Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

I Just Looked Up by Sue Krupa is an inspirational and thought provoking memoir that takes readers on a journey along with the author and her transformation in spite of the storms and trials she faced in her life. Her story stresses the power and importance of love, and how it teaches us to understand the purpose and significance of our life. The author's story will encourage readers to look for their worth and purpose in life, and will give them the confidence to re-examine their lives with a new insight. It's a story of love, compassion, self discovery, faith, empathy, forgiveness and unconditional love, and will surprise readers with all its facets.

The author takes readers back to her life which was heart wrenching and painful. Her early years, her family, the unhappy marriage of her parents, and the trauma she faced while being abused by one of her brothers will make readers feel for her. The author's journey through sorrow and pain is incredible, and her willpower to transform her life is motivating. The author's story is tangible and many readers can connect well with her life experiences. The author's emotions are raw and honest, and she guides everyone in finding their path in life through setbacks. The pictures of her family make the book very personal and give readers a peek into her life. The book teaches readers about the power of hope and love, and how these enable us to conquer tragedies and pain in our lives.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

A Miracle in the Making: A Journey of Faith, Hope & Love is a non-fiction inspirational memoir written by Patricia Batoba Jones. The author had been diagnosed with Lupus when she was a child. It was a painful and debilitating disease, and one doctor didn't recommend college for her as he didn't think she'd live long enough to finish her degree. But Jones did go to college, and, even though many thought it would never happen, she was determined to have a baby. When she first met her husband, she was upfront about her health condition and the fact that she would probably never be able to bear a child for him. He wouldn't listen to a word on the subject, and he declared that he'd love her no matter what. They did marry, and for the first several years, they used birth control. Both of them wanted a house to raise their children in, and a financially stable situation, but then it was time to try to start their family. Jones was thrilled when she found she was pregnant, but it was a hard pregnancy as her lupus acted up and the medications she had to take were affecting the health of her unborn baby. While she resisted and prayed as long as she could, her baby was born by Cesarean Section at 24 weeks. It would be some time until she could hold her baby girl, and even longer until she could take her home.

In Patricia Batoba Jones' non-fiction inspirational memoir, A Miracle in the Making: A Journey of Faith, Hope & Love, she shares the challenges, fears, frustrations and triumphs she and her husband experienced as they anxiously watched their premature baby fight for her life. Jones shares all of her feelings, even the occasional twinges of jealousy at seeing other mothers with their 'normal' infants, and watching as those infants were released from the hospital while hers seemed condemned to stay in an incubator for months on end. At times, she came close to feeling suicidal, and she discusses the seriousness of Postpartum Depression and the impact it can have on new mothers, especially those with premature babies. She also discusses the divorce rate for couples with preemies, which is regrettably high. It was one of the reasons the author was inspired to write this memoir, to help others going through their own challenges in the NICU unit. This is an honest, compelling, and beautifully written memoir that reveals so much that happens in the room where those premature babies fight for their survival and in the hearts of their parents. A Miracle in the Making: A Journey of Faith, Hope & Love is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Conversations on the Bench: Life Lessons from the Wisest Man I Ever Knew by Digger Cartwright is an uplifting and inspirational book based on real life events. This insightful conversation is also an example of timeless friendship that transcends everything and motivates readers to look into their lives and effect positive changes that will make their living more interesting and fulfilling. The bond between Robbie and Sebastian and their words of wisdom will show readers how to live life using the basic lessons that we all are aware of but have forgotten to incorporate into our lives. It's a truly inspiring and moving story where Robbie and Sebastian give a new perspective on living a contented life to readers.

The interaction and dialogue between Sebastian and Robbie in the initial chapters set the tone for the rest of the book. The stories and the words of wisdom shared by author Digger Cartwright are relatable and readers can connect well with the author's words. All the lessons are valuable, true and useful and the friendship between two different people will inspire and motivate readers in different ways. Many of the lessons shared will make readers look within themselves. The story is original and the author is hopeful that the wisdom shared in the book will enrich, improve and inspire everyone's lives. These conversations shared on the bench will definitely be useful to all readers, to find a purpose in their lives and also guide them during their journey of life.

Reviewed by Jessyca Garcia for Readers' Favorite

I thought Walking Over Eggshells by Lucinda E. Clarke was an interesting book. In her memoir, Clarke shares a huge part of her life. She has written about her adventures living in different places, her relationship with her verbally abusive mother, and her family life.

