This Ordinary Stardust - Book Review

Title: This Ordinary Stardust; A Scientist's Path from Grief to Wonder

Author: Alan Townsend PhD

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Publication Date: June 4, 2024

Length: 272 Pages

About the Author
Dr. Alan R. Townsend is a scientist, author, speaker, and Dean of the University of Montana’s W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation.

A Journey of Science, Love, and Grief
Dr. Alan Townsend and his wife Diana worked as environmental scientists. The author's life is turned upside down when both his wife and his four-year-old daughter are diagnosed with unrelated, life-threatening forms of brain cancer.

My Thoughts
Dr. Townsend writes poetic descriptions of the work that he and his wife did as environmental scientists. I especially enjoyed the trip they made to the author's home state of Hawaii. 

When Dr. Townsend's four-year-old Neva was diagnosed with brain cancer, the family was determined to get her the best medical care possible. She received brain surgery that slowed down the growth of the cancer. Later, she had another surgery that completely removed the cancerous tumor.

When Diana was diagnosed with an unrelated form of brain cancer, the family was again focused on finding the best doctors and treatments available. Unfortunately, Diana did not survive her illness. 

This book describes how science and spirituality combine to deal with grief and to celebrate a life well lived. The author has written a beautiful love story that describes the happy years he spent with his wife, the struggle to find cancer treatment for both his daughter and wife and his wife's eventual death. This is an amazing story of hope and resilience. 

Highly recommended!

MY RATING: 5 Stars Out Of 5

Thank you to NetGalley for an excellent reading opportunity.

My Alien Life by J. Martain - Audiobook Review

Title: My Alien Life; a Novelette (Audiobook)

Author: J. Martain

Narrator: April Doty

Publisher: BooksGoSocial Audio

Publication Date: December 22, 2022

Length: 1 hour, 1 minute

About the Author
 J. Martain is a coastal North Carolina native who spends most of her time questioning the way the universe and all the beings in it work. Her characters are sometimes human, sometimes not, but they prefer not to be judged on that criteria.

Family Drama and Promise Keeping Young Lynette did not remember her mother. She was raised in rural North Carolina by her hard-working father. When Lynette's father died, the only relative willing to take Lynette was her great, great Aunt Magnolia. Lynette was nine years old and Aunt Mag promised to stay alive until Lynette was sixteen years old.

This is the poignant story of Lynette's seven years with her Great-great-aunt Magnolia Rose McClellan, the oldest sister of her mother's great-grandmother. Aunt Mag didn't have very much money, but she taught Lynette the meaning of love, commitment, and family.

The narration of the audiobook is very good. The southern dialect makes the characters come to life.

My Thoughts I listened to the audiobook and I also read a digital copy of the book. The narration of the audiobook is awesome and I enjoyed listening to the story. The characters were very authentic and I felt great empathy for Lynette, especially after her father died. I was not sure about her future with Aunt Mag, but the more I listened the more I realized that Lynette was in the right place.

Aunt Mag was totally committed to raising Lynette and keeping her promise. This short story will make your heart smile.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out of 5

Thank you to NetGalley for a wonderful listening experience.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the COMMENTS section below.

Grief and Renewal by Don Miguel Ruiz

Title: Grief and Renewal; Finding Beauty and Balance in Loss

Authors: Don Miguel Ruiz and Barbara Emrys

Publisher: Urano World

Publication Date: September 25, 2023

Length: 160 Pages

About the Authors
 Don Miguel Ruiz practiced as a surgeon until a near-death experience brought him closer to the traditions of the Toltecs, following in the footsteps of his Mexican ancestors. 
Barbara Emrys is a teacher of the ancient Toltec arts and has co-authored several books with Don Miguel Ruiz.

Dealing with Grief
The authors present a five-part course on the topic of death and loss in the human experience.

• Day 1 - The Reality
• Day 2 - The Reflection
• Day 3 - Grief
• Day 4 - Grace
• Day 5 - The Elegy

My Thoughts

I chose this book because I recently read "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. The four agreements are: Be impeccable with your word, Don't take anything personally, Don't make assumptions, and Always do your best.

This book challenges the reader to think about death, change, and grief in a new way.  Life is the constant process of creation and destruction. We know our lives will end, but we fight the reality of death. We must accept the fact that death does not discriminate; it touches everyone. Death is a natural part of life.

The authors encourage us to discover how our approach to death can inspire a more conscious approach to living. We can be aware of our own eternal and infinite nature. We can appreciate the nature of all living things and how each reflects life differently.

