Blog Archives
Another Place Called Home: Surviving Foster Care
In her memoir, Another Place Called Home: Surviving Foster Care, author Susan DuMond recounts her formative years spent navigating the foster system in 1950s upstate New York, offering a candid and deeply personal glimpse into the struggles and small victories of her journey. At the age of 11, following her mother’s incarceration and subsequent hospitalization due to alcoholism, she finds herself in the Susquehanna Valley Children’s Home in Binghamton. Her narrative begins with this tumultuous period, marked by her mother’s challenges and her stepfather’s absence.
The memoir is marked by its vivid, present-tense prose, creating a sense of immediacy that draws the reader into the author’s world. It details both the harsh realities of life in the children’s home and the fleeting moments of kindness and compassion she experiences. The author vividly describes the transition from dormitory-style living to smaller, cottage-based residences, each housing twelve girls and a housemother. She recounts instances of harsh treatment, particularly under the watch of the stern housemother of Cottage 3, alongside moments of warmth and guidance offered by figures like Mr. McPherson, the director of the home, and Miss Maude, the new housemother of Cottage 3. An intriguing aspect of the memoir is the author’s foray into the world of summer stock theatre at the age of sixteen. Her tales of backstage life and encounters with notable theatre personalities of the decade infuse the narrative with a sense of levity and adventure, providing a contrast to her otherwise challenging circumstances.
Another Place Called Home: Surviving Foster Care serves as a poignant and emotionally resonant account, weaving together DuMond’s trials and triumphs into a compelling narrative. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of resilience and hope in the face of adversity, culminating in an inspiring tale of unlikely success.
Pages: 247 | ASIN : B07PLL1X63
#Heal4Real
Highway to Healing is a personal memoir that recounts your journey through childhood trauma and loss, revealing how faith and therapy guided you toward healing and self-discovery. Why was this an important book for you to write?
It was important for me to write this book to continue to heal and help people who have experienced trauma in various aspects of their lives to change the narrative in how we navigate through it. People need to know they are not alone and what can be done to take the necessary steps to #Heal4Real so they can be whole and walk in their truth authentically.
How did writing this memoir affect your own healing process?
The effect writing this book had on my own healing process was very profound. It began as me just wanting to journal my way through my therapy sessions so I could reflect back at a later time in my life. However, in the process of doing this I felt a strong urge that confirmed it was going to be more than that. Although, I didn’t know what that would entail reading back over it then and even now it continues to push me forward in my choice to protect my peace on purpose. It serves as a reminder that I made it through to the other side and to maintain the level of peace and joy I have now, I must be intentional about continuing to make choices that align with that decision.
What do you hope readers take away from your story, especially those who may be facing similar challenges?
My hope is that others are encouraged, empowered and inspired to dedicate their time to commit to true healing by doing the necessary work. I want people to really self reflect as they read my book to identify what “work” is necessary for them to do in order for them to #Heal4Real so they too can be the best version of themselves for not only their loved ones but always for themselves because they deserve that! Truth is there’s a real importance and impact that is made when we are intentional about unpacking the different traumas so that we #Heal4Real.
Secondly, I hope they understand that true healing requires us to confront the uncomfortable things and/or people that contributed to the pain and trauma. This allows us to properly deal with it and put it away so we learn how to better deal with our triggers instead of them dealing with us.
How has your journey and the process of writing this memoir changed your perspective on life and relationships?
