Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

Woman on the Run by Susan Carpenito Heard, with Jeanne Albanese, is a memoir about a mother learning how to keep living after her son David is diagnosed with neuroblastoma at eight. Heard enters his treatment determined to preserve the joyful world he loves, then must find a way forward after his death leaves the family changed forever. Years later, running gives Susan a place to put the grief that has followed her into daily life, eventually taking her from tentative miles to a marathon. When a car collision damages her ankle, she has to rebuild physically just as movement has become central to how she copes. As her marriage ends, Susan receives a breast cancer diagnosis that places her inside the medical system as the patient, bringing her back to the fears she once faced with David.

Susan Carpenito Heard’s Woman on the Run is an exceptional memoir, and Heard writes about David with such affection that he very quickly feels familiar, and I soon understood why he was the heartbeat of so much of her world. I loved how well she captures his humor, like before surgery at Sloan Kettering when he steps from a limousine and tells his surgeon that he looks older than expected. Heard’s candor about herself creates that same familiarity, bringing readers close to the woman behind every mile. Her writing about friendship has so much heart because she understands what it means simply to stay beside someone. In Arizona, Susan does exactly that for another runner through a half-marathon, listening as Jen once listened to her. Well written and deeply moving, readers who enjoy memoirs about rebuilding a life will adore this.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Not Finished Yet: Essays on the Rhythmic Beauty of a Life in Flux by Tracie Adams explores transformation, identity, and the fluidity of human experience. Through a series of flash memoir essays, Adams welcomes readers into her world, where moments of joy, grief, and self-discovery are intertwined. The recurring metaphor of the jellyfish acts as a symbol of adaptability and life's cyclical nature, reminding us that growth often comes from surrendering to change. The author’s prose is lyrical, weaving sensory details and vivid imagery into her storytelling. Essays like "A Jellyfish Origin Story" and "The Drift from Good to Bye" capture the bittersweet essence of childhood memories, while others, such as "My Jellyfish Journey Through Mental Illness" and "An Apology to the Bank Teller I Robbed Accidentally," confront the complexities of trauma and recovery.

The nonlinear structure of the collection reflects the fragmented nature of memory, allowing readers to experience the ebb and flow of Tracie Adams’s life. This approach adds depth to the narrative, with each essay serving as a snapshot within a larger mosaic. Her voice is personal, yet her stories are universal. Adams writes with vulnerability, inviting readers to confront their own unfinished journeys. Not Finished Yet reminds us that life is an ongoing process of becoming. Adams’s talent for finding meaning in the in-between spaces—the moments of drifting and waiting—offers hope and possibility. Her words encourage readers seeking inspiration to embrace their own cycles of growth and to find beauty in the unfinished.

Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite

No Longer That Girl by Stephanie L. Maley is a poignant memoir that chronicles the author’s journey through trauma, illness, and healing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stephanie's past traumas resurfaced while writing her memoir, prompting her to revisit significant moments that changed her life. At just three months old, her father abandoned her, her mother, and her brother. Additionally, Tom, the man who had raised her as his own, left when she was a teenager. Stephanie struggled with asthma and multiple allergies and underwent major surgeries. Despite these challenges, she confidently participated in school sports and developed a passion for motorbikes. However, for many years, she battled feelings of being unwanted and insecure, which led her into dangerous relationships with predatory individuals. Her love life suffered until she met Mike, who would later become her husband. Through this relationship, Stephanie learned the true meanings of love and kindness. With therapy, she began to love herself and discover her authentic self.

No Longer That Girl is an inspiring story about revisiting the past to find healing and the strength to let go of painful memories. The narrative shifts between her past experiences and moments during quarantine, reflecting her anxiety about contracting the virus, given her health history. The book flows smoothly as its themes and storylines are woven together seamlessly. Stephanie L. Maley's narration is honest and vulnerable, as she explains how victims of sexual abuse often suffer in silence. She emphasizes the importance of reclaiming one’s voice and changing one’s circumstances. The memoir imparts profound lessons about how family dynamics affect children's emotions and mental health, making them vulnerable to abuse. The author shares valuable insights she gained from therapy that aided her healing process while writing this book, helping her connect with and comfort her inner child. She expresses gratitude to God for both the good and bad times, appreciating the divine protection and guidance in her life. The memoir contains moments that may be triggering for some sensitive readers. Nevertheless, it is a truly memorable and touching read. I hope that anyone going through tough times will be inspired through this memoir to find healing and the ability to keep growing, even in the face of pain.

