Blog Archives
The Empty Nest Blueprint for Single Parents
Anthony Damaschino’s The Empty Nest Blueprint for Single Parents is a practical and compassionate guide for single parents stepping into a new phase of life when their children leave home. The book weaves research, personal anecdotes, and a roadmap to help parents embrace the transition with confidence. Damaschino skillfully balances empathy with actionable advice, making this an invaluable resource for anyone navigating the complexities of an empty nest.
As a single parent myself, I found Damaschino’s observations deeply relatable. Chapter 1, “The Empty Nest Realization,” struck a chord with me, as it highlighted how society glosses over this life stage with throwaway phrases. He captures the emotional weight behind the transition, describing how empty nesters often feel invisible while their kids take center stage. This resonated with me because, let’s face it, no one throws a party for the parent left behind to reinvent their life.
One standout chapter was “Parent-Child to Parent-Adult.” Damaschino’s exploration of shifting dynamics between parent and child was eye-opening. He emphasizes the importance of stepping back without severing ties—a fine balance that I’m just beginning to understand. His example of setting boundaries while remaining a cheerleader for your child was comforting, reminding me that letting go doesn’t mean stepping away.
The book also dives into practical matters in “Pre-Launch Advice.” This chapter was my wake-up call. I hadn’t thought about the financial logistics of being an empty nester—like how to stop subsidizing my child’s cell phone without guilt! The real-world tips on budgeting, self-care, and even rekindling hobbies I’d long abandoned felt like a lifeline.
This book is about reclaiming your identity and embracing opportunities for personal growth. I walked away feeling more equipped to face this bittersweet season. I’d recommend The Empty Nest Blueprint for Single Parents to anyone in my shoes—single parents sending kids off into the world. It’s especially valuable if you’re unsure how to navigate the loneliness, logistics, or lingering doubts.
Pages: 388 | ASIN : B0D4S42T7Y
Champions Needed: Unlocking the Potential of Family Advocacy in Assisted Living and Memory Care
Champions Needed is a book about stepping up when it matters most. It’s a guide for family members who find themselves in the role of advocate for loved ones in assisted living and memory care. The authors, Artell Smith and Carol J. Purdy Miller, bring personal experience and professional insight to a subject that is often overwhelming and emotional. They explain what an advocate—or “champion”—should do, from understanding legal rights to navigating daily challenges within long-term care communities. More than just a practical guide, this book is a heartfelt call to action, emphasizing that advocacy can directly impact a loved one’s quality of life.
The authors don’t sugarcoat the realities of long-term care. Right from the foreword, written by a long-term care resident, the book makes it clear that aging and assisted living can be isolating, frustrating, and sometimes even neglectful. The authors acknowledge that care facilities are often overburdened, and without an engaged family advocate, things can slip through the cracks. Chapter 1 sets the tone, stating plainly that senior loved ones deserve the best, and that “poor advocacy for a loved one in a long-term care community has immediate and sometimes life-threatening consequences.” That’s a sobering statement, but it’s true. This book makes sure you understand the stakes.
The most valuable sections focus on specific advocacy skills; communication, persistence, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. The authors highlight how advocates should approach conversations with staff, using real examples of how different communication styles can either escalate conflicts or resolve issues smoothly. One of my favorite parts was the dialogue example in which a champion calmly negotiates to get food for a resident who missed lunch. Instead of demanding a meal, the advocate works with the caregiver, finding a collaborative solution. That’s the kind of practical advice that’s immediately useful.
At times, the book can feel a bit overwhelming, not because of the writing style (which is clear and approachable), but because of the sheer amount of responsibility it places on family members. The authors recognize this, though, and offer encouragement throughout. The chapter on “The Continuing Journey” reinforces that advocacy is not about perfection but persistence. The book also includes checklists, self-evaluation tools, and guidance on choosing a care facility, making it as much a practical workbook as a thought-provoking read.
Champions Needed is a must-read for anyone with a loved one in long-term care. It’s particularly useful for those who are new to the role of advocate, providing both emotional support and practical guidance. If you want to ensure your loved one gets the care and dignity they deserve, this book will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to step up.