I will revisit this book often as I reflect on my life journey. This book on death and grief is actually about life and living. 

MY RATING - 5 STARS OUT OF FIVE

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an excellent reading experience.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the COMMENTS section below.

The Next Person You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom

The Next Person You Meet in Heaven: The Sequel to The Five People You Meet in Heaven

Author: Mitch Albom

Publisher: Harper

Publication Date: October 9, 2018

Length: 224 pages







About the Author
Mitch Albom is an internationally renowned author, screenwriter, playwright, nationally syndicated columnist, broadcaster and musician. He is the author of six consecutive New York Times bestsellers.

Annie's Story
Fifteen years ago, in Mitch Albom’s beloved novel, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, the world fell in love with Eddie, an amusement park mechanic who died saving the life of a young girl named Annie. Eddie’s journey to heaven taught him that every life matters. Now, in this sequel, Mitch Albom reveals Annie’s story.

My Thoughts
I don't read much fiction, but I did read The Five People You Meet in Heaven when it was published 15 years ago. I also saw the movie. When I learned there was a sequel to this book, I wanted to read it.

This is a fast read...mostly because it is hard to put the book down once you start reading it. Annie has grown up and is preparing to get married. She had a difficult childhood after the accident at the amusement park, but she is looking forward to a life of happiness with her new husband.

There are many unexpected twists and turns in the plot. There are emotional segments that have you laughing one moment and tears streaming from your eyes the next. 

The story is about how our lives are connected and each of our actions has an effect on future events. Everything happens for a reason.

“No story sits by itself. Our lives connect like threads on a loom, interwoven in ways we never realise...There's no such thing as a nobody. And there are no mistakes." 

I found this to be an uplifting and entertaining read. I don't want to spoil the story by saying what happens and how it ends. I will just say that Annie discovers the answers to many questions about her life and learns the meaning of sacrifice, commitment, and true love.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I checked-out a print copy of this book at my local public library.

Cancer Patient Dies With Dignity

Dying Well: Our Journey of Love and Loss

Author: Susan Ducharme Hoben

Publisher: Canton Press

Publication Date: March 18, 2018

Length: 290 Pages




About the Author
Susan Ducharme Hoben feels passionately that we Americans do not die well, taking a terrible toll on us, emotionally and financially. She hopes that her experience with an uplifting end-of-life journey can contribute a valuable perspective to the growing interest in exploring how we die. 

An Uplifting End-Of-Life Journey
Susan Hoben was a breast cancer survivor. 

In 2008. Bruce Hoben was diagnosed with a tumor where the esophagus joins the stomach. Bruce was 67-years-old and appeared to be in excellent physical condition.

Bruce was diagnosed with a neuroendocrine tumor. There was also significant disease in the lymph nodes and four nodules on the liver. Bruce had stage 4 cancer and the prognosis was not good.

Bruce received chemotherapy treatments and experienced a brief remission. When the cancer came back, the Hobens decided to refuse any further treatments and let the disease run it's course. This is their story.

My Thoughts
This book was written in the form of a personal diary or journal.

Mrs. Hoben wrote about her husband's final months with love, compassion and empathy. This book is truly a celebration of life.

Bruce Hoben spent his final weeks saying goodbye to former coworkers, neighbors, friends and family members. The family events and interactions were especially heart-warming and poignant.

Mr. Hoben did not spend his final days in a hospital undergoing extreme measures that would put his quality of life in jeopardy. He was under the care of his physician and a hospice service, but he stayed at home with his loved ones.

Bruce Hoben passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on June 15, 2009. 

This book is an excellent resource for families who are facing end-of-life decisions. We will all have to face our own deaths and the deaths of loved ones. This book provides many important subjects to think about.  Highly recommended!

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5


FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review.

Thank you for visiting my blog. Please FOLLOW and share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Children's Book Review: Nest by Esther Ehrlich

Nest

Author: Esther Ehrlich

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Date: September 9, 2014

Length: 338 Pages



About the Author
Amy Ehrlich is the author of more than thirty books for young readers and is also a winner of The Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award for her novel Joyride, which was also chosen Booklist Choice Best Book of the Decade. She lives on a farm in Northern Vermont with her husband and a great many domestic and agricultural animals.

A Coming Of Age Story
Eleven-year-old Naomi Orenstein is nicknamed “Chirp” because of her love of birds and bird-watching. Her sister Rachel and her father are close, and Chirp enjoys a special bond with her mother, a former dancer. The story is set in 1972 on Cape Cod.