Reviewed by Ibrahim Aslan for Readers' Favorite

Numb is a powerful memoir by Christina Schwartz. It speaks about her steadfast attempts to escape an abusive relationship with her partner, Josh. Initially, Josh is full of affection and makes endless promises to Christina about building a brighter future together. But slowly, his gentleness is replaced by emotional and physical abuse that escalates over time. Josh's unexpected shift from a loving partner to a manipulative and aggressive man takes Christina by surprise. He isolates her from her loved ones and keeps her trapped in a life ruled by doubt, guilt, and fear. The author meticulously includes each warning sign, terrifying encounter, and healing moment to draw readers deeper into her world. Along the way, she shares how therapy, the YWCA, and her son help her rebuild her life and identity. Read her remarkable journey today.

Christina Schwartz’s Numb is a candid and thought-provoking look at what it means to live through domestic abuse and escape from it. Her memoir is about hope and resilience, even in the face of insurmountable obstacles. Not only does this book capture Christina's survival story, but it is also a pertinent resource for understanding the dynamics of domestic violence. Christina's vivid writing style makes her book even more profound, showing how trauma bonds and deception can trap strong people in a cycle of abuse. Her memoir also breaks common myths about domestic violence by reminding readers that it is not always easy for victims to simply “walk away” from these relationships since emotional and psychological manipulation make leaving incredibly challenging. On the whole, Christina does an incredible job of highlighting the importance of therapy and support groups. I am confident that other domestic violence survivors or people navigating a similar harrowing ordeal will find tremendous value in her memoir.

Reviewed by Mansoor Ahmed for Readers' Favorite

UP! The Playbook for Every Woman on the Rise by Kelly Mooney and Katy Mooney is a frank, practical career guide written by two sisters who spent decades learning the hard way what nobody told them early enough. Kelly grew up in a small Ohio town, sharing a bathroom with six sisters, and eventually rose to become CEO of one of America's largest digital agencies before selling it to IBM. She opens the book with her own unvarnished story: the job where she discovered a male colleague was earning twice her salary, the years of overworking without advocacy, and the single question from a friend, "Why not you?" That question changed everything. The book is divided into five parts covering how to lead yourself, own your choices, find your fit, think bigger, and get in the game. Each short chapter comes with concrete tools, real-life scripts, and reflection exercises. There is no single prescribed path, and the authors are deliberate about that. Whether you are just starting, stuck in a role that has stopped growing, or ready to aim for something much bigger, there is a section written for where you are right now.

Kelly and Katy Mooney write with the kind of honesty that only comes from having genuinely struggled. The pace is brisk, and the chapters are short enough to read in one sitting, which makes the whole book feel immediately usable rather than theoretical. I was struck by the detail of Kelly being told her male colleague earned double because "he has a family to support and you don't," a moment so absurd it still lands like a punch decades later. The individuals here are real women at real crossroads, and their stories make the advice feel grounded rather than generic. The themes of self-advocacy, confidence, and defining success on your own terms run through every page with warmth. UP! is the kind of book you underline, return to, and hand to every woman you want to see thrive.

Reviewed by Zahid Sheikh for Readers' Favorite

Staying Married Is the Hardest Part is an honest and intimate story about love, marriage, and self-discovery. Bonnie Comfort explores the elements that gradually strengthen a marriage as she recounts the highs and lows of a long-term partnership. The author explores the painful aspects of a relationship by describing the moments of intense connection, miscommunications, and painful realizations that come with being committed to someone else. Intertwined with her personal development and changing life circumstances in the background, Comfort's memoir becomes a candid picture of how love evolves, challenges are faced, and partners work out their desires and limitations. This lyrical and honest narrative, full of psychological observations, allows the reader to observe their marriage and the delicate balance between self-preservation and love.

Bonnie Comfort writes with skill, full of deeply felt insights and imaginative details that clothe her experiences in reality. The pace of the memoir allows the reader to fully enter the realm of tender moments, conflict, and revelation. Her ability to capture the emotional nuances of marriage makes the book deeply relatable, while her honest and unfiltered voice adds authenticity to every page. The conflict between honesty and love, strength and vulnerability makes this memoir wonderfully stimulating and completely human. As I was reading, I thought back to my sister's marital difficulties and how she handled them with poise and fortitude. Staying Married Is The Hardest Part is a fascinating book for anyone who has ever navigated the perilous landscape of love and commitment.