Pages: 148 | ASIN : B0D5JYQ59Z
Improbable and Extraordinary: A Transformation of Mental Illness and Addiction
Improbable and Extraordinary is a raw, heart-wrenching memoir that navigates the turbulent waters of Saul Horwitz’s life, shaped by mental illness, family dynamics, and personal transformation. Co-written with his sister Erika, the book delves into Saul’s struggles with bipolar disorder and his journey toward recovery, offering an unflinching portrayal of his darkest moments and the flickering hope that guided him toward light. Spanning decades of emotional highs and lows, this story is as much about healing as it is about understanding and resilience.
What struck me first was the brutal honesty with which Saul recounts his experiences. The opening chapter vividly describes recurring suicidal ideations, setting the tone for a narrative steeped in pain but striving for clarity. Saul’s vivid descriptions, like his withdrawal from baseball—a childhood obsession abandoned mid-game due to a crushing wave of apathy—were especially poignant. These moments highlight how mental illness can abruptly hijack even the most joyful or driven endeavors, turning triumphs into fleeting mirages. As someone who has often heard sanitized versions of similar struggles, this unapologetic candor felt like a brave and necessary invitation to empathize with a reality many shy away from acknowledging.
The book is also deeply reflective. Saul doesn’t shy away from dissecting his childhood trauma, including his father’s harsh disciplinary methods and the emotional aftermath of his parents’ divorce. Yet, he resists the temptation to solely blame others for his plight. For instance, while he shares heart-wrenching accounts of being beaten and emotionally neglected, he also acknowledges the genetic and biochemical facets of bipolar disorder. I found this balance refreshing; it allowed the book to transcend the realm of grievance and step into the space of accountability and growth. His revelation about the impact of his mood swings on his loved ones, particularly his children, was both heartbreaking and enlightening.
One of the most impactful sections is the exploration of Saul’s recovery process, notably his involvement in 12-step programs and group therapy. The “Miracles That Saved Me” chapter is a standout for me. These reflections are laced with humility and wisdom, showcasing how Saul transformed his pain into tools for survival and, eventually, service to others. It reminded me that recovery is not a straight road but a winding path dotted with small, often imperceptible victories.
Improbable and Extraordinary is a stirring account of survival and self-discovery. Saul’s journey reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit, even when confronted with unimaginable odds. This book will resonate with those battling mental illness, their loved ones, and anyone seeking inspiration from real-life transformations.
Pages: 311
Trusting the Movement of the Spirit
In Home for the Bewildered, a female psychologist opens old wounds when she recognizes her pain in that of her patients. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story? Â
My work as a therapist was the inspiration for Home for the Bewildered. Over the years, I have been amazed how my clients and I can be dealing with the same issues. I could have a bout of anxiety then hear about anxiety all day. I would have a dream that led to reflection of an issue and then someone would show up and talk about the same thing. I’d go for a swim and a person’s name would float to the service and sure enough I’d hear from them, so I believe in paying attention and trusting the movement of the spirit (or intuition) in my life. The inspiration for the setup of the story was to convey that all people are interesting even those in the most hidden or unknown places. We have such an unhealthy fascination with celebrity in our culture—only some are considered important or of value. I wanted to give voice to the unheard, uncounted, “unimportant,” people. We all have a story to tell. I like to say that every story is unique, every theme is universal.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Home for the Bewildered would not have happened but for the suffering in my own iife. I picked 1974 before I researched it’s significance politically and socially because that was the year my brother died in a plane crash the night before Thanksgiving e.g, Thomas gets beat up multiple times on the night before Thanksgiving. Every character has a little piece of me in them. When I work with people I always try to find common ground and I did the same with Dorothy and her characters. And by the way, my mother’s name is Dorothy. She was a smart woman who was denied education but never lost her love of learning.
What is one pivotal moment in the story that you think best defines Dr. Dorothy Morrissey?
One pivotal moment that best defines Dorothy is when she says to George, “if your life can be ruined suddenly, why can’t it also be saved suddenly?” Dorothy was a purveyor of hope even when she felt hopeless.
What were some themes you felt important to address in Home for the Bewildered?Â
I believe, Home for the Bewildered is an antidote to the times we are living in right now. We need a lot more empathy in our culture. Every person has value. Every person has a unique story to tell that is worth hearing. Everyone wants to be heard. I was raised as a social justice Catholic. I’m dismayed social justice has been lost in the cultural narrative. This week in 1974 was the first time women could get a credit card or sign a mortgage without a man. And here we are again fighting the same fight. Home for the Bewildered is needed now more than ever. If every person especially those in power would reflect on their own suffering, take responsibility to get help when needed, and transform their pain into helping others, we’d be living in a much kinder world.
