Blog Archives
A Sobering View
In Walk a Mile in My Shoes, you share your childhood trauma and give readers an open and honest account of your own regrettable choices and how those decisions have impacted your life. Why was it important for you to share your story?
Individuals are often motivated when they read about erratic and unconventional paths that others take. I shared parts of my life (ages 8 to 77) so readers could become aware of the pieces of my life that made me into the man I am today. I wanted readers to explore my life’s assorted happenings before placing their final judgment on my character. (I believe a man should be judged by ALL the pieces of his life — not just one event.) Writing about my lifelong journey was rewarding for me because I was able to look more closely at WHY I am…WHO I am! My narrative was an avenue to finally reveal both positive and negative feelings and emotions I had hidden from myself and others my entire life.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I cried a thousand tears as I shared unique stories and events in each chapter — but the most gut-wrenching testimony was telling about the immeasurable pain and agony I caused my wife and children. Criminal activity always affects more than just the offender and the victim … many individuals are often negatively impacted. Losing my family has been an overwhelming experience!
Is there anything you learned about yourself while putting your story on paper?
When I began writing about my past, my original intent was to tell some short stories about my youth that I planned to share with my adult son and daughter. I wanted them to be more ‘aware’ of their father’s past! (I had never told my children about many of the happenings I wrote about.) After allowing my friends to review my stories, they coaxed me into writing more. I added stories about Vietnam, my divorce, my crime, prison and my sexual orientation ambiguity. I felt compelled to share events that occurred while I was on probation. My writing allowed me to release emotions and feelings pent up inside me…like a cleansing of my soul. I was able to look backward and reveal the pieces that transformed me into the man I am today. My writing also allowed me to look forward and yield a sobering view of the few days I have before I die. Friends who read my manuscript often complimented me because I NEVER GAVE UP despite the dysfunctional events that seemed to be part of my arduous journey. I learned that a person could keep going – even when he thinks he has given all he has!
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your experience?
I hope three messages resonate from my narrative. 1) Life is hard…but no matter what occurs in our lives, a person can find the strength and courage to overcome adversity. 2) Judge a person ONLY after you ‘walk a mile’ in his footsteps. (Seek first to understand…then to be understood.) 3) I readily acknowledge my heinous crime. Prison and probation were justified. But it’s vital that Americans closely monitor our judicial and criminal justice systems so overzealous and manipulative members don’t exceed their authority. Surveillance groups finally recognize the importance of holding police officers accountable for their actions. I shared details about the probation department that supervised me — to invite readers to decide if restorative justice was appropriately applied in my case.
The Noiseletting: Hijinx, Hard Knocks and Wisdom from Life Inside the Music Industry
Byron Fry’s life unfolds as a symphony of experience, a musical odyssey spanning dive bars, cruise ships, grand stages, and recording studios. As a seasoned guitarist, Fry has mastered it all—from crafting orchestral arrangements to performing in bands and producing records. Over the years, his talent has intertwined with legends, collaborating with musicians who have shared stages with icons like Paul McCartney. A true guitar virtuoso, Fry embodies the soul of a lifelong artist.
In his memoir, Noiseletting, Fry invites readers into the wild, vibrant, and unpredictable world of a professional musician. His story bursts with energy, recounting the highs and lows of life on the road, backstage camaraderie, and the exhilaration of performance. From the opening pages, Fry’s narrative struck a chord with me, resonating deeply as I reflected on my own experiences as a musician. His tales of playing in bands evoked a wave of nostalgia, making the book not just a memoir but a personal journey for readers with a musical past.
Beyond its nostalgia, Noiseletting captivates as an intricate and deeply engaging read. It is not a book to rush through; Fry’s storytelling demands savoring. The layered details of his life as a professional guitarist offer a rare glimpse into the discipline, passion, and artistry that define a career in music. Every anecdote, whether outrageous, poignant, or inspiring, reveals Fry’s unique perspective as a musician wired with an extraordinary creative drive.
