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You are Imperfectly Perfect
Blast Radius: Shrapnel, shards and scars from the lies I lived shares with readers your story of living a lie and slowly uncovering the truth and discovering the depth of betrayal from those around you and how you rebuilt your life. Why was this an important book for you to write?
I remember it like it was yesterday. In 2011, I was sitting on the porch of what used to be my grandparents’ home, and I was sad, more than sad. I was a volcano of emotion. As the tears began to come out the sadness turned to anger like I had never felt before. It was at that moment that I knew that I couldn’t sit by. I knew that I had to stop what I was going through from happening to at least one other person, and I was going to start by telling my story. That feeling stayed with me until I finally built up the courage to put pen to paper in the summer of ’22, and it’s what fuels what I will continue to do today. I have gone from wanting to stop it from happening to one person to it being my mission to create a positive change in people, and eventually, the world.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
- Just about every day in the news, we hear about someone being financially taken advantage of. What is not talked about, however, is the all-encompassing emotional turmoil that leads to being able to be manipulated, falling for such deception, and what happens after. I needed to share that.
- What emotional turmoil looks like . . . behind our masks
- What can happen to /because of you and what you can come back from
- Sometimes the worst things that are happening can turn out to be the best things to happen
- Help others discover that they are enough and realize that they are worthy of everything good in life.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
By far, when I pled guilty.
When my book went to initial revision, I was at about 37,000 words. Then someone judged me based on my background – from over 12 years prior, even though I was upfront with him about it, even though I told him about the book. At that point, my gloves came off. The book went to over 90,000 words.
I reconciled with a great many things during that jump in word count, but that one section, when I pled guilty, that’s the piece I consistently break down on. That’s the moment that encompasses all the sadness, pain, and rage I have ever felt. Whenever I focus on that moment, it’s like I’m in that courtroom all over again and I feel for the person I was.
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
That you are imperfectly perfect just the way you are, so trust YOU above all others.
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Words spoken by the man she loved and trusted her whole life.
Moments later, Ally would face a new reality that “blew up” her life forever.
In the summer of 2009, her high school sweetheart and husband was sentenced to prison and the truth upon which her very existence was built began to shatter.
And that was just the beginning…
Each day she would discover a new lie, a new revelation of betrayal; a new challenge. Each day the obstacles grew larger.
She had trusted those around her and did things without question.
As repayment for that loyalty and trust, she would soon be standing, legs shoulder-width apart, frantic and scared, while a U.S. Probation Officer tethered the now single mother to her home for the next 6 months.
Blast Radius is a real-life story of how a life built on deception brought profound consequences engulfing not only Ally, but her children, her family, friends, and so many more. It is the story of how trying to be the perfect wife, daughter, and friend makes you ignore your internal turmoil and blinds you to the deception, abuse, and fraud surrounding you. It is a story about persevering and putting the pieces of your life back together when life throws you curveballs – even your own family is trying to stop you.
Experience the journey from deception to discovery and the scars that remain.
Blast Radius: Shrapnel, shards and scars from the lies I lived
Blast Radius, by Ally Brown, is an evocative coming-of-age story with a wonderfully nostalgic backdrop, taking readers to the vibrant world of 1985. The tale centers on Ally Graham, a high school senior, as she encounters the alluring Doyle Dumas. Their senior year becomes a canvas of deepening connections, painting a rich, heartwarming romance. Yet, the fabric of their love is stretched taut when Doyle opts to join the ROTC, casting a shadow of uncertainty on their shared future. Through trials and tribulations, the narrative poignantly delves into the resilience of love amidst adversity.
Brown’s ability to craft a world that is both vivid and relatable evident in the opening pages. Readers are treated to an authentic portrayal of young love, the intricacies of family bonds, and the looming unpredictability of what lies ahead. The decision of Doyle to enroll in the ROTC serves as a pivotal point, introducing a layer of tension and emphasizing the themes of sacrifice and commitment inherent in love and service.
The prose is rich with vivid descriptions, immersing readers into the characters’ world, making them privy to their most intimate emotions. The dialogues, in particular, are a highlight — they flow naturally, revealing the depths of the characters’ souls, their fears, hopes, and desires. The author keeps readers on their toes, intertwining conflicts and posing questions, such as the enigma surrounding Doyle’s confession.
Brown’s writing resonates on an emotional spectrum, oscillating from moments of light-hearted humor to intense concern and deep affection. The characters are fleshed out with remarkable emotional depth, making it easy for readers to empathize with them. The portrayal of family dynamics, especially the unwavering support from Ally’s kin, enriches the story, lending it an additional touch of authenticity.
Blast Radius, by Ally Brown, is more than just a romance novel; it is a testament to love’s enduring spirit, the anguish of betrayal, and the indomitable nature of the human spirit. With captivating character development and an engrossing narrative arc, this novel is bound to pull at readers’ heartstrings, leaving an indelible mark of warmth and nostalgia long after the last page is turned.
Pages: 337 | ASIN : B0CBKZN74D
LITERARY TITAN 