Author Links: Website | Instagram | TikTok | Threads | Facebook | Book Review
Dorothy’s patients mirror her emotional issues as they draw her into their often-chaotic lives. Thomas Perfect’s impulsiveness and attention-seeking behavior-both symptoms of his bipolar disorder-often prove dangerous as a gay man in 1970s Lansing, Michigan. His flair for drama makes Dorothy laugh as much as his trauma makes her want to cry. Dorothy wrestles with an inexplicable aversion to George who had been remanded to St. Lawrence after pleading Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity. Ruth’s post-partum psychiatric break threatens to draw Dorothy in with her, and Marcella, labeled as borderline frustrates Dorothy’s efforts to keep her from self-harm.
As good as Dorothy is at holding and interpreting her patients’ past traumas, she resists looking at her own, causing a strain on her relationship with Kenneth. It seems Dorothy has no problem saving her patients… but can she save herself?
Home for the Bewildered
Home for the Bewildered, by Michelle Tobin, masterfully captures a haunting, tender world set against the backdrop of 1974 Lansing, Michigan. We follow Dr. Dorothy Morrissey, the first female psychologist at St. Lawrence Asylum, as she steps into the lives of her fragile patients—and, unknowingly, deeper into the wounds she’s spent years hiding from herself. Each of her patients reflects a piece of her pain: Thomas, whose reckless charm is both alluring and terrifying; Ruth, drowning in a sea of trauma; and George, whose mere presence brings up a discomfort she can’t quite explain. As Dorothy’s empathy tangles her fate with theirs, it becomes clear that she, too, is desperately in need of healing.
The storytelling here strikes a perfect, almost poetic balance between sorrow and hope. Tobin writes Dorothy’s journey with a raw intimacy that resonates deeply. We witness Dorothy peeling back the layers of her patients’ suffering, only to have those same layers stripped from her own guarded heart. It’s both heavy and heartbreakingly beautiful. I couldn’t help but think of A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, as Tobin offers an unflinching portrayal of trauma and the yearning for connection.
The prose feels like open wounds—painful, vivid, and so delicately human. Reading this book isn’t just an experience; it’s a quiet, aching immersion into the need for acceptance and the long, messy road to healing. The narrative unfolds with depth and care evident in every well-researched plot detail and character arc. Each character is beautifully constructed, with stories that deserve to be felt, not just read.
Despite dealing with heavy, sensitive topics, mental illness, grief, and the stigmas of the past, including homosexuality, Tobin handles it all with a gentle, respectful touch. The result is a kind of immersive tenderness, making you ache for characters who often struggle to even root for themselves. Every chapter feels like peeling back layers to reveal what’s hidden, dismissed, or lost, and the effect is spellbinding.
The historical setting is a triumph. Tobin captures the period with such authenticity that I felt transported, as if I were sitting in the cold halls of the asylum or witnessing every tear and triumph alongside the characters. It reads like genuine historical fiction but is alive with emotional depth. There’s a dual-pull here: you want to savor each exquisite line, but the narrative grips you so intensely that you devour it without meaning to. The portrayal of Dorothy, who finds herself in the fractured reflections of her patients, is astonishingly resonant. It beautifully illustrates the reality that even those who dedicate their lives to healing others often find themselves on the brink of breaking. The characters feel alive, layered, and achingly real.
This book is an unforgettable exploration of what it means to live with an open heart and how the concept of family can emerge in the most unlikely places. If you’re drawn to stories that linger with you long after you’ve finished, that mix historical insight with raw, emotional honesty, Home for the Bewildered is a must-read. It will break your heart and, in its own way, try to mend it too.
Pages: 328 | ISBN : Â 978-3988320773
The Best I Can Do: A True Story of Navigating the Complexities of Mental Illness and Homelessness
Mental illness does not affect the individual alone; family and friends suffer, watching their loved ones change in ways they can’t understand. Cheryl Landes guides readers through her journey with mental illness in The Best I Can Do. Cheryl and her former husband, Tom, had many wonderful years together. They traveled, spent time together, and generally enjoyed life like everyone else. Tom’s change in demeanor was gradual with the growing stress of his sales job. As the illness took its toll, Tom started forming strange habits.