My perspective on life and relationships has been forever changed through eye opening experiences I encountered while on my own highway to healing journey. I learned so much about myself when I made the choice and that’s been a pivotal factor in my healing and how I see and deal with people now. I learned that I was looking at the world and all the people in it through trauma lens pre therapy. However, all that changed slowly but surely every session that I made the decision to show up for ME. Fast forward and post therapy I understand myself better than I ever had in my entire life. I look at circumstances differently and choose to allow people to be who they want to be in my life versus who I expect them to be and govern myself accordingly. I find that I’m happier and less stressed and frustrated with this approach. I learned that no matter how much we want things to be a certain way or people to behave we can’t change it or them. We can want better for others but they must not only want it for themselves but also be willing to work for it. So, with this in mind, I focus on ME and what’s within my scope to grow and be the best version of myself because that’s what I have the power to change and impact the world in a powerful way.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
While our journeys may not be exact, you may resonate with mine, and vice versa. It’s important to understand that we can all learn something from each other, no matter the difference in age, gender, or any of that other stuff we put labels on. Be willing to bet on YOU, the HEALED YOU! I’m not talking about the “half healed” version of yourself where you confront what’s comfort- able to circumvent what’s conducive. True healing requires commitment. You owe it to yourself. Too often we sacrifice ourselves, including our happiness, peace of mind, and joy, without ever being intentional about pouring back into our own cups.
“GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION AND USE YOUR PAIN TO POUR INTO YOUR PATH THAT LEADS YOU TO YOUR PURPOSE.”
~SHAE PRATCHER ~
My Personal History of Philosophy to it’s External Things
Kenneth Guimond’s memoir, My Personal History of Philosophy to its External Things, offers a poignant and reflective journey through the life of a Native American man. Guimond recounts his experiences as he navigates various challenges, from familial turmoil and financial hardships to personal health issues. His narrative interweaves the themes of love, loss, and confronting societal biases while finding solace in ancestral spirituality and the significance of numerology.
The book delves deeply into the intricacies of fatherhood, particularly through Guimond’s candid recounting of his son’s severe burn accident. This incident, which left his son with significant injuries, showcases Guimond’s vulnerability and the universal struggle of parental helplessness, resonating with readers who have faced similar situations.
Interestingly, Guimond’s engagement with symbols and numbers provides a unique lens through which he views his life, sparking curiosity in these topics for the reader. His personal story related to the number 27 and his experiences with spiritual entities in his home is particularly intriguing and thought-provoking. Spanning from his high school years to his role as a grandfather and the loss of a grandchild, Guimond’s memoir touches on various stages of his life.
While the narrative moves at a lively pace, transitioning swiftly between topics, this approach adds a dynamic rhythm to the memoir, although it may leave some readers wishing for further exploration of certain aspects. Guimond’s biography is an invitation to explore his journey, filled with trials and triumphs, and gain insight from his spiritual and philosophical perspectives. It serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and understanding towards others, as we often remain unaware of the hidden struggles behind outward appearances.
My Personal History of Philosophy to its External Things is a compelling read, particularly for parents and those who have navigated the complex dynamics of family relationships.
Pages: 53 | ASIN : B0CB7ZGDPD
Rise of a Lightworker
Rise of a Lightworker by Will Sibley offers a compelling and reflective journey into the life of a man who embraced healing on both an energetic and spiritual level. This concise yet impactful narrative engages the reader with its candid first-person account of Sibley’s experiences, from his early years in North London through challenging times as a young adult to his eventual discovery and dedication to spiritual healing practices.
Sibley’s storytelling, devoid of any pretense, candidly addresses his struggles, including his encounters with alcohol addiction and depression. This openness, combined with a whimsical and grounded tone, allows readers to connect deeply with his life’s journey. His transformation, marked by a profound experience with a spiritual presence, paves the way for his embrace of Spiritualist principles and Reiki healing.
The book shines a light on the nuanced path of a healer. Sibley’s humble recounting of his work with individuals suffering from various ailments, including cancer and arthritis, provides an insightful and humble perspective. The narrative goes beyond the aesthetics often portrayed in modern media, revealing the discipline and dedication required in the healing arts. Sibley’s life story is shown with a sense of sobering and inspiring realism. His resilience and acceptance of life’s challenges, coupled with his discovery of Reiki as a means of aiding others and achieving personal serenity, is enlightening and offers a compelling introduction to the world of spiritual healing.
Rise of a Lightworker is not just a memoir; it is an invitation to understand the depth and discipline of a healer’s life, making it a valuable read for those interested in spiritual development and healing practices.
