Blog Archives
Restore My Relationships
A Break in the Silence is a memoir in which you confront the heartbreak of family estrangement and the quiet, often painful pursuit of healing, faith, and reconciliation. Why was this an important book for you to write?
The writing of this book weighed heavy upon my heart for years as I’ve seen the decline in traditional family values. I’ve seen and heard the stories of those who have been torn apart by others and the court system as they were separated from the ones they love and cherish. It is my hope that my memoir will restore hope when it comes to reconciliation. I desire to see families that were once broken find their way back to one another, fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters.
What was the hardest moment to write about in A Break in the Silence, and what helped you get through it?
The hardest moment while writing this was thinking back to the memories I hold near and dear to my heart while thinking about the lost time I had with my children. Time waits for no man, once it’s gone, we are never able to get it back. The memories we could have created with our loved ones during a time of separation were never made, leaving us with a sense of hopelessness and great loss. What helped me to press on was my strong desire to find a solution that would restore my relationships with my children whom I’ve always loved and cherished. My passion and desire to make amends is what kept me writing.
How did your spiritual beliefs shape your journey through estrangement and healing?
My faith in the Lord has always been my rock, I know God wants and desires the best for all of his children, He desires us to walk in Love and Unity, one with another. It’s always been his plan from the very beginning, His faithfulness to answer our prayers is unfailing!
I’ve personally seen and witnessed his promises being fulfilled within my life as well as the lives of many others.
How do you hope this book will impact parents who are currently alienated from their children?
It is my prayer that this book will hold the power to impact and inspire not only parents but all those who have become estranged and alienated from the ones they love, to find a way back to each other. The world is full of broken people and I truly believe that my story will speak to the hearts of all of its readers, bringing forth a newfound hope in becoming a part of our children’s lives again, no matter how much time we have lost out on.
It’s never too late to start over again! Believe me when I say this our children are counting on us!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
This is where my story begins, with hopes of healing and mending broken families. It’s a story of separation and a desire to reconcile with the ones I’ve always loved and cherished, my children. While reconciliation is never easy, we always prioritize the things that are most important to us. We all desire to live a life full of purpose and meaning, which starts with happiness in our own homes. When homes are broken, lives get shattered. Picking up the pieces to put them back together is a difficult challenge to say the very least. Yet it can come with a lifetime of rewards for you and all others involved.
Please know that it’s never too late to start fresh and try again, no matter how much time you have lost out on with the very ones you love and miss. Our families are counting on us!
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
The Good Daughter Syndrome: Help For Empathic Daughters of Narcissistic, Borderline, or Difficult Mothers Trapped in the Role of the Good Daughter
Katherine Fabrizio’s The Good Daughter Syndrome is an eye-opening exploration of the often fraught mother-daughter relationship, specifically focusing on empathic daughters of difficult, narcissistic, or borderline mothers. The book dives deep into the concept of “Good Daughter Syndrome,” explaining how these dynamics trap daughters in cycles of guilt, self-doubt, and emotional dependency. Fabrizio combines her professional expertise as a psychotherapist with personal anecdotes, offering practical exercises and thoughtful advice to help readers navigate and ultimately heal from these patterns.
Fabrizio’s writing is empathetic, clear, and refreshingly direct. I appreciated how she balanced psychological insights with actionable steps. For example, her discussion of the “Never-Good-Enough Trap” in Chapter 5 resonated deeply with me. She doesn’t sugarcoat the emotional toll of being caught in this role but pairs her observations with gentle guidance on setting boundaries. Her ability to address these painful realities without becoming overly clinical makes the book engaging and approachable.
One thing I liked most about the book is Fabrizio’s explanation of how unresolved maternal trauma can be passed down. Her example of a mother unconsciously reacting to her child’s needs as if facing her own unresolved childhood wounds was both heartbreaking and enlightening. It felt like a lightbulb moment, illuminating how these dynamics aren’t about blame but understanding and breaking harmful cycles.
I also found Fabrizio’s use of real-life scenarios and scripts especially helpful. The exercises in Chapters 12–15, where she outlines how to rewire emotional responses and escape common traps, are practical and empowering. These sections make the book feel like a toolkit for change, not just a collection of reflections. However, I would have liked more examples of daughters successfully transforming their relationships with their mothers, as most of the anecdotes highlight the challenges rather than the victories.
The Good Daughter Syndrome is a must-read for women who find themselves overly enmeshed with a difficult mother and are seeking a way to reclaim their lives. It’s especially powerful for those who feel stuck between resentment and guilt. This book would resonate with anyone who values self-help with a compassionate, relatable voice and isn’t afraid to confront the complexities of their family dynamics.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0C9G4MZJY
Challenges and Triumphs
What Are We Going to Do Tyrone Jr.? follows the parents of an adult autistic son who faces challenges from the neighbors with his behavior. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Life was really my inspiration. My wife’s and mine personal journey along with the experiences of other parents of autistic children served as the primary inspiration for this story. Because I’m a part of this community, I’ve become aware of the challenges and triumphs that other parents of autistic children have experienced. There are a lot of challenges, but, fortunately, there can also be a lot of wins.
