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When to Run, Born Scared
When to Run, Born Scared by Stephanie King is a book about a young Canadian girl who suffers through an abusive childhood. She struggles to find a way to survive her horrific home life and tries to escape several times. But she ends up back in the same terrible place again and again. In a bid to finally be free from her father’s control, she finds herself in a situation that is just as bad as the one she was so desperate to leave behind. Will she ever be able to put the past behind her and make a good life for herself at last?
The theme of this story was finding a way to survive somehow. Reading about the things Stephanie had to endure in her life, like childhood abuse, rape, drug and alcohol addiction, eating disorders, anxiety, depression, domestic assault, and medical issues that required multiple surgeries and a long recovery, it was amazing that she was able to survive. In addition, she had the strength to persevere after going through so many terrible things. I was surprised that she continued to put her trust in people after her own family had shown her the true evil that could be found in the hearts of people. Sometimes she had to trust other people because she had no other choice. However, Stephanie proved that she was a survivor. No matter how many times she stumbled along the way, she never gave up and kept fighting to survive. Stephanie’s story continues in Book Two, Among the Guilty, Under Attack.
The first chapter of the story jumps around, talking about Stephanie’s father’s childhood and mentioning him fighting in the war, then relaying experiences that happened during Stephanie’s own childhood, then going back to before her father left to fight in the war. This is how memories work sometimes. They don’t always follow a logical path but are connected in one way or another.
I felt that it wasn’t always clear how old Stephanie was during certain incidents that happened throughout the book, and I would have liked a clearer picture of the timeline. The inclusion of the graphic descriptions of sexual abuse of a child was hard to read through, but it also allowed me to connect with Stephanie and understand the depth of suffering she endured.
When to Run, Born Scared is a deeply personal memoir of what one woman had to do to survive the life she was dealt. Readers looking for a personal account of hope and survival will appreciate Stephanie’s story.
Pages: 245 | ASIN : B08TH74KR9
Journey into the Shadow and the Sunshine
Journey into the Shadow and the Sunshine by Annabel Harz is a collection of poetry, artwork, and color that come together to describe the writer’s journey from abject desolation to hope. This is not an anthology to dip into and out of; it’s instead like the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” in that if you don’t see it through to the end, it’s the saddest, most bleak story ever told.
The first two-thirds of the book tells the story of a lonely woman, abused and slowly dying from crippling depression. This whole section is skillfully summed up in the poem “My World,” describing her willingness to give away her world “to anyone who wishes to take it” because she is “too tired and not strong enough to fix it.” This section of the book has a nearly overwhelming number of poems written from the depths of her depression. They speak of the darkness that can consume those living with depression. Like how depression does not have a set of rules, many of her poems lack metaphor or even meter. These pieces are not only poems; they are plaintive howls of despair from a pit of desperation and pain. Phrases, like “washed by the tides of fortune,” create moments of magic for the reader. For me, the perfect description of the girl in the first part comes from “Emotional Backlash,” in which she is a “glass girl, exposed and ready to shatter.”
The poems are beautifully illustrated by Harz as well. Some of the pictures are childlike, some powerful, and some are little more than doodles. But they are almost all effective in representing the poem they are paired with. “Life Force Within” gracefully depicts the writer’s entire journey from suicidal desolation into hope, where “Each footstep of your journey transforms you into a petal of the flower you will become.” The collection is completed with dignified composure in “I Am.”
Journey into the Shadow and the Sunshine is powerful, resonant, and ultimately uplifting. This poetry collection will stay with readers long after they finish reading the last poem. Lovers of poetry, those struggling with depression, women looking for someone that understands, this collection has something for all.
Pages: 110 | ASIN : B09JM6BYWX
Based on a True (Traumatic) Brain History
In the blunt and honest book, Mark Allen narrates his life story Based on A True (Traumatic) Brain History: A Short Memoir. Covering topics like his struggle of living with a brain injury, addiction to drugs and alcohol, and some deep reflections about his ways of coping with difficult circumstances, Allen gives readers a look into his world with the hope that his story will help others.