Pages: 159 | ASIN : B07LB1Q4K7
What I Wished I Had Known
Shared Crossing-The Final Journey is not just a memoir but a look at the challenges of caring for loved ones in their final stages of life and the mysteries surrounding death and the afterlife. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Through my work with the Shared Crossing Project, I knew a lot about near-death and shared death experiences, and the extraordinary experiences that can be shared between the living and the dying towards the end of life.
When I found myself becoming a caregiver, I really struggled to understand what was happening to my mother—the changes in her health and her capacities. As a psychotherapist, I had a number of clients facing similar situations with their aging parents. I was witness to the toll on caregivers, and the kinds of conflict that can arise within families—that can either bring people together or tear them apart. It felt important to place the extraordinary, awe-inspiring experiences that are possible within the challenges of caregiving.
When I first started writing my book, I did not set out to write a memoir. I simply wanted to share “what I wished I had known,” in hopes of helping others and making their lives a little bit easier.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
That is not an easy question to answer. My book has so many layers. What different readers respond to in my story always surprises and delights me. I have purposefully not tried to explain my experiences so that each person might take what they need.
Mine is not a traditional memoir. The introduction and appendix provide information on end-of-life studies so that readers can understand what shaped some of my interactions with my mother—and perhaps view my story from a new perspective. The remainder of the book is deeply personal—it’s more about experiences than ideas.
Caregivers and readers may see themselves in my struggles, or reflect on their own family dynamics. Friends and family who are not on the front lines of caregiving may be able to better understand and support those who are. Some readers may gain new information and ideas about things they can do to prepare, or to manage challenges as they arise. Others will want to delve into the deep questions about life and death that are inherent in the Great Mystery.
I know that most people don’t like to think or talk about death, but when we do, we are no longer alone. Also, when we become familiar with some of the remarkable phenomena that commonly occur towards end of life—that may seem strange or even miraculous—we open into entirely different kinds of conversations. When we don’t dismiss the musing of the dying as “not real,” these conversations unfold in unpredictable and uniquely personal ways.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story, sharing with readers your experiences as your mother’s health declined and the realizations this brought you. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The hardest thing was making the shift from a more informational approach to deciding to tell my story. To write a memoir, I had to be willing to become very vulnerable. I had to sit with that for a while. Ultimately, information is useful—stories are healing.
The most difficult part to write was the chapter sub-titled “Tragedy of Errors” because I felt that I had failed so badly. That was the moment I realized my mother’s recent illness had taken a major hit on her mind, and felt the depths of her fear and pain.
Other heartbreakingly poignant moments were not as difficult to write because they are infused with such beauty.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
I have dedicated my book to caregivers, whether they are the primary caregiver, friends, family, or medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, or staff.
Being a caregiver is a weighty responsibility. There is so much that needs to be done, at a time when many things are outside of our control. Being simply present—being with—the dying person and allowing them to share their journey with us is where the greatest gifts lie.
As my mother will tell you, “It’s very special to be able to share what I’m seeing with you …”
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Website 2
“A truly beautiful book! Deborah Harkin takes on the big existential questions about dying, death, and life itself as she unfolds her intimate end-of-life journey with her beloved mother. She leaves no stone unturned in her thoughtful, tender, and riveting account. Dr. Harkin offers the reader a groundbreaking perspective for living life’s final chapter with a forgotten wisdom and courageous love. Put your seat belt on as this deeply honest memoir will bring you to tears, unexpected joy, and sublime peace!”
William Peters, MFT
Founder of the Shared Crossing Project, and author of At Heaven’s Door
“Eloquent and moving. A deep dive into the gifts and challenges of caregiving and accompanying the dying. Read this book—you will laugh, you will cry and you will be grateful.”
Dr. Monica Williams
Emergency Physician and author, It’s OK to Die
“Deborah Harkin’s book brings into sharp focus that spiritual experiences are mysteries to be appreciated rather than events to be explained. Deborah’s journey to embrace her own experiences around end of life can serve as a model for readers to be more receptive to those elusive moments of transcendence and wonder.”
Michael Kinsella, Ph.D.
