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Limp Forward

In Limp Forward, an engrossing memoir by Silicon Valley executive Libo Meyers, readers are invited to explore a rich tapestry of cultural insights, life lessons, and remarkable triumphs. Meyers, who has trained vigorously to achieve a black belt in karate, showcases her unyielding spirit throughout her extraordinary life. Her journey, which begins with a childhood struggle with polio and a sense of otherness in her school days, transforms into an inspiring tale of resilience and determination.

At the tender age of 24, Meyers emigrated from China to the United States, where she encountered a daunting wave of isolation while simultaneously striving to balance her employment, maintain her academic performance, and manage a plethora of other tasks. Her narrative further encapsulates the complexities of motherhood, the sting of professional dismissal, and the quest for love. These challenges, however, do not weaken Meyers. Instead, they fuel her growth, deepening her wisdom and anchoring her in a profound sense of self-assuredness.

Meyers’ narrative represents the quintessence of resilience, interweaving the history of her resilient ancestry with her own indomitable spirit. As she recounts the trials and tribulations her ancestors overcame – war, famine, loss, and oppressive governance – readers gain a newfound appreciation for their own comforts, often taken for granted. Meyers’ journey, however, extends beyond her familial legacy; it evolves into an awe-inspiring chronicle that readers will undoubtedly resonate with. Despite her battle with polio and limited mobility, Meyers ambitiously propels herself to achieve excellence in all facets of her life – physically, intellectually, financially, and socially, offering readers a soaring sense of inspiration.

Meyers’ open-hearted recounting of her journey encompasses her internal deliberations, meticulously strategized plans, and the harsh criticisms she withstood in pursuit of her goals. This candid revelation is intended not merely to intrigue readers but to enrich their perspectives and inspire them to face their own battles. Her narrative further sheds light on pressing societal issues such as sexism, discrimination, the intricacies of the American immigration process, restrictive cultural norms, and other societal ills.

Limp Forward is a compelling narrative that invites readers into a whirlwind of emotions, from joy and pain to exhilaration and determination, all underscored by Meyers’ strategic ingenuity. The book serves as a testament to a life lived fully and richly, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of culturally nuanced memoirs and narratives exploring robust social themes. Prepare to be captivated and motivated by Meyers’ vibrant story in this highly engaging, thought-provoking memoir.

Pages: 375 | ASIN : B0C5FTF7JN

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resilient

Katherine Turner’s resilient memoir is a powerful and candid account of her journey through a childhood marked by abuse, neglect, mental illness, addiction, and poverty. Turner’s story begins with her parents’ struggles with addiction and her father’s frequent absence from her life due to work. Tragically, her childhood was plagued with sexual abuse and emotional trauma, and she did not receive the love and care that she needed. Following her parents’ separation and her mother’s rehab, Turner and her sister were placed in foster care, and at a young age, Turner had to become a parent to her little sister while navigating her own trauma. Though her new home provided a stable and caring environment, Turner continued to struggle with the traumas of her past, loneliness, and difficult choices. In her efforts to cope, she turned to self-harm and addiction, ultimately realizing she was following in her biological parents’ footsteps.

resilient is a profoundly moving and candid memoir that captivated me from beginning to end. Turner’s vivid descriptions and raw vulnerability took me through a range of emotions as I followed her story of struggle and shame. Turner’s storytelling is both heart-wrenching and inspiring, highlighting the immense strength required to overcome one’s past and build a better future. This book is not an easy read, but it is important. Turner’s experiences shed light on the need to listen to abuse victims and provide support during difficult times. Her honesty and bravery in sharing her story are commendable, and her resolve is genuinely inspiring. resilient offers an unflinching look at the effects of abuse, neglect, and addiction on a person’s life and touches on themes of trauma, healing, growth, and resilience.

The memoir, resilient, is a touching and inspirational story about survival and overcoming the obstacles that life hands you. I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking a poignant and thought-provoking read that showcases the strength of the human spirit in overcoming adversity.

Pages: 525 | ASIN : B09BBPKFFZ

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Where Have I Been All My Life

A memoir offers a unique perspective on a particular time in one’s life from the author’s point of view. In Where Have I Been All My Life, Lisa Benson shares her personal journey of self-discovery and transformation. The author candidly reflects on her life, admitting to making mistakes, and shares the valuable lessons she learned through therapy. This inspirational book is organized into four sections and thirty-four chapters, each addressing a specific challenge that Benson faced and the decisions she made to create a more fulfilling life. While the book may seem like a lengthy read at 300 pages, the language is clear and accessible, making it a smooth ride for readers. Benson’s experiences are thoughtfully sorted, labeled, and organized into neat units that are easy to follow.