The book is divided into multiple short chapters, but you can trace a clear pattern between the first and second half. The first part deals with his early life, college, experiences as a professional MMA fighter, while the second part deals with the challenges that come with TBI, feeling suicidal and mental health struggles. In the course of the memoir, you’ll learn that the author struggled with substance addictions, but he overcame them and went on to donate a kidney to his ailing mother. Likewise, the author felt heartbroken after the traumatic brain injury (TBI) because it took away his passion, but he managed to sail on.
The best part of this book is that the author never dwells on self-pity. It’s more about the journey and process, how an individual deals with unforeseen circumstances with a practical approach, and how to find a purpose in life. His positive outlook towards life gives the readers hope, rendering a universal appeal to the story. The book starts off candidly as if the author is sitting right in front of you in a coffee shop and having a casual chit-chat. He keeps this conversational tone alive throughout the book, occasionally tinged with his refreshing humor.
The storytelling is honest and easy-flowing. The language is lucid. It gives the readers a glimpse into the author’s life so far, his battles, his practical approach to move ahead in dark times, and his realizations. There is no preaching, only heartfelt expressions and actual incidents recollected from the author’s memory.
Based on A True (Traumatic) Brain History: A Short Memoir is more than just the story of Mark Allen’s life. This through-provoking book is an excellent read for those struggling with addiction, medical injuries, TBI, or anyone that just needs a quick motivational read.
Pages: 242 | ASIN : B08TQNXDPF
Garrett Bear Learning From Failure
Garrett Bear lives in Character Jungle and has set a goal to win this year’s rock climbing championship. The day of the competition comes, and Garrett does not succeed. He is disappointed and voes to never compete in rock climbing again. The following year the competition was announced, and Garrett told his parents he would not join in. Papa Bear asks Garrett why he does not want to compete, and they have a long talk about failure. Papa Bear explains that failure is not the end of the road, merely a stepping stone, and teaches Garrett how to process and move forward after failing to reach a goal that he sets.
This picture book written by K. Tang is a beautiful way to introduce the idea of failure to children gently and positively. First, K. Tang explains the different emotions of failure, disappointment, sadness, and frustration. She then presents readers with five steps to dealing with a failure and moving towards success. The five steps that the author outlines are simple and easy for children to understand and remember.
In addition to presenting the five steps for building success after failure, the author includes a guide for parents, caregivers, and educators on how to help children that are afraid of failure. This section has six steps adults can use to help children navigate this confusing and challenging time. The outcome of these steps is to learn failing is okay and how to improve in the future.
Garrett Bear Learning From Failure is a profoundly thoughtful picture book that brings to life the concept of failure in a manner that children will understand and process. The captivating artwork by Michelle C. allows children to feel engaged with the story and relate to Garrett. This children’s book is a must-have for school, classroom, and home libraries for helping children develop their emotional toolbox.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1737032627
Voices of Diversity
Voices of Diversity by Vanessa Caraveo, is a collection of poems explaining the cultural and belief constraints that face different groups of people and how they solved their dilemmas. The book mentions recognizable heroes and heroines in an attempt to highlight the importance of empowerment, unification and inclusion. The poems contain themes of gender equality, apartheid, slavery, tourism and cultural differences. The author depicts how women and girls have lower leverage in education and employment. She also shows how black and brown races achieved political and socioeconomic freedom. The ideas in this thought-provoking book chronicle heroes of multiculturalism.
The collection of poems included in this vibrant book touch upon sensitive issues that many face today. The author tells stories of both famous and anonymous heroes in her poems. Vanessa speaks of colored parents as champions to their children letting them know that their diversity makes them special and urges them to embrace the difference. Citing “I Have Dream” she narrates how Martin Luther King Jr fought for emancipation of African American’s rights. She also includes the story of Rosa Parks as part of the civil rights movement. The poems are not limited to political topics, but also humanitarian issues as well. Included is an excerpt on “Mother Teresa”, who is lauded worldwide for her work with the needy.
