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Growing up, Patty
Growing Up, Patty, by Patty Beecham, is one of the most candid and heartfelt memoirs I’ve encountered in a long time, and I found myself captivated by every page. From her earliest school days, Patty felt out of place—longing to fit in yet always sensing she was different. Her twenties were a turbulent time, marked by a troubled marriage, unemployment, and no stable home. Despite these challenges, Patty’s resilience shines through as she gradually pieces together the life she wanted, proving her unwavering dedication to creating her own path.
Throughout the memoir, readers are taken on a vivid journey through her friendships, romantic relationships, family struggles, career transitions, and a deep passion for adventure. Her experiences with failed relationships are laid bare, and one revelation—that she had once been stalked—left me genuinely surprised. Eventually, she meets Chris, the love of her life, and together they build a family. The challenges of motherhood were not easy for Patty, but with Chris’s steadfast support, she overcame the hardships. Her career, which began in advertising, later evolved into a successful role as a radio presenter. I admired her boldness in starting fresh, never hesitating to reinvent herself. Her courage and determination left a lasting impression.
One of the qualities that stood out most about Patty is her incredible resourcefulness. I recall her initiative in setting up one of the first school websites on the Internet, a moment that filled me with pride for her accomplishments. The way she navigated the joys and pains of motherhood, including heartbreaking miscarriages, was deeply moving. The strain her marriage endured due to her husband’s demanding job underscores the broader theme of how work can ripple through every part of a person’s life, affecting health, relationships, and emotional well-being.
Amid life’s toughest challenges, Patty’s humor became her shield, allowing her to find light even in dark moments. Her stories brim with wit and wisdom, and I found myself relating to many of her experiences—whether it was the quest for purpose, the restless ambitions of young adulthood, or the bravery it takes to pivot careers when life demands it. Growing Up, Patty is not just a memoir; it’s an honest reflection on the highs and lows of life, filled with moments of vulnerability, strength, and humor. It’s a deeply personal narrative, and I loved every moment of it.
Pages: 350 | ISBN : 978-0645247855
Be Clear-Eyed and Discerning
Dr. Black Widow is a gripping true story of betrayal, survival, and the pursuit of justice as you navigate the emotional and legal fallout of a failed marriage and a toxic relationship. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book is a novel based on a true story as I searched for love after a failed 38-year marriage and a failed justice system!
In your story, you faced significant legal challenges. What changes do you think are most needed in the justice system to better protect people in similar situations?
Education for police officers to make a justified decision based on the facts.
You speak candidly about betrayal and emotional resilience. What advice would you give to others who are dealing with the fallout of a broken marriage or toxic relationship?
When searching for that special someone, it is crucial to be clear-eyed and discerning. Don’t ignore red flags no matter how much you want things to work out. Pay attention to how they treat you, how they treat others, and how they handle conflict. Is it someone who will truly cherish and respect you, or are they just putting on a show? Be wise, be practical, and don’t allow yourself to be blinded by wishful thinking.
Looking back on the events in Dr. Black Widow, is there anything you would have done differently, either in your personal relationships or in how you approached the legal battles?
I would not have ignored the red flags, and I would have run from the danger at the beginning. If I had run from the danger, then the legal battles would not have occurred.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Dr. Black Widow By Mike Cromwell has achieved a remarkable feat by being as Top #100 best seller in one of Amazon’s categories.
#13 Best Seller ★ in Survival Biographies (Jun 28, 2024)
#47 Best Seller ★ in Two-Hour Biography & Memoir Short Reads (Jun 28, 2024)
#71 Best Seller ★ in Survival Biographies & Memoirs (Kindle Store) (Jun 28, 2024)
“Dr. Black Widow” is a gripping memoir by Mike Cromwell, unveiling a tale of love, betrayal, and the daunting quest to reclaim personal sovereignty from the clutches of manipulation and injustice. Within the pages of this narrative, readers are introduced to Mike, a protagonist who navigates the dangerous waters of a lengthy marriage only to confront the stark reality of infidelity. Despite this betrayal, Mike’s unwavering commitment to his daughter leads to a unique living arrangement with his estranged wife. As the story unfolds, the sale of Mike’s cherished home becomes a catalyst for change, propelling him into the orbit of Dr. Ford, a psychiatrist whose peculiar interest in the property sets the stage for a turbulent relationship fraught with manipulation and peril. Throughout the narrative, the intricate dance between Mike and Dr. Ford unfurls, revealing moments of intimacy interwoven with escalating cycles of coercion and danger. Despite his valiant efforts to break free, Mike finds himself trapped in a legal quagmire, confronting corruption and bias within the judicial system.
