Blog Archives
Circling Home: What I Learned by Living Elsewhere
Circling Home: What I Learned by Living Elsewhere, by Terry A. Repak, offers an insightful and captivating account of her family’s life during their time overseas. Repak’s narrative style is engaging and eloquent, drawing parallels between their international experiences and the challenges akin to scaling a mountain – demanding yet extraordinarily rewarding. The memoir skillfully intertwines her personal journey with her husband Stefan’s professional endeavors in addressing the AIDS crisis. It presents a rich tapestry of experiences, evolving from her initial days as a new mother in Ivory Coast to becoming a seasoned traveler settling in Seattle.
Repak’s memoir stands out for its honesty and emotional depth, particularly in depicting family and friendship dynamics. Her interactions are not limited to fellow expatriates; she equally values her relationships with locals like Gladys, Adama, and Ousmane, showcasing the enduring connections formed despite geographical relocations. The narrative poignantly covers challenging times, such as her father’s illness, with a rawness that deeply resonates with readers.
Repak’s portrayal of her relationship with her daughter, Elena, is an especially compelling aspect of the book. Parents who have adopted will find comfort and understanding in Repak’s reflections on parenthood and the unique experiences of expatriate children. The portrayal of Elena’s growth is handled with nuance, acknowledging the complexities of her experiences thoughtfully and respectfully.
Circling Home is a commendable memoir, particularly for those intrigued by travel and life in foreign lands. Repak’s narrative is a reassuring guide for anyone navigating the intricacies of living in unfamiliar territories, providing a sense of kinship and understanding for those who have ever felt like outsiders. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of travel and the enduring strength of human connections, regardless of physical distance.
Pages: 308 | ASIN : B0BQDTBVSJ
The Woman’s Curse
Ginger Taylor’s The Woman’s Curse is an intellectually rich amalgamation of bible study, personal accounts, and pragmatic guidance tailored to couples. From the onset, Taylor candidly admits her years-long struggle with being an ideal wife, which sets the tone for this divinely inspired text. Her intent is to aid women in mastering the art of being a “submissive” wife and fulfilling their potential as the jewels in their husbands’ lives.
Taylor’s narrative is a journey of self-realization that carries the reader through a boisterous childhood, the pains of marital dissolution, and the tribulations of rearing seven children. She shares her joy in discovering love again with her second husband, giving us a window into her enduring fortitude and indomitable spirit. Her transparency regarding her struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder creates a relatable narrative that will strike a chord with many.
Throughout the text, Taylor deftly intertwines biblical teachings with stimulating questions ranging from theological to those echoing a marriage counselor’s office. She draws inspiration from the biblical story of Sarah, encouraging women to follow in Sarah’s footsteps by referring to their husbands as “Lord,” signifying a submissive wife. She ardently advocates for the importance of sexual intimacy within marriage and proposes that child discipline should chiefly be a father’s duty.
Undoubtedly, The Woman’s Curse will provoke intense reactions and potentially attract criticism, particularly given the current societal evolution in gender roles. However, Taylor unequivocally champions the idea that women are not inferior to men; she perceives their unique roles as an integral part of divine design. She holds women in high esteem, underlining their invaluable presence in men’s lives.
Despite Taylor’s self-confessed non-writer status in her introduction, it becomes evident that she is brimming with enthusiasm, which seeps into her words. I have immense respect for her resilience and commend her unswerving commitment to bettering the lives of others. That said, the occasional challenge of following her narrative due to an abundance of ideas or unintentional repetition is a minor shortcoming.
The Woman’s Curse is a bold exploration of marriage, spirituality, and the role of women according to the author’s interpretations of biblical teachings. Taylor’s openness about her personal journey and her commitment to fostering healthier relationships provide ample food for thought, even for those who may not subscribe to every aspect of her worldview. This book provokes contemplation and discussion, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in delving into a unique perspective on traditional roles in marriage.
Pages: 205 | ASIN : B0C383RXJH
Places We Left Behind: a memoir-in-miniature
In her riveting memoir, Places We Left Behind, Jennifer Lang crafts an inspiring narrative about love’s resilience in the face of geographical distances, cultural differences, and familial challenges. Lang explores her journey across three continents, juggling the upbringing of three children and managing the complexities of divergent religious beliefs. This tightly packed memoir resonates with poignant undertones of homesickness and self-sacrifice, revealing the remarkable strength of a woman who ceaselessly prioritizes her family’s welfare over her personal needs.
In Places We Left Behind, Lang chronicles her personal trials and tribulations and delves into the complexities of culture, religion and their impact on interpersonal relationships. The memoir is a testament to the immense power of love and sacrifice in holding a family together.
This concise yet deeply emotive memoir is ripe with hidden layers of meaning, making each page a journey in itself. Though Lang’s story is an extraordinary one, readers who have experienced the uncertainties of a new environment or have strived for harmony within marital relationships will find her tale highly relatable.