This insightful collection would appeal to teachers to read to kids in school, and parents wishing to introduce these topics to kids in a gentle way. This inclusivity makes this children’s book fun and captivating.
Pages: 86 | ASIN : B085PPXV6B
Tarnished Crowns a Memoir
![Tarnished Crowns a Memoir: The Power of Purpose and Authenticity by [Pamela Rice]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41nFUPNcrXL.jpg)
Tarnished Crowns is a memoir by Pamela Ann Rice. She is a former Hollywood actress whose experiences with personal and business relationships in showbiz, predisposed her to torment and suffering. Pam’s friend reintroduced her to God as a refuge. She dedicates her life to Christ and as she grows in spirit, she takes up more evangelistic roles. She constantly exhibits bravery and clarity of mind. Her faith is often tested and just as frequently, God redeems her. She also rehabilitated patients using Christian therapy to heal women who suffered different forms of abuse. In prayer she finds a safe haven.
The memoir Tarnished Crowns, by Pamela Ann Rice is a very immersive read. I like how the author involves her audience on a first-hand experience of her journey to salvation. She is honest about her love for glamour and how much she misses the limelight. On the other hand, she was negatively affected by the fame and its accompanying relationships. The way she talks about the entanglements feeling abusive and empty, coupled with her feelings of over-dependence aids readers to understand why she opted for The Cross as her refuge. This memoir is a major help to anyone who seeks to stay grounded in God.
The way she managed to portray the character of Jesus through her mission work is impressive. Citing her work with a transvestite woman; “Victoria” who had a hard time integrating at the women’s shelter, she portrays Jesus as unconditional. Her work at rehabilitation center brings to light the present challenge of mental health issues. Christian therapy as solution to most of these tribulations is an adoptable and encouraging approach.
Tarnished Crowns a Memoir, by Pamela Ann Rice is emotional, compassionate, and ideal for the Christian woman and those that work with women. Readers that enjoy transformational life stories will also find this book to be unforgettable.
Pages: 217 | ASIN: B09BND2C8K
10 Steps to Help You Get on with Your Life
Life is a series of peaks and pits. One day you are down, the next you are up. But then amidst those who leave you and those who love you is life’s interesting journey. Often, when something happens to break us, we have no idea where to start. We want to curl up in a ball and protect ourselves from the world. This book is a step-by-step guide not just for getting through the difficult parts but coming out on the other side stronger and with more wisdom. It is a roadmap to finding God and holding on to God’s grace when you need it most.
Author Mary Dunbar is very realistic about the human condition. She knows that human beings are prone to being angry with God when things start to go bad. She urges the reader to remain steadfast in prayer and frequently consult the word. She is not condescending and is fully understanding on everything life can take you through.
The author also recognizes that prayer may not be enough. She advises on the importance of watching who you relate with. Some people are only meant to be in your life momentarily. Through God’s grace, you can realize that. She also advises readers to do something to accompany the prayers. If you want to get out of the hole, you can pray to get a ladder but you would have to climb out yourself.
The author has created a brief yet insightful and incredibly useful set of lifehacks. Rarely do people mix prayer and proactivity when giving advice. Hers is a full dimensional tutorial on how to overcome the various obstacles that life presents. This inspiring self-help book is written in very simple language that anyone can understand. Her writing is conversational. The author is seeking to help people who often find themselves having trouble moving on from hurt and disappointments.
10 Steps to Help You Get on with Your Life by Mary Dunbar is a motivational and thought-provoking book that is different from the average self-help book. The information is broken up by poems that are entertaining and expressive, providing a well-deserved pause from material that is deeply affective to anyone who reads it. Do not wait for the storm to buy an umbrella. Get your umbrella now and keep it ready for the rainy season. Read this book and pass it along. Share it with someone, let them learn how to overcome too.
Pages: 34 | ASIN : B08XVM11KM
LITERARY TITAN 