your Loved One through the End of Life
Suzanne B. O’Brien RN
2026 Bronze Medal
272 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Good Death: A Guide for Supporting Your Loved One Through the End of Life by Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN, is an end-of-life planning guide that helps families understand dying and prepare in advance. O’Brien begins with the physical process of approaching death, then explains how written wishes can guide medical decisions when illness prevents a loved one from speaking for themselves. From there, she teaches readers how to recognize the three phases of dying before moving into guidance for common terminal illnesses. Funeral planning brings the discussion into what happens after death, including environmentally conscious burial methods. In the second half, O’Brien introduces the Peace of Mind Planner, which turns her teaching into a record of end-of-life wishes. The closing material extends that preparation into grief, with a section devoted to talking to children about death.
Suzanne B. O’Brien’s The Good Death is a fantastic end-of-life guide with the plain-spoken reassurance families need when preparing for a loved one’s death. O’Brien knows this subject from years of nursing, which gives her advice the grounded quality of someone who understands what families actually need at home. You see that immediately in the Support System Scheduler, where a weekly timetable creates two-to-four-hour blocks, so responsibility can be shared among people ready to help. That same accessible work comes through in the financial fire drill, where a couple rehearses locating essential records before making necessary calls, leaving each partner prepared to find what is needed. O’Brien has spent years teaching death doulas, so there is experience behind every suggestion. The tone feels calm enough to reassure readers while staying direct enough to be useful, making The Good Death perfect for anyone who wants to approach end of life feeling prepared. Very highly recommended.
The Good Death: A Guide for Supporting Your Loved One Through the End of Life by Suzanne B. O’Brien, RN, is an end-of-life planning guide that helps families understand dying and prepare in advance. O’Brien begins with the physical process of approaching death, then explains how written wishes can guide medical decisions when illness prevents a loved one from speaking for themselves. From there, she teaches readers how to recognize the three phases of dying before moving into guidance for common terminal illnesses. Funeral planning brings the discussion into what happens after death, including environmentally conscious burial methods. In the second half, O’Brien introduces the Peace of Mind Planner, which turns her teaching into a record of end-of-life wishes. The closing material extends that preparation into grief, with a section devoted to talking to children about death.
Suzanne B. O’Brien’s The Good Death is a fantastic end-of-life guide with the plain-spoken reassurance families need when preparing for a loved one’s death. O’Brien knows this subject from years of nursing, which gives her advice the grounded quality of someone who understands what families actually need at home. You see that immediately in the Support System Scheduler, where a weekly timetable creates two-to-four-hour blocks, so responsibility can be shared among people ready to help. That same accessible work comes through in the financial fire drill, where a couple rehearses locating essential records before making necessary calls, leaving each partner prepared to find what is needed. O’Brien has spent years teaching death doulas, so there is experience behind every suggestion. The tone feels calm enough to reassure readers while staying direct enough to be useful, making The Good Death perfect for anyone who wants to approach end of life feeling prepared. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
26 Seconds
Grief and Blame in the Aftermath of Losing My Brother in a Plane Crash
Rossana D'Antonio
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Rossana D’Antonio's 26 Seconds delivers a heartrending memoir that examines profound grief and the complex aftermath of a devastating plane crash that claimed her pilot brother Cesare’s life. This book explores personal loss and critiques the blame culture surrounding such tragedies, offering a deeper understanding of human factors and systemic failures in aviation accidents. The book is a touching tribute to lost lives and a call to action for change in how we perceive and investigate aviation accidents. It offers closure to the author and important insights for the industry and anyone who has faced or might face loss. This memoir makes a significant contribution to the discourse on grief, memory, and justice, reminding us of the human stories behind each headline.
Rossana D’Antonio’s 26 Seconds is a journey through her emotional and psychological landscapes as she grapples with the sudden loss. Her prose is clear and concise, capturing her inner turmoil and the strength needed to seek truth through overwhelming grief. The memoir centers on the 26 seconds of the crash, a brief yet transformative moment that changed her life. It's so moving and visual that I cried. D’Antonio’s precise writing humanizes her brother and the other victims, moving beyond mere statistics and headlines. She offers a compassionate look at Cesare’s life and career, countering the impersonal and often harsh judgments that can dominate such narratives. Her detailed descriptions of the crash investigation expose the complexities of aviation safety and the painful reality that, sometimes, understanding comes too late. D’Antonio challenges readers to consider the broader implications of blame and responsibility, presenting a compelling argument against the simplistic attribution of fault in aviation disasters. Her critique of the “old view” of human error provides insightful commentary on the need for more comprehensive safety and accident prevention approaches.