While it isn’t necessarily a self-help book, readers stand to gain invaluable insights from Lang’s resilient coping mechanisms and indomitable courage in the face of grave adversities, including her experience navigating terrorist attacks to ensure her family’s safety. Amidst all these challenges, her humility and warmth remain intact, creating a strong bond with her readers.
Lang’s unique narrative style, sprinkled with effortless humor and candid confessions, humanizes her as more than just an author – she feels like a familiar friend sharing life experiences. The book is cleverly structured with timelines, diagrams, and footnotes, creating a creatively educational format. This is particularly beneficial for readers unfamiliar with certain key themes in the book, such as Judaism and yoga.
She skillfully alternates between prose and poetry, adding a captivating rhythm to her storytelling. A particularly engaging feature is a series of reflective questions provided at the end of the book, prompting readers to introspect and connect more deeply with her experiences.
Pages: 95 | ASIN : B0C5Y5YY91
A Good Woman Is An Investment
The Mental Fight of Your Life shares with readers practical solutions on how to deal with challenges in marriage using Christian values. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book was essential to me as I looked up stats, and there is an awful large amount of single women in their thirties, and forty’s that I know personally. I said to myself, it’s not that hard to find someone or if you’re a woman to be found, so I did some research and interviews, and I realized that we as men needed to find ourselves and learn to be men again. The Bible says that the man is the head of the house, and That comes with great responsibility, so the idea to fight against anything that causes a man to want to give up hence the creation of this book.
What is a common misconception you feel people have about marriages and their success?
The misconception is that marriage is just a piece of paper. You see, so is money. However, we get up daily and work hard for it. Why not your marriage? I read a stat that says men live longer lives when married, and that says a lot. A good woman is an investment, but it’s up to the man to find a good one, not just someone he wants to sleep with.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
It was very important to share that we both must love self. You cannot begin to fully love others if you don’t love yourself. Self-love is very important.
What is one piece of advice you wish someone had given you when you were younger to help you with your relationships?
I wish someone would have told me that when you love, you would have such a fight on your hand to keep the passion alive. When you are young, you only see the beginning stages of a relationship, but once you get one and the butterflies leave, you must fight to keep the love going.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Look no further!
Are you looking to understand how to enter into a healthy relationship? Are you unsure what dating and marriage hold and want to learn?
The MENtal Fight Of Your Life offers the tools and advice needed to grow, understand, and stay together!
This book meets both men and women where they are on their relationship journey—using insights regarding masculine vs feminine roles. By speaking directly to young adult men as they mature, this guide shows how to be a real man, the importance of perseverance, the value in loving their wives, and how to understand and connect with the one they love.
Learn strategies for men that help them appreciate women’s needs and lessons for women about sacrificing for the sake of love!
With so much included in these pages, readers can gain a broader knowledge of relationships before embarking on their forever journey or have more insight should difficulties arise along the way!
No matter your current relationship status or questions; if you’re ready to invest in yourself, The MENtal Fight Of Your Life is a must-have guide that will help navigate any waters between loved ones!
An End to Arguing
In An End to Arguing: 101 Valuable Lessons for All Relationships, Linda and Charlie Bloom share their fifty years of marriage experience, offering insight into how to make relationships work and gently resolve conflicts. In addition, the book provides tips on avoiding arguments and shares essential lessons on managing differences in a relationship.
The authors’ background as psychotherapists is infused into their writing, resulting in a gentle and positive tone that makes the reader feel included in the discussion. The text is clear, and the phrases used are memorable, making the reading experience feel communal. This inspirational book provides value for readers, including life lessons, free marriage advice, virtual counseling sessions, and a positive outlook on relationships. The book contains 101 chapters, each tackling different but related topics, making it an engaging read for individuals of all ages and relationship types.
The authors offer insights on critical issues such as nonreactive listening, projection, negotiation, arrogance, people-pleasing, and agreements, among other topics. This book stands out because the lessons are not limited to just romantic relationships. The knowledge in the book can be applied to friendships, family relationships, professional settings, and any spaces that involve human relationships and interactions. The first chapter, which discusses the inevitability of differences in relationships and how to meet in the middle with your partner, is particularly profound and electrifying to read. The authors use multiple scenarios to expound on the topic being discussed, making it easy for readers to fully comprehend the main point.
An End to Arguing is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to improve their relationships, whether romantic or otherwise. The book provides practical tips, free advice, and a positive outlook on human interactions. It is an encouraging and enlightening read that is sure to provide value to its readers.
Pages: 332 | ASIN : B0BNM149DM
The Kitchen and the Studio
The Kitchen and The Studio: Memoirs of Food and Art by Mallory M. and John A. O’Connor is an alluring read. As the title implies, it combines a cookbook, an art book, and a memoir detailing the couple’s long and storied marriage. These elements are expertly blended to form a book that contemplates love, family, friendship, and the meals that bring us together.