Hospice Spiritual Counselor and Religious Studies Scholar
“From a joyful and magnetic cover image to its bittersweet ending, this memoir is a study of love and compassion in action as Deborah interacts with her colorful mother in her waning days. My favorite story in the book begins on page 12 with the section My Mother, the Wild Woman, which begins with Mom lassoing an alligator and ends with amateur surgery on a deeply wounded cat. In the end the author wonders “What happens when we die?” while skillfully showing us a wonderful life.”
Paul Perry
Co-author with Raymond Moody, MD, PhD, of Proof of Life After Life
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What happens when we die?
In this captivating memoir, Deborah Harkin takes readers on a thought-provoking exploration of the mysteries surrounding death and the profound connections that can be forged between the living and the dying. Drawing upon her own experiences with her mother, Harkin delves into the realm of shared crossings, where extraordinary encounters offer glimpses into what lies beyond.
As her mother’s health deteriorates, Harkin finds herself immersed in a world where discussions about death take on an unexpected vitality. With a background in psychology and an internship under the tutelage of William Peters, a renowned figure in end-of-life studies, Harkin is uniquely prepared for the journey that awaits her. Yet, despite her knowledge, she discovers that she must navigate uncharted territory.
In a captivating blend of personal memoir and enlightening research, Harkin weaves a tapestry of extraordinary experiences, blurring the boundaries between the physical and the spiritual. Through her heartfelt storytelling, readers are invited to witness the challenges of caregiving alongside the awe-inspiring possibilities that emerge in the face of mortality. Her memoir is a gentle yet powerful testament to the reality of shared crossings and the transformative power of love and connection.
Becoming More Greek Every Day
A Parthenon in Pefki: Further Adventures of an Anglo-Greek Marriage shares the journey you and your wife have been on combining your lives and making memories together. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea to write this series of books?
My journey began when Alex and I fell in love. Alex, being Greek, lived in a suburb of Athens, while I lived in London. We agreed I should move to Greece as our long-distance relationship blossomed. Her incredible and loving family warmly welcomed me with open arms.
When I first arrived in this beautiful country, my fiery Greek wife made it a mission to convert me from a strait-laced Englishman into something resembling an Achilles-type character with sharpened sword and wits to match. My transformation would sometimes be hilarious, always embarrassing, but would change my outlook on life and open my eyes to the world around me.
My books cover my introduction to Greek life, cultural differences, and laugh-out-loud moments together with my becoming more Greek every day. This feeling just had to be shared. My first book, A Parthenon on our roof, became an overnight success. The second in the series, A Parthenon in Pefki, is also riding high in its Amazon category and quickly gaining ground. My third book is due to be released soon, Musings from a Greek village, and the next in the Parthenon series is coming next year.
Both Alex and I are very proud of the reception our books received. From the day of publication, they both became best sellers on Amazon worldwide. They reached number one in the category of Greek Travel, Humorous Essays and remain in the top 20 in Australia, USA, and UK. Gold medal winner. The Global Book Awards. Biographical–Travel.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Writing a book about our lives together in Greece was a project which I enjoyed immensely. So many incredible experiences, visits to idyllic Greek islands, exploring the traditional foods and hospitality. But the most important message to share in my books is the love and kindness shown by the Greek people. The Greek word philoxenia, literally meaning “love of strangers,” is an example to the world.
What is one of the most unexpected or humourous moments you had once decided to build a new home on Pefki?
There are so many laugh out loud moments. Being arrested and spending the day in police cells for building a wall was one memorable experience. Being introduced to the local homemade fire water, Tsipouro. The only challenge is getting past the first glass. The first sip hits the back of your jaw like a hammer. You feel you have poured concentrated lemon juice into your mouth as it causes a shooting pain just below your earlobes. Then the burn starts. As you gather the confidence to swallow, your throat tries to close to protect itself. You must resist your body’s gagging instinct to rid itself of this interesting flavour, but you must persist. As you swallow the first mouthful, fire runs down and settles on your chest. First-time drinkers usually assume they are suffering a heart attack at this point, but it soon fades away, leaving you sweating and disoriented.