Cheryl starts her story at her lowest point, living out of her car, taking on two jobs, and struggling to pay her bills. Readers learn it is possible to endure loving someone with mental illness and find strength in learning that, sometimes, there’s nothing you can do to help them. Landes is a naturally gifted writer. She paints a beautifully detailed and heartbreaking story, one that’s unfortunately not uncommon. It’s hard for many families who struggle with helping their loved ones cope with mental illness. Landes’ decision to jump between periods of her life helps brace readers for the struggles she faces after she and her husband became homeless. Chapters like “Home in the Snow” and “Night Shift at the Ski Area” highlight Landes’ fight to survive in 2005. Without knowing where Tom was or how he was doing, Landes had to focus on her own well-being. From there, Landes jumps back to happier times in 1994, so readers can see the gradual change in Tom’s personality.
The Best I Can Do by Cheryl Landes is a deeply moving and beautifully crafted memoir that provides an intimate look into the challenges of loving someone with mental illness. Through her detailed storytelling and poignant reflections, Landes offers readers both solace and insight into a struggle that many face but few openly discuss. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of mental illness, as well as for those who appreciate memoirs rich in emotional depth and vivid detail. Whether you are personally affected by similar circumstances or simply looking for a compelling and heartfelt story, The Best I Can Do will resonate deeply and leave a lasting impression.
Pages: 350 | ASIN : B0D3FD8B5C
Heal Holistically
UnTraumatized shares mental health techniques, spiritual principles, and your personal stories of God’s healing & recovery. Why was this an important book for you to write?
Sharing my experiences as a memoir helped me to process it and recover from the devastations of my past traumas. I also wanted to empower others as a Mental Health Counselor, how to heal holistically from crisis and trauma with hope and resilience.
Trauma can take various forms and impact each person differently. What ideas were important for you to share in this book so that it would be relatable to a wide audience?
Acknowledging a person’s pain and suffering to safe people and counselors and providing spiritual, professional, and personal knowledge for every reader to feel hope to heal.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
God is the ultimate healer of all pain, grief, and loss. He redeems us through His unconditional love, forgiveness, prayer, healing, and the support of family, friends, and counselors.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be published?
My next book focus is likely going to be about living a resilient life through the wisdom of God.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
UnTraumatized
Dr. Shon Shree Lewis’s book, UnTraumatized, delves into the multifaceted nature of crises and trauma, providing a comprehensive guide for understanding, coping, and healing. From personal anecdotes to professional insights, the author offers a detailed exploration of various crises, including personal, social, and natural disasters. The book’s structure, which spans from defining what constitutes a crisis to detailed recovery strategies, makes it an essential read for anyone looking to navigate the tumultuous waters of traumatic experiences.
Dr. Lewis’s writing is engaging, particularly because she intersperses professional advice with her personal stories. This combination adds a layer of authenticity and relatability that many purely academic texts lack. For instance, her candid recounting of experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and the emotional turmoil of her divorce brings a human touch to the book, making the theoretical concepts more tangible.
One of the sections I found most impactful was Chapter 8, “Coping with Trauma after Crisis,” where Dr. Lewis provides practical steps for managing trauma. Her advice is grounded in both psychological theory and spiritual wisdom, offering a holistic approach to healing. This chapter stands out because of its actionable advice, such as specific coping mechanisms and the importance of community support. The inclusion of biblical references might not resonate with all readers, but it undeniably enriches the content for those who appreciate spiritual guidance.
Another section I appreciated is Chapter 11, “Movie Reflections Dealing with Trauma,” which analyzes popular films through the lens of trauma and recovery. This unique approach not only makes the content more accessible but also demonstrates how pervasive and culturally significant trauma is. Dr. Lewis’s reflections provide a refreshing perspective on how media can influence our understanding of trauma and resilience.
UnTraumatized is an insightful resource for anyone dealing with trauma, whether directly or indirectly. Dr. Lewis’s blend of personal experience and professional knowledge offers a unique guide to understanding and overcoming trauma.
Pages: 166 | ASIN : B09MSCCZF1
