Healing From Dysfunctional Life in New Memoir

 Title: Unfold Me; Unfold Layers of Your Wounded Heart and Begin Living Your Dream Life

Author: Deirdre Maloney

Publisher: Unfolding Press

Publication Date: January 2, 2021

Length: 134 Pages

About the Author
Deirdre Maloney is the founder of High Gate Racing, Canada's largest all-female competitive cycling team. She is also the co-founder of a women's support group in her own community. Deirdre believes in sharing our stories to cultivate more collective healing.

Resilience, Insight, and Healing
Deirdre Maloney takes an honest look at her life and is determined to learn from her past mistakes and take responsibility for her actions. She was raised in a dysfunctional family and suffered an eating disorder, abuse, and molestation at a young age. As she grew older, she was involved with drug abuse, prostitution, and extremely abusive relationships with men. 

The author decided her life experience was going to be a story of resilience that needed to be shared. She was determined to turn her pain into purpose.

My Thoughts
This book is not for the faint-hearted. The author was very transparent about her life and this book includes X-rated language and experiences that might make some person blush. However, I have to admire the way she put the past behind her and focused on making a better life for herself and her family. 

The positive changes came in Ms. Maloney's life when a therapist suggested that she join a women's support group for group therapy. The most important thing she learned was acceptance. This is exactly what she needed for healing.

The last chapter in this book is titled "A Wholehearted Life". The author reflects on her healing journey and offers practical insights to anyone who is serious about making positive changes in their life.  Change does not come easy, but it is possible. This young lady has overcome some incredible challenges and I wish her nothing but the best.

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

FYI ~ I purchased a digital copy of this book with my own funds.

New Memoir by Christian Writer Philip Yancey

 

Title: Where the Light Fell

Author: Philip Yancey

Publisher: Convergent Books

Publication Date: October 21,2021

Length: 320 Pages

About the Author

Philip Yancey is the author of over thirty books. His books have garnered thirteen Gold Medalion Book awards from Christian publishers and booksellers. 

"I'm a pilgrim, still 'in recovery' from a bad church upbringing, searching for the possibility of a faith rooted in grace instead of fear. I feel overwhelming gratitude that I can make a living writing about the questions that interest me."

Suffering and Grace
This book describes the harsh and turbulent upbringing that Philip Yancey and his brother Marshall experienced at the hands of their widowed, impoverished mother. The mother was a Bible teacher at work and a child abuser at home. The boys were victims of physical, emotional, and verbal abuse. They were indoctrinated with the extreme fundamentalist beliefs and culture of several Southern Baptist churches that they attended in Atlanta, Georgia. They were pressured into going to a fundamentalist Bible college after they graduated from high school.

The brothers both rebelled against their dysfunctional family life. Marshall rejected his Christian faith but Philip grew stronger in his faith. Philip found solace in reading, nature, and music. He explored questions about a God of love and grace and wrote about his feelings.

My Thoughts
This book gave me many things to think about. I am sure it was heart-wrenching for Mr. Yancey to go back and relive many of the difficult situations that he wrote about. His writing was brave and I believe he made an honest attempt to uncover the facts of his life as a child and young man.

The author pushed back hard against his mother and the Baptist Church. However, I would not call it "mother-bashing" or "church bashing". He was seeking the truth and I think he found it.

There's an old saying in Texas; "You got to rise above your raisin!". This is exactly what Philip Yancey has done. He became the shining light in his family. He forgave his mother and made many attempts to heal the relationship between his mother and brother. 

There are several incidents of animal abuse/neglect in this book that I found very disturbing.  These incidents involved a kitten, two dogs, and seventeen box turtles. The experiences with the kitten and dogs took place when Philip was very young and had no control over the situations. I think he loved those animals and was traumatized by their deaths/abandonment. I won't comment about the turtles except to say I wish I could unread the words that described their demise.

This is the first book by Philip Yancey that I have read. I am adding some of his books to my reading list. I think this book will mean more to me after I am more familiar with his work. I highly recommend this book to readers who are fans of this author and anyone who wants to expand and grow their faith in Jesus Christ.