Chirp's mother is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (M.S.) and is severely depressed as a result of her illness. Chirp copes with her mother's illness by spending time alone with her beloved birds and befriending a neighbor boy named Joey.

This is a story about a family dealing with severe hardships. Chirp is a survivor and learns the true meaning of friendship and family.

My Thoughts
This was a very emotional book. It was written for middle school students and it deals with problems that many youngsters have probably been sheltered from. These issues included terminal illness of a parent, child abuse, running away from home and suicide.

I believe the author presented this story in a realistic and sensitive manner. This book will make readers understand and appreciate the meaning of the love and devotion of family and friends.

Chirp learned that bad things happen to good people but life goes on. The story illustrates the grieving process and the emotions that are felt by each of the family members. Love never dies.

Highly recommended for middle school students through adults.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley.

Handmade Pet Sympathy Card

Pets are real family members and it is devastating to lose them.

A pet sympathy card is a thoughtful way to express love and support to a grieving pet owner.

I made this card with an "Earth Angel Cat" digital stamp and a sentiment that came with the image. I purchased this image on Etsy several years ago but I can't locate the designer's name.

I colored the digital image with Copic sketch markers and added a little glitter glue to the angel wings.

I used machine stitching to attach the elements of the card to a blank kraft card. I used washi tape to attach the sentiment.

Thank you for taking a look at my card. Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Children's Book Review: Kayak Girl by Monica Devine

 Title: Kayak Girl


Author: Monica Devine
Illustrator: Mindy Dwyer

Publisher: University of Alaska Press

Date: September 15, 2012

 

About The Author

Monica Devine is the author of five children's books and a former nominee of the celebrated Golden Kite Award for her book, The Iditarod: The Greatest Win Ever (Cover-To-Cover Books).

Sorrow and Healing
Jana, a young Eskimo girl, is too tired to do the things that she did in the past. Since her mother died, Jana spends most of her time in her room looking out the cabin window.

One day, her grandfather comes from a village far up the river for a visit. He brings Jana a set of carving tools but she is not interested in carving. She watches while her grandfather carves a girl sitting in a boat from a piece of wood. He calls the girl "Kayak Girl" and tells Jana to take the girl down to the river and put her in the water. Jana doesn't want to walk to the river so Kayak Girl sits in a dusty corner and is forgotten.

When Jana's grandfather is ready to go home, he takes the carving and promises to put Kayak Girl in the river near his village. He asks Jana to walk down to the river each day and watch for Kayak Girl to return to her.

Over the next weeks and months, Jana walks down to the river each day and patiently waits for Kayak Girl. She deals with her feelings of fear, loneliness and grief as she stands by the river waiting for Kayak Girl to find her way home.

Eventually,  Kayak Girl finds her way back to Jana and she thanks the small wood carving for bringing back her spirit. She puts Kayak Girl back in the river and promises that she will not forget her.

Jana realizes that her mother still loves her and her spirit will always be with her.

My Thoughts
This is a beautiful children's story that deals with a very sensitive subject. Jana is dealing with the loss of her mother and can't work through her grief. She doesn't have the desire to leave her room or do any of the things she has done in the past. She appears to be depressed and has lost her desire to live a happy, productive life.

Jana learns to accept her mother's death by caring about the Kayak Girl and recalling happy memories of her mother. She learns that her mother's spirit is with her and she doesn't need to be sad.

The color illustrations are wonderful and do a very nice job spotlighting the Alaskan landscape. This book provides an outstanding example of the Alaskan culture and traditions. The story deals with feelings in a way that children will understand. I highly recommend this book for children of all ages.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review from the publisher.

I would love for you to FOLLOW this blog. You may use either the Google Friend Connect or the Networked Blog widget to show your support and encouragement.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Putting God Into Einstein's Equations

Putting God Into Einstein's Equations: Energy of the Soul

Authors:  Jerry and Marcia Pollock

Publisher: Shechinah Third Temple (April 13, 2012)


This compelling book uses Einstein's equations as a platform to explore and reflect the energy of our God-given Divine souls.









About The Authors
Jerry Pollock has a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in pharmacy from the University of Toronto. He obtained his PhD in biophysics at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel in 1969, and then went on to New York University Medical Center for four years as a postdoctoral fellow and assistant professor of microbiology. Until July 2006, he was professor of oral biology and pathology at Stony Brook University. He is now professor emeritus at Stony Brook University.
Marcia Pollock is a graduate of Stony Brook University on Long Island with a major in psychology. She holds a masters degree in special education teaching from C.W. Post University. She retired from the Brentwood School District in July 2005. Marcia died from liver cancer on March 18, 2011.

