Blog Archives
Finding Joe Adams: Overcoming Great Odds A Son Searches For His Father
After reading Finding Joe Adams by Joe Field, I can say it’s one of the most emotionally honest and gripping personal stories I’ve come across in a long time. The book follows the author’s decades-long journey to find his biological father, a man he never knew and was never told about. What starts as a survival story, abandonment, poverty, abuse, and resilience, morphs into a powerful account of identity, faith, and redemption. We follow Joe from a harrowing childhood in foster care and public housing to his adult years as a lawyer, all while haunted by the mystery of his origins. The turning point comes at age 60, when he finally discovers his father and a whole new family, culminating in a reunion that was captured on national television.
Joe Field’s writing is raw, often unpolished, and deeply human. His tone is not literary, but it hits you hard with its sincerity. He’s trying to tell the truth, and that truth isn’t always easy to digest. What stuck with me was how vividly he remembers pain. Not just his own, but also the impact of his absence on others. His childhood recollections are intense. Some moments are outright heart-wrenching: hiding from foster parents, watching his belongings vanish after yet another eviction, or enduring violence while alone. And yet, he rarely lets bitterness win. Instead, what comes through is a surprising current of humor, humility, and faith.
More than just storytelling, the book carries deep reflections on identity, belonging, and forgiveness. I was particularly touched by how Joe navigated his faith journey, not through sermons, but through the small, often overlooked kindnesses of others and the slow realization that he was never alone. His emotions are never oversold, which somehow made them hit harder. There’s an undercurrent of hope through every hardship, and that’s what makes the book linger. You walk away thinking not about how hard life was for him, but how strong the human spirit can be when it’s anchored by even the thinnest thread of hope.
I would recommend Finding Joe Adams to anyone who enjoys memoirs about resilience, family, and self-discovery. It’s especially powerful for readers who’ve ever wondered about their roots or struggled to make peace with a chaotic past. It’s a deeply personal story that feels universal in all the right ways. It’s not perfect, but then again, neither is life. And maybe that’s exactly what makes this book so worth reading.
Pages: 194 | ASIN : B0841PMGK2
The Velvet Hammer: Judge Belvin Perry, Jr.’s Capital Murder Cases and Memoir
The Velvet Hammer by former Chief Judge Belvin Perry Jr. offers a unique perspective within the true crime genre. It sets itself apart from the usual narratives penned by detectives, third-party authors, or perpetrators. Instead, it is written by the judge who presided over some of the high-profile cases detailed within its pages. The title, a nod to his courtroom nickname, will be familiar to those who recognize Perry as the judge in the infamous Casey Marie Anthony case.
Perry acknowledges that many readers will be drawn to the book because of his role in the Anthony trial, and he does not disappoint. A significant portion of the book delves into this case, revealing behind-the-scenes details that even avid followers may have missed. Perry shares insights from the courtroom, including moments that weren’t captured by cameras or recorded in transcripts, offering a fresh perspective on a case that captivated the nation. Beyond the Anthony case, The Velvet Hammer explores Perry’s personal life and other significant cases he handled, such as the Judy Buenoano case, also known as the Florida Black Widow. These accounts provide valuable context for understanding Perry’s approach to the highly publicized Anthony trial. The book paints a picture of a judge who, while emotionally detached in his professional capacity, also grapples with the isolating nature of his role. Perry presents certain elements of the case in a matter-of-fact manner, avoiding excessive graphic detail. This makes The Velvet Hammer accessible to a broad audience, including those new to the true crime genre.
For seasoned true crime enthusiasts, the book is a must-read, offering a rare viewpoint from the bench—a perspective that is both judicially objective and personally reflective. Perry’s account sheds light on the complexities of the justice system and the inner workings of a judge’s mind. The Velvet Hammer is a compelling read for true crime aficionados and an excellent entry point for newcomers to the genre. Its balanced approach, combining legal insight with personal narrative, makes it a standout work that offers something unique in true crime literature.
