Reviewed by Sarah Rollins for Readers' Favorite

Weedmonkey by Lisa V. Proulx is a moving memoir which tells the story of how a little girl called Virgie was brought into the world amidst the remnants of what was the old south, amongst wealth, judgement, poverty, and injustice. Virgie’s mother is considered a town whore, her father works in the mines, and the story continues with Virgie herself left to look after her brothers and sisters, moved from foster home to flop houses, and exposed to situations that you would never dream a young girl (or anyone) should ever be forced to face.

Lisa V. Proulx writes with heart and soul as she tells Virgie’s story. Her writing style brings you into the story, and for some moments I almost forgot that this was a non-fiction book. Her words pulled you into Virgie’s plight and you felt the emotions of the young girl, her hatred for what life had dealt her, her disappointment for what she has missed in her youth, and yet her strength to go on, and become a different person from the mother she knew and grew up with. Weedmonkey is a true story which will make you smile and cry as you follow young Virgie, understand her background and her ability to rise above the life she was forced to live. A truly touching memoir, written with passion by the author who undertook this project after it was started by her own mother. A definite must-read for anyone who enjoys books of this era or non-fiction stories that demonstrate true strength.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Love, Bill: Finding My Father Through Letters from World War II by Jan Krulick-Belin is a collection of heartrending and poignant memories the author has of her father, Bill, which she shares with readers through this book. The author’s love for her father is evident through her words, and she speaks of how she tried to keep him alive after his death so that he would not slip away completely from their memories. The author’s collection of get-well cards from grade 1 kept him in her thoughts and she always looked at these as her last link to him. Fifty years later, another set of letters brings him back into her life by telling her things about her and her father, which her mother was not able to tell her during her lifetime. It is a story of love, romance, family, persistence, patience, discovery, and family ties that will touch the hearts of readers on many levels.

The author puts her father’s memories into words beautifully and this resonates well with readers. The narration is detailed and descriptive, and the author takes readers on an unexpected and remarkable journey of her life. The amazing letters, the spiritual undertones, the Jewish connection, and lastly descriptions of World War II make the book an amazing read. The pictures in the book will help readers connect better with the characters, and the letters written by her father to her mother speak of the love they shared for each other. The author gives a voice to her father’s life and tells readers how he made an impact while he lived, and the way he loved her mother and their family. The memoir has been beautifully executed and readers can feel the love and family bonding clearly through the author's words and expressions.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Realizing River City by Melissa Grunow is a gripping memoir that will rattle the emotions of readers, having them navigate the gray zones of loss, the power of compassion, and the excitement of hope. A story that answers the not-so-often asked questions of womanhood. The author takes readers through her numerous heartbreaks, abusive relationships, and her search for meaning in a world that is quite often lacking in charity and the basic values that make us human. In this memoir, she communicates the hope that everything can turn out just wonderfully well when we dare to risk giving ourselves another chance at creating the life we want.

This is a powerful story, beautifully written in a style that is lyrical, friendly and seductive. One feels that the author writes straight from the heart, a gift which allows the reader to be emotionally connected to the protagonist. I loved the beauty of the prose and the author’s storytelling craft. The themes are so masterfully woven into the story that I found myself reflecting on them without losing anything in the narrative. Melissa Grunow’s reflections on relationships, womanhood, inner freedom, family and love are compelling. The writing has depth and it is very insightful and emotionally intense. The story is filled with the wisdom of the heart that will, undoubtedly, appeal to female readers. Realizing River City is written with surprising honesty and one has the impression of seeing through the veil into the nakedness of another soul. It is inspiring, engaging, and entertaining.

Reviewed by Jessyca Garcia for Readers' Favorite

Teenage Degenerate: A Memoir that Explores the Depths of Methamphetamine and Drug Addiction by S.C. Sterling is an eye opening experience in the life of a drug addict. In the book, Sterling tells about his experiences using different drugs and how meth took control of his life. He also reveals what finally made him quit using meth.

First of all, if Teenage Degenerate was made into a movie, I would totally be buying the soundtrack. In each chapter, Sterling includes what background music is playing as he does his drug of choice. This was my favorite thing about this book. It is obvious that Sterling has bared his soul here. It is also obvious how much he loved meth. He has written his story in a diary format and it is told day by day. Sterling not only tells his story, but also describes what happened to his friends who were addicted to meth as well. I was not sure what to expect regarding the one thing that would make him give up meth. When he finally revealed what it was, I was hoping for a little more of an explanation. Other than that, I liked his story.

