Blog Archives
The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence – A Memoir
The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence is an evocative memoir by Gary Trew that delves into the harrowing experiences of his youth at Knoll School for Boys in Hove, Sussex. Set in the 1970s, the book captures the brutal reality of a boyhood overshadowed by relentless bullying, a toxic school environment, and the enduring trauma that came with it. Trew narrates his story with a raw honesty that draws the reader into the bleak halls of “Knollditz,” a nickname derived from the Nazi prison camp, revealing a world where survival often came at the cost of one’s spirit.
The memoir’s strength lies in Trew’s ability to convey the sheer terror and helplessness of his formative years while maintaining a sense of dark humor and resilience. His writing is candid and unflinching, offering a vivid portrayal of a school culture that normalized violence and dehumanization. The chapter titled “Playground Holocaust,” for instance, stands out for its disturbing recount of a ritualistic game where younger boys were subjected to mock concentration camp scenarios by their older peers. This chapter, among others, exemplifies the memoir’s disturbing yet necessary exploration of the long-term effects of unchecked aggression and the failure of adults to protect the vulnerable. While Trew’s recounting of events is gripping, his writing includes richly detailed passages that enhance the vividness of his memories, adding depth to the narrative. These moments offer readers a more immersive experience, allowing them to fully engage with the story. His comparison of Knoll School to infamous historical sites like Auschwitz might seem jarring at first, but it effectively communicates the intensity of the fear and oppression he felt as a child. One of the most compelling aspects of the memoir is Trew’s reflection on the psychological impact of his experiences. He does not merely recount his past but also delves into the lasting scars it left on his psyche, demonstrating a deep understanding of trauma and its complexities. His ability to articulate the silent suffering of his youth, while also finding moments of hope and resistance, makes this memoir not just a story of survival but also a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
The Hate Game: Screaming in the Silence is a powerful and disturbing memoir that will resonate with anyone who has faced adversity or struggled to overcome the demons of their past. It’s a must-read for those interested in understanding the darker side of school life and the enduring impact of childhood trauma. Gary Trew’s story is a stark reminder of the importance of empathy, intervention, and the need to confront bullying in all its forms. This book is particularly recommended for educators, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in memoirs that explore personal resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
Pages: 290 | ASIN : B0D9J21WGD
Someplace Besides Nowhere
Someplace Besides Nowhere, by Brian D. Holloway, is a captivating exploration of one family’s quest to uncover the hidden truths about their father’s mysterious origins. The story centers on Brian, the author, who is determined to unravel the secrets of his father Paul’s past. The challenge? Paul was an orphan, and the trail of clues is anything but straightforward. As revelation after revelation comes to light, Brian begins to question just how far people would go to keep their secrets hidden. Could the truth be so dark that someone would kill to protect it?
The narrative is built around a riveting mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Who were Paul’s parents really? Will Brian finally uncover the truth, or are some secrets better left buried? The suspense is palpable, making for a deeply engaging read. Brian quickly becomes a character you root for—his determination and commitment to finding the truth make him instantly likable. His siblings, serving as a supportive and encouraging team, add warmth and depth to the story, reflecting a strong family bond that drives the narrative forward. Their unwavering support underscores the importance of family and the lengths to which they will go for closure.
The tone of the story maintains a constant element of tension, which effectively draws the reader in. What stands out is Brian’s resilience; despite numerous setbacks in his search for answers, he never truly gives up. There are moments when it seems like he might, but in the end, his love for his family and desire for closure keep him going. The revelations uncovered in the story are nothing short of shocking, made even more compelling by the fact that this is a true story. The blend of romance, drama, and mystery, coupled with a cast of characters who genuinely steal your heart, makes this book an unforgettable read.
From the very beginning, Someplace Besides Nowhere hooks readers, and it is an epic journey that is both immensely enjoyable and emotionally gripping. This beautiful, shocking, and daring true story is as stunning as it is captivating, delivering a powerful narrative that will leave readers deeply moved.
Pages: 562 | ASIN : B0D53JGWX7
The Only Thing Stopping You is YOU!
The Long Way Around details your experiences growing up in a Mormon household marked by abuse and addiction and the challenges you have overcome over the course of your life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing requires a clear mind, so I would spend some time meditating before I wrote. Since I was in my late 60’s when I began writing, I had to regress decades to remember some of the events and specifics, and more importantly the feelings associated with the events. I had shared some of my stories briefly with a friend or two and they would say, “You need to write about that”, so I did.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
As I began writing, I decided that I should focus on the positive nature and write a motivational and inspirational piece that might help others with the challenges of life. As I have said, it took me four years and a bucket of tears to write this book.It was basically facing and dealing with the depression I had experienced over the years.