This novel was a perfect way for me to share an interesting story and to educate readers on the difficulties that families may experience while raising a loved one who has special needs. Most importantly, I was inspired by the need to highlight the uncertainty that families often experience when their special loved one becomes an adult.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
My primary guideline was to ensure that my characters were interesting, relatable, and believable. I really want the reader to emotionally connect with my authentic characters and have a good understanding of why the characters in my story act a certain way. In order to make this possible, I deliberately shared the main characters’ personal dreams and goals. It’s important that readers understand the parents’ goals in the story, and how having a special-needs child may possibly impact them. By sharing these insights, I feel as if I developed believable, relatable, and likable characters.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
In addition to addressing the central theme of raising a special-needs adult child, family and friendship are critical themes in the story. Family and friendship create powerful emotions that many people can relate to based on experiences in their lives – good or bad. In my first novel, The Other Side of Friendship, I primarily focused on the challenges of making and keeping new friends as an adult. What Are We Going to Do with Tyrone Jr.? also captures the themes of friendship throughout the story. One of my goals was to show how the main character, Tyrone, matured in the area of friendship. As for the family theme, this story is a reminder that even the most close-knit families can experience internal personal conflicts. The goal should be to stick together as a family and work through obstacles.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
For my next novel, I’m still brainstorming ideas. I’m actually torn between writing a more light-hearted and adventurous story or a reflective novel about a character who is struggling to obtain personal goals. Both stories may include some of the characters from my current book and will contain chapters that are inspired by my military career. After spending 30 years in the Army, it’s hard for me to not include military references in a story. Brainstorming the different ideas for my next book is exciting. Regardless of the type of story I write, there will surely be a central theme to inspire or educate the reader. The expected release date is late 2025. I look forward to sharing more about my next story with you.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The devoted parents eagerly seek the right support for their child even when the odds simply feel as if they are too much to overcome. Between a military deployment for Tyrone, police involvement with their son, and unforeseen events, Tyrone and Krystal are determined to take steps in order to answer the question, “What are we going to do with Tyrone Jr.?”
What Are We Going to Do With Tyrone Jr.?
David Grant’s What Are We Going to Do with Tyrone Jr.? is a poignant and stirring narrative that dives deep into the complexities of raising a child with autism while navigating the relentless challenges of societal judgment and personal sacrifice. The story revolves around Tyrone Washington, a father struggling to provide the best life for his son, Tyrone Jr., who is on the autism spectrum. Through a series of trials, including courtroom battles, misunderstandings, and heartfelt moments, Grant masterfully paints a picture of resilience, love, and unwavering dedication.
One of the most compelling aspects of this book is its authenticity. Grant’s depiction of the everyday struggles faced by Tyrone and his family feels incredibly real and relatable. In Chapter 1, we see the frantic search for Tyrone Jr. in a mall, which sets the tone for the many anxieties and fears that follow. This scene not only hooks the reader but also establishes the raw emotion that permeates the entire narrative. The author’s ability to convey such genuine emotions is commendable and adds a layer of depth to the characters that make them memorable. Another standout element is the narrative’s exploration of societal issues. The book does not shy away from depicting the prejudices and systemic challenges faced by families dealing with autism. Grant’s background as a military officer also brings an interesting perspective to these issues, adding a unique dimension to the story. The dialogues are strong and natural, and the reflective moments offer a deeper insight into Tyrone’s internal struggles and add to the story’s emotional weight.
What Are We Going to Do with Tyrone Jr.? is a heartfelt and impactful read that will resonate with anyone who has faced adversity while caring for a loved one. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength of family and the importance of compassion in our interactions with others. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy emotionally charged stories with strong character development and those interested in understanding more about the challenges faced by families dealing with autism. David Grant has crafted a narrative that is both enlightening and moving, making it a valuable addition to contemporary fiction.