Timeless Philosophical Question
History of Disease. Army: Life, Service, and Escape from the Russian Army shares your story of growing up in the U.S.S.R. during the Cold War, your experiences with the army, and ultimately your escape to Canada. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I think my life was generous enough for me with certain events, though not always pleasant and desirable, so I could share some moments of it with my readers. Also, it was exciting to restore it in detail and answer for myself eternal and timeless philosophical question of what could be changed, improved, or refined had I had a chance to go through it again.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
In the light of Russian-Ukranian War, I wanted to answer questions about how and why Russia has degraded to the state it is in, with all associated unprofessionalism, incompetence, and barbarity of its Army. What made Russia to loose bright opportunities of 1990th to step into the family of European states following the example of Baltic states, why had it followed the old and so familiar brutal path leading it to the new dictatorship and catastrophe.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Since it was a memoir, it was not too hard to re-live my life unwinding it like an old tape recorder cassette. The challenge was to interpolate my life onto political events that were in abundance of that period of time of Russian history.
Over time, my vision of those events might have slightly changed and been affected by new experiences brought by my life in Canada and view through the prism of time. So, in certain moments it required certain efforts to present the events as they were without been biased and prejudiced.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I tried and hopefully succeeded up to a certain extent, not to be too boring and overload my readers with unimportant and trivial details impregnating my story with irony and sarcasm. I wanted to send a message between the lines that one should be open-minded and resilient to the avalanche of outside brainwashing and propaganda, so omnipresent in the modern world, and be persistent in achieving one’s goals and dreams regardless of pit holes and unpleasant surprises which life has in stock for everybody. As once Mr. Henry Ford said, “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t – you are right.”
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Serge R. Pospelov, born in the USSR, reflects on a tumultuous journey from school years to the final days in Russia in his book “HISTORY OF DISEASE: Life, Service, and Escape from the Russian Army.” His narrative encompasses the sarcastic nuances of life in the USSR and the Russian Army, detailing the struggles, survival, and disappointments during the tumult of the 1990s. Volume 2 contains a memoir about his attempts to leave the country, leading to imprisonment under suspicion of espionage. Released without trial, he lived under the constant surveillance of the FSB until a daring escape took him from Russia to Belarus, then Poland, and ultimately to Canada.
Shelter of the Monument: A Provincetown Love Story
Shelter of the Monument, by Yvonne deSousa, takes readers on a heartfelt and intimate journey through the author’s memories and emotions, centered on her time in Provincetown, Massachusetts. The book weaves a narrative of love, loss, addiction, and personal growth, using the physical and emotional shelter of Provincetown’s iconic Pilgrim Monument as a central metaphor. The story, rooted in real-life events, revolves around deSousa’s relationship with Richard, a man struggling with addiction, and her evolving understanding of herself, her faith, and her place in the world.
What stands out immediately is deSousa’s unflinching honesty. She holds nothing back, whether she’s reflecting on her love for Richard or facing the painful reality of his addiction. In the chapter about Richard’s addiction, deSousa lays bare her frustration and heartbreak, especially when she hands over the hidden drugs in a scratched-up pan buried in the kitchen. That vulnerability is what makes this book so gripping and authentic. She never glosses over her pain or makes excuses for Richard, and that openness gives the narrative a powerful, almost visceral quality. The book’s emotional highs and lows are intense. DeSousa expertly captures the exhilaration of young love alongside the despair of watching someone self-destruct.
I do believe that the pacing in some parts might feel slow to some readers, especially when Richard’s relapses pile up, delaying deSousa’s personal growth. It’s frustrating to watch her forgive him repeatedly, but this is what makes the novel so moving. It’s a realistic portrayal of how hard it is to let go of someone you love. Her struggle speaks to the difficulty of choosing self-care over a destructive relationship, and that tension is central to the story’s emotional depth. The novel is truly compelling, thanks to deSousa’s sincerity and the strength of her prose. The themes of love, loss, and personal transformation are woven throughout, keeping the reader emotionally invested, even during the slower-paced passages. Her journey is filled with heartbreak, but also moments of clarity that bring hope.
Shelter of the Monument is a riveting memoir that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the complexities of love or the pain of watching a loved one struggle with addiction. DeSousa’s warmth, honesty, and vivid sense of place make this a must-read for those who appreciate deeply personal stories. If you’re drawn to tales of personal growth, tough decisions, and the messy beauty of small-town life, this book will leave a lasting impression.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B0CHSHVHRS
Amidst the Darkness
The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence is your memoir sharing the experiences you underwent at the Knoll School for Boys in Hove, Sussex, back in the 1970s and the bullying that was inflicted on you for your beliefs. Why was this an important book for you to write?