Fry’s writing is as compelling as his music. His vivid prose and natural storytelling drew me in from the start, making it clear that his talents extend far beyond the guitar. For music enthusiasts and fellow “music nerds,” this memoir is an absolute treasure. It’s a love letter to the craft of musicianship, written with authenticity and heart.
The Noiseletting, by Byron Fry, is more than a memoir—it’s an invitation into a world shaped by strings, sound, and stories. For anyone passionate about music or curious about the life of a virtuoso, this book is an essential read. Fry has crafted a narrative that will linger in the minds of readers, much like the echo of a perfectly played chord.
Pages: 376 | ISBN : 978-0228633297
Unchained (A tale of Identity, freedom and self discovery)
Unchained, by Chinonso Elom, is a memoir chronicling a young man’s transformative journey toward self-discovery amidst the challenges of coming of age. Set against the backdrop of an orthodox environment in Nigeria, Ikenna’s story reveals the struggles of growing up in a conservative Catholic family, bound by rigid expectations that leave little room for individuality. For Ikenna, the weight of these expectations is compounded by his identity as a homosexual, which subjects him to the harsh judgment of his parents and the church. Ostracized and vilified, he faces a series of dehumanizing attempts to “correct” his identity, which only deepen his feelings of alienation, despair, and invisibility. Determined not to succumb to this oppressive reality, Ikenna takes a bold step and relocates to the United Kingdom for higher studies. This decision becomes the catalyst for his transformation. In a foreign land, he discovers love, friendship, and a sense of belonging that empower him to reclaim control over his life. His story evolves into one of resilience, liberation, and the quest for authenticity.
From the opening chapter, the weight of societal expectations looms large, as Ikenna grapples with the pressure to conform to traditional norms. The conversations between Ikenna and his parents, laden with unspoken truths, felt authentic and raw. The contrast between his rigid life in Nigeria and the vibrant, accepting LGBTQ+ community in Northampton is stark and moving.
One of my favorite parts was when Ikenna attends an LGBTQ+ event for the first time. He dons an outfit that reflects his true self, stepping into the space with trepidation but finding only support and admiration. This moment of courage and the subsequent camaraderie among the attendees was heartwarming, showing the power of acceptance. Even as Ikenna finds love and builds a life for himself, he constantly battles the echoes of his upbringing and the fear of his family’s rejection. I was particularly struck by the tension during his parents’ visit to the UK for his graduation. The subtle shifts in their reactions from pride in his achievements to discomfort with his newfound confidence illustrate the chasm between their worlds. Elom handles this delicate dynamic with sensitivity, though I found myself longing for more resolution in these familial threads.
Unchained is an emotional journey of self-discovery that resonates deeply, especially for those who have struggled to reconcile personal identity with societal expectations. Chinonso Elom’s prose is simple yet evocative, and the themes of resilience and belonging are universally relevant. This book is perfect for readers who appreciate character-driven stories about cultural conflict, self-acceptance, and the power of community. Ikenna’s story will stay with me for a long time, reminding me of the importance of living authentically despite life’s challenges.
Pages: 84 | ASIN : B0DHTZ89S8
My Journey as an Author
My Journey as an Author, by M.C. Ryder, offers readers an honest glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of becoming a published author. Through her memoir, Ryder shares her experiences navigating the complex world of publishing, from book signings to being burned by publishers, paying for reviews on Instagram, and enduring the long, anxious wait for responses to inquiries. Her candid recounting resonates with aspiring writers, highlighting the perseverance required to overcome the highs and lows of the journey. The advice and anecdotes provide a mix of encouragement and caution, making this memoir relatable for anyone familiar with the writing process.
A central theme of the book is the exploration of success; what does it truly mean for an author? Is it measured by book sales, the ability to inspire others, or gaining recognition on platforms like BookTok? Ryder pushes readers to reflect on their own definitions of success, posing a question that many in the writing community can appreciate. I appreciated how Ryder talks about failures and rejections but always circles back to perseverance. That’s where the memoir shines most, its message of resilience feels personal and genuine. Ryder also has strong opinions about originality, something that resonates with aspiring writers. Ryder shares lessons from attending conferences, emphasizing how critical it is for writers to “dare to be unique” rather than regurgitate trends. That hit home for me because so much of today’s writing landscape feels overrun with recycled ideas. The author’s advice to question a story’s purpose and character motives adds a fresh, practical perspective that would benefit any writer looking to improve their craft.
