Blog Archives
RUN, GIRLS: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis
Jenny Cafaro’s Run, Girls: A Memoir of an Appalachian Family in Crisis is a raw and deeply personal memoir that chronicles the author’s tumultuous upbringing in the Appalachian foothills. From the opening pages, it’s clear that this is not a sugar-coated tale but rather an unflinching exploration of generational trauma, survival, and resilience. Cafaro guides readers through her chaotic childhood, marked by domestic violence, poverty, and moments of unexpected grace, as she and her family navigate life in a world both beautiful and harsh.
What struck me most about the book is Cafaro’s ability to vividly capture the emotional and physical landscapes of her upbringing. In “Wallpaper Snow,” she paints a haunting scene where a shotgun blast turns a wall into a cascade of shredded paper, a moment that symbolizes both destruction and surreal beauty. Cafaro’s language here feels cinematic, and I couldn’t help but feel like a silent observer in the room, holding my breath as chaos unfolded.
Her storytelling is visceral and unapologetically honest, which made it impossible for me to put the book down. At times, the sheer weight of the violence and trauma described can feel overwhelming, though this is arguably intentional. These harrowing details serve a purpose, they underscore the desperation and courage of a family trying to escape a dangerous cycle. Cafaro balances these moments with glimpses of her family’s toughness and humor, offering a much-needed reprieve and highlighting the complexity of her experiences.
One of the memoir’s greatest strengths is its portrayal of resilience. Cafaro’s mother emerges as a figure of grit and determination, battling rodents in a camper with a hammer or carrying her children to safety while dodging bullets. These moments left me in awe of the human spirit’s capacity to endure.
Run, Girls is a heart-wrenching yet inspiring memoir that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of survival against all odds. Cafaro’s candid prose and vivid storytelling make this a compelling read, though it’s not for the faint of heart. I recommend this book to those who value unvarnished accounts of family dynamics and those who find strength in tales of overcoming adversity. This memoir doesn’t just tell a story, it grabs you by the hand and pulls you into the Appalachian hollers, leaving you changed by the journey.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B0CP3DCLSH
You Are Allowed: A Story of Finding Where You Belong, Not Where You Began
Esther’s journey toward self-discovery begins in her mid-thirties, when she travels to France in search of her birth mother, hoping to unravel the mysteries of her past. As she delves deeper into her roots, she is forced to confront haunting memories of her rebellious teenage years, particularly her complicated friendship with her father’s coworker. This relationship led her down a dangerous path of recklessness. With the unwavering support of her husband and the protective concern of her aging adoptive mother, Esther is determined to piece together her fractured identity. But as she inches closer to the truth, a troubling question arises: does her birth mother even want to be found?
In You Are Allowed, Odelia Elgarat tells a powerful story of self-discovery, emphasizing the profound impact of family on personal identity. Elgarat’s storytelling is rich and evocative, drawing readers into Esther’s emotional turmoil as she searches for her birth mother. The vivid descriptions and heartfelt moments bring each scene to life, making Esther’s journey feel intimate and raw. The way Elegarat weaves together past and present gives the story depth and complexity, keeping readers emotionally invested in Esther’s quest.
The characters are subtle yet effectively crafted, each playing an essential role in Esther’s life. The adoptive mother stands out, embodying quiet resistance that is deeply rooted in unconditional love for Esther. Her character is carefully layered, revealing her silent struggle with Esther’s journey without overshadowing it. Elgarat’s ability to create believable and relatable characters adds weight to the story, making Esther’s emotional highs and lows feel all the more poignant. The plot twists are handled with finesse, adding unexpected turns to Esther’s search that make her journey unpredictable and gripping. The story’s pacing sometimes feels uneven, but this variation mirrors the real-life process of self-discovery, which rarely follows a straight path. Elgarat masterfully captures the emotional nuances of this process, allowing readers to empathize with Esther’s struggle to piece together her past while balancing the emotional needs of those closest to her. The attention to detail in the characters’ emotions enriches the story, allowing the narrative to resonate on a deeply personal level.
You Are Allowed is a beautifully crafted exploration of identity, family bonds, and the courage to face uncomfortable truths. Odelia Elgarat’s compassionate storytelling and thoughtful portrayal of Esther’s journey make this a heartfelt and thought-provoking read, perfect for anyone who enjoys introspective, character-driven narratives that explore the complexities of belonging and self-discovery.