I am happy that Sterling finally got clean, and hope that he continues to stay clean. Too many people lose the battle to this drug. The book does contain the occasional swear word. Other than that, this book may help people to better understand a loved one that is using.

Reviewed by Susana Pena for Readers' Favorite

Garbage Bag Suitcase by Shenandoah Chefalo is a very emotional story about the author’s difficult and lonely childhood. Her alcoholic and drug addicted mother and step-father lacked the adequate parenting skills needed to raise a child. They lived as nomads, always running away from something and constantly moving to different places. The author endured physical and mental abuse at the hands of her parents. She was locked in her room for long periods of time, starved as a form of punishment, belittled by being called stupid and worthless, and was often hit. Her birthday and the holidays were never celebrated, and her only true friend was Love Bunny; her favorite stuffed animal that kept her feeling safe. The author always wished for a family that would love and protect her. She thought she would find that while in foster care, but that never happened. She had to become independent at a young age and this taught her to strive for a better life and future. The end of the book also mentions ideas on how to improve the broken foster care system because it is clearly in need of being repaired.

I really enjoyed reading Garbage Bag Suitcase by Shenandoah Chefalo, because it was a very interesting and heart-breaking autobiography. The author was brave enough to share her story about her abusive childhood where it was common for her to be locked in her room and starved. This led her to feel lonely and sad all of the time, because her parents didn’t seem to love her and she felt unsafe in her house. It was very sad to read all of the abuse that the author was put through, because kids shouldn’t have to suffer that way. Kids need to feel loved, protected, and wanted. They also need to be fed healthy meals, kept clean, and be treated with respect. The author also mentions her stay with a foster care family that didn’t give her the love and attention that she had hoped for. They clearly took her in because of the money that the government had to pay them in order to raise her. The second half of the book contains eye opening statistics on foster care children and it elaborates on different solutions that are needed in order to end this cycle, and I agree with what was mentioned.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Children of Dreams: An Adoption Memoir by Lorilyn Roberts is a beautiful memoir of the author and her story which will encourage many readers to pursue their dreams of adoption. The author's story is one of struggle, hope, and fulfillment, and she tells how her pain and suffering pale in comparison to what God does for us. The author's journey of adoption also shows the inheritance awaiting us when we reach heaven through God's adoption of us. Her adoption of her two daughters, one from Nepal and one from Vietnam, is a must-read for all those who are preparing to adopt, going through a foreign adoption process, would like to know about the corruption, heartache, and cultural challenges that would stand in the way of adopting, and also the kind of commitment a parent should make to bring a child home.

The author's pain and struggles are heart wrenching, palpable, and relatable to readers. The memoir is honest and the author takes readers into her world and will make them appreciate and respect all those parents who adopt children and take care of them. The memoir is also a journey of self-discovery where the author discovers her faith and trust in God being reiterated through experiences while dealing with people and situations. Her adoption journey is a unique journey that will inspire and motivate readers to be confident and go through an established agency while adopting. It's a fascinating memoir, especially for all those who are thinking of adoption.

Reviewed by Katherine Williams for Readers' Favorite

Some Things You Keep is a poignant yet inspirational memoir about the life of the author, JJ Landis. When JJ was around twelve years old, her mother committed suicide and her life soon changed forever. The night her mother died, she immediately had to move in with her father, stepmother and stepsister, which made her feel guilty. She understood herself to be an outsider, a person forced to move in with a new family that she didn’t feel a part of. Guilt and even deeper feelings of sadness end up haunting her through most of her life. In each chapter, her age advances, and her years as a teenager and young adult are filled with unhealthy coping mechanisms of dealing with pain. These coping mechanisms include constant partying, drinking, drugs, and sex. While doing these things, JJ believes that she will always feel empty inside. But her belief slowly changes as an adult when she finds Christianity, accepts Jesus’ love for her, and comes to terms with her depression. This story is a story of struggle, but it is also an amazing testimony of faith and courage.