What is a misconception you believe many people have about growing up in a Mormon household?
Tara Westover wrote “Educated”, a memoir. Whe shares her Mormon story as well. I think that there is a lot of abusive households in every religion and Mormonism is no exception. Typically when I think of organized religion I think of the Sunday teachings of forgiveness and brotherly love that seems only to apply to Sunday. Monday through Saturday those philosophies are forgotten, as well as the ten commandments.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from The Long Way Around?
You can become the person you want to be, just as I have. The only thing stopping you is YOU!
Bruce Lee said the most important thing in life is to know yourself. Meditation is critical to do that!
Author Links: Facebook | X | Website
Near the Danube Bridge: A Story of Faith, Courage, and Endurance
Near the Danube Bridge is a deeply moving and richly detailed biography that explores the lives of two intertwined families during the tumultuous events of World War II and its aftermath. The book centers around Kalman Hartig, a man of deep faith and conviction whose experiences in wartime Yugoslavia test the limits of human endurance and the power of belief. This is not just a tale of survival; it’s a poignant exploration of faith, resilience, and the complexities of human nature in the face of unimaginable adversity.
The author skillfully explores themes of transformation, hope, and perseverance that Kalman and his family endured. The book is filled with visual elements that enrich the reader’s experience and understanding of the tribulations that Kalman experienced. These strategically placed descriptions amplify the emotional impact and the reader’s ability to empathize with Kalman and his family. Catherine Allen-Walter’s writing style is undoubtedly one of the book’s strengths. Her language flows effortlessly, and her concise yet meaningful prose creates powerful images without overwhelming the reader. The descriptive passages are particularly noteworthy, painting vivid scenes that linger in the mind.
Kalman is a remarkable man displaying unwavering faith and moral courage, which makes him both admirable and relatable to readers. His touching relationship with his family, especially his mother, Anna, provides insight into his personal development. The conflict between Anna’s newfound Seventh-day Adventist faith and the family’s traditional beliefs is a recurring theme, showcasing the family’s struggles within historical conflicts. This internal family tension adds depth to the book, making it more than just a biography but also an enlightening exploration of Yugoslavian history.
Near the Danube Bridge is a powerful and evocative historical biography that will appeal to readers interested in faith, resilience, and the human spirit’s ability to triumph over adversity. Catherine Allen-Walter’s meticulous research and ability to bring Kalman Hartig’s story to life for readers is admirable and inspiring.
Pages: 334 | ASIN : B0CT4Z62PM
Survival of the Fittest
Dying of Lassitude and Ennui is a striking collection of prose poems that confronts a multitude of personal and political themes with unflinching bluntness. Why was this a bucket-list item for you to publish before you die?
I’m 77 years old now; I could live another 20 years or be gone tomorrow this is a matter of personal importance to me. Trying to get a toehold in the American poetry publishing world is every British writer’s dream because the scene in the UK is dead from the neck up. It’s riddled with class snobbery and a ‘closed shop’ mentality.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I don’t have specific ideas or aims. A lot of my work is autobiographical due to the extraordinary level of social isolation and loneliness I’ve had to live with due to being severely sight-impaired. I’ve been shown very little human kindness and compassion during my long life as an Englishman born and bred. The British mentality appears to be the survival of the fittest and the devil takes the hindmost. I’ve managed to stay alive this long by getting clued up and street wise at an early age.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger?
I wish I’d known when I was younger how to take care of my physical and mental health and learned how to love myself and to not try and drink myself to death and not take mind-altering substances. All I’ve ever wanted is love and happiness and all I’ve ever had is heartache and misery and hardly any good luck at all.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your collection of poetry?
Whatever they want to, I suppose. I’m no saint; I’ve suffered for my art and now I’d like to reap some recognition and financial reward for it. I’d love to be rich and famous before I die. It’s not rocket science, just plain old human desire and ambition and a hope that I might still find love before I return to the void from whence I came.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
I’m an old man of nearly 77 years of age but I’m still young at heart. Publishing this collection is the last ‘to do’ item to be ticked off on my bucket list. When I die, I won’t be missed by anyone except myself.