MY RATING: 4 STARS OUT OF 5

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

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Trove; A Woman's Search for Truth and Buried Treasure - Book Review

Trove: A Woman's Search for Truth and Buried Treasure 

Author: Sandra A. Miller

Publisher: Brown Paper Press

Publication Date: September 19, 2019

Length: 180 Pages

Genre: Memoir






About the Author
Sandra A. Miller's writing has appeared in over one-hundred publications. She teaches writing at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and lives in Arlington, MA with her husband and two children. 

Treasure Hunting
Sandra began hunting for treasure when she was five-years-old. She picked up loose coins, matchbooks, ticket stubs, and other treasures that she found on the ground and hid them in a shoebox in her closet.

This is the story about how Ms. Miller used her life-long curiosity skills to collect clues and hunt for buried treasure in New York City. She joined an online armchair treasuring hunting club and searched for a buried chest that contained $10.000.00 worth of coins. She also collected clues about the relationships in her life and how her difficult childhood still haunted her in ways that were difficult to understand.

The author will not rest until she collects as many clues as possible and uses them to understand the meaning of her life (and hopefully find the buried treasure chest).

My Thoughts
I like to read memoirs/biographies because I truly believe that truth is more fascinating than fiction. I REALLY liked this book. I downloaded my copy in the afternoon of one day and read until I went to bed. I then started reading the next morning and didn't stop until I read the last page. I don't usually get hooked on a book like this, but I had to find out where that darn treasure was buried!!!

The story is much deeper than just hunting for a chest of buried treasure. The author is a superb writer and weaves her entire life story into this modern-day treasure hunt. She describes the difficult relationships with her parents, her husband,  and her children. She deals with inner pain, insecurities, and fears that she has held inside for far too long.

The real treasure at the end of the story is the author finding peace, satisfaction, gratitude and her purpose in life.

You will have to read the book to find out what happened to the buried treasure chest in New York City. Yep...truth is stranger than fiction.

Highly recommended!

MY RATING: 5 STARS OUT OF 5

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

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Book Review: Sober Stick Figure by Amber Tozer

Title: Sober Stick Figure: A Memoir

Author: Amber Tozer

Publisher: Running Press

Publication Date: May 31, 2016

Length: 272 Pages




About The Author
Amber Tozer is a stand-up comedian and comedy writer. 

One Day At a Time
This is a memoir of a young woman's struggle with addiction and recovery. 

The book is illustrated with simple stick figures drawn by the author.

My Thoughts
This book begins with the following words;
"This is a dark and funny story about alcoholism. I hope it helps anyone who needs it."

I like this book. It informs, enlightens and entertains the reader. 

Amber Tozer grew up in a dysfunctional family with an alcoholic father and codependent mother. It is no surprise that she began drinking at a young age.

The problem was, she did not realize that her drinking was a problem until her life was spinning out of control and she was on the verge of despair. 

After seven years of binge drinking and destructive relationships, Amber finally admitted that she was an alcoholic and needed help. This decision changed everything.

The stick figure illustrations really cracked me up. Ms. Tozer has the ability to keep the reader laughing even through the most heartbreaking and tragic situations.   

I believe this book will be very beneficial to anyone wanting to learn about the devastation that alcohol (or any drug addiction) can have on an individual. This book contains profanity (including some F bombs), so I recommend it for adult readers.

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.

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Book Review: The Secret Life of Captain X By MrsXNomore

The Secret Life of Captain X: My Life with a Psychopath Pilot

Author: MrsXNomore

Publisher: Telemachus Press, LLC

Publication Date: May 5, 2014

Length: 246 Pages




About the Author
MrsXNomore was born in the Midwest, then moved to NYC to pursue an acting career. At the age of 39, she met Captain X.  After decades in a dysfunctional marriage, she realized she was living a nightmare. Reading all she could about psychopaths, she wrote her story to bring about psychopath awareness.

A Dream Life Turns Into A Nightmare
Her marriage to successful airline pilot Captain X seemed like a dream come true. In reality, it was a nightmare.

From the second they met, Captain X swept MrsXNomore off her feet, constantly showering her with gifts, flattery and attention. He never left her side unless he was working his scheduled flights. 

During their marriage, Captain X had plunged them into serious debt and ruined her credit. She discovered he was a member of a secret brotherhood involving prostitution during their entire marriage. When she confronted him, he immediately filed for divorce, moved out of their family home and took their daughter with him. She was a now a victim of parental alienation.