When I finished Some Things You Keep, I was speechless. All I could think was, “Wow, why is this book not a best seller?” Sometimes when reading a memoir, it is easy to get the sense that the author is not being genuine about their story. But JJ Landis’ writing style is raw, compelling, genuine, and honest all at the same time. Through her writing you discover that she is a compassionate, bright and wonderful woman. The way she tells it all and bares her soul in the written word is amazing and inspiring. It is written in a bit of a slower pace in order to highlight the intensity of her emotions, which I thought was done beautifully. She also manages to include an incredible amount of detail which made the book feel so real to me.

Reading of her struggles was not easy, but being able to discover her major victory made this book so memorable. Despite her hardships, she has such an amazing and radiant view of life that embraces growth. She states that “growth comes from letting go of past and pain and stepping forward each day. And with growth, the wisdom to know what to hold close and what to keep. And what to let go.” No matter what stage of life you are currently in or what you are doing at this moment, I suggest that you read this book right away. It will definitely make you cry and feel sad, but in the end it will make you contemplate life and inspire you to become a better person.

Reviewed by Kathryn Bennett for Readers' Favorite

Hollywood Heartbreak: New York Dreams by Kody Christiansen introduces us to Kaleb, a well known female illusionist whose journey took him from Texas to New York and then to Hollywood. A story that is tragic, inspiring and very true. Kaleb goes onto national TV as an alter ego known as Sarah Summers and gets lost in the famous and sometimes toxic Hollywood culture. Kaleb abuses alcohol and drugs in a story of success, love, rock bottom, and the struggle to come back from that.

Wow is the very first word that comes to mind when I think about the experience I had while reading this book. All of us have ups and downs in life, but few can probably say they have experienced the extreme highs and extreme lows that Kaleb has. This story is emotional and follows such a journey that I found myself wondering what could possibly happen next. The ebb and flow of the book is good and sometimes you can almost find yourself forgetting this is all based on a true story. This is not a fictional tale being told for extremes, but someone's real life. I held my breath in parts, cried in others, and laughed as well. I was joyful when Kaleb managed to pick himself up from the pit of being addicted and on the streets of New York to find life again. A true inspiration to all of us. It leaves the reader with a feeling of the ability to overcome almost anything.

Reviewed by Tracy Slowiak for Readers' Favorite

Cancer. The very word strikes fear into the heart of many. And for parents, the thought that cancer might affect one of their children, well, it's a thought that can actually make the blood run cold. In There is a Reaper: Losing a Child to Cancer, author Michael Lynes generously shares the story of his family's experience with cancer. When his five-year-old son, Christopher, always a vivacious and rambunctious boy, starts exhibiting signs of illness, an illness that at first is mysterious and goes unnamed, his parents are plunged into the nightmare of the unknown. Eventually Christopher is diagnosed with cancer and sadly succumbs to this demon of a disease. Michael continues with the family's journey from their overwhelming grief and then their eventual return to a semblance of normalcy and healing.

Every person should read There is a Reaper: Losing a Child to Cancer. Every single person. I don't know anyone who has not been touched by cancer in some way, and author Michael Lynes has written a thoughtful, touching and emotional book that gives us an insider's look into both the world of medicine and the world of a family shattered by this disease. I learned so much from the experiences he shared, and I feel that I just might be able to relate and interact with a family that has undergone a similar loss through learning from this book. I will think about this book for a long time to come, and simply could not recommend it more highly. To Michael Lynes, I thank you for sharing such a personal and intimate story with the world, and please know that your work has the potential to educate and change your readers forever.

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Veronica's Grave: A Daughter's Memoir by Barbara Bracht Donsky is the compelling memoir of a woman coming to terms with the loss of her mother. In the process of discovering her mother, she ends up discovering herself. The author speaks about her lost childhood, the loss of her mother, breaking away from a family that raised her with a lot of secrets, and finally going out into the world and getting educated. This poignant story will reach out to readers and take them through her trials and triumphs, sorrows and joys, and her coming of age.

The book is heartrending and the author's narration is descriptive, drawing readers into her world, her emotional pain, and her angst. The pictures shared in the book help readers connect with the author, making her life more tangible to them. The author also shares the problems she faces with her father and her step mother, and how she moves away from her family secrets and guilt to be her own person. The pain of the author is palpable through her words, and shows how the people in our lives can directly and indirectly influence us and cause an impact on our lives. It's a good book for everyone, especially parents as it reminds them that they need to hear their children at any and every age. The author does an excellent job in capturing the sights and sounds of her life through this memoir.