Pages: 214 | ASIN : B0D7J6KGNF
Bibs: Cabbages and Kings Lady of the House
BIBS: Cabbages & Kings is a heartfelt tribute to the remarkable life of Elizabeth Annette Nener, affectionately known as Bibs. Through a rich tapestry of anecdotes, poems, and personal reflections, Byrne L. Corbin captures the essence of a woman who lived her life with an unparalleled zest for learning, writing, and public service. From her early days in Boston to her impactful tenure as Braintree’s first female State Representative, this book offers a glimpse into the mind and heart of a truly inspiring figure.
Corbin’s writing is both engaging and intimate, making the reader feel as though they are part of Elizabeth’s journey. One of my favorite parts of the book is the inclusion of Elizabeth’s poems, such as “Aftermath,” which vividly portrays the day after Christmas with charming details that evoke nostalgia and warmth. The way Corbin seamlessly blends Elizabeth’s personal writings with his own narrative voice adds a unique depth to the biography.
The stories in this book highlight Elizabeth’s multifaceted personality. For instance, her column “Cabbages and Kings” for the Braintree Sunday News showcases her wit and wisdom. The excerpt where she describes the unpredictability of life at fifty and her journey from youthful apprehension to embracing the golden years is both humorous and inspiring. It’s clear that Elizabeth had a knack for turning everyday observations into thoughtful reflections.
The historical context provided by Corbin enriches the reader’s understanding of Elizabeth’s contributions. Her advocacy for women’s rights and her role in naming the Abigail Adams Overpass are particularly noteworthy. The anecdote about her legislative victory in securing funding for AIDS research in the early 1980s is a testament to her dedication to public health and welfare. This biography is a comprehensive and richly detailed account of Elizabeth Annette Nener’s life, offering an abundance of stories, poems, and personal reflections. While the depth and breadth of content provide a thorough understanding of her remarkable journey, condensing some sections could make the narrative even more impactful. I think streamlining the book would maintain its essence while allowing readers to appreciate Elizabeth’s legacy in a more concise format, making it accessible to an even wider audience.
BIBS: Cabbages & Kings is a beautifully crafted homage to a woman who lived a life full of purpose and passion. It’s a great read for anyone interested in women’s history, public service, or simply looking for an inspiring story of a life well-lived.
Pages: 698 | ISBN : 1412063248
Life Is A Journey
The Unfurling Frond tells your story of self-discovery and shares with readers your experiences with traveling, romance, and finding adventure. Why was this an important book for you to write?
This book all started in a graduate course when a classmate innocently asked, “What treaty, and why is it important?” When I went to respond, I choked up. I didn’t realize until that moment how deeply Aotearoa, New Zealand meant to me. How that big leap to move to the South Pacific changed my life. Also, in that moment, the grief of not understanding so much about the land, the people, the history, and the future of Aotearoa, New Zealand, when I lived there, sent a shock through my body.
That moment when I was asked, “Why is it important?” made me realize I needed to write about my experience, the whole lovely and messy journey of finding myself, learning about settler-colonialism, embracing feminism, and moving into a space of belonging.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
At the end of the chapter titled “Awake,” I state: “I travel between my two selves, two moments in time, my histories, two nations’ histories – never knowing where I really belong” (127). I think that quote includes many of the ideas I share within this book. For example, the ways I move through the many versions of myself throughout time. My transnational life and marriage mean that I am always trying to find my place. The way I experience history and want to learn more in these spaces and be part of decolonization.
I recently listened to a podcast ĀIO: a road to peace, where Amelia Butler used the term “reindigenisation” instead of decolonization. And I just loved that so much. I think we all need to join in on this journey. I can recognize my role and place as settler and support and advocate for reindigenisation.
I appreciated the candid nature with which you told your story. What was the hardest thing for you to write about?
The spiritual side of this book wasn’t necessarily the hardest thing to write, but is the hardest thing for me to share. It is a part of myself I rarely share with others, even friends, and so the thought of opening myself up to reveal that with my readers is scary. However, I felt it was so important to my story and key to me embracing who I am.
The chapter that is written as a “Memorandum” was an emotionally charged essay to write, and I tried it in many different shapes and forms. After countless drafts, I realized I needed to use the hermit crab methodology to share that tender, vulnerable space inside me. Then it just flowed, and it was perfect – one draft and done. Sometimes, we need to open ourselves up to the transformation of writing, and the hermit crab essay helps in that space. (The Hermit Crab essay is a term developed by Brenda Miller and Suzanne Paola in their book Tell it Slant.)