Soul Mates Write A Book
This book is the direct outcome of an unusual and unique collaboration by soul mates Marcia and Jerry Pollock spanning the spiritual and physical worlds. Marcia is deceased, and her contributions come from the powerful intelligent energy of her Divine soul, which is without her physical body in the spirit world. Jerry is alive with his Divine soul, which is constrained within his physical body on planet Earth. Communicating through thought-energy telepathy or channeling, the authors have written this book in their attempt to bring new knowledge to the understanding of God's spirit and our world.

 
My Thoughts
I found this book of spiritual investigation and growth intriguing, fascinating and provocative. The collaboration between these soul mates is evidence that true love never dies. 
Marcia Pollock contributed knowledge of the spirit world and Jerry Pollock wrote about his knowledge of the physical world. The Pollocks used Albert Einstein's equations of relativity to explore and reflect the energy of our God-given souls.

I know very little about the theories of Albert Einstein. I did find the thoughts expressed in this book very interesting. Mr. and Mrs. Pollock used examples from research and their own experiences to illustrate and explain their beliefs.

This is one of my favorite passages from the book. It reminds us that spiritual growth takes time and effort;

In the course of life, humans seem to easily be able to darken their Divine souls. It is much easier to blacken your soul than it is to brighten it. Climbing the spiritual ladder takes time and energy. Living in the material world is impulsive.

This book might not be for everyone, but I recommend it for all who are serious about spiritual growth and development. This book will give you insight and guidance as you climb the spiritual ladder.

My Rating:  5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book to read and review from the author. This book is available in paperback and digital format on Amazon.com.

Book Review: You'll Never Guess Who's Dying From Cancer

You'll Never Guess Who's Dying From Cancer

By Michael Antcliffe

CreateSpace, 2012

Michael Antcliffe was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2008. Upon hearing that his cancer had returned and that death was the inevitable outcome, Michael Antcliffe, on the verge of his 36th birthday, decided that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of those who found themselves in a similar position. Thus began a movement that started with a handful of people on Michael’s Facebook friends list and grew to number in the thousands.

Living and Dying With Cancer

This book is a collection of poignant journal posts that Michael Antcliffe has shared with his Facebook friends over the past year. Michael is fighting for his life and wants to make each moment count. He is on a mission to collect one million dollars to provide care and comfort for other people who have cancer.

Michael posted the following message on Facebook on April 21, 2011;

"You'll never guess who's dying from cancer. Gather around children, take a knee, and let me tell you a story. I am in the 12th round of a fight that began three years ago. My opponent has quite an impressive record. The truth, which I now find myself at peace with, is that I'm going to lose.

I need your help to make something happen here. I need each of you to owe me 10 bucks after I die, and I need you to ask all of your Facebook friends to do the same. I wanna raise a million dollars to provide care and comfort for people in my position."



Michael Antcliffe has been posting regular updates on Facebook about his life with cancer. He is very honest about the struggles and problems that he has been forced to deal with. He describes his treatments and the medication that he takes. He describes the doctors and nurses that have worked with him over the past months. He expresses his appreciation to his family and friends for standing with him and supporting him.

My Thoughts

The author expresses determination, persistence and hope in this book. I found the book very inspiring and uplifting. Michael does not dwell on his terminal disease, but he is always striving to make the most of the time that he has left.

I think this book is a wonderful gift to the thousands of Facebook friends that have come to treasure each and every post that Michael has shared. This book was written from the heart and will leave a lasting mark on the reader's heart and soul.

Michael is actively recruiting Facebook friends and will gladly accept friend requests from people who would like to share his journey. His mission is not to bring attention to himself but to help others. This mission has given Michael the strength to continue the fight against this staunch enemy. I recommend this book to all who are looking for an example of true courage.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

A Personal Note

I received the request to read and review this book soon after I learned that a very close family member has been diagnosed with malignant melanoma. My son-in-law will be going to M.D. Anderson hospital tomorrow to see a cancer specialist. I am requesting your fervent prayers.

FYI ~ I received a digital copy of this book to read and review from Stacey Voss. Thank you!

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: What Really Matters; 7 Lessons for Living from the Stories of the Dying

A "perfect storm" is brewing for 79 million members of the baby boom generation, according to Colorado physician Karen Wyatt. With advancing age, these individuals must cope with the passing of their parents while also confronting the inevitability of their own death.
"What Really Matters; 7 Lessons for Living from the Stories of the Dying" by Karen M. Wyatt, M.D., is a collection of stories about dying patients and their insights on living and dying.


