Octagon Pillars and Domes is a wild, emotional, and surprisingly personal ride through history, religion, politics, and memory. The book starts with her work on a government healthcare project and slowly opens up into something much bigger. It touches on her Jewish and aristocratic German roots, the trauma passed down from war, and her search for meaning through ancient philosophy, faith, and modern politics. It’s part memoir, part deep dive into big ideas, and part spiritual reflection.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s not your average memoir. Lauderdale writes from the heart and pulls no punches. She mixes stories from her childhood with reflections on religion and political shifts in a way that made me think hard about things I hadn’t connected before. There were moments when the details got heavy or the history felt like a lot to take in, but even then, her voice kept me going. She’s not trying to sound polished or academic. She just tells her truth, and there’s something refreshing about that.

The best parts for me were when she opened up about her family, her faith, and her struggles. You can feel how much this story means to her. It’s clear she spent years thinking about all of it, and the effort shows. She goes deep into some complicated stuff, but it always feels like she’s just trying to understand the world and her place in it, and I found that really moving.

If you’re someone who likes books that jump between personal stories and big questions about life, history, and faith, I think you’ll get a lot out of this. It’s not a quick read, and it asks you to slow down and sit with some tough topics, but it’s worth it. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys thoughtful writing. It’s honest, it’s bold, and it’s unlike anything I’ve read in a while.

Pages: 550 | ASIN : B0F6NZCBR7