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your story?
That life is a journey, and no matter where it starts, you don’t have to be defined by that place. We don’t always understand the “why,” but if we open ourselves up to the journey, it will take us on a wild ride. We can always learn, grow, and evolve. And that sometimes it is important to just say yes/go and see where the universe takes you.
Author links: GoodReads | Instagram | Facebook | Website
Rebecca Beardsall’s transnational narrative between the United States and Aotearoa, New Zealand, The Unfurling Frond, investigates land and place as physical space, home, and moments in time. The collection wrestles with the concept of personal transformation through time with the added complexity of settler colonization.
As she travels between her two selves/two moments in time, her histories/two nations’ histories, Beardsall senses and feels where her physical body aligns with the spiritual, telling her that she is home, that she belongs.
The Zen of Dancing in the Rain: Becoming one with the storm
The Zen of Dancing in the Rain: Becoming One with the Storm by Aurita Maldonado is an incredibly engaging and inspiring personal life story that weaves together the author’s journey of resilience, self-discovery, and pursuing her dreams. As a U.S. Army veteran and a passionate dancer, Maldonado’s narrative is a testament to her unwavering determination. Maldonado’s life has been marked by numerous challenges and heart-wrenching tragedies, including her time in the army and her courageous decision to relocate to Alaska after retiring. Her remarkable story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of perseverance, serving as an inspiring example for anyone looking to live life to the fullest.
I found this book to be an absolute gem. Maldonado’s passion and authenticity shine through every page, making it an irresistible read that keeps you glued to its narrative. It’s the kind of book that leaves you feeling elated after each chapter, where you hang onto every word as if it were a cherished melody. The Zen of Dancing in the Rain is undoubtedly a riveting page-turner, a testament to Aurita Maldonado’s compelling storytelling. As you delve into this inspirational memoir, you’ll find yourself reevaluating your own choices and questioning whether settling for the status quo truly serves your deepest desires. Maldonado’s story is a captivating portrait of a Lady Hurricane, both in her literal and metaphorical dance with life’s tempests.
The Zen of Dancing in the Rain is a captivating and inspirational memoir that transcends genres. It’s a must-read for anyone seeking motivation and a glimpse into the transformative power of resilience and determination. Aurita Maldonado’s story is a testament to the human spirit, and I eagerly anticipate more from this talented author.
Pages: 264 | ASIN : B09YM8C4P3
The Unfurling Frond: A Memoir of Belonging and Becoming
The Unfurling Frond, a memoir by Rebecca Beardsall, presents an engrossing and invigorating chronicle of her life that masterfully intertwines the elements of childhood, education, and travel experiences. Growing up in an intimate family in America during the late 20th century, Rebecca’s narrative diverges from the commonplace. Instead of embarking on the traditionally anticipated path of marriage, she boldly ventured into the unexplored terrains of New Zealand. This adventurous streak continued to define her journey, guiding her through a tapestry of global cities, kindling an online romance with her partner, Geoffrey, and fostering enduring friendships.
Rebecca’s professional life weaves a parallel narrative. Despite carving a successful career as a teacher, her innate passion for writing prevailed. She pursued this creative calling, proving not just her proficiency but her exceptional talent.
The Unfurling Frond stands out as a distinctive memoir, primarily due to the deep resonance it generates within the reader. It is not just Rebecca’s tale but a reflection of a universal struggle – the tug-of-war between the identities we adopt and our true selves. Furthermore, Rebecca’s spirit of wanderlust breathes life into the book, making readers yearn for similar adventures. Until that becomes a reality, one can traverse the globe through Rebecca’s vivid and immersive descriptions, notably her affectionate portrayal of New Zealand.
The memoir also casts Rebecca as an unapologetic feminist, unafraid to challenge societal norms. Her personality showcases the rare combination of fierce independence, self-awareness, and humility, the ability to acknowledge her missteps. Her narrative is also tinged with poignancy as she recounts the irreplaceable loss of her brother, an event that underscores the enduring pain of losing a sibling.
The Unfurling Frond is not merely a memoir; it is a heartfelt expression emanating from the deepest chambers of Rebecca’s heart. The book skillfully weaves together themes of history, particularly the Civil War, with elements of friendship, love, family, and adventure. For enthusiasts of memoirs, this book is more than just a fantastic read; it’s an extraordinary journey through a life lived with courage, self-discovery, and unrelenting love for exploration.
Pages: 254 | ISBN : 1639889558
LITERARY TITAN 