About The Author
Karen M. Wyatt is a family physician who has spent her 25 year medical career working with patients in challenging settings, such as hospices, nursing homes and indigent clinics. She has founded a free medical clinic in a homeless shelter, accompanied three medical mission teams to Honduras, and led a non-profit clinic for the uninsured in its growth from a 4-hour per week all-volunteer operation to a full-time, full-service medical center.

7 Lessons For Living
This book was written by a physician who has spent many years caring for hospice patients. She wrote this book to share the life lessons that she learned from her patients. The lessons are based on seven statements that Jesus Christ uttered on the cross;

• The meaning of Suffering "I thirst."
• Love and recognizing life's priorities "Woman behold your son; behold your mother."
• Forgiveness and letting go of limiting beliefs and past traumas "Father forgive them for they know not what they are doing."
• Paradise "Truly I say to you today, you will be with me in Paradise."
• The true Purpose of existence "My God, my God for this I was kept (this was the destiny for which I was born.)"
• Surrender and the key to unlocking the flow of grace "O my Father, into thy hands I commit my Spirit."
• Impermanence and transcending fear "It is fulfilled."

This book uses verses from the Bible but it's spiritual focus is not limited to any particular religious belief. The book has a strong message for readers of any faith or philosophy.

The chapters in this book include case studies of specific patients that Dr. Wyatt has worked with in the past. These stories illustrate how patients and their family members can experience profound spiritual growth during the final days of life.

My Thoughts
I read this book because of the experiences that my family had with hospice care when my father suffered from congestive heart failure and passed away in October, 2010.

I found the case studies and the teachings in this book to be very poignant and touching. I found myself in tears many times as I read this book.

I think one of the hardest lessons to learn is that we will all die and that death is not to be feared. We must stop denying death and focus on living lives that really matter. The final chapter in this book provides ideas for implementing the "7 Lessons" in daily life. I think you will find much food for thought in this book. This book will inspire and motivate you to make some changes in your life.
Highly Recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I received a paperback copy of this book to read and review from the author's publicist. Thank you!

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below

Book Review: Mama Lives In My Hair

Four-year-old Celia Johnson is counting the days until her mother comes home from serving as an Army nurse in the Middle East. "Mama Lives in My Hair", by Merri Hiatt, is a 12-page short story that tells the poignant story of love and loss from a child's point-of-view.



About the Author
Merri Hiatt grew up in a small town near Shasta Valley in Northern California. Upon moving to the Pacific Northwest in Washington state, Merri fell in love with the mountains, ocean, rain and lush greenery.
Merri credits her high school creative writing teacher with giving her the nudge to pursue writing, and she's been writing ever since. She has written 11 books and they are all available in ebook format at Amazon.Com.

A Military Family
Lt. Mark Johnson is taking care of four-year-old Celia while his wife is serving as an Army nurse in the Middle East. The little girl marks a red X on the calendar for each day that brings her mother's homecoming a little closer.

Mark knew that his wife was in a dangerous area but he was looking forward to her return in less than two months. He was not prepared for the knock on his door and the presence of two Army officers with grim expressions on their faces. They told him that his wife had been killed and handed him a letter. The letter was from his wife and began, "If you're reading this letter, you know I am dead. Well, I'm not dead, my physical body is dead. You and I both know our spirit is what matters and my spirit is alive and well, whole and complete. I hope you can hold on to that fact."

Mark had the difficult task of telling Celia that her mother was dead and would not ever be coming home. He had been reading her the classic children's book "The Velveteen Rabbit" and Celia remembered the book said, "When you become real, you can't become unreal."

Celia knew that her Mommy was still real and with her. She realized that her mother's spirit was like the breeze and she lives in her hair. She knew that her mother's spirit would never leave her.

My Thoughts
This poignant short story is an excellent reminder of what military families have to deal with. The story brought tears to my eyes and is a very realistic account of the death and grieving experience. The author did a very good job writing about a difficult subject.

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I ordered this ebook from Amazon.Com when it was offered as a free digital download. Please check the price before ordering.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Reflections At Sunrise

Reflections at Sunrise, by Sandra Dorsett, is a short memoir about a widow's feelings of sadness, grief and hope. Ms. Dorsett writes a heart-wrenching story about her husband's battle with cancer. She shares her journey through grief and healing since his death. This book will take you about 20 minutes to read and will give you a new perspective on life, death and love.

This book is currently being offered as a FREE Kindle book on Amazon.

