Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Jennifer Gasner, author of My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis, describes her journey both before and after receiving a diagnosis of Friedreich's Ataxia at the age of seventeen. The diagnosis answered questions she had about her mental and physical decline leading up to knowing their cause, but she was naturally despondent about what it would mean for the rest of her life. She resorts to harmful coping mechanisms in college, finally reaching a point of reflection. Committed to a positive shift, she seeks out and receives the cooperation of other sources, such as working with the Dave Matthews Band and joining an MDA support group. In order to live more independently, Gasner crowdsources money to purchase an adapted van. She persists, she achieves her goal, and she tells us all about it in this memoir.

My Unexpected Life by Jennifer Gasner is a powerful example of resiliency and the acceptance of oneself. Readers will find themselves inexorably drawn into Gasner's journey with Friedreich's Ataxia (FA), from her initial shock diagnosis to managing relationships while confronting the condition, through her sincere and witty style. In addition to informing readers about FA and emphasizing the value of a positive self-perception and a fulfilling life in the face of adversity, her courage and resiliency serve as a source of motivation for others. With a lot of 1990s nostalgia, Gasner's writings alter the view of the general population on what it means to be 'normal.' As far as I am concerned, she has achieved all of it with me and opened my eyes to much, much more.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

Blending her personal journey with her extraordinary travel experiences, Lisa Niver delivers an exceptional, inspiring memoir. Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty chronicles her journey, including her marriage and divorce, and encourages others to bravely embrace life and venture into the unknown. Niver had never been a stranger to instability and uncertainty. Years earlier, she had given up studying medicine and a promising medical career to become an assistant preschool teacher. A couple of years later, she would walk away from seven years of travel and working on cruise ships, and return to teaching. Such courageous risks mark her remarkable life which includes her adventures across the globe. Though she encounters many hardships, her journey is also full of fun, joy, and hope.

This awe-inspiring work offers readers the chance to go on exciting travels without having to leave the comfort of their homes. In her book, Niver offers more than a travelogue. She provides a raw, honest glimpse into her experiences, including the immense challenges she faced and the beautiful, life-changing encounters she had. She talks about the physical and emotional trauma she suffered from her marriage and encourages readers to move forward and not allow similar struggles to hinder them from pursuing their dreams. I found her zest for life inspiring and was encouraged by her ability to face both small and great risks. Her journey is captivating and along the way she meets various interesting characters. Brave-ish: One Breakup, Six Continents and Feeling Fearless After Fifty is a heartfelt, must-read memoir told with wit, honesty, and heart.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Wisdom of Wildly Creative Women is a moving and delightful book containing real-life, inspirational stories of brilliant, strong, and talented women. Writer, makeup artist, and creative director Angela LoMenzo has written this book to encourage women everywhere to embrace their unique paths and live authentically. Twenty-five extraordinary and free-spirited women with creative careers share their journeys of healing, self-discovery, and resilience. They reflect on their struggles, aspirations, triumphs, and incredible accomplishments. The powerful voices of the artists, authors, actors, designers, singers, and entrepreneurs presented in this book will inspire readers to take action and be bolder and more courageous in discovering who they are and where their creativity lies.

Wisdom of Wildly Creative Women is a must-read. Angela LoMenzo has crafted a remarkable book that shows readers how even awful experiences like depression, cancer, bullying, infertility, assault, loss of a loved one, or drug addiction can become the catalyst for finding their own voice and creating the life they deserve. This book blends exquisite photography with real stories of life-changing experiences from fascinating women. It shows how precious life is and empowers other women to pursue their passions today. It teaches them to embrace and celebrate their imperfect selves, adversities, and triumphs. Wisdom of Wildly Creative Women is a powerful tool for any woman seeking inspiration and empowerment from one or more role models. It is also for anyone seeking to build the courage to quiet their negative thoughts of doubt, discouragement, insecurities, shame, or fear to finally live the life they have always dreamed of and desired.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Diamonds Beneath the Darkness: Life Thru Lyrics… The Journey To Become is a work of non-fiction in the memoir, slice-of-life, and empowering writing subgenres. It is best suited to mature adult readers owing to the presence of explicit language and raw, sensitive issues throughout. Penned by author Nicole Danielle about her incredible life experiences, this honest and emotive narrative explores a profound journey through life's highs and lows and the harsh lessons we learn along the way. A former beauty queen ensnared by crime, a lover touched by sin, and a dreamer stifled by the world, Nicole battles against the noise that insists she is not enough. Bullied, abused, abandoned, and betrayed, she breaks her silence, spurred on by her love for her son. This poignant voyage invites readers to feel the reality of being human and the strength it takes to rise from darkness.