Clarke has certainly led an interesting life. While reading Walking Over Eggshells, I had mixed feelings. I went back and forth from being sympathetic to what Clarke was going through to wondering what other people’s points of view on situations that occurred were. I hated Clarke’s mother and did not understand why Clarke kept trying to please her. I also did not understand why people would believe Clarke’s mother’s side of things unless she had some type of proof. A few times in the book Clarke reminded me of her mother. What went on between her and her children may be part of the story but I do not think that it should have been written about. If my mother wrote about the issues in our relationship I would not be happy. This is eerily similar to Clarke’s mother showing off Clarke’s letters to people.

Towards the end of the book I wanted to stand up and cheer because I felt that Clarke finally made a good decision about her home life. After so many years putting up with someone, it took guts to do what she did in South Africa. I do, however, still have some unanswered questions about some things that happened in the book. I am honestly glad that Clarke was finally able to achieve something that she wanted in her life. In the beginning of the book I did not ever think that she would live such an adventurous life. I am glad that I read Walking Over Eggshells because I consider Clarke a strong female role model.

Reviewed by Barbara Fanson for Readers' Favorite

Fractured Not Broken is an inspirational story and a well-written book! Following a life-altering accident, Kelly Schaefer transforms from a non-willing participant to embracing her role and focusing on what she’s capable of doing, rather than her disabilities. I feel privileged to be included in the story of a tragic accident, recovery, and marriage. I walk around thinking about Kelly — even when I’m not reading the book! I roll over in bed and I realize Kelly can’t do that simple task. How lucky I am that I can remove the bed covers whenever I’m hot, something Kelly can’t do herself. I admire Kelly, the main character, for reminding physiotherapists that she is studying elementary education, and that she is not living in the past tense.

What an interesting writing technique — to write the early chapters from four different points of view. Each chapter introduces a character, lets us get to know them, and understand their role in this tragic accident. I felt like the triage nurse, moving from victim to victim, analyzing their wounds and determining the extent of their injuries. The story seamlessly transitions from one character’s perspective to another without losing the reader. I was completely engrossed. I didn’t want to put the book down. Fractured Not Broken is a real page-turner. Such a moving and inspiring story, I am going to buy copies of this book to give to others who might be feeling down with the hope that Kelly Schaefer’s contagious and winning attitude will influence them as much as it has inspired me.

Reviewed by Ashley Tetzlaff for Readers' Favorite

In her work, The Book About James, Julia Gray shares her thoughts on raising her son born with Down Syndrome. The book is broken into twenty-one “articles” – chapters that can be read as stand alones or in conjunction with the rest of the book (just like a magazine article). In each article, Julia Gray deals with a particular issue or experience: her reaction to James’ birth, schooling James, trusting in God when things are rough, side-effects of Down Syndrome, etc. Julia is honest about how her feelings were and what they are now. For those who are just starting to walk this road, this book will offer encouragement and hope. For all others, it's a peek into the ups and downs of life with Down Syndrome and God’s grace for it all.

Wow! Julia Gray’s The Book About James blessed me so much! I confess, I have always had this little fear in the back of my head that I would have a “forever child” – a kid with Down Syndrome or something like it. This is funny since as a kid I had friends who had DS and I loved to be around them. Who doesn’t enjoy a forty-year-old who plays like someone who is six? But I was afraid of having one myself. Julia Gray came face-to-face with her own fears when James was born: what would others think of her? Of him? How would her other children be affected? I really appreciated Julia’s honesty. She is willing, not only to share her joy in James NOW, but the feelings of fear she had THEN. I was encouraged that even if I do have a forever child one day, DS can be a blessing and not a burden.

Even though my two children are “normal”, I still found much encouragement in this book as a mother: no matter what our kids do or don’t accomplish, they are special just the way they are. And God gives us the grace to deal with everything – no matter how overwhelmingly big it seems to us. He really does work all things together for good and The Book About James shows us that. Beautifully written. Wonderful witty style. Well edited. Altogether highly recommended. Is there such a thing as a dozen stars?

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Charity: The Gifts of Giving is a non-fiction religion/philosophy book written by Garret Biss. In it, the author explores the concept of charity and the effects that giving can have on your personal well-being and happiness. Charity, he explains, takes many forms. It can be a kind word to a friend or colleague, or a thoughtful gift. Tithing to one's church is also a form of charity. In each chapter, Biss describes an aspect of charity and offers suggestions for the reader to implement this exercise of giving in his Actions assignments. No donation is too small in the author's view; he advises that the reader give what he can and shows how designating a portion of one's income for charity can make the act of giving easier. He also gives information on how to set up charities and fund raise for them.