If there is an afterlife I’ll find my paradise there, if not it truly is ‘Game over.’
Demanding but Rewarding Career
The Perils of a Loss Adjuster shares your insights and experiences from your career in the insurance industry offering readers a chance to see this field in a new light. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Many people think of insurance as a boring career, with very little excitement on a day-to-day basis. As with any profession, there are periods when the day-to-day work experience can be routine but when dealing with insurance claims every day is different. You find yourself dealing with individuals from all walks of life and the circumstances of each claim are unique to that individual or company. During my 10 years as a loss adjuster, I dealt with a large number of claims and I decided to keep a record of the more unusual, sad, interesting, or funny incidents that I dealt with. I promised myself that when I retired I would write about these incidents to share with my family and friends, many of whom had heard me describe some of these incidents over the years. When my memoir was in a basic draft form my family and friends encouraged me to publish it as they found it a very interesting, funny memoir which they believed would be enjoyed by a wider audience.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
It is always difficult to describe incidents which caused such distress to individuals or a company. Break-ins, especially at domestic properties, often leave individuals or families feeling violated and or traumatised and feeling unsafe in their property. A severe fire or flood would often destroy irreplaceable personal items and photographs or records which were part of a family’s history. It was hard to witness how this could have a severe impact on people’s physical and mental health.
From my point of view, I suppose the incidents where I made a fool of myself. In particular where I had to stand up in court and admit that I was unable to read my handwriting! Not a good look for any professional but I felt the story had to be told accurately and of course looking back it was an amusing set of circumstances. At the time, however, I felt awful.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
I want readers to understand how different things were back in the late 1970’s and during the 1980’s. Things happened then that would not be acceptable or tolerated today but we were living in a different time.
For a reader not in the profession to be able to enjoy the book it was important for me to explain some of the basic principles of how insurance claims were handled during that time and how an Insurance Peril was defined under a policy from that era. Once a reader has acquired this knowledge it helps them to understand how and why this led to the incidents I describe in the book.
Although Perils, Cover, Legal Precedents, and how claims are handled today have changed I hope that the book may be used by some in the profession, from a historical perspective, to compare differences and any similarities in the way in which Perils are defined and claims dealt with today.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
I hope that readers, whether they are in the industry or not, find it an educational, interesting, and funny memoir and realise that insurance can be a very demanding but rewarding career.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Instagram | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Throughout his narrative, Thurstan delves into various key aspects of the insurance industry, offering insights into accidental damages, loss adjustment, insurance fraud, auditing, banking, theft, and insurance claims. His anecdotes, often laced with humor, serve to demystify the intricate workings of the loss adjuster’s role, providing readers with an insider’s perspective on the challenges and triumphs encountered in the field.
Moreover, Thurstan’s memoir seamlessly intertwines technical explanations with personal reflections, creating a rich tapestry that not only sheds light on the complexities of insurance claims but also delves into the emotional impacts experienced by those involved. By offering a nuanced portrayal of the profession, Thurstan’s memoir offers readers a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the insurance industry, while simultaneously providing a source of entertainment through his captivating storytelling.
Encouragement and Solidarity
My Mother Only Had Me for the Check shares your story of survival and overcoming a childhood of abuse and neglect to become the strong woman you are today. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Writing this book was important because I wanted other women to know they were not alone in their struggles. Life can be incredibly tough, and sometimes, it feels like the challenges we face are insurmountable. But we have the strength to make it through no matter what life throws at us.
In sharing my struggles, I wanted to speak from a place of love and lived experience. I’ve been there, and I understand how it feels to be overwhelmed and underestimated. By opening up about my journey, I hope to offer encouragement and solidarity to other women who might feel isolated, defeated, and unloved.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest thing for me to write about was being raped by my uncle. For years, I carried the shame and guilt of that day. It felt like a dark cloud, constantly hovering over me, shadowing every moment of my life. I struggled for years, blaming myself for that incident, feeling like maybe if I had fought harder or screamed louder, then perhaps I could have changed my circumstances. But that’s the cruel trick of trauma—it distorts reality and makes you believe lies about yourself.
I was just a child, innocent and trusting, unable to comprehend the betrayal of someone who was supposed to protect and care for me. I remember the confusion, the fear, and the overwhelming sense of powerlessness. In the years that followed, those feelings morphed into a deep-seated guilt. I thought I was at fault, that somehow, I had invited or deserved what happened. I became my harshest critic, convinced that I was weak and unworthy.