Here, life is simpler. If you miss a bus, there’s probably another tomorrow. Things run in a different time zone. People are more relaxed, there’s no pressure to rush and keep appointments and everyone is happier for it.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
Greek family values. Families are closer here. Older people are respected and loved. It is unthinkable to make a family decision without the approval of Grandma or Grandpa. People treat others with love and respect, regardless of their occupation.
Everyone is proud of what they do. Job satisfaction here has always been high. There is no class structure in the village, and everyone is proud of their work. Our friend Maria spends the summer months helping in her brother’s taverna. She also helps her mother as a cleaner in some of the hotels. Her father transports them from workplace to workplace in a battered transit van. When not driving, he is the local cheese maker.
In many countries, people look down upon workers who perform the menial tasks. People in many countries consider road sweepers and cleaners as invisible necessities, while they perceive themselves as superior because they have higher-paid jobs.
Not here. Maria is proud to be a cleaner. Demitri is proud of his wine. Maria’s dad makes the best cheese in the village.
Then, at the end of the day, everyone comes together as one enormous family. The cleaners relax with the hotel owners. The woodcutter chats with the doctor, the charcoal maker and the mayor share a glass of Tsipouro. Everyone is equal in our village.
Here, your status in life is not what you do, it’s who you really are. Long may that last.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
After perfecting their new apartment (complete with mini Parthenon) in a cosmopolitan suburb of Athens, Englishman Peter and his Greek wife Alexandra check out life in an authentic fishing village on a Greek island. They instantly fall in love with Pefki and plan to build a house there.
But all is not as it seems. As Peter and his feisty wife delve below the surface, they discover the sleepy village is hiding a wealth of secrets. Unperturbed, they embrace the fascinating village culture with unexpected and hilarious results. What could possibly go wrong in paradise?
Highway To Healing
In her deeply moving memoir, author Shae Pratcher navigates a journey marked by intense emotional landscapes, beginning with early childhood trauma inflicted by a trusted family figure. This narrative is further complicated by the heart-wrenching loss of a child, events that collectively shape her life’s trajectory. The author candidly shares how her steadfast faith played a pivotal role in weathering these storms, illustrating how spiritual guidance and listening to divine direction became her compass in seeking healing from her deep-seated traumas.
Pratcher’s memoir is remarkable in its exploration of the healing process, delving into the author’s year-long therapeutic journey. Her eloquent portrayal of this experience resonates deeply, offering a message of hope and resilience. It underscores the idea that even in moments of perceived helplessness and despair, there lies an innate strength within us, a capacity for direction and self-recovery that often surpasses our expectations.
Throughout the book, the author confronts various personal challenges, demonstrating a commitment to self-care and healing. Her decision to openly acknowledge and address the sources of her pain and discomfort is both courageous and inspiring. This process not only aids in her own healing but also reshapes her identity for her family, revealing her authentic self – a testament to the beautiful creation she believes herself to be through her faith.
This book, while challenging to read due to its heavy emotional themes, imparts a powerful message about accountability and change. It echoes the author’s belief that desiring change is one thing, but actively making choices that align with that desire is another. Her journey, as narrated in this memoir, is a compelling testament to the power of faith, therapy, and inner strength in overcoming life’s most daunting challenges.
Pages: 196 | ASIN: B0BXNFGBHC
Literary Titan Book Award – Dec 2023
With innovative themes and a knack for turning words into elegant prose, these stunning books effortlessly elevate the art of storytelling. Here’s to the brilliant authors who’ve turned fresh ideas and heartfelt narratives into beautifully written journeys. Your remarkable talent deserves every bit of this recognition.
Award Recipients
FastFlight 540: In Search of Xander by M.M. Mesldorf
Thrive: Ghosts in the Glades by Staci Andrea
The Miracle that made us a United Nation by Betty Lou Rogers
Power by Chuck Fair
The Wood Sprite by James Dobie
Soar a Burning Sky: Echoes of EonThera: Book One
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
LITERARY TITAN 