Blog Archives
Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal
Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal, by Harriet Hodgson, is a moving memoir that delves into the author’s intensely personal journey. Hodgson’s brave narrative offers readers a raw exploration of the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies profound loss, but it also showcases the human capacity for resilience and healing.
Hodgson’s storytelling is both heartfelt and compelling, drawing readers into her world from the very first page. Her ability to convey the depths of her grief is nothing short of remarkable, making it easy for readers to empathize with her pain and sorrow. The book’s strength lies in its authenticity. Hodgson doesn’t hold back when describing the most challenging moments of her grief. She candidly discusses the physical and emotional toll that grief takes on her, from sleepless nights to the isolation and confusion she experienced. Her willingness to share these personal experiences is both courageous and reassuring for those who may be navigating their own journeys of loss and grief.
The title, Winning, aptly reflects the resilience and determination she displays throughout the book. One of the book’s outstanding qualities is the way Hodgson weaves practical advice and insights for those dealing with grief into her personal narrative. While I enjoyed the book, I feel that there were moments when the narrative felt somewhat repetitive, and some readers may find the pacing a bit slow. While the book offers an intimate look at the author’s journey, I would have loved to have had more insight into her emotional and psychological evolution.
Winning: A Story of Grief and Renewal, by Harriet Hodgson, is a heartfelt memoir that offers a powerful portrayal of one woman’s journey through the darkest moments of her life. Hodgson’s openness about her grief and the steps she takes to reclaim her life provide valuable lessons for anyone dealing with loss and searching for hope. This book is a must-read for those looking for a genuine and inspiring account of the human capacity to heal and find renewal in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0C2ZSLD29
Life After Death: Surviving Suicide
Imagine, at just 7 years old, grappling with the abrupt and traumatic loss of a parent. In Life After Death: Surviving Suicide, Richard Brockman provides heart-wrenching insight into a life-altering event he endured as a young boy: the suicide of his mother. Through the pages, readers journey alongside Richard, gaining an intimate view of his mother Ruth’s emotional turmoil and the aftermath her family had to navigate.
What makes this narrative compelling is Richard’s perspective as a Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University. Not only does he offer a deeply personal recounting, but he weaves in a nuanced understanding of the neurological processes that underpin such profound experiences. This isn’t just a raw recounting; it’s a masterful blend of personal pain and professional expertise that sets it apart as a potentially influential academic resource.
Grief, healing, and the complexity of the human psyche are themes explored with depth and sensitivity. As Richard paints a vivid picture of his mother’s battles – from her mental health struggles to her intimate feelings of unworthiness – readers are reminded of the very real and often silenced dimensions of mental health.
Richard goes beyond a linear tale, circling back to his own birth, shedding light on the powerful bond between mother and child, and the ripple effects that pivotal events can have on such a relationship. This book isn’t just Richard’s story; it’s a testament to resilience, the complexities of the human mind, and the indomitable spirit of those affected by such tragedies.
This is a tribute to a boy’s journey to heal the wounds of his past. Richard Brockman’s courage to share these deeply personal moments, all while delivering an educational perspective, is commendable. If you’re seeking a touching and enlightening read, especially those in the mental health and medical sectors, Life After Death: Surviving Suicide is an essential addition to your reading list. Trust me, its impact will resonate long after the final page.
Pages: 408 | ISBN : 978-1680998054
Resembling A Moth
Resembling a Moth by John Queor is a compelling anthology of deeply introspective poetry that takes readers on a profound journey of self-discovery and introspection. Through his meticulously crafted verses, Queor masterfully touches on themes of self-reflection and transformation, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s consciousness. With resonantly titled pieces such as “There’s a Silver Lining to My Suffering,” the poet artfully constructs imagery that ignites a gamut of emotions in his readers.
This collection sees Queor traverse a plethora of subjects, skillfully interlacing elements of astral projection, divorce, nirvana, and cigarettes, to name a few. Each poem is a heartfelt reflection of Queor’s own experiences, spanning across his lifetime from childhood through adulthood. The content is abundant and varied, affording readers a unique perspective into the intricate lattice of the poet’s life experiences.
Engaging with Resembling a Moth is akin to exploring a deeply personal diary, curated with thoughtful intent and opened up for public perusal. The contemplative nature of the verses piques curiosity. It stimulates deep thought, making it clear that these poems serve dual purposes, not just as a vehicle for self-expression but also as a therapeutic tool for the poet, thereby revealing his inherent poetic prowess.