It took decades for me to unpack the trauma of that day. Writing about this part of my life was excruciating but I knew it was necessary. I discovered the power of self-compassion. I forgave myself for all the times I thought I should have done more. I realized that a child should never have to fight or scream to be safe. The responsibility lay solely with my uncle, and his choices led to that dark day, not mine. Sharing that chapter was a way to reclaim my voice and break the silence that had imprisoned me for so long. I also hoped that other women who had suffered similar experiences might find solace in knowing they were not alone.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
One of the main ideas I’ve been passionate about sharing is encouraging women to embrace the importance of therapy.
As women, we often juggle countless roles—mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, professionals, and so much more. With all these responsibilities, putting our needs on the back burner is easy. But we need to take care of ourselves, too. And sometimes, taking care of ourselves means seeking help when we need it.
For decades, I used to think therapy was only for people facing a major crisis. But I’ve learned that therapy can benefit everyone. It’s a safe space where you can talk about anything without judgment. It’s a place to unpack your feelings, process your experiences, and develop healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges and trauma. I know the idea of going to therapy can be daunting, and it can feel vulnerable to admit we need help. But I’ve found that being open and sharing my traumatic experiences with my psychologist has helped me tremendously, and I hope it also encourages other women to seek the support they need.
Therapy isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of strength and self-awareness. It’s about recognizing that we all have areas where we can grow and improve. It’s about permitting ourselves to prioritize our mental and emotional well-being.
I encourage women to take that step. Reach out, talk to a therapist, and see how it feels. It might be one of the most empowering decisions you ever make.
What do you hope is one thing readers take away from your story?
The one thing I hope readers, primarily women, take away from my story is to never give up on hope or themselves.
I want every woman reading this to know you are strong, beautiful, and capable. Your value isn’t determined by anyone else’s opinions or standards. Embrace your unique journey, celebrate your accomplishments, and be gentle with yourself when things don’t go as planned.
Remember, hope is a powerful force. It keeps us moving forward, even when the path is uncertain. So, hold onto it tightly. Believe in yourself, cherish your dreams, and never give up on the beautiful person you have the right to become.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Growing up in a world where safety and love were scarce commodities, she learned to navigate a landscape fraught with pain and uncertainty. Yet, amidst the darkness, she clung to the flicker of hope, determined to carve out a better future for herself.
Through the ups and downs, rejections, and setbacks, she never lost sight of her dreams. With unwavering determination, she pursued her passion for writing, turning her pain into purpose and her struggles into stories. Each word is a testament to her resilience, a defiant declaration that her past or illness would not define her.
Today, her autobiography is a beacon of hope for women who have walked similar paths. Her journey serves as a reminder that no matter how daunting the obstacles may seem, there is always light at the end of the tunnel for those who refuse to give up.
The Long Way Around
The Long Way Around, authored by Leon Mecham, is a deeply moving memoir that delves into the author’s experiences growing up as a Mormon, grappling with poverty, and navigating the complexities of a challenging family life. Through vivid storytelling, Mecham takes readers on a journey through his tumultuous childhood, marked by abuse from drug-addicted parents and the harsh realities of a loveless household. At the tender age of 18, he was sent away to support his family, yet he remained steadfast and true to himself, overcoming the adversities that life threw his way.
Mecham’s narrative style is both engaging and evocative, drawing readers into the vivid landscapes of his early life. His ability to describe intricate situations and daily struggles with graphic detail creates a profound connection with the audience, allowing them to experience his hardships and triumphs firsthand. The memoir is set against the backdrop of farm life, highlighting the strong influence of the Mormon religion and the rural environment on his upbringing.
The content of The Long Way Around is nothing short of inspirational. Mecham’s life story is a testament to resilience and determination. His accounts of enduring poverty, dealing with his parents’ addictions, and the absence of affection offer readers a powerful role model who exemplifies staying true to oneself despite overwhelming obstacles.
This memoir is particularly impactful for those who may be facing similar struggles, providing not only a sense of companionship but also a beacon of hope and optimism. Mecham’s courage in sharing his story is commendable, and his survival tale is one from which we can all draw valuable lessons. The Long Way Around is a remarkable narrative of perseverance that leaves a lasting impression on its readers.
Pages: 276 | ISBN : 978-1667869292
LITERARY TITAN 