Reviewed by Alija Turkovic for Readers' Favorite

In Widows Among Us, Karen S. Justice, Karen Smith Racicot, and Rebecca LaChance share their heartfelt stories regarding the loss of their spouses and the unique lessons they learned along the way. Their guide is intended to help women dealing with the hardships of widowhood and covers every aspect of this experience. The authors' powerful anecdotes touch on profound topics like grief, healing, strength, and inner transformation while using their varied experiences to help women navigate this life transition with the support they need. Each page offers words of comfort and practical guidance for widows as they prepare emotionally, mentally, physically, financially, and legally for this new chapter of their lives. Most importantly, the authors offer empathetic suggestions for families and friends supporting a widow during their time of need.

Widows Among Us is a well-written, firsthand account of widowhood from three multi-faceted perspectives. Even though their experiences were different, the authors were able to embrace fulfilling lifestyles and support each other despite the intense loss they all underwent. Their distinct journeys are candid and well-expressed. Each chapter offers relatable and applicable insights for navigating every new and disorienting circumstance of widowhood. This enlightening guide places a substantial amount of emphasis on self-care and building a supportive network, which I fully endorse. Karen S. Justice, Karen Smith Racicot, and Rebecca LaChance write with the warmth of a comforting friend, offering support from a place of practical experience and emotional understanding. Whether you have recently lost a spouse or you're giving support to someone who has lost their significant other, Widows Among Us is the perfect resource to offer much-needed comfort and guidance during this challenging period.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

She Took a Turn is penned by author Kristi J Smith in the memoir, spirituality, and inspirational writing genres. In this heartfelt work with plenty of honesty and heart, the author recounts her journey from a prescribed life of conformity as a devout Christian and obedient daughter to finding her true path through self-reflection and courageous choices. What results is a poignant and honest exploration of the self that we can all relate to on our own journeys of discovery. The author has crafted an enlightening and inspiring memoir as she fearlessly shares her personal odyssey of self-discovery. Through her candid storytelling, she invites readers into the complexities of her upbringing and the pivotal moments that led her to question societal norms and embrace authenticity.

The construction of the timeline is relevant and relatable, and the author has a great sense of self to see how small moments add up to bigger realizations later on down the line. Kristi J Smith's narrative is both entertaining and thought-provoking, filled with colorful characters and insightful reflections on personal, professional, and spiritual growth. I adored the genuine warmth of her words that made you feel as though you were chatting with a close friend. As she navigates through challenges and triumphs, Smith's journey serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment, encouraging readers to embark on their own quest for authenticity and fulfillment. Overall, She Took a Turn is a heartfelt invitation to embrace change, celebrate individuality, and chart a course toward a more authentic life, and I would certainly recommend it to anyone needing a change.

Reviewed by David Jaggart for Readers' Favorite

The Full Catastrophe is a thought-provoking and deeply emotional memoir penned by Casey Mulligan Walsh. At the tender age of 12, the author becomes an orphan and is raised by relatives while struggling to find her place in the world. When her brother, Tommy, dies of a heart attack, Walsh's heightened grief prompts her to get married and start a family to fill her emotional void. She becomes driven to give unconditional love to a family of her own, the thing she desires the most. Unfortunately, her husband's erratic behavior results in the end of their marriage, which affects her children's mental well-being and results in her in-laws withdrawing their emotional support. When her son, Eric, dies in a car accident, Walsh has to once again rely on her inner strength to survive this terrifying ordeal and overwhelming grief. Her inspirational journey is one of self-acceptance and self-growth.

The Full Catastrophe by Casey Mulligan Walsh is a story of inconceivable grief, vulnerability, and inner transformation. Written in gripping prose (and sprinkled with humor), this narrative will grasp the attention of readers from the very first words. The author's candid exploration of family, grief, marriage, motherhood, self-identity, resilience, and personal growth will become ingrained in your heart and mind even after you've finished reading her book. Walsh’s journey is both heart-rending and healing at the same time. It beautifully demonstrates that life can still yield blessings, even amidst the tragic moments we endure through it all. The author masterfully depicts each emotional moment of her life free from resentment and anger. Her compassion for others, reverence for life, and immense spiritual maturity are evident in each harrowing moment. Through the power of faith, hope, and genuine support, Walsh transforms her life into one that mirrors peace, joy, and meaningful living. For readers navigating many treacherous ups and downs in their own lives--especially during a period of bereavement--this memoir is unquestionably an essential read that I highly recommend.

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.