Rossana D’Antonio's 26 Seconds delivers a heartrending memoir that examines profound grief and the complex aftermath of a devastating plane crash that claimed her pilot brother Cesare’s life. This book explores personal loss and critiques the blame culture surrounding such tragedies, offering a deeper understanding of human factors and systemic failures in aviation accidents. The book is a touching tribute to lost lives and a call to action for change in how we perceive and investigate aviation accidents. It offers closure to the author and important insights for the industry and anyone who has faced or might face loss. This memoir makes a significant contribution to the discourse on grief, memory, and justice, reminding us of the human stories behind each headline.
Rossana D’Antonio’s 26 Seconds is a journey through her emotional and psychological landscapes as she grapples with the sudden loss. Her prose is clear and concise, capturing her inner turmoil and the strength needed to seek truth through overwhelming grief. The memoir centers on the 26 seconds of the crash, a brief yet transformative moment that changed her life. It's so moving and visual that I cried. D’Antonio’s precise writing humanizes her brother and the other victims, moving beyond mere statistics and headlines. She offers a compassionate look at Cesare’s life and career, countering the impersonal and often harsh judgments that can dominate such narratives. Her detailed descriptions of the crash investigation expose the complexities of aviation safety and the painful reality that, sometimes, understanding comes too late. D’Antonio challenges readers to consider the broader implications of blame and responsibility, presenting a compelling argument against the simplistic attribution of fault in aviation disasters. Her critique of the “old view” of human error provides insightful commentary on the need for more comprehensive safety and accident prevention approaches.
Recommend this book:
Embracing the Unknown
One Woman's Radical Decision to Turn Her Life Over to the Universe and the Amazing Transformation that Follows
Julie Maurer
2025 Finalist
157 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In her memoir Embracing the Unknown, Julie Maurer talks to us about the sudden loss of her husband to suicide, and the avalanche of emotional and practical challenges that followed. She speaks on her husband's battle with professional setbacks, depression, and a reluctance to seek help, while also acknowledging her own dissatisfaction in their marriage; a fact she had not fully confronted until after her mother's death. In the aftermath, Maurer is spun into a whirlwind of grief, responsibilities, and trying to reconcile what transpired with a new way of living. She finds support in friends and her relationship with Jeff, who later becomes her husband. She embraces life with Jeff but finds settling in is not as simple as she thought. Over time, she learns to embrace uncertainty and finds peace in moving forward, accepting the unknown with openness and a deeper sense of self-awareness.
Julie Maurer shares her incredibly brave journey following an unbelievable loss in Embracing the Unknown: One Woman's Radical Decision to Turn Her Life Over to the Universe and the Amazing Transformation that Follows. Her writing style is so comfortable and conversational, making it easy to empathize with her as she opens up about her life. I love that every chapter starts with a Rumi quote, and Maurer’s spirit shines through in her willingness to share not only the heavy moments, like sorting through her husband's belongings and managing the responsibilities of grief, but also the moments of unexpected joy. I was particularly heartened by her experience of driving a Mercedes for the first time and sharing the songs played at her wedding to Jeff. Maurer’s transformation is deeply inspiring, and her willingness to embrace uncertainty makes this memoir both uplifting and motivational. It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Very highly recommended.
In her memoir Embracing the Unknown, Julie Maurer talks to us about the sudden loss of her husband to suicide, and the avalanche of emotional and practical challenges that followed. She speaks on her husband's battle with professional setbacks, depression, and a reluctance to seek help, while also acknowledging her own dissatisfaction in their marriage; a fact she had not fully confronted until after her mother's death. In the aftermath, Maurer is spun into a whirlwind of grief, responsibilities, and trying to reconcile what transpired with a new way of living. She finds support in friends and her relationship with Jeff, who later becomes her husband. She embraces life with Jeff but finds settling in is not as simple as she thought. Over time, she learns to embrace uncertainty and finds peace in moving forward, accepting the unknown with openness and a deeper sense of self-awareness.