Since experts estimate as many as 4% of people are psychopaths, a chapter titled Understanding & Avoiding Psychopaths helps readers recognize and avoid these untreatable social predators without conscience. A final chapter, Suggested Reading and Viewing, provides readers with resources to learn more about psychopathy.

My Thoughts
The author states that the purpose of this book is to educate people about the characteristics of a psychopath and the dangers involved in relationships with them. I think the author has done a considerable amount of research and has written about her personal experiences with clarity, explicitness and honesty. This book is an excellent resource for the mental illness of psychopathy and also the problem of parental alienation during a difficult divorce.

It is very unfortunate that there are predators in the world who seek out victims to prey on. This book was not an entertaining or pleasant book to read. Many ugly things happened during the author's 22 year marriage to a man she trusted with her home, finances and heart. She learned the hard way that this man was not worthy of her trust. Unfortunately, she lived many years in a state of confusion and depression before discovering the truth about her husband. 

Education is the key to making wise choices when allowing new people to come into our lives. This book will educate you and make you think twice about the people in your inner circle. Recommended!

My Rating: 5 Stars Out Of 5

FYI ~ I borrowed this book through my Kindle Unlimited membership.

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Book Review: God, Hold Me While I Cry by Don Dilmore

GOD, HOLD ME WHILE I CRY: HOW GOD USED OTHERS TO BLESS ANNA'S LIFE

Author: Don Dilmore

Publisher: Authorhouse

Date: March 17, 2011



About The Author
Don Dilmore has authored seven books. Mr. Dilmore served in the Merchant Marines in World War II. He graduated from Franklin College where he edited the college newspaper. He then spent 37 years in the life insurance and real estate business. After doing lay-preaching for many years, Mr. Dilmore was ordained as a pastor at age 65. He and his wife live in Montgomery, Texas.

Anna's Story

"This book is dedicated to all those who have suffered hardship, hoping that after you read Anna's story, you will know, without a doubt that if we will ask God to come into our lives, anything is possible. His love will overcome any handicap, hardship or disappointment". 

Mr. Don Dilmore tells how God used many people to help Anna Lybarger through one desperate situation after another as she was raised in Nazi Germany during World War II.

Anna married an American GI and moved to the United States but discovered that her husband had a serious drinking problem. She took her children and divorced her husband but was soon involved in another abusive relationship.

Anna eventually met and married Herschel Lybarger. He was a good man and provided a stable home for Anna and her children. Anna and Herschel had a son who was brain-damaged and suffered serious mental and physical challenges. Anna trusted God to help them conquer adversity and hardship.

Anna's story is about hope and faith in God. God was always with her. He answered her prayers and brought peace and love into her life.

My Thoughts
I met Mr. Dilmore at a Christmas Market at my church. I enjoyed visiting with him and purchased this book from him. I picked up this book last week and read the entire volume in a couple of days.

I found Anna's story very interesting and inspiring. My family came to the United States from Germany in the early 1900s so I was fascinated with the details about her life in Germany.

I enjoyed reading about a woman who lives in a neighboring town and learning some local history along the way. Mrs. Lybarger's Christian testimony left a deep impression on me.

This story is about faith, hope and love. If you are going through a difficult time, this book will encourage and inspire you.  Mr. Dilmore did a good job sharing this story.

My Rating: 4 STARS OUT OF 5

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Book Review and Giveaway: The Fractured Life of 3743

Native American Rob Cabitto writes a memoir about his life of abuse, molestation, abandonment and addiction. "The Fractured Life of 3743" is a story of redemption and recovery.

The author does an amazing job sharing the emotional and traumatic events of his past. He is now anxious to help others who find themselves dealing with similar situations. 



About the Author
Rob Cabitto is a Native American Indian from the Karuk Tribe, and 3743, his tribal roll number, identifies his Native blood and heritage.

Rob is Founder and CEO of Nine Mile Communications Inc., which provides installation services for data and telecommunication equipment covering North America. Rob received his B.S. in Business Marketing from the University of Phoenix and an M.B.A. from the New York Institute of Technology. Rob also holds many specialty certificates in Data Networking, Data Storage, Telecommunications and Network Design.

A Childhood From Hell
Rob Cabitto is a Karuk Indian from northern California. The tribe has a rich history in basket weaving and fishing. Rob had nine biological brothers and sisters. One of Rob's first memories is his alcoholic biological father pouring gasoline on him and trying to set him on fire. Rob was four years old.