My Thoughts
Amazon has been offering quite a few FREE short stories, essays and articles.  I enjoy checking out some of these short stories when I have a limited amount time to read.
I have found that quite a few of these short stories are only mediocre. I don't like to write negative reviews, so I usually just read these stories and move on to the next book.
This short story is an exception to many of the others that I have read...it is a real gem. Ms. Dorsett writes from the heart and shares some of the most difficult things about taking care of a sick spouse and then dealing with his death.
Chuck Davis died of lung cancer on December 27. 2004. The author shares the details of her husband's last year of life. She also explains how very difficult it was for her to get through the grief and move forward with her life.
I would like to share the following paragraph from Ms. Dorsett's story;

"I wish we could've grown old together. I miss our date nights. I miss seeing him pull into our drive in his blue truck. I miss seeing him in his favorite red cowboy shirt and his tan boots. I miss seeing the love in his eyes. I miss him. I know that missing him may become a shadow in my heart, but it will never stop."

This story reminds us that we should never take our loved ones for granted.  A person really can't understand what it would be like to lose a spouse to death until they have experienced it. This story will provide comfort and hope to those who are mourning. It will help us all understand the grieving and healing process. "Reflections At Sunrise" is well worth the time it will take you to read it.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: The Reversible Skirt

Laura McHale Holland has written a poignant memoir about her childhood. "Reversible Skirt" tells the story of how Laura and her two sisters survived years of emotional and physical abuse after their mother committed suicide. This book is a heart-wrenching account of a family gone terribly wrong. The author is sharing her story with the hope that readers will be reminded of the depth and complexity of children. No matter how things appear to an outside observer, one never knows what the child is really experiencing at home.

About The Author
Laura McHale Holland is a writer, editor and occasional storyteller living in southern Sonoma County, California. She currently heads the editorial department of a trade publication covering the electronic payments industry. She belongs to Redwood Writers and the Storytelling Association of California.

A Sad Story
One evening, Laura and her sisters come home from a neighborhood Halloween party and find their mother hanging from the rafters of the basement ceiling. This is the beginning of a long, tragic saga for the young girls.
The older two sisters are sent off to a Catholic orphanage and little Laura is taken in by her maternal grandparents. In a desperate attempt to keep the family together, their father marries a mean, cruel woman and tells the children that this is their mother.
Things get worse...much worse. When the girls are still in their pre-teen years, their father becomes ill and dies. The wicked stepmother continues to be a "mommy" to the girls so that she can collect social security benefits and not have to get a job.
Laura Holland describes many experiences that took place in her childhood home that were frightening, humiliating and painful. The good news is that the girls survived and went on to live the normal lives that they dreamed about as children.

My Thoughts
Ms. Holland has done an excellent job relating the difficult emotions and thoughts that she experienced as a child. It must have been very difficult to relive the devastating pain that she experienced at the hands of the adults in her early life.
This book was very hard for me to read. I know that I should not stick my head in the sand because there are many children in the world who are suffering the same kind of abuse that Laura endured for so many years. The author wrote the book to make a plea for good people to be alert to bad situations. She also acknowledged that her father was doing what he thought was best for the family at the time. Her stepmother was abandoned as a child and was abused by her caregivers. So...history repeats itself.
I can't say that you will enjoy reading this book, but I can say that you will gain insight and understanding into the plight of abused children.

Disclosure: I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the book's publicist to read and review.

Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Pressing into Thin Places

Dr. Margaret Harrell Wills defines a "thin place" as the place where the veil that separates heaven and earth is nearly transparent. It is a place where we experience a deep sense of God's presence in our everyday world.

Pressing Into Thin Places; Encouraging the Heart Toward God is a collection of stories, experiences, and important lessons expressed through prose and poetry. Dr. Wills encourages readers to have eyes to see the gifts of thin places through their own experiences. This book tells personal stories of pain and heartache where great truths have emerged.


About The Author
Dr. Margaret Harrell Wills grew up in Phoenix, Arizona. She received her undergraduate degree from John Brown University, a master's degree from Arizona State University, and a doctoral degree in higher education with a teaching field of history from the University of Arkansas.
A writer and a poet, Dr. Wills is dedicated to the ministry of encouragement and helping people experience hope, wisdom, and faith in their spiritual journey.