Pages: 257 | ASIN : B0CZ4D33NY
My Life Raft
It Was Her New York is more than a memoir; it is an exploration of family dynamics and self-discovery in a city that influences all who reside in it. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I and my sister were suddenly caring for a suddenly frail parent. My life changed on a dime. My plans to live abroad with my then-partner and the writing and documentary work that I was doing were all derailed. The city I had always felt “normal” in became more and more unrecognizable. At the same time, my parent, Florence was basically disappearing into dementia. Yet in that chaos, Florence kept surprising me with expressions that were so her and my city kept reminding me that I was still home. Those moments became a life-line to my well-being. The documenting of a pretty tough process kept me connected and sane and working my storytelling muscles. It also comforted me and offered me daily opportunities of giving gratitude-something that cannot be underestimated when going through challenges. Simply put, it was my life raft.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
HOME and LOVE and FAMILY are present in each and every person who is in HER NEW YORK: all the LGBTQ grandparents and parents who could never tell their families who they really loved; all our co-workers; all the people who keep our cities running; all the immigrants or refugees who come to NY and other cities seeking safety and a chance at a good life; all the caregivers – both relatives and home attendants – who go through their daily tasks in silence and invisibility. We are surrounded by their stories and, in the case of Florence’s Ex-Lover, secrets. I wonder often what the family of the Ex-Lover – the woman who loved Florence all her life – would think if they found out about their mother/grandmother/great-grandmother and her life-long heartbreak. I wonder if she truly had to hide her heart. I think if people who decry immigration would meet Mr. Godslove, they would be struck as I was by his kindness and goodness. I wonder if people ever stop and give thanks for all the bus drivers, subway workers and delivery people in their city. Yes, this book is specifically about New York City and a queer woman. But it is about a lot more; our cities and homes and relatives and neighbors and all their stories.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
I wondered if it was the piece I wrote on the evening of the morning Florence died. But it wasn’t – that was an offering of gratitude (except for that one awful EMS person). The hardest thing to write was THE AUTHOR’S NOTE: WHAT A DIFFERENCE THE YEARS MAKE. It was there I had to splay out the regret I felt that last day with Florence and finally say goodbye to my past and the imperfect journey I took her to her final days.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
There was a parade chant from the Pride March many years ago – “2, 4, 6, 8, how do you know your grandma/grandpa/any relative is straight”. You don’t. We slap words onto people that become their definition, rather than getting to know who they really are. So what I hope this book does is welcome readers’ hearts to grow bigger, their curiosity to expand and their respect to deepen for the people they think they know, for the people they judge as “immoral” or “wrong” and for the people they have never met but fear.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
In this engaging new collection of personal essays and full-color photographs, Moed tells true stories of caring for her mother Florence, a broke, Julliard-trained pianist who stumbles into dementia on the Lower East Side. This funny, poignant memoir asks questions both familiar and touching: “What happened to the neighborhood?” and “What happened to my mom?”
It Was Her New York is for anyone who has ever experienced the aging of a parent, the gentrification of a neighborhood, or the unexpected discovery of stifled love and hidden sexuality.
It Was Her New York: True Stories & Snapshots
In It Was Her New York, C.O. Moed offers readers a tapestry of life in New York City, intricately woven through the lens of her relationship with her mother, Florence. This memoir is a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics, the complexities of identity, and the ceaseless evolution of a city that never sleeps.
Moed’s writing is both poignant and evocative. She blends humor with sorrow and paints a vivid picture of her mother—a spirited musician whose resilience and struggles are deeply moving. The book shines not just in its storytelling but in its ability to capture the essence of New York City. Moed’s New York is not just a backdrop but a living, breathing character that influences and shapes the lives of those who call it home.
The book’s narrative structure is somewhat unconventional, interspersing memories and anecdotes with cultural and social commentary, along with images. This approach works wonderfully in drawing the reader into the author’s world, offering a multifaceted view of her experiences and emotions. Moed’s reflections on the impact of Florence’s life and death are deeply personal, yet they resonate universally, touching on themes that many can relate to – loss, grief, and the passage of time.
The book’s strength is weaving personal tales with broader societal observations. At times, the transitions between personal anecdotes and cultural commentary felt abrupt, leaving me wishing for a smoother narrative flow. Nonetheless, this does not significantly detract from the book’s overall impact.
The exploration of Florence’s life as a musician and her determination in the face of adversity is particularly compelling. It highlights her character and serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of New Yorkers. In this regard, Moed’s portrayal of her mother is not just a personal tribute but a nod to the resilience and complexity of all those who inhabit this ever-changing city.
It Was Her New York is a touching and insightful book that will resonate with anyone who has experienced the joys and tribulations of family relationships, the bittersweet nature of memory, and the profound impact of place on personal identity.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B0CTNHK1N7
Belonging Matters
Julie’s story, as chronicled in Belonging Matters, is a poignant exploration of identity and belonging from an adoptee’s perspective. Growing up aware of her adoption alongside her twin, Julie’s narrative delves into the complex emotions surrounding her upbringing in a loving adoptive family, juxtaposed with an innate curiosity about her biological roots. The book effectively conveys the challenges adoptees often face in forging connections with their adoptive relatives, capturing the subtle sense of being an outsider at family gatherings. The author skillfully guides readers through Julie’s internal journey, marked by anxiety and a quest for self-understanding brought on by the need to uncover her genetic history for health reasons. This quest leads her to her birth mother, raising questions of abandonment, the desire for connection, and the complexities of familial relationships.
This book’s candid exploration of adoption and the accompanying emotional landscape makes it particularly engaging. It sheds light on the nuances of adoption, addressing the often-overlooked stigma associated with it. The author’s openness in sharing her emotional experiences is commendable, offering readers a raw and honest perspective. Additionally, the book highlights the unique bond between Julie and her twin, adding a fascinating dimension to her journey. The author also acknowledges the role of the Catholic community in their adoption process, particularly their policy of keeping twins together, which is a thoughtful inclusion.
Belonging Matters is not just for those who have experienced adoption firsthand. It resonates with anyone who has ever felt a sense of disconnection from their family or questioned their background. The story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and the courage it takes to seek out one’s origins. Readers looking for inspiration to embark on their own journeys of self-exploration will find this book both motivating and insightful.
Pages: 227 | ASIN : B0C8W4254W
LITERARY TITAN 