In the end, My Journey as an Author isn’t just for writers—though aspiring authors will undoubtedly find Ryder’s advice and transparency encouraging. It’s also for dreamers, creatives, or anyone navigating a tough road while holding onto their goals. If you’re looking for a book that feels motivating and human without trying too hard, I’d recommend this one. You’ll walk away feeling like you just found a friend who gets it.
Pages: 172 | ASIN : B0DJ68163G
A Wake-Up Call
LIAM: The Boy Who Saw the World Upside Down is the true story of a young boy with dyslexia told through his teacher’s eyes. Why was this an important story for you to share?
Liam was brought to my 8th-grade classroom because he had been bullied and pushed aside in Special Education classes from Kindergarten through 7th grade. He had been diagnosed as “mentally retarded,” an old term that is no longer used. His parents wanted him in a safe place. Dyslexia was only part of the problem. As I discovered Liam’s high intelligence, I learned from him how very important it is for a teacher to connect with each individual student and help them find their potential. After Liam graduated from high school, I lost contact with him. Continuing in my teaching, I saw students who were misdiagnosed in special education as well as ignored in regular classrooms, students who had tremendous potential, and students who were bullied more for eccentricities than for intellect. Liam’s story rolled around in my head for many years; I knew I needed to help give a wake-up call to students, parents, and teachers–to give them HOPE that the education system has to realize that each individual must have a chance to succeed. When I finally connected with Liam and told him that I wanted to write his story for those marginalized, Liam (aka Bill Judge) responded, “If it will give hope to other kids like me, yes, please write my story.”
What is one misconception you have found that many people have about living with dyslexia?
Most dyslexics do not know that they can get beyond that malady. I searched for many years to find a program that will train the brain to read correctly. At a conference I attended, I serendipitously found READ RIGHT, a program developed by Dee Tadlock, PhD, that teaches the brain to read correctly and excellently. READ RIGHT can teach anyone how to read as well as they can speak. Learning to coach in READ RIGHT was a true paradigm shift for me. As a coach, I saw daily miracles with students of various reading maladies, including students who were non-readers, students who had “brain stutters,” students who were mentally and/or physically dysfunctional, and those who were dyslexic. Coaching in READ RIGHT is one of the most important teaching strategies I ever used. READ RIGHT does not need to diagnose any of those maladies. As a trained coach, I used the protocol READ RIGHT uses to teach anyone how to read as well as they can speak. It’s what I call READ RIGHT–the silver bullet in education.
This story clearly has emotional significance for you. What was the most difficult part of writing it?
Watching Liam struggle physically, emotionally, and socially touched my heart to the core. I wanted the story to be told as true to reality as possible. I was not supported by administration the first year I had Liam in my class. As an adult, Bill Judge, who chose the family name Liam for the book, connected with me via ZOOM to help me understand his view as my student, what he learned from me, the help he received with his reading and social situations, what I learned from him as a true genius, and where his career led him. The difficulty in putting it all together was writing in all honesty and changing names throughout the story so as not to disparage anyone in particular. Truly helping readers understand how a student like Bill, with support from his parents and teacher(s), can succeed in life. I want readers to know how very important it is to leave judgment aside and give each person an opportunity for potential. I want readers to understand that I personally and professionally believe each student has within them their own certain kind of genius. My reason for writing the book is, as Bill said, to give hope to those marginalized in our society. Writing this book is the most important connection I have shared.
What do you hope readers, teachers, and parents take from Liam’s story?