Rob's biological mother and father were both alcoholics. He and his siblings were taken from their parents and placed in foster homes at a young age. Rob was legally adopted when he was nine-years-old.

Unfortunately, his adoptive father suffered major health problems and his adoptive mother had a difficult time adjusting to the responsibilities of the family. Rob felt like he was pretty much on his own and soon became hooked on alcohol and drugs. He was also sexually molested during this time by the older sister of a friend.

Over the years, Rob was homeless, spent time in jail and was involved in many dysfunctional relationships with women. He eventually had a desire to get back to his Native American roots and reconnect with his family, tribe and spirit.

Healing and Fresh Starts
Rob always had a love of reading and a desire to get a good education. He sought help in recovery programs, with counselors and with tribal Medicine Men and Native American spiritual guides.

He was able to earn a graduate business degree and start his own technology company. More importantly, he has taken great strides in healing his fractured heart and emotions.

My Thoughts
This is a very compelling true story that includes many heart-wrenching details. It is so sad to learn that children have to live in circumstances like the ones described in this book.

The good news is that Rob Cabbito is a survivor and an over comer. He has pulled himself up out of the pit of addiction and is now living a successful life. He is also determined to help others overcome addiction and dysfunctional living.

I was very interested in this book because I have read very little about the modern day challenges of Native Americans. I found this book very informative about the Native American customs and rituals. Rob found healing when he went back to his roots and took pride in his heritage. This book is not for everyone, but I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in addiction and recovery issues. This book will open your eyes to the problems in the Native American culture and inspire you to confront your own emotional demons.

This book is available in paperback editions from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. It is also available as a Kindle book from Amazon.

Book Giveaway
I would love to pass my review copy of this book on to one of my readers. If you feel like you could benefit from reading Rob's story, please send me a brief email at fullerjanette@gmail.com. I will read your emails and choose a winner based on your comment. These comments will remain private and will not be posted on this blog. I will ship the book to you at my expense.

FYI ~ I received a free preview paperback copy of "The Fractured Life of 3743" from Rob Cabitto's book publicist. Thank you to Rachel M. Anderson of RMA Publicity!

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Kindle Books for Kids: Snow Man Is My Friend

Snow Man Is My Friend, written and illustrated by Steven Novak, is a poignant picture book about a lonely young boy and his quest for comfort and companionship. The boy is the son of an alcoholic father and an emotionally unavailable mother. He feels alone even when surrounded by others. The snow man understands.

Many children will understand this boy's plight. This is an excellent book to introduce children to the problem of substance abuse in the family.

About the Author
Born in Chicago Illinois, Steven Novak has spent the whole of his life creating. After attending The Columbus College of Art and Design in Columbus Ohio for four years he moved to California where he married his wife, Tamara. While working as a freelance illustrator and graphic artist, he produced several successful blogs and began to slowly piece together the story that would eventually become "Forts." His work can be found online at www.novakillustration.com

A Sad and Lonely Boy
This is a story about a boy named Jacob who lives in a dysfunctional family. His father drinks and his mother stays in her room and cries. He feels lonely and hopeless, even when he is surrounded by children at school.

One cold winter night, Jacob runs away from home. He runs through the snowy forest and stops to notice the quietness of the trees and the frozen water in the lake. He is cold but he doesn't mind the cold. He rolls one ball of snow and then another and still another.

Jacob makes a snow man and shares the secrets of his heart with his new best friend. The snow man listens and does not judge. Jacob needed a sympathetic friend and he found one in the most unlikely place.

My Thoughts
I can only think of one word to describe this ebook: SPLENDID!!!
Mr. Novak has done an amazing job portraying the emotions and feelings of the boy in this story. The black-and-white illustrations complement the text and add in-depth emotion to the story. I love the close-up illustration of Jacob's face with such a sad, lonely look. A picture is truly worth a thousand words.

The first word of each line of text is in bold print. I think this adds more drama and emotion to the story. The formatting is very professional and the story has a great flow from text to illustration.

The subject of substance abuse in the family is often swept under the rug. I am very grateful to Mr. Novak for writing this top-notch children's book. I am giving the book a 5 STAR RATING, but I wish I could give it more. Excellent choice for children of all ages.

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

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