Julie Maurer shares her incredibly brave journey following an unbelievable loss in Embracing the Unknown: One Woman's Radical Decision to Turn Her Life Over to the Universe and the Amazing Transformation that Follows. Her writing style is so comfortable and conversational, making it easy to empathize with her as she opens up about her life. I love that every chapter starts with a Rumi quote, and Maurer’s spirit shines through in her willingness to share not only the heavy moments, like sorting through her husband's belongings and managing the responsibilities of grief, but also the moments of unexpected joy. I was particularly heartened by her experience of driving a Mercedes for the first time and sharing the songs played at her wedding to Jeff. Maurer’s transformation is deeply inspiring, and her willingness to embrace uncertainty makes this memoir both uplifting and motivational. It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Brave New You
Strategies, Tools, and Neurohacks to Live More Courageously Every Day
Mary Poffenroth Ph.D.
2025 Honorable Mention
256 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Brave New You by Mary Poffenroth, PhD presents a revolutionary approach to understanding and mastering fear and anxiety in our daily lives. This comprehensive guide combines cutting-edge neuroscience with practical strategies, making complex concepts accessible to readers seeking to overcome their fears. Through a blend of scientific research, psychological insights, and personal narrative, Poffenroth introduces readers to effective 'neurohacks' that can transform their relationship with fear. The book addresses the spectrum of modern anxieties, from social situations to professional challenges, offering a roadmap for personal growth and emotional resilience.
Author Mary Poffenroth brings both academic expertise and personal understanding to this transformative work. The writing style strikes an impressive balance between scientific accuracy and accessibility, making complex neurological concepts manageable and applicable to everyday life. The warm and confident tone inspires readers. What I found most compelling was the integration of real-world examples with research findings, creating clear connections between theory and practice that make perfect sense and are easy to recall. The structure builds progressively, allowing readers to develop a deeper understanding of their fear responses while gaining practical tools for managing them. Poffenroth's inclusion of personal stories brings authenticity and real-world context to the scientific framework. Her explanations of neurological processes help readers understand the why behind their fears as well as the how of overcoming them. I loved the breakdown of different 'neurohacks' that help readers understand the brain and how to master it. The exercises and strategies are innovative and achievable, designed to create lasting change rather than quick fixes. Overall, Brave New You is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand and transform their relationship with fear and anxiety, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.
Brave New You by Mary Poffenroth, PhD presents a revolutionary approach to understanding and mastering fear and anxiety in our daily lives. This comprehensive guide combines cutting-edge neuroscience with practical strategies, making complex concepts accessible to readers seeking to overcome their fears. Through a blend of scientific research, psychological insights, and personal narrative, Poffenroth introduces readers to effective 'neurohacks' that can transform their relationship with fear. The book addresses the spectrum of modern anxieties, from social situations to professional challenges, offering a roadmap for personal growth and emotional resilience.
Author Mary Poffenroth brings both academic expertise and personal understanding to this transformative work. The writing style strikes an impressive balance between scientific accuracy and accessibility, making complex neurological concepts manageable and applicable to everyday life. The warm and confident tone inspires readers. What I found most compelling was the integration of real-world examples with research findings, creating clear connections between theory and practice that make perfect sense and are easy to recall. The structure builds progressively, allowing readers to develop a deeper understanding of their fear responses while gaining practical tools for managing them. Poffenroth's inclusion of personal stories brings authenticity and real-world context to the scientific framework. Her explanations of neurological processes help readers understand the why behind their fears as well as the how of overcoming them. I loved the breakdown of different 'neurohacks' that help readers understand the brain and how to master it. The exercises and strategies are innovative and achievable, designed to create lasting change rather than quick fixes. Overall, Brave New You is an essential resource for anyone seeking to understand and transform their relationship with fear and anxiety, and I would not hesitate to recommend it.
Recommend this book:
The Light From a Thousand Wounds
A Mother's Memoir of Finding Beauty in Life's Darkest Moments
Corey Hatfield
2025 Bronze Medal
406 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
The Light From a Thousand Wounds: A Mother's Memoir of Finding Beauty in Life's Darkest Moments by Corey Hatfield is a deeply moving account of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. The story takes the reader through Corey's life as a mother navigating the complexities of raising five children, including the intense challenges posed by her son’s violent autism and her eldest son’s substance abuse. When tragedy strikes in the form of a life-altering accident that leaves her son in a coma, Corey and her husband are forced to confront the fragility of life and their marriage. Through faith and an unwavering determination to find meaning in suffering, Corey discovers the hidden beauty in life’s darkest moments and begins a journey toward healing for herself and her family.