Pages: 339 | ASIN : B0D98XVXB3
Fear Dynamics: Harnessing Fear and Anxiety to Create Lasting Happiness and Meaningful Achievement
Stephen J. Dietrich’s Fear Dynamics is a powerful memoir-cum-self-help book that offers a lifeline to those grappling with fear. This acclaimed corporate attorney unflinchingly shares his journey through the darkness of childhood neglect and abuse, including sexual abuse from his father. Dietrich’s transformation from victim to victor forms the heart of this compelling narrative, as he provides readers with practical strategies for overcoming fear and anxiety.
“In many ways, self-acceptance is the antidote to neglect and abuse… By accepting ourselves, we reject the way people in our past have tried to define, contain, and control us.” The book is a masterclass in self-awareness, as Dietrich illustrates how seemingly mundane interactions can be haunted by past trauma. His candid portrayal of his own struggles, from the isolation he experienced to the challenges within his marriage, offers readers a relatable and empathetic perspective. Through his journey, Dietrich underscores the importance of confronting the past to build a healthier future.
While Fear Dynamics primarily focuses on individual healing, it also touches on broader societal issues. Dietrich’s observations about workplace pressures and the importance of work-life balance offer a refreshing perspective. His exploration of the tendency to mask struggles with a facade of perfection resonates with many readers who may feel isolated in their experiences. Dietrich’s strategies, dubbed the “Fear Dynamics Techniques,” are grounded in his personal experiences and offer a tangible path to healing. His emphasis on self-acceptance provides a foundation for rebuilding trust in oneself and others.
Fear Dynamics is a must-read for anyone looking to understand and conquer their fears. This book is not just a guide to overcoming fear; it’s an open and heartfelt discussion about the author’s struggles and triumphs. Dietrich’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of self-help techniques in transforming one’s life. The lessons he imparts are valuable and practical, offering readers a roadmap to navigate challenges with strength and confidence.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0D7JT21DF
It’s What Makes Me . . . Me – A Retired Attorney’s Relationship With Life and Times
It’s What Makes Me . . . Me is a captivating collection of essays that offer a unique perspective on life. Written by a retired attorney, Mark Shaiken’s essays cover a wide range of topics, from personal anecdotes to professional experiences. He invites readers into his world, sharing the journey that shaped him. His candid and often humorous musings paint a vivid picture of a man navigating the transitions from law to a more introspective, creative life.
Shaiken’s writing is not just insightful but also remarkably relatable. In chapters like “I Look Bad in a Hat,” his self-deprecating humor shines through, offering a light-hearted look at his attempts to fit into certain societal norms, a struggle many can relate to. Similarly, “Ramblin’ Not Amblin’” provides a poignant reflection on his life’s journey, marked by a series of significant moves and career changes. The essay captures the essence of someone who has never taken the easy path but instead embraced the twists and turns of a life well-lived.
In “Baseball & Me,” Shaiken’s love for the sport transcends mere fandom, becoming a lens through which he views and understands life’s complexities. His detailed memories of watching games with family and the evolving nature of his support for various teams reveal the deep connections and traditions that sports can foster. This essay is a delightful mix of nostalgia and personal growth, capturing the timeless nature of America’s favorite pastime.
The chapter “Work, Sleep, and Repeat” resonated deeply with me due to its poignant exploration of the monotonous cycle often experienced in demanding careers. Shaiken captures the essence of this repetitive routine by illustrating his personal experiences as a lawyer. He details the relentless pressure and the lack of personal time, which many professionals can relate to. The chapter’s strength lies in its raw honesty, Shaiken doesn’t shy away from describing the toll this lifestyle took on his mental and physical health. For instance, his recounting of late-night calls and the perpetual sense of urgency vividly paints a picture of a life where work dominates every waking moment.
It’s What Makes Me . . . Me is a compelling read for anyone interested in personal essays that blend humor, introspection, and life lessons. Shaiken’s ability to reflect on his experiences with authenticity and wit makes this book a worthwhile addition to any reader’s shelf. Whether you’re a fan of legal stories, personal memoirs, or simply enjoy a well-told story, this collection offers something for everyone.
Pages: 305 | ASIN : B0DB4CM98G
LITERARY TITAN 