Author Nicole Danielle has crafted a memoir that hits you where it hurts right from the start and takes readers on an emotionally charged experience. The storytelling style is raw and unfiltered, offering an intimate look into the complexities of her life, yet there’s always a sense of confidence that lets you know that, no matter how dark it gets, the author is going to make it. This sense of powerful self-belief infused into the narrative's authenticity makes it a compelling read, and Nicole's resilience shines through on every page. The book explores the hidden strength of the human spirit when motivated by the power of familial love, and it is sure to be a source of inspiration for those navigating their own journeys of self-discovery. Nicole's ability to translate her experiences into relatable and powerful stories is commendable, making this memoir a captivating and impactful exploration of the human experience, and one in which dignity and empowerment ring true. Overall, Diamonds Beneath the Darkness is a highly recommended memoir that resonates with triumph, tragedy, and the undying spirit of self-discovery.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

The Vital Spark by Lisa Marchiano examines how societal and familial pressures, particularly on women, stifle personal growth by enforcing conformity and suppressing innate potential. She employs Jung’s concept of the "shadow" to illustrate how adherence to societal norms erodes confidence and assertiveness, starting in adolescence and continuing into adulthood. Through examples such as Beth’s self-sacrificing behavior and the "inner Bluebeard"—a metaphor for internalized fears—Marchiano highlights how these pressures lead to inauthenticity and self-neglect. She integrates personal anecdotes, including a childhood experience with a puzzle ring and observations of trickster behavior in daily life, to illustrate creative problem-solving. Marchiano also discusses the importance of integrating suppressed emotions like anger and traits such as assertiveness for personal fulfillment, drawing on fairy tales and real-life examples to underscore her points.

The Vital Spark: Reclaim Your Outlaw Energies and Find Your Feminine Fire by Lisa Marchiano offers a fantastic exploration of womanhood through a blend of classic stories, her own personal anecdotes, and practical advice. I love that Marchiano draws analogies from familiar fairytales like "The Frog King.” Her approach really does make complex psychological concepts accessible and engaging. I found Marchiano's actionable recommendations, such as regularly checking in with one’s body and desires, simple yet empowering, allowing readers a better understanding of how to meet their own needs. Her use of contemporary figures, like Reese Witherspoon's transition to media mogul, further grounds her advice in real-world relevance. Marchiano's insight, reasoning, and practical guidance make for a book that is both moving and educational, offering valuable perspectives on the personal growth and self-empowerment of women. Very highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jennie More for Readers' Favorite

Embrace the Power of You by Tricia Montalvo Timm is her story as a successful corporate lawyer in Silicon Valley and how she juggles being a mother, wife, and Latina, and battles with her identity throughout her corporate career. She shares her journey of revealing her true Latina heritage, everything that makes her a woman, and the courage it takes to be yourself at work. Additionally, she shares the stories of other successful C-suite executives and how they struggled with issues of identity and authenticity and how they overcame workplace biases. Regardless of your unique story, you will find someone or at least a part of a story you can relate to and start to forge your journey to become the real, beautiful you that the world needs. This book is for individuals and a useful guide for corporates, including insights on creating an environment where diversity and authenticity are celebrated and respected.

Embrace the Power of You by Tricia Montalvo Timm is a bold, candid, passionate, and inspiring book about being your authentic self at work, including the benefits and process of achieving it. As a professional of color in the corporate world, I could relate to almost every story in this book, especially the microaggressions we ignore to keep the peace and not make others uncomfortable. I could relate to the term code-switching and how often I was asked to change parts of my identity to fit into the norm, although this is the first time I realized code-switching is the actual term for it. I wish this book had been available when I started my career; it certainly wouldn’t have been as lonely a journey. Timm’s vulnerability in this story is apparent, sharing deep and some demeaning experiences, which I am sure were difficult to share but which I sincerely appreciated because it made this book highly relatable as I reflected on similar experiences. This book is a phenomenal must-read for anyone starting their professional journey or those already years into it to become confident in being their authentic and amazing selves.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Twenty: One Woman’s Trek across Corsica on the GR20 Trail by Marianne C. Bohr is an inspirational tale of persistence, drive, courage, and love that will touch the hearts of many and perhaps even motivate some to experience new adventures. Marianne and her husband were about to turn sixty and were determined to experience all they could in their retirement. Lifelong hikers, they resolved to attempt their toughest challenge yet by walking the infamous GR20 Trail which winds over the rugged mountains on the island of Corsica. Although they trained assiduously for this adventure, nothing could prepare them for the degree of difficulty they would face on this treacherous trek. With a guide and a small team of like-minded adventurers, Marianne and her husband Joe were as ready for this challenge as they could be but a shocking diagnosis from the doctor just before the trip had Marianne questioning her ability to complete the journey. Nevertheless, these two “seniors” were determined to give this trail their best shot. Along the way, they would make lifelong friends, and test the bonds of their love and marriage.