One of the notable aspects of the book is the author’s artful use of flashbacks to provide context and history to the next area to be addressed. As Benson shares her story, she encourages readers to look back and evaluate their own experiences to gain insights and grow. Benson’s memoir serves as a guidebook, offering introspection and evaluation without being prescriptive. She recommends readers, particularly women, free themselves from behavior patterns that proved damaging in her own experience. The author identifies ways in which even seemingly positive habits could prove to be based on or create insecurities and pain.

Where Have I Been All My Life is a cautionary tale that readers can learn from. However, Benson’s journey of self-discovery and transformation offers valuable lessons on how to turn roadblocks into doorways for growth. It’s an informative read that anyone can benefit from.

Pages: 239 | ASIN : B0BKQR4WD3

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It Won’t Hurt None

Family secrets and childhood trauma lay a heavy load on the child, which stays on the child’s shoulders way past childhood. Trauma lingers in the dark corners of the mind lifting its ugly head at most random times with consequences for every aspect of a person’s life. So how does one go on with this burden? How can a person navigate relationships, career, and healthy decisions with someone else in the background calling the shots? Especially when that someone else is another form of yourself. What does it take to move on and live a life as a whole person when parts of you never moved on?

It Won’t Hurt None by Rebecca E. Chandler is a deeply personal story of a successful woman living with deep scars from the sexual abuse she suffered as a child. While this is by no means a professional guide, this is a story of healing written as a message for others who are still suffering. There is hope. There is a chance to heal the old wounds and be able to live a healthier and happier life. It is not an easy journey, but it is a path that can be taken and successfully completed with the right help and dedication.

This autobiography covers sensitive subjects and, at times, is graphic and descriptive. There is no genteel way of describing certain events without taking away from the deep horror of the events and experiences. Reader discretion is advised. Those who join Rebecca Chandler on her literary journey in this memoir will find her work beautiful and well-written in its raw and honest form. This inspirational book encourages those who have suffered abuse and gives others a look into the world of someone with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID).

Pages: 260 | ASIN : B0BQZGWFB6

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The Black Foster Youth Handbook

The playwright George Bernard Shaw once said that youth is wasted on the young. Unfortunately, the meaning behind this world-famous quote becomes all the more tragic because most of us only realize what it truly means when it’s too late. Luckily, we have author Ángela Quijada-Banks to give the youth a wake-up call and a helping hand. Her book The Black Foster Youth Handbook can be categorized under Self-Help, and it embodies the best qualities of the genre. It’s a valuable collection of over 50 lessons sprinkled with a healthy dose of personal anecdotes, making it a surprisingly entertaining and fulfilling read. 

Written in a conversational and often-times humorous tone, it can be read and enjoyed by anyone from any background. Sure, its primary target audience is young people of color who have gone through foster care, but those who haven’t can still pick up lessons that could be beneficial. It also features brief poetic pieces by Quijada-Banks. Her unique style is undeniably charming and has a calming quality to them. 

This book tackles heavy topics like suicide, sex trafficking, and other traumas. But because it handles those topics with so much hope and understanding, the darkness of it all becomes easier to take on. With no judgment whatsoever, the pages become a safe space for anyone who has ever experienced any of the situations mentioned.  

If you’re going to read this book, the best way to do it is through a physical copy. After all, it is a handbook, so it includes questions and activities for readers to engage with. Write notes in the margins and highlight your favorite lines and pieces of advice. It’s clear that Quijada-Banks poured her soul into this book, and it’s only appropriate for you to do the same.

Whether you’ve been through the foster care system or not, chances are you won’t be entirely healed by the end of this book. Self-healing takes plenty of time and work, something you have to do mainly on your own. But don’t let that intimidate you. With a roadmap like The Black Foster Youth Handbook and a guide like Ángela Quijada-Banks, you’re getting a good head start for a brighter future.

The Black Foster Youth Handbook: 50+ Lessons I learned to successfully Age-Out of Foster Care and Holistically Heal is a memoir, self-help book, and handbook all wrapped into one. Written for those in and aged out of foster care, this book is also helpful for supportive adults such as foster and resource parents, case managers, Guardians ad litem, therapists, and social workers.

Pages: 396 | ASIN : B08CJB8CM9

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