Garret Biss' non-fiction motivational book, Charity: The Gifts of Giving, is filled with ideas that are easily put into practice, and you don't need to have a lot of money to get started. I liked how the author demonstrated through his personal experiences every aspect covered in this book. As I was reading it, I started brain-storming on what I could do and how I could use my personal skills to help others. Biss' attitude on charity and giving is quite contagious. His ideas on charitable donations and the links he provides for finding charities that resonate with the giver are very helpful. In addition, his ideas on fundraising are first-rate, especially those which utilize social media to give your charitable efforts the widest distribution. This inspiring book may seem small at first, but it's really very big on ideas to make acts of charity a part of your everyday life. Charity: The Gifts of Giving is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Roy T. James for Readers' Favorite

Why Not? Conquering The Road Less Traveled by John Brown with Donna Brown is about the journey of a life that’s had its ups and downs, and of growing up disabled in a non-disabled world. It begins with the author’s entry into the world at three in the morning, a child diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Recounting his memories of hospital, loving people, dear friends and his school days in general, he mentions the fun and the difficulties of life. Growing up with other kids staring, laughing and calling names, as well as his experiences with marijuana and hash are mentioned. His dreams resonate throughout the book; dreams of becoming a DJ, and his entry into a career that was to last more than forty years as a radio broadcaster.

Why Not? Conquering The Road Less Traveled by John Brown with Donna Brown is an inspiring book. How John meets the challenges that are his constant companions, and how he has to overcome those in every step he takes, unlike the normal ones amongst us, make that victory even sweeter. The perseverance and dedication shown by John in fulfilling his ambition is an example to all. This book thus has the potential to be a great motivator for all kinds of people, including those with a disability. As the author mentions in the book: "My hope is that after reading this book, whether you’re disabled or not, that when life throws at you all kinds of challenges, you meet them head on the best you can.”

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Girl with the Crooked Smile and the Pearls of Wisdom That Pulled Her Through it is Darah Zeledon’s story, a memoir of how life can throw you not one curve ball, but several in a row. Darah, pregnant with her fourth child, is diagnosed with a life threatening brain tumor. Her doctor tells her she will either lose her own life or that of her child, and will more than likely experience some sort of paralysis. That is enough for any person to go through in their entire life. But not Darah. No, Darah and her family are also up against an armed robbery, a suicide, financial ruin that forces them to flee their home and a near-fatal accident to boot. Darah tells her story with brutal honesty, with a touch of humor thrown in for good measure. She tells how she and her family pulled through everything that life threw at them and how they survived to tell the tale. Her pearls of wisdom should serve as a message for anyone that life is for living and nothing on earth was going to stop her.

Darah Zeledon’s Girl with the Crooked Smile was a wonderfully inspiring read. It was painful and yet funny. There was none of the “poor me” syndrome about it – it was more like Darah telling us to come with her on her journey and experience everything for ourselves. And, boy, did she manage to draw you in to the extent that you felt as if you were there. No reader will be able to put this book down – you will laugh, you will cry, you will experience the pain and the joy that Darah and her family went through. And, you will be glad you did. I read this book in four hours flat – I could not put it down.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Conversations on the Bench: Life Lessons from the Wisest Man I Ever Knew by Digger Cartwright is an uplifting and inspirational book based on real life events. This insightful conversation is also an example of timeless friendship that transcends everything and motivates readers to look into their lives and effect positive changes that will make their living more interesting and fulfilling. The bond between Robbie and Sebastian and their words of wisdom will show readers how to live life using the basic lessons that we all are aware of but have forgotten to incorporate into our lives. It's a truly inspiring and moving story where Robbie and Sebastian give a new perspective on living a contented life to readers.

The interaction and dialogue between Sebastian and Robbie in the initial chapters set the tone for the rest of the book. The stories and the words of wisdom shared by author Digger Cartwright are relatable and readers can connect well with the author's words. All the lessons are valuable, true and useful and the friendship between two different people will inspire and motivate readers in different ways. Many of the lessons shared will make readers look within themselves. The story is original and the author is hopeful that the wisdom shared in the book will enrich, improve and inspire everyone's lives. These conversations shared on the bench will definitely be useful to all readers, to find a purpose in their lives and also guide them during their journey of life.