This Book Is A Real Keeper
Dr. Wills opens her heart and shares some of the most difficult times in her life.
The book is divided into the following sections;

• Thin Places
• No Other Stream
• Tearing Off The Mask
• The Fall
• Speaking In The Waves
• A Listening Heart
• Our Starting Place
• The Way To Your Door
• The Reality Of Living
• Beauty From Ashes
• Rebirth
• Amen

I especially liked the part of the book where the author uses a verse in 1 Samuel 30. In verse 6, it says, "And David strengthened himself in the Lord." How do we strengthen ourselves in the Lord? We can go into His presence and let Him guide our thinking. It is wonderful to know that the Lord can take our wrong thoughts and make them right. A change of thinking can make all the difference in the world.

Dr. Wills also shares the difficulty of watching her parents growing old and dying. This is something that most of us will have to deal with. She shares the poignant story of the things that daughters remember about their father. It is the little things. Life is made up of the little things within the pleasures and challenges of our daily living.

This book is a source of hope during difficult times. It is a real treasure and I will certainly be going back to read treasured passages over and over again.

Thank you to the fine folks at The B & B Media Group for sending me a complimentary copy of this book to read and review.
Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

Book Review: Peace At The Edge Of Uncertainty

This is the story of one man's spiritual journey in the search for truth and peace. "Peace At The Edge Of Uncertainty" by Neil Hanson, is a memoir of a special time, place and experience in the author's life.
The author writes an open letter to his father who died fifteen years ago. This is a story of self-discovery, acceptance and spiritual growth. It is a story of how a family comes together to make decisions about  end-of-life care for their father. Finally, this is a story of the power of love and the awareness that love never ends.

About The Author
Neil Hanson grew up in eastern Kansas. He attended Kansas State University and studied architecture and psychology, graduating in 1976. He spent a year with an engineering firm after graduation before working as a carpenter, truck driver, concrete finisher, salesman, operations manager, computer programmer, and project manager. Today he writes, works with his son running their landscape design and construction company in Colorado, while continuing to work as a project manager in Corporate America.

The Journey Toward Death
The author uses the structure of a letter to tell his story of the final days of his father's life. Many thoughts enter his mind as he sits near his comatose father's hospital bed. The fact that his dad is dying forces him to accept the fact that we are all on a journey toward death. He feels the presence of God in the room as his father quietly leaves this world and enters the next. Mr. Hanson believes this experience helped him come into a deeper awareness of his father's influence in his life. He feels his father's presence more now than ever before.

A Family Coming Together
Mr. Hanson and his siblings were forced to make some difficult end-of-life decisions. They decided to reject feeding tubes, respirators and anything that would prolong their father's life by artificial means. They often sat in silence at their father's side because they could not find words to express their emotions. Each person deals with grief and loss in their own personal way. 

"My heart wailed over my failure to express to you the most important things in life, things I had not expressed as I ought to have. While my mind understood very clearly the decisions that you would want me to make on your behalf, the wailing of my heart kept drowning the clarity of this understanding, turning easy and clear decisions into painful wrestling matches within."

This book is about a spiritual journey but has nothing to do with organized religion. The author deals with questions about life, death and the after-life. I found that I could deeply relate to the thoughts and feelings that Mr. Hanson expresses in this book. My father died less than one year ago and I felt many of the same emotions that are expressed in this book. I feel a definite kinship with Mr. Hanson and his family. He opened his heart and expressed things that most people could never put into words.

There might be some who are not willing to delve into the highly personal thoughts of transition and transcendence. If so, this book is not for you. However, if your heart is open and willing to explore new spiritual places, this book will touch your heart in a very special way.

Disclosure: Neil Hanson sent me a complimentary digital copy of this book to read and review. Thank you!

I love to hear from you ~ Please share your thoughts in the Comments Sections below.

Book Review: The Best Worst Thing

The Best Worst Thing, by Kristen K. Brown, is the story of a 34-year-old widow, mother, author and entrepreneur, who has found a way to deal with tragedy and manage the stress that goes along with it.

Kristen K. Brown found herself a young widowed mother when her husband died of a heart attack at the age of 30. Kristen experienced feelings of grief,  regret, denial and anger as she struggled to survive the days following her husband's death.

This is a true story of love, loss, rebirth and self-discovery. This is an amazing journey through the grief process and into a new life of acceptance and happiness.

Love
In the opening chapters of this book, Kristen shares the story of her courtship and early marriage to Todd Brown. Kristen and Todd had attended the same high school but did not start dating until several years after they graduated. Kristen and Todd shared a strong bond from the beginning of their relationship and dated several years before getting married. I especially enjoyed the story of how Todd proposed and the details of their marriage.
Kristen was excited about being a mother and gave birth to Brooke on December 1, 2006.