To clarify. I wasn’t bullied for my beliefs. I was bullied because I was young, an ‘outsider,’ and was a late developer. Any pupils in that category were labelled as “Jews,” by the “superior” bullies.
I had shared stories with numerous people and had pushed memories to the back of my mind. PTSD does that. Later in life, as a social worker in child protection, I came face to face with my past on several occasions. I had a “Eureka” moment interviewing a young teen who had (thankfully) failed to take her own life: her story was my story, and I started to come to terms with the horrors that had transpired during my adolescence. My extended (British) family were very resistant to me sharing truths with the world as it wasn’t the “British” way to be transparent about the past. The school and personal experiences were shocking, and rather than bury them, I chose to tell my story. The writing of The Hate Game was cathartic, albeit painful.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
Everything. I felt ashamed about the bullying and abuse at school. I hadn’t told my wife and children about the historical sexual assault, so that was a challenge (despite working in a field where I encourage transparency). The death of my father and later writing about my mum brought up feelings and emotions that I had buried. I also felt shame about laughing through the dark times but understood that it is (and still is) a coping mechanism. One of the hardest things about writing a memoir is the judgment that may emanate from others. However, the overwhelming gratitude that my story could be told outweighed the negatives by a country mile.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It is crucial to share one’s feelings with a trusted adult. Unfortunately, I did not know any adults I could trust. The teachers were more abusive than the students, and I couldn’t rely on anyone in authority. Even today, children and young people tend to keep their distress to themselves, a concerning trend I’ve observed in my work in child protection. It is imperative for adults, particularly parents, to build a strong, trusting relationship with children. Despite my love for my family, they were not the safe haven I needed to confide in.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
Amidst the darkness, pain, and feelings of utter hopelessness, there is a beacon of light at the end of the tunnel. I was determined to survive and, somehow, thrive. It’s imperative to foster open communication with your children rather than hastily judging them for their acting-out behaviours. There is often a deep-rooted cause, and dismissing it as merely ‘hormones’ will cause further isolation for the child or youth. My own experiences have instilled in me resilience and a profound sense of empathy for those in need, whether they belong to minority groups or are families and children in crisis. As a result of my adverse childhood experiences, I have been able to help and empower numerous vulnerable young people. My transformation from trauma to triumph, guided by a profound encounter with God, has equipped me to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Instagram | Website | Amazon
At school, survival wasn’t just about fitting in—it was about making it through the day with his dignity intact. The first time they shoved Gary’s head into the toilet bowl, he questioned how much more he could take. By the time they drew a swastika on his forehead, he stopped wondering.
In the backdrop of 1970s England, Gary navigates the chaotic seas of adolescence in the English coastal town of Hove. With humour and a delicious sense of naivety, he steers through a life marked by a blend of love and dysfunction, anchored by his loving and quirky mother and his deeply cherished father. But beyond the warmth of home, school is a much darker and crueller reality. At Knoll Boys, Gary confronts a relentless and vicious bullying that pushes his spirit and resilience to the brink. The horrors he endures are not just physical—they are ritualistic and dehumanizing, the cruelty seemingly unending. Yet, Gary’s resilience shines through, a testament to the human spirit’s capacity to endure.
Despite the bruises and hate-filled taunts, Gary discovers moments of unexpected joy, like the awkward thrills of first love and the surprising strength that begins to grow within him. As he navigates his family’s unpredictable antics and the dark corridors of his school, Gary’s journey becomes one of ultimate transformation—a testament to his unbreakable spirit and a beacon of hope for all who face similar challenges.
The Hate Game is a raw and profoundly moving coming-of-age memoir that explores the power of laughter and love. It’s a story that will leave you rooting for Gary, laughing with him, and inspired by his indomitable will to rise above the pain and become the change he longed for.
We All Want To Be Happy
We All Want to Be Happy is a heartfelt exploration of life’s simple truths. The story is told through a collection of reflective essays and personal stories. The author draws from her own experiences over eighty years. She shares her journey toward finding happiness and contentment. Each chapter touches on different aspects of life like love, loss, resilience, and the pursuit of joy. Each chapter offers readers both wisdom and comfort.
Anne Mullen-Martin’s writing feels like a warm conversation with a friend. Ann’s voice is clear, inviting, and tinged with nostalgia. She shares a childhood memory of her mother teaching her to focus on what makes her happy. A simple notebook that is used to jot down joyful thoughts becomes a powerful tool for shifting her mindset. This story, like many others in the book, serves as a gentle reminder that the most straightforward practices can have deep effects on our well-being. Ann’s willingness to share her vulnerabilities touched me. She openly discusses the emotional impact of turning sixty-five. The reality of aging hits hard. I found her honesty about facing these feelings refreshing and relatable. There’s no sugarcoating, it is just a real and raw reflection on what it means to grow older. Her eventual acceptance offers readers a comforting perspective on this inevitable part of life.