Several of the poems are complemented by evocative photographs, each narrating its own distinctive tale. From cherished pets to starkly desolate bars, from personal selfies to intimate shots of loved ones, these visuals offer readers additional insight into Queor’s world. While the links between certain photographs and their corresponding poems might be readily discernible, others maintain an air of mystery, adding an element of intrigue and surprise. For those seeking more understanding, Queor kindly includes explanations for some of the photos at the conclusion of the collection, shedding further light on his artistic process.
While Resembling a Moth might not deliver an easily discernible theme or a traditional narrative arc, it exudes power in its specificity, effectively spotlighting the author’s unique thoughts and lived experiences. Some poems may challenge readers with their abstractness or may not resonate universally, but the collection as a whole beckons readers into the depths of Queor’s poetic cosmos. Here, self-examination and personal evolution form a complex, intertwined constellation, making for a truly engaging literary experience.
Pages: 210 | ASIN : B0BN5JR5YS
Harmony Dances On: A Book About Grief
It is hard to lose a loved one, especially as a child. When Harmony’s mother dies, she says that the pain is worse than anything else she has ever felt. She exsperances the emotions of anger, fear, and sadness and even finds chances to feel happy and hopeful. This vast range of emotions confuses her and even scares her when she momently forgets about her mom while dancing. Thankfully she has supportive family and friends around her that help her through this painful time.
Harmony Dances On: A Book About Grief by Mandy Woolf is a heartfelt story about a little girl managing the loss of her mom. Grief is a complicated emotion that is made up of many different feelings and exsperances. Harmony finds some comfort in her mother’s scarf; wrapping it around her and smelling it reminds her of her mom. She struggles with resuming normal activities like going to school and returning to her dancing. I loved how the author shows the other adults in Harmony’s life struggling with finding the right words but also being patient and understanding, showing that adults struggle with how to help their child process and deal with grief too.
Elmira Georgieva’s illustrations really bring out the emotions of the characters. I can relate to the grandmother wanting to take away Harmony’s pain and support her. The activities that are included at the end of this story are invaluable to helping families deal with grief. I loved the emotions wheel; it helps kids identify the different things they are feeling and understand that they can feel more than one thing at a time. I found “The 3 P’s” activity especially useful, not just for dealing with grief, but for every day to remind children to work at a healthy mindset each and every day.
Harmony Dances On: A Book About Grief is a well-written children’s book about a difficult topic. The author shows great compassion and understanding of children’s emotions in this picture book. This is a wonderful book to have on hand to help children that may experience a tremendous loss like Harmony.
Pages: 34 | ISBN : 1922670960
Everyone’s Grief Journey is Unique
Why Don’t They Cry navigates the tumultuous waters of grief and offers guidance to parents who have lost a child in their journey toward healing. Why was this an important book for you to write?
For over a decade, I have been approached by parents who have lost a child and have other living children. They would ask me why they were not seeing their children grieve. I wrote this book so parents could have a better understanding of what their children are going through. To give insights into some of the possible changes going on in the family. This book was important for me to write because I want to help parents gain an understanding of the sibling survivor experience and hopefully be able to help their children.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about grief?
That grief is somehow a time-limited process. The truth is everyone’s grief journey is unique. Also, I will NEVER get over the loss of my sister, but I am working y way through her loss every day. Some days are better than others. This is true for most people, they are working their way through their loss.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Giving insight into the sibling survivor ™ experience. Talking about the new family dynamics and hopefully helping parents to recognize their new expectations of their living children. Most importantly I wanted to shed some light on why we don’t cry in front of our parents.
What message would you like parents to take away from your book and your journey?
I hope that parents take away a better understanding of what the sibling survivor experience is like and find ways to support and acknowledge the loss of their children’s brother or sister. I also hope that I have provided useful tips that help open up communication within the family.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Why Don’t They Cry?
Why Don’t They Cry?: Understanding Your Living Child’s Grief by Zander Sprague (LPCC) is a book dedicated to parents who have lost a child, especially during childhood or early adulthood. Zander begins the book by piquing the readers’ interest with thought-provoking and interesting ideas about siblings. The relationships we have with them are often the longest-lasting relationships in life, but what happens if we lose a sibling at a young age?