Each individual needs the opportunity to succeed. Each person, no matter the challenge, can learn to read as well as they can speak. READ RIGHT, well-defined and well-researched, is the only program that works quickly and excellently. Now retired, the only connection I have with Read Right is my passion to let others know about it. I’ve also written a book to mentor teachers who do not have the support they need; teachers who are not trained to know how to connect with each student; teachers who need to understand their purpose is to help students find their potential. CONNECT FOR CLASSROOM SUCCESS shows through true scenarios how to find joy in teaching and learning. Excellence in education is my number-one lifelong passion.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Amazon
This is a true story. When Liam came to my classroom, I knew something was off. What was I supposed to do with this student who was extremely withdrawn? I didn’t know, but I knew I had to find out ̶ a challenge that I could not ignore. This book isn’t only about bullying, though there was plenty of that. It’s about a boy who needed help to allow his potential to surface. If you are a teacher, a parent, or anyone who has witnessed, or have themselves experienced this, you need this book. LIAM will give you hope.
My Authentic Self
Invitation to Co-Creation: A Spiritual Path from Child Abuse and Religious Trauma to Love, Healing, and Oneness is a personal and courageous exploration from the scars of childhood abuse and religious trauma. Why was this an important book for you to write?
There were a number of reasons why it was important for me to write my memoir. The process of healing childhood and religious trauma was empowering and transformational. By sharing my journey I hope readers are inspired to discover their own unique paths to healing and know that it’s always possible to overcome adversity.
I also wanted to tell my story because many of my traditional family and friends were unfamiliar with my traumatic background and current progressive Christian beliefs. They had no frame of reference to understand my spiritual experiences or belief in a loving, inclusive God. Through my writing, I tried to create a bridge to help my loved ones know me better. I had hidden my authentic self most of my life. My intense fear of rejection kept me silent. It took a leap of faith to share so vulnerably and publicly. It was freeing when I finally found the courage to speak my truth.
Though it was my personal goal to create a bridge of understanding from the traditional to the nontraditional for my family and friends, it became clear that, in this era of polarization, we need a way to span the gaps between our differences now more than ever, so that we can engage more respectfully with one another. Thus, my personal goal of bridging divides expanded into a broader purpose for this book.
The actual inspiration for my book occurred in 2015 when I reached out to Blessed Mother Mary for healing and direction for my life, and I received a message to write Invitation to Co-Creation. As I reflected on the traumas I had experienced and where I was stuck in my life, I was encouraged to make changes and then write about them. It was also important for me to showcase another message I received from Mother Mary – a vision of oneness and global harmony that all are invited to co-create. It wasn’t until I was further along on my journey that I realized my personal healing goals intertwined with this collective vision.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was important to share my understanding of co-creation as a dynamic, interactive process between a benevolent God and humanity. I initially experienced co-creation thirty-seven years ago when I developed a debilitating medical condition that stymied traditional medicine. After a prayer for healing, I was divinely guided step-by-step (through signs, intuitions, and synchronicities) to complementary healing practitioners and treatments until I was healed. This was the first time I experienced co-creating my life with the Divine, even though I didn’t have a word for it back then. Through the process of co-creation, I was also led on a divinely guided journey to heal from childhood and religious trauma, which freed me to know self-worth, find forgiveness for my parents, experience peace in my progressive Christian beliefs, and live with love, joy, and authenticity.
However, co-creation isn’t just for me. It’s part of everyone’s spiritual heritage as a child of God and the Universe to ask questions and receive answers. In my book, I describe the process of co-creation and how to tune into divine guidance in greater detail, and I offer additional personal examples.
Oneness is another concept I wanted to bring to life. Mother Mary shared her vision of oneness– that we’re one interconnected human family– and her hope that this awareness would lead to a peaceful world. When we remember we’re all in this together, we’re more likely to focus on our commonalities and engage in collaboration and cooperation to find personal and global solutions that work for all.
(Incidentally, oneness doesn’t mean uniformity; rather it’s a unity that also honors diversity, where everyone is included, valued, and respected.)