We follow Mallory and John from their first meeting in a UC Davis art class in 1960 through moves, career changes, and heartaches over the next 60-plus years of their life together. Along the way, they share stories of the fascinating people they befriended and, of course, the food they shared with those people.
The book is beautifully illustrated, with stunning landscapes and still-lifes peppered throughout, along with photos and documents from the couples’ prosperous lives. Much of the art is by the co-author himself, though there are also some lovely pieces by the couple’s many friends in the field. I thought it was a nice detail that, rather than photos, many of the recipes are accompanied by paintings of the dish in question, bringing a personal touch you don’t often see in recipe books.
As someone interested in food history, this book was a fascinating resource. Coming from the perspective of one couple and how food has been a part of their own story and journey over the past 60 years, it tells a very personal story. In addition, the authors made sure to include some historical background for many of the dishes, which was incredibly enlightening.
The recipes sound delicious and include some more exotic ingredients that the standard household may not always have in stock. Readers may have to make adjustments when attempting to replicate these menus to take into account ingredient availability. This is one area I would have loved to have seen in this book, some substitution options for hard-to-find ingredients, just to make the dishes more accessible. That aside, this collection offers readers a chance to expand their cooking repertoire and experience something they might not have thought of trying. The authors have included in this informative book some helpful resources for those looking to experience the dishes for themselves, including a wine list and some information on small businesses that make quality ingredients.
The Kitchen and The Studio: Memoirs of Food and Art is a highly original presentation of food history and personal memoirs. The authors clearly have enjoyed their life together and share their passion for cooking with friends and family. The stunning artwork and poignant reflections make it an unforgettable read.
Pages 412
It’s In Their DNA
It’s In Their DNA: What And Why Men And Women Do Not Ask And Do Not Answer is an eye-opening book by Dr. Owen Watson and Dr. Ramona Watson. The intent of this insightful book is to help single people who are looking for a partner or couples to better understand each other and if they are suited for one another.
The book is a compilation of questions and answers that men and women are too afraid to ask their partners or don’t want to give answers to. In order to avoid confusion, both authors explain that the DNA in this book does not stand for deoxyribonucleic acid; it stands for “do not ask” and “do not answer.” And the question topics cover various different parts of everyone’s lives, including their upbringing, financial status and spending preferences, past relationships and intimacy, education, professional profiles, gender, marriage, drinking, and use of substances, as well as questions that consider the relationship directly like how long do the partners see the relationship lasting, monogamy, love, etc.
The authors approach all the topics covered from a psychological, social, and biblical aspect in order to help individuals with their relationships and not waste time on partners that aren’t necessarily suited for them. This is not to say that we should end things at the very first inconvenience but on the contrary. The author points out that we all have those “this is not what I signed up for” moments, but we need to understand that that is precisely what we signed up for, and some characteristics and thoughts come to the surface as time passes. It is important to ask questions that are by nature uncomfortable and carefully observe our partner’s reaction, will they be content, have a change in attitude, or even be transparent, that will set us up for what’s to come.
Considering that the book covers various parts of life, both authors kept all the topics concise and straight to the point. The authors also managed to create a piece of work that is suitable for both the general public and academic researchers as a tool in their work.
I recommend this book to anyone in a relationship or searching for a partner, especially younger people who are so used to change and everything social media serves them and seem to quit on things when it gets complicated and messy. What we can all take away from this book is that when you water and take care of plants, they grow and bloom. It’s the same for people and relationships.
Pages: 172 | ASIN : B0B9R2TDV5
The Book I Wanted to Read, But Couldn’t Find
Em’s Awful Good Fortune follows a “tagalong wife” ex-pat who travels the world with her husband and is on a journey of self-discovery to find her own voice in the world. What was the inspiration for the setup to your story?
Em’s Awful Good Fortune is the book I wanted to read, but couldn’t find, when I was living overseas. Most expat books are travelogues that focus on cultural exchange, language mishaps and strange food. I’m more interested in women’s issues. Having been a “tagalong wife,” I was able to use the international lifestyle as a backdrop for a different kind of story—what happens in a modern marriage when dual careers collide? I’m particularly interested in the imbalance that still exists between men and women, where women tend to do more than their share of multi-tasking and compromise.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Em’s story is grounded in lived experience, which is why the book has such an authentic, raw feel to it. That said, the characters are composites and extremes through which I explored Em’s basic dilemma: how can she make her marriage work if her own life doesn’t work.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Having lived in China during a catastrophic air pollution event, I initially set out to write about the real cost of rapid growth and industrialization on personal health and safety. But then, Em had a lot to say about marriage and compromise. And when I peeled back the layers to Em’s character, the issue of PTSD kept coming up. ParisTokyoShanghaiDetroit. The lasting impact that sexual assault has on a woman’s ability to live her fullest life without fear.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m working on a narrative non-fiction called Jew Girl. It’s about half done and I’ve got a 2024 pub date, so I need to finish it!
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
LITERARY TITAN 