Death
Todd Brown died suddenly in his sleep on September 9, 2007. The entire family was together to attend the wedding of Kristen's sister. An autopsy was later performed and the results showed that Todd had suffered a heart attack. He did not have any history of medical problems or heart issues. The death came as a complete shock to everyone involved.

Acceptance and Growth
Kristen learns to survive and eventually thrive in the weeks, months and years following Todd's death. This was not an easy journey but Kristen slowly builds a new life for herself. She quit a job that was making her miserable and launched a new business that she named Happy Hour Effect.

"After all that's happened, I like to say now that I may be money-poor but I'm happiness rich...and that's all that really matters, isn't it?"

 It was hard to put this book down. Kristen really opened her heart and exposed her inner-most feelings. Most of us can't imagine what it would be like to lose a spouse at such a young age. This book will teach you how to mend a broken heart.  Healing and acceptance is what this book is all about. A very good read.

Disclosure: Kristen Brown sent me a complimentary paperback copy of this book to read and review. Thank you!
I love to hear from my readers ~ Please share your thoughts in the Comments Section below.

The Death Of Osama Bin Laden

Last night, President Barack Obama announced that Osama Bin Laden had been killed by Navy Seals in Pakistan. Many of my friends have posted comments about this unexpected event on Facebook today. These comments are heartfelt and touching. I have chosen some of these comments to share with you. I will not use the names of the people who posted these comments to protect their privacy.

There are evil people in the world who need the death penalty, but I am not joyful nor celebratory over anyone's death, especially one headed straight into hell.

Now I lay me down to sleep...one less terrorist this world does keep...with all my heart I give my thanks...to those in uniform regardless of rank...you serve our country and serve it well...with humble hearts your stories tell...so as I rest my weary eyes...while freedom rings our flag still flies...you give your all, do what you must...with God we live and in God we trust...Amen.

Brought to you courtesy of the RED, WHITE and BLUE! I don't care what anyone says, I'm proud to be an AMERICAN tonight.

Osama is no more.

Thank you to our CIA and brave Navy Seals: "This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." ~Elmer Davis

Amazing amount of sheer blood lust on FB today. :(

Could it be a ploy for reelection? I need proof!!!

Please, if you don't live in the South with constant reminders of the devastation all around you, don't let the news of Bin Laden's death cause you to forget those affected by the tonado outbreak! We still need your help and prayers.

Congratulations America! We did it.

Does this mean the end of something bad or the beginning of something worse?

Please post your thoughts in the Comments section below.

Visions Trips And Crowded Rooms

I read Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms: Who and What You See Before You Die by David Kessler this week.  I read the book in digital format on my Kindle.   I borrowed this book from a fellow member of the Kindle Lending Club. 
David Kessler is a well-known expert and lecturer on grief and loss. He co-authored two bestsellers with the legendary Elisabeth Kübler-Ross: On Grief and Grieving: Finding the Meaning of Grief Through the Five Stages of Loss and Life Lessons: How Our Morality Can Teach Us About Life and Living. 
Mr Kessler shares the stories of doctors, nurses, hospice workers, social workers and family members who have reported the pre-death visions in loved ones during there final days of life.  The author has divided these pre-death experiences into three categories:
(1) Visions of deceased loved ones, angels or Jesus entering their room and communicating with them.  These images almost always occur in the upper corner of the room.  The visions are very real to the patients and usually leave them with a feeling of inner peace and contentment.
(2) Some people believe they are going on a trip when death is near.  The book gave examples of very ill patients wanting to pack their bags so that they could catch the bus or train. 
(3) Patients sometimes see a crowd of people gathering in their room.  Some of the people are unknown by the patient but some are recognized as people that were known in the past but are now deceased.  One story told of a woman who had been a school teacher for 40 years.  Many of the people gathered in her room were former students and co-workers.
This is the second book that I have reviewed this week on the subject of pre-death visions and experiences.  I read Into the Light: Real Life Stories About Angelic Visits, Visions of the Afterlife, and Other Pre-Death Experiences , by John Lerma, and wrote a book review on this blog earlier in the week.  Dr. Lerma's book was much more personal because he wrote about patients that he knew and cared for at the Hospice Center.  He went into much more detail about what the patient saw and how he was feeling.  Mr. Kessler provided more research on the history of pre-death visions in literature and the arts.  He provided many stories about specific pre-death experiences but did not go into the great detail that Dr. Lerma did. Mr. Kessler's book provided more useful facts and information on the terminally ill patient and the process of dying.
Mr. Kessler stated that the purpose of this book was to provide people with hope.  A hope that we will someday be reunited with loved ones who have gone before us.  This book provides hope and understanding.