The Twenty appealed to me in many ways because the age of the pair is similar to my own and I found myself in awe of their commitment to both each other and the monumental challenge they had set themselves. Marianne C. Bohr brings an intimately personal touch to this memoir. She is not afraid to open herself up to introspection and criticize herself for her failings and, despite her often appearing overly self-critical, it is easy to empathize and feel her frustrations and anger, especially at the silent invader that is slowly robbing her of her ability to do the thing she loves so passionately. There is an underlying current of humor throughout the book which helped to keep the participants on course despite the sometimes harsh and unforgiving conditions they faced. More than a book about a trek across unforgiving terrain, this memoir is full of warmth, joy, and an unceasing zest for life which readers cannot help but be caught up in. For all of us approaching or reaching those senior years, this is a clarion call that life does not end at sixty. I salute Marianne and Joe and the magnificent achievement that they shared with us in this story. The writing style is conversational and carries the reader from one exciting, dangerous challenge to the next. Readers will soar with Marianne’s successes and feel deeply for her failures. This is a fantastic read and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Reviewed by Zahid Sheikh for Readers' Favorite

Why Brave Women Win by Jill Bausch provides a captivating glimpse into the author's personal journey of self-discovery and career transformation. It encapsulates the essence of the book, touching upon several crucial themes and offering valuable insights. The narrative takes an inspiring turn when Bausch stumbles upon a job advertisement that sparks her interest in social marketing for a government agency. Her unwavering determination to pursue this new career path, despite not meeting all the qualifications, is truly motivating. Bausch's belief in herself and her willingness to learn are portrayed as her secret weapons, and this resonates strongly with anyone contemplating a career change or transition. Bausch's mention of imposter syndrome and her advice on mirroring role models are particularly helpful, as they address common issues that many individuals face in their careers. The practical strategies provided for overcoming imposter syndrome are comprehensive and actionable. They offer readers a toolkit to combat these feelings, ranging from self-compassion to seeking support and setting realistic goals.

The valuable life lessons shared, such as the importance of persistence, self-awareness, and seizing opportunities, are universally applicable and provide readers with actionable insights. The message of empowerment and authenticity is powerful. It encourages readers, especially women, to take control of their careers and pursue their passions and purposes. In a world often filled with external pressures and expectations, this emphasis on staying true to oneself is a refreshing and motivating message. Bausch's writing style is candid and relatable, instantly drawing readers into her personal experiences and emotions. Her description of feeling empty in a luxurious Paris hotel effectively sets the tone for her quest for meaning. This relatability is a powerful element, making her story accessible and engaging to a wide range of readers. The passage adeptly conveys Bausch's desire for change, emphasizing the stark contrast between her high-flying corporate lifestyle and the troubling global disparities she observes. Why Brave Women Win promises an insightful exploration of career transitions, self-discovery, and empowerment. By sharing her journey and lessons learned, Jill Bausch invites readers to reflect on their own paths and motivates them to embrace change and authenticity as they pursue their aspirations.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Some friendships last a lifetime, changing lives along the way. Feathers at My Feet: A Memoir of Enduring Friendship is the true story of a bond just like that. Art teacher and author Barbara Pearson knew about fellow artist and activist Phyllis Bosco long before they met in 1980. A longstanding celebrity in Barbara's hometown of Tallahassee, Florida, Phyllis was a free-spirited woman well-known for her protests against the Vietnam War and artistic endeavors. Over the decades, the two developed a close camaraderie and, together with a clique of like-minded friends, called themselves the "Dancing Girls." Tired of failed relationships and broken marriages, Barbara and Phyllis decided to spend their retirement years together and bought a beach house in Florida. Everything did not go according to plan, but after a period of estrangement, tragedy brought the two friends together once again.

A heartwarming tale of companionship that showcases the impact friends have on each other throughout their lives, Feathers at My Feet is a moving memoir that hits all the right notes. Barbara Pearson gives an unfiltered account of her life and friendship with artist Phyllis Bosco, celebrating a woman whose influence on others lasted decades and changed the course of many lives. The narrative is doused in nostalgia, light-hearted humor, and emotional passages that will most definitely pull at your heartstrings. Told using a writing style that feels intimate and personal, Barbara's story will move readers to reminisce about the times spent with their friends. I found it relatable and highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Joanne Ang for Readers' Favorite

One Pound, Twelve Ounces, written by Melissa Harris, is a tale based on a real-life event of a mother’s journey with difficult pregnancies. The story starts with her extraordinary uterus that made getting pregnant an outright miracle. While her first child was born with few complications, her second and third pregnancies were the storm that shook her world completely. From early contractions that progressively got worse, to repeatedly being reminded of the harsh reality they were in every minute, the prognosis for her pregnancy could not possibly get any worse. One Pound, Twelve Ounces is a miraculous journey of how a premature infant was born when all the odds were against him.

Melissa Harris, the author of One Pound, Twelve Ounces, is perhaps one of the strongest women I have ever encountered in my life. Her determination and bravery in showcasing her darkest moments and intense fears deserve to be applauded a million times over. One Pound, Twelve Ounces is the story of a mother’s love and desperate desire for her baby to have his best chance at life, even when there was only a 20% chance of hope. I also really loved how there was a shift between time frames (2010 and 2008) which multiplied the feelings and emotions that were going on in Melissa’s mind when faced with such immense difficulty. The challenge does not end at birth, and Melissa managed to capture the heart-wrenching moments where all hope seemed fruitless yet she persevered. I would definitely recommend this book as an eye-opening tale of miscarriages and preemies.