I deeply resonated with Mother Mary’s vision of oneness. It was easy to imagine standing in a circle holding hands with diverse, unknown people from all corners of the world, coming together as one. However, on a personal level, I also struggled with this vision, because I felt separate from those that hurt me. My traumatic experiences from childhood and religious trauma threatened our bonds. It took an inner journey where I learned to live from my heart, instead of my hurt, to rekindle my connection with them. By healing the rifts within myself and the disconnection in my relationships, oneness became a real-life experience.
I suspect I’m not alone in finding it easier to align with an ideal vision of oneness. It’s far more challenging to come back to the real world and heal the hurts that keep us alienated from one another and engage respectfully across our divides. But this nitty-gritty work is exactly what we need to do.
We’re at a crossroads. Major polarizations and divisions are pulling us apart.
We have an opportunity to reverse this course. We’ve been invited to build bridges to one another, reconcile our relationships, and see the world as an “us”, rather than as an “us versus them.” Invitation to Co-Creation offers inspiration and practical tools to make the dream of oneness in our relationships, communities, and world a possible reality.
What was the most challenging part of writing your memoir, and what was the most rewarding?
Hands down, the most challenging circumstances to share were the traumatic events from my childhood that reverberated into adulthood, impacting every area of my life. However, writing was also very therapeutic. It was gratifying to see and experience the healing that brought me to the place where I am today.
Without diminishing the negative influence that childhood and religious trauma have had on my life, these core wounds also acted as catalysts for my spiritual growth. These life challenges were the hidden gifts that moved me out of victimhood and into empowerment. As I became the author of my life I found meaning, passion, and a purpose that went beyond my personal healing to collective healing. It has been very rewarding to share my journey and the broader purpose of my book– Mother Mary’s vision of global oneness.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
When you co-create your life with the Divine you’ll be embarking on your most rewarding spiritual journey ever. You’ll realize that the Divine is always available to empower, support, and guide you to become the best version of yourself and to live the beautiful life you’re meant to live. The significance of undertaking your journey can’t be overstated because all personal healing leads to collective healing. When you transform yourself for the better, there’s a ripple effect, and you transform the world for the better.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
This spiritual memoir tells a story of hope and transformation that invites readers to embark on their own journey for personal and collective healing.
Lorrie’s harsh childhood and toxic religious upbringing echoed with punishment and abandonment. Trauma ruled her world. For years fear kept her from sharing her true self, beliefs, and family secrets. But after a prayer for healing, she was invited on a mystical, co-creative journey that changed her life. Divinely guided inner work freed her to know self-worth, find forgiveness, and experience peace, and joy. She found the courage to live her truth. She left the wrathful, excluding God of her childhood behind and was welcomed by a benign, compassionate, inclusive God.
While praying to Mother Mary, Lorrie received a message to write this book, as well as an inspired vision of unity in diversity–a circle of global harmony that all are invited to co-create. This vision mirrored her progressive Christian belief in a loving God, inclusive of all faiths and spiritual paths.
But how do you live in oneness when beliefs and views clash and emotions are triggered?
This timely memoir details one woman’s journey to heal past traumas, honor differences, and expand the circle of inclusion–and reveals how you can too.
Invitation to Co-Creation offers tools for individual and communal healing and is for you if you’d like to:
Find inspiration to overcome life challenges, heal trauma, and make a difference.
Discern divine guidance and experience your own co-creative journey for an amazing soul-purposed life.
Discover how an inclusive spirituality promotes a sense of being one interconnected human family.
Create bridges and foster healing in relationships and communities to bring the dream of global oneness one step closer.
The Significance of Curly Hair: A Loving Memoir of Life and Loss
Kara Zajac’s The Significance of Curly Hair is an emotional and heartfelt memoir that delves into the deep bond between the author and her grandmother. At its core, the book is about family, love, loss, and the legacy of memories we hold onto after someone we love passes. Through vivid storytelling, Zajac chronicles moments of joy, heartbreak, and profound personal reflection, offering a touching tribute to a woman who shaped her life.