Author Corey Hatfield’s narrative is raw and filled with emotions, taking the reader into the depths of her experiences while also offering moments of amazing inspiration. Her ability to find light amid darkness makes this memoir both heartbreaking and uplifting. The narrative is paced well, with each chapter shedding light on her evolving relationship with faith, her family, and herself. The author’s exploration of trauma, love, and determination resonates universally, offering comfort and encouragement to readers facing their own battles. The memoir’s emotional honesty sets it apart, making it a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The Light From a Thousand Wounds is a powerful and unforgettable story of finding grace and beauty in the most unlikely places.
The Light From a Thousand Wounds: A Mother's Memoir of Finding Beauty in Life's Darkest Moments by Corey Hatfield is a deeply moving account of resilience and hope in the face of adversity. The story takes the reader through Corey's life as a mother navigating the complexities of raising five children, including the intense challenges posed by her son’s violent autism and her eldest son’s substance abuse. When tragedy strikes in the form of a life-altering accident that leaves her son in a coma, Corey and her husband are forced to confront the fragility of life and their marriage. Through faith and an unwavering determination to find meaning in suffering, Corey discovers the hidden beauty in life’s darkest moments and begins a journey toward healing for herself and her family.
Author Corey Hatfield’s narrative is raw and filled with emotions, taking the reader into the depths of her experiences while also offering moments of amazing inspiration. Her ability to find light amid darkness makes this memoir both heartbreaking and uplifting. The narrative is paced well, with each chapter shedding light on her evolving relationship with faith, her family, and herself. The author’s exploration of trauma, love, and determination resonates universally, offering comfort and encouragement to readers facing their own battles. The memoir’s emotional honesty sets it apart, making it a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The Light From a Thousand Wounds is a powerful and unforgettable story of finding grace and beauty in the most unlikely places.
Recommend this book:
The Hate Game
Screaming in the Silence - A Memoir
Gary Trew
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
In The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence, Gary Trew takes us on a harrowing and heartbreaking journey through his childhood experience at Knoll School for Boys. Trew details the abuse, bullying, and intimidation he endured from the first day of school to the end of his five-year attendance. He describes not only the torment inflicted by fellow students but also the general lack of caring from the teachers and the abuse that some of the teachers meted out to the students. Amidst all these challenges, Gary grapples with personal grief and the typical growing pains associated with adolescence.
In The Hate Game, Gary Trew exposes the long-lasting effects of abuse and neglect including the emotional and psychological effects it had on his life. He describes his experiences in a vivid and captivating manner, so much so that I was drawn into his story, and at times I felt like the level of abuse and suffering he underwent was untenable. However, his masterful balance of comedy and heartbreak kept me engaged to the last page. Another theme that he discusses is growing up in the 70s, where he was expected to “suck it up” even when going through significant trauma. He could not tell his parents, nor could he understand why the teachers did nothing, and often felt alone and abandoned, with no one to talk to. This memoir is also a testament to resilience, and how our past significantly impacts our current lives and mental health. I enjoyed this book immensely, largely due to Trew’s excellent narrative of a very traumatic period in his life.
In The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence, Gary Trew takes us on a harrowing and heartbreaking journey through his childhood experience at Knoll School for Boys. Trew details the abuse, bullying, and intimidation he endured from the first day of school to the end of his five-year attendance. He describes not only the torment inflicted by fellow students but also the general lack of caring from the teachers and the abuse that some of the teachers meted out to the students. Amidst all these challenges, Gary grapples with personal grief and the typical growing pains associated with adolescence.
In The Hate Game, Gary Trew exposes the long-lasting effects of abuse and neglect including the emotional and psychological effects it had on his life. He describes his experiences in a vivid and captivating manner, so much so that I was drawn into his story, and at times I felt like the level of abuse and suffering he underwent was untenable. However, his masterful balance of comedy and heartbreak kept me engaged to the last page. Another theme that he discusses is growing up in the 70s, where he was expected to “suck it up” even when going through significant trauma. He could not tell his parents, nor could he understand why the teachers did nothing, and often felt alone and abandoned, with no one to talk to. This memoir is also a testament to resilience, and how our past significantly impacts our current lives and mental health. I enjoyed this book immensely, largely due to Trew’s excellent narrative of a very traumatic period in his life.
Recommend this book:
Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up?
Living Your Best Life after Losing Your Greatest Love
Loren Ridinger
2025 Gold Medal
208 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up? by Loren Ridinger is an emotionally rich memoir that explores the powerful love story and shared journey of Loren and her late husband, JR Ridinger. Known for their entrepreneurial spirit and deep commitment to each other, the Ridingers built a life that touched countless others through their work with Market America, a business they nurtured from the ground up. At the heart of this memoir is a portrayal of JR as an inspiring, visionary figure whose dreams extended beyond personal success to empower those around him. Ridinger recounts how JR’s larger-than-life presence influenced every facet of their lives, from their professional ventures to their family’s day-to-day moments. Through tender letters and anecdotes, Loren reflects on her journey of love, growth, and shared dreams with JR. She writes with vulnerability about the challenges of continuing life without him.
