Blog Archives
RUN, GIRLS: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis
Jenny Cafaro’s Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis is a raw and deeply personal memoir that chronicles the author’s tumultuous upbringing in the Appalachian foothills. From the opening pages, it’s clear that this is not a sugar-coated tale but rather an unflinching exploration of generational trauma, survival, and resilience. Cafaro guides readers through her chaotic childhood, marked by domestic violence, poverty, and moments of unexpected grace, as she and her family navigate life in a world both beautiful and harsh.
What struck me most about the book is Cafaro’s ability to vividly capture the emotional and physical landscapes of her upbringing. In “Wallpaper Snow,” she paints a haunting scene where a shotgun blast turns a wall into a cascade of shredded paper, a moment that symbolizes both destruction and surreal beauty. Cafaro’s language here feels cinematic, and I couldn’t help but feel like a silent observer in the room, holding my breath as chaos unfolded.
Her storytelling is visceral and unapologetically honest, which made it impossible for me to put the book down. At times, the sheer weight of the violence and trauma described can feel overwhelming, though this is arguably intentional. These harrowing details serve a purpose, they underscore the desperation and courage of a family trying to escape a dangerous cycle. Cafaro balances these moments with glimpses of her family’s toughness and humor, offering a much-needed reprieve and highlighting the complexity of her experiences.
One of the memoir’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of resilience. Cafaro’s mother emerges as a figure of grit and determination, battling rodents in a camper with a hammer or carrying her children to safety while dodging bullets. These moments left me in awe of the human spirit’s capacity to endure.
Run, Girls is a heart-wrenching yet inspiring memoir that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of survival against all odds. Cafaro’s candid prose and vivid storytelling make this a compelling read, though it’s not for the faint of heart. I recommend this book to those who value unvarnished accounts of family dynamics and those who find strength in tales of overcoming adversity. This memoir doesn’t just tell a story, it grabs you by the hand and pulls you into the Appalachian hollers, leaving you changed by the journey.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B0CP3DCLSH
Social/Emotional Values
Priscilla and Tux: Brothers are Caring is the story of a little conure who settles on a unique show-and-tell topic when she decides to share about her adopted penguin brother’s homeland. Where did the idea for this story come from?
Tuxedo Baby Book 1 had been in my thoughts for over 20 years. I had been to the aquarium in Monterey, CA. There we saw penguins and they of course were adorable. I had a conure parrot at home and although the two species were unlikely, I found parallels to their lives. As a parent and former teacher, family values were extremely important to me which are all components in my books. Then, came Book 2 and it was Tuxedo Baby and His Annoying Cousins. In that book, I found similar experiences that Tuxedo Baby went through just as my own kids had regarding family, making good choices, knowing the consequences, and getting along with others. In Book 3, Priscilla and Tux, Tux is older and he is so proud to be a big brother. Book 1, Book 2, and Book 3 developed out of my own experiences being a mom, teacher, and a member of our family.
What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?
In Book 1, Tuxedo Baby, I added at the end Facts about the Magellanic Penguins, Oil Spills, and Cherry-Head Conures.
In each of my books, I provide on my website, curriculum guides for discussion, writing, activities, and coloring pages of the main characters. But the most important are the social/emotional values that my books are embedded with.
The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with Sergii Zavadskyi?
Sergii Zavadskyi has been excellent to work with. Mind you, he is surrounded by war in the Ukraine. He has been most attentive and when internet power was down, he always kept in communication with me as soon as possible. He has illustrated Books 2 and 3. Currently, he just finished my 4th book.
Can we look forward to more books featuring Priscilla and Tux? What are you currently working on?
For now, my latest book is called Swimmy, the Superhero: A Box Turtle’s Adventures at School. That book will be published in late August 2024, and in time to do school visits which is my goal for the 24-25 school year. I actually have a box turtle named Swimmy who retired with me when I retired in 2020. My classes year after year, always loved Swimmy. So, it was time for her to have her own book! As far as more Tuxedo Baby Books… perhaps in the future, maybe a holiday book?
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Twitter | Amazon
This is Not a Parenting Book
This is Not a Parenting Book by Amy Huntsman offers a refreshing and inclusive perspective on child-rearing, blending established educational philosophies with contemporary research. The book’s structure, dividing key concepts alphabetically from ‘A to Z,’ makes it an accessible and practical guide.
Huntsman’s writing style is engaging and insightful, striking a fine balance between professional advice and empathetic understanding. The book stands out for its emphasis on the Respectful Care® approach, which highlights the importance of nonjudgmental and inclusive practices in parenting and child care. Her use of real-world examples makes complex theories relatable, and the reflection exercises included with each concept encourage active engagement from the reader.
The alphabetical arrangement of topics from ‘Acknowledgment’ to ‘Zone of Proximal Development’ serves as an educational tool and handy reference for parents and caregivers. This structure, along with the appendix’s inclusion of helpful scripts and catchphrases, ensures that the book is a practical resource for day-to-day parenting challenges.
While the book covers a broad range of topics, some readers might seek a deeper exploration of certain complex issues. However, its breadth makes it a valuable starting point for anyone involved in child care.
Amy Huntsman’s book is like a treasure chest of ideas for anyone involved in raising kids. It touches on a whole bunch of topics, which means it doesn’t always dive super deep into every single issue. But I feel that’s actually part of its charm. It’s kind of like having a friendly, knowledgeable guide that gives you a great overview and starting points, making it perfect for anyone stepping into the world of child care. I found the book to be very helpful and packed with insights and practical tips.
This is Not a Parenting Book is recommended for parents, educators, and caregivers seeking a holistic and respectful approach to child-rearing. Its practical guidance, grounded in research and real-life examples, makes it a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand and implement inclusive and empathetic childcare practices.
Pages: 189 | ASIN : B0CQ2SLFRP
What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting
What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting: Parenting Tales from the Most Unqualified (Step) Mom Ever is a delightful and heartwarming guide to navigating the challenges and joys of being a stepmother. Jyl CJ Barlow offers a candid and entertaining account of her experiences raising two children from her husband’s previous marriage after living a relatively child-free, single life.
The book is organized into alternating chapters of heartfelt advice and personal stories, which are infused with humor and emotion. Barlow’s unapologetic honesty about the imperfect moments and her own shortcomings is refreshing, and she provides much-needed support for women in similar situations. Despite the book’s brutal honesty, which some may find a bit unnerving, Barlow’s openness and authenticity create a sense of normalcy around stepmotherhood.
The importance of certain points in the book is emphasized through repetition, and using italics, bullet points, and brackets adds a playful element to the writing. Personally, I found the chapters in which Barlow shared her personal experiences to be the most compelling. Her ability to create an intimate connection with the reader and her family through storytelling is a testament to her skill as a writer. In addition, Barlow’s writing style is comfortable and friendly, making the reader feel like they are old friends catching up on life. This approach allows readers to feel like the advice is genuine and not stock phrases you find in other parenting self-help books.
What to Expect When You Weren’t Expecting is a must-read memoir for anyone who is part of a blended family. I highly recommend it to current and future stepmothers and anyone with a stepmother in the family. This book is a valuable resource for navigating the complexities of stepfamily dynamics with humor, heart, and authenticity.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0BTR5CWFT
LITERARY TITAN 