What struck me first was Zajac’s candid and unfiltered voice. She doesn’t shy away from raw emotion. Take, for example, the chapter where she describes trying to reach her grandmother before she passed. The desperation in her voice, coupled with the chaos of airport logistics, made my chest tighten as if I were the one missing that final goodbye. Her ability to weave universal feelings of guilt and longing into personal anecdotes was compelling. It reminded me of how we all struggle with the inevitability of time slipping through our fingers.
Zajac’s use of flashbacks brings a rich and layered texture to the memoir. Scenes from her childhood, like riding the school bus with her grandmother running alongside in the woods, are not just sweet but illustrative of the eccentric and loving relationship they shared. These moments balance the book’s heavier themes, giving readers a sense of the joy and laughter that defined their bond. At times, though, I found the transitions between past and present a bit abrupt, which occasionally interrupted the emotional flow.
One of the most memorable parts of the book is the chapter where Zajac reflects on her grandmother’s fading health and the helplessness she felt. The scene in the airport, where a stranger offers her comfort, beautifully illustrates humanity’s capacity for kindness. It’s this interplay between personal grief and the support of others that makes the book so moving.
The Significance of Curly Hair is an evocative and deeply personal memoir that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved and lost. Zajac’s writing is vivid and heartfelt, making you feel as though you are right there with her through every laugh, tear, and bittersweet memory. I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy reflective family stories or who might be navigating their own journeys of grief.
Pages: 364 | ASIN : B0D2QX3SQ9
Property of the Revolution: From a Cuban Barrio to a New Hampshire Mill Town—A Memoir
Property of the Revolution, by Ana Hebra Flaster, is a poignant memoir that explores themes of political upheaval, migration, family, and the relentless passage of time. Set against the backdrop of Cuba’s chaotic regime, the book chronicles Ana and her family’s arduous journey to the United States and their struggle to adapt to a new life. At its core, it is a story of resilience. We see a father, burdened with responsibility, sacrificing his dreams and taking on tedious factory work to secure his family’s future. Flaster vividly recalls Cuba’s political turmoil—a PhD holder forced to abandon teaching, a man condemned to harsh labor camps in Camagüey for resisting military registration—grounding the narrative in sobering realities. Alongside this, the book traces Ana’s personal journey—her adjustment to life in America, her pursuit of education, her deep familial bonds, and her own experiences of motherhood.
Flaster’s memoir is rich with layers, blending personal anecdotes and political history into a seamless, engrossing narrative. It remains busy and dynamic, brimming with moments that compel the reader forward. From suspenseful accounts of political oppression to heartfelt recollections of her father’s sacrifices, the book pulses with life. I found myself deeply connected to Ana’s struggles, particularly when she speaks of longing to take an art class but feeling unable to justify such an expense. Growing up in a household shaped by financial instability, she leaned toward practical paths, forsaking artistic dreams in pursuit of security—a sentiment that resonates deeply with many readers.
The memoir flows like a symphony of interconnected stories, each piece harmonizing with the next. Flaster introduces a cast of intriguing characters who traverse contrasting cultural worlds. Some stories reveal the challenges of being a minority in the United States—navigating language barriers, facing bullies who judge differences, and grappling with a sense of displacement. Other sections transport readers to the stark and unforgiving realities of life in Cuba under a cruel regime. The narrative immerses us in the emotional weight of leaving one’s homeland, enduring separation from loved ones, and searching for missing family members. Through these tales, Flaster captures the raw experience of destabilization and the relentless quest for belonging.
Property of the Revolution is a testament to survival, offering readers an intimate look at lives shaped by political unrest and migration. Flaster’s ability to merge historical context with personal reflection creates a story that is both informative and deeply human. Her writing is engaging, her characters vividly drawn, and her themes universally relatable. This book is perfect for readers drawn to stories of resilience, political strife, and cultural transition. Fans of historical memoirs and narratives about overcoming adversity will find themselves captivated from start to finish. Flaster’s account is an immersive, character-rich journey that lingers long after the final page. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and beautifully written memoir.
Pages: 312 | ISBN : 978-1647428266
LITERARY TITAN 