Zander lost his older sister early in life and later dedicated his life to becoming a counselor helping people who have lost siblings. These individuals are often referred to as sibling survivors but are often the forgotten mourners years later while their grief continues to impact their lives. The survivors’ grief is often overshadowed by the anguish of their parents’ experience of losing a child. Siblings became the secondary mourners by default, which can bring about unique challenges, including how parents communicate with their surviving children, the healing process, and the side effects of loss, including divorce, marital stress, and family difficulties.
The book is written in a professional but compassionate tone. However, that does not take away from the emotions and stories shared in a beautiful, sensitive manner. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of love, sadness, grief, and reflection. I was impressed with the style of this book and how the author created a helpful guide for sibling survivors and recognized their pain, which is touching and important. It only took a few pages before I felt the full emotional impact of the book and the power of sibling bonds explained so well. I was deeply moved and left thinking about the process of grief and the complex journey of loss.
Why Don’t They Cry?: Understanding Your Living Child’s Grief by Zander Sprague (LPCC) is an excellent read for parents grieving the loss of a child. It’s a great book I recommend to professional child caregivers, counselors, psychologists, and teachers. It’s an essential read for anyone looking to support children or young adults through this harrowing loss. I can’t recommend this book enough!
ASIN B0BSC6B72C | Pages: 80
Corpse Beneath The Crocus
Corpse Beneath The Crocus by N.N. Nelson is a collection of poetry written about everyday moments of life, portraying what it means to be human. This provocative book beautifully depicts feelings of rage, loneliness, and anxiety while at the same time illustrating quiet mornings, the depths of love, and the power of silence. In writing about a wide variety of things, N.N. Nelson paints beautiful pictures with words and sheds light on moments and feelings, so many people are afraid to speak aloud.
This emotional collection contains raw and vulnerable narratives of happiness, heartbreak, anger, wonder, curiosity, lament, and regret. Numerous times, N.N. Nelson depicts being present in the present– recounting details of intimacy and transparency. Corpse Beneath The Crocus is a fantastic book for people looking to get in touch with their inner selves and process their deepest emotions. This collection of poetry will cause the reader to dive into memories and experiences of their own life while relating to the stories and narratives of N.N. Nelson. By going deep into their innermost thoughts and feelings, the author gives the reader a glimpse into moments and memories the readers themselves may have also experienced in a lifetime.
Corpse Beneath The Crocus will captivate anyone who is a deep thinker, empath, or introvert. I believe this book would be a great resource for people going through difficult times to find someone to sympathize with and relate to. Readers will find this is a great addition to their poetry collection and depicts moments of everyday life with simplicity, imagery, and poise. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. Genuine and eloquently written, this book will be a joy to whoever picks it up off the shelf.
Pages: 122 | ISBN : 1639887385
The Decision to Kill
When a crime is committed, numerous questions are asked. But if that crime rips apart the very core of a family, the only question to ask is why? When everything about who you are and who you love is torn apart, what have you got left to stand for? And would you overcome all the pain and sorrow to see justice prevail? Would you fight for your family? Is blood thicker than water? And in the end, could you say that you still love after so long of feeling nothing but hate?
The Decision to Kill: A True Crime Story of a Teenage Killer and the Mother Who Loved Him is brought to us by Leslie Ghiglieri. It is a memoir and true crime book that documents the investigation and murder trial of Dwayne Weir, a 16-year-old boy accused of murdering his father. The author shares all the gruesome details surrounding the case but does so in as respectful a manner as she can. The story is told from the perspective of his mother, Cherie. She talks us through the whole story, their lives, the events leading up to the murder, and what happens after.
The author has included real courtroom accounts and expert testimony on not just the actual murder but the mental state of Dwayne. What I really enjoyed about it was the use of actual letters written by Dwayne. This really gave an insight into his mental state and showed how far he retreated into the dark corners of his mind. But this tale is as much about his mother if anything. Her quest for the truth and her battle to understand is almost too hard to bare. Her struggle to move forward and reconcile her feelings for her son after what he did is heartwrenching. This is a story no mother ever wants to be a part of.
The Decision to Kill is an emotionally charged biography and true crime story. This gripping story will engage readers as they follow the tragedy and follow along as the family searches for the answer to why. A must-read for any fans of true crime.
Pages: 340 | ASIN : B09ZNKF28B
LITERARY TITAN 