One of the book's most captivating themes is the exploration of grief, a process Loren Ridinger describes with raw honesty. She navigates the complexities of loss, recounting their last days together with both a painful awareness and a sense of gratitude for the time they shared. Loren’s narrative moves seamlessly from joyous memories of family vacations and milestone celebrations to the overwhelming heartache of JR’s sudden passing. Her story encourages readers to find strength in their vulnerability, urging them to honor their emotions and seek solace in their support networks. Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up? offers hope, resilience, and the enduring power of love. Her journey through grief transforms into a tribute to JR’s legacy and an inspiration for anyone facing loss.
Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up? by Loren Ridinger is an emotionally rich memoir that explores the powerful love story and shared journey of Loren and her late husband, JR Ridinger. Known for their entrepreneurial spirit and deep commitment to each other, the Ridingers built a life that touched countless others through their work with Market America, a business they nurtured from the ground up. At the heart of this memoir is a portrayal of JR as an inspiring, visionary figure whose dreams extended beyond personal success to empower those around him. Ridinger recounts how JR’s larger-than-life presence influenced every facet of their lives, from their professional ventures to their family’s day-to-day moments. Through tender letters and anecdotes, Loren reflects on her journey of love, growth, and shared dreams with JR. She writes with vulnerability about the challenges of continuing life without him.
One of the book's most captivating themes is the exploration of grief, a process Loren Ridinger describes with raw honesty. She navigates the complexities of loss, recounting their last days together with both a painful awareness and a sense of gratitude for the time they shared. Loren’s narrative moves seamlessly from joyous memories of family vacations and milestone celebrations to the overwhelming heartache of JR’s sudden passing. Her story encourages readers to find strength in their vulnerability, urging them to honor their emotions and seek solace in their support networks. Scrambled or Sunny-Side Up? offers hope, resilience, and the enduring power of love. Her journey through grief transforms into a tribute to JR’s legacy and an inspiration for anyone facing loss.
Recommend this book:
Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia
A Family's Search for Hope (10th Anniversary Edition)
Amanda LaPera
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite
Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: A Family’s Search for Hope is written by Amanda LaPera. LaPera’s father was diagnosed with cancer. After going through the surgery, he left his family in search of a more divine purpose. He sends postcards from some of the places he visits and agrees to baptize Amanda and her son at her home. But he cancels, as if sensing that she had planned to get him the help he needed. Her father was suffering from a late onset of Schizophrenia that drew him away from the family and to other countries, behaving in ways that were not in his normal character, including his callous comments about the deaths of his parents. Still, the family held out hope that he would come home and get the help he needed for his mental illness.
Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia is a sad journey that explains how the onset of mental illness is not always during the earlier years of life. Amanda LaPera has shown a great amount of bravery in sharing the ordeal she and her family faced while trying to find a way to help her father through his mental illness. The astounding patience, compassion, love, commitment to family, and willpower LaPera has shown while coping with such an issue is remarkable. I recommend Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia to anyone who faces mental illness or knows someone who does. This book will inspire and encourage loved ones not to give up hope even when getting help seems all but impossible.
Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia: A Family’s Search for Hope is written by Amanda LaPera. LaPera’s father was diagnosed with cancer. After going through the surgery, he left his family in search of a more divine purpose. He sends postcards from some of the places he visits and agrees to baptize Amanda and her son at her home. But he cancels, as if sensing that she had planned to get him the help he needed. Her father was suffering from a late onset of Schizophrenia that drew him away from the family and to other countries, behaving in ways that were not in his normal character, including his callous comments about the deaths of his parents. Still, the family held out hope that he would come home and get the help he needed for his mental illness.
Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia is a sad journey that explains how the onset of mental illness is not always during the earlier years of life. Amanda LaPera has shown a great amount of bravery in sharing the ordeal she and her family faced while trying to find a way to help her father through his mental illness. The astounding patience, compassion, love, commitment to family, and willpower LaPera has shown while coping with such an issue is remarkable. I recommend Losing Dad, Paranoid Schizophrenia to anyone who faces mental illness or knows someone who does. This book will inspire and encourage loved ones not to give up hope even when getting help seems all but impossible.
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