The book is also filled with practical wisdom. Ann emphasizes the importance of appreciating the present. I think she suggests that we often fail to recognize that we’re already living the dreams we once had. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder to take stock of where we are and find joy in the moment. This advice encouraged me to pause and see the value in my life.
We All Want to Be Happy is an engaging read for those who enjoy reflective and personal narratives. Ann Mullen-Martin shares her life lessons with warmth and sincerity, offering inspiration and comfort. This book is perfect for anyone who needs a gentle nudge to appreciate the small joys in life and to find happiness in the here and now.
Dr. Black Widow
Dr. Black Widow is an intimate and deeply personal story about Mike Cromwell’s journey through a failed 38-year marriage and a subsequent disastrous relationship with a manipulative woman all leading to a whirlwind of legal battles, emotional torment and eventual self-discovery. Cromwell uses his experiences to spotlight issues within the justice system, particularly in how men can be treated unfairly in domestic disputes. He also reflecting on the lessons learned about family, love, and personal strength.
I found Cromwell’s writing to be raw and unfiltered which made the emotional impact of his story hit hard. His candid reflections on his marriages struck me as profoundly honest. He acknowledges his faults during his first marriage, like neglecting his wife for the pursuit of money. But he also describes the crushing blow of betrayal when he discovers her infidelity. His recounting of this moment, when the house that symbolized their life together becomes just a “house on a hill,” beautifully illustrates the transformation of a dream into disillusionment. It was one of those moments that made me pause and feel the weight of his heartache.
Cromwell’s later relationship, the one he calls his “insane” second marriage, is a wild, almost unbelievable ride of manipulation and control. Chapters like “Living with the Spider” and “Breaking Point” left me flabbergasted at the cruelty and deceit he faced. His second wife, whom he portrays as a gold digger, manipulated not just him but the legal system as well, which only compounded his suffering. There’s a gut-wrenching moment where he is physically assaulted, a vivid account of waking up to punches raining down on him. The way he conveys his shock, confusion, and eventual resolve to fight back is intense and emotionally charged.
What I found particularly gripping were Cromwell’s reflections on the justice system. His experience of being wrongfully detained, facing biased treatment from law enforcement and legal entities, is central to his mission. Chapters like “Legal Entanglements” highlight his frustration with how easily the system can fail to protect the innocent. I could feel his desperation and anger when he describes taking an Alfred Plea, despite his innocence, because the odds were stacked against him as a man in such cases. This part of the book not only serves as a personal lament but also as a call for reform in how domestic cases are handled.
Dr. Black Widow is a candid and sometimes brutal, exploration of love gone wrong, personal failure and societal injustice. It is a deeply personal book, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in true stories of resilience, especially men who may feel overlooked or misunderstood by the justice system. However, it’s also a story that resonates with anyone who has experienced betrayal or fought for justice in the face of overwhelming odds.
Pages: 67 | ASIN: B0D87CTFV1
From Wall Street to the White House and Back
Anthony Scaramucci’s From Wall Street to the White House and Back is a candid and often irreverent exploration of his tumultuous career, weaving together lessons learned from the boardrooms of finance to the chaotic corridors of political power. This book isn’t just a memoir; it’s a guide to resilience, peppered with personal anecdotes, sharp humor, and brutally honest self-reflection. Scaramucci takes readers on a whirlwind tour of his life, from his early days on Wall Street to his infamous eleven days in the Trump White House, offering insights that are as much about survival in high-stakes environments as they are about personal growth.
Scaramucci’s style is punchy and direct as he breaks down big ideas by tying them to what he’s been through. Take his thoughts on ego, for instance. He doesn’t just say it’s dangerous; he shows it by talking about how his craving for status led him to join Trump’s team. This kind of honesty makes his advice hit harder and feel more genuine. Scaramucci doesn’t shy away from admitting his screw-ups. In a world where folks often dodge responsibility, he’s refreshingly upfront. He shares stories of failure—from a bad investment in Centocor to political missteps—with a level of self-awareness that’s both engaging and relatable. The chapter on his White House days is a must-read, not just for the events, but for the reflection that comes with them. Each chapter contains a new lesson and the author mixes stories with solid advice, giving you both entertainment and takeaways you can use. Scaramucci’s tips are clear and powerful, backed by real-life experiences.
From Wall Street to the White House and Back is a solid read for anyone interested in leadership and bouncing back from setbacks. Scaramucci’s no-filter approach is perfect for readers who value straight talk and practical wisdom. It’s a great pick for aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, or anyone trying to rebound from failure.
Pages: 226 | ASIN : B0CPZ162KK
LITERARY TITAN 