Tag: memoir

Find Your Beat: Walk in the Rhythm of Life by Tim Eggebraaten Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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Retired police chief turned author Tim Eggebraaten shares personal stories and words of wisdom gained from a long and stressful career in his book “Find Your Beat: Walk in the Rhythm of Life”. 

The Synopsis

In the rhythmic pages of “Find Your Beat,” Tim Eggebraaten, a retired police chief turned messenger of optimism, invites you on a journey through the melodies of life. With heartwarming stories and practical wisdom, he reveals the power of finding beauty amidst the chaos, the rhythm in everyday moments, and the resilience within.

Tim’s candid tales take you behind the badge, sharing the highs and lows of a high-stress career, personal struggles, and the healing power of music, friendships, and love. From the depths of personal challenges to the heights of realistic optimism, he weaves a tapestry of hope.

Discover how one man found his beat through positivity, learned to hush the cacophony of negativity, and embraced the symphony of gratitude. With warmth and humor, Tim illuminates the path to improving your own realistic optimism and rediscovering the beauty around you.

“Find Your Beat” is more than a book; it’s a guide to transforming your life’s soundtrack. Let Tim’s inspirational journey help you find your rhythm, tune into the positivity surrounding you, and dance to the melody of optimism.

Join Tim on this remarkable odyssey and unlock the music of your soul. Your journey to finding your beat begins here.

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The Review

This was a thoughtful and engaging read. The author did a remarkable job of writing in a way that allowed the reader to feel connected to the author’s story, creating a relatable atmosphere for the reader to absorb. The simple yet thought-provoking stories the author tells the reader about his life and the experiences and people that changed him will keep readers invested as the story progresses.

At the heart of this story is a beautiful balance of nonfiction storytelling and philosophical themes that speak to the core of what it means to be human. The contrast in who the author is as a person and the mentality that a person gets the longer they work as a police officer was felt immediately in this book and spoke to the idea that people, in general, cannot allow circumstances to alter who they are at their core, lest they lose themselves to the influences that throw us off. Yet it also showcased what it means to allow yourself to be open to new ideas and let chance encounters with people show us new paths, as it did for the author when they met people like Norman, a lone man who altered the author’s world view at a pivotal moment in his life.

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The Verdict

Remarkable, enlightening, and relatable author Tim Eggebraaten’s “Find Your Beat” is a must-read nonfiction memoir and a beautiful journey to explore our humanity. The hope and honesty with which the author wrote this book and the impactful statements that the author’s experience left us will keep readers coming back time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Tim Eggebraaten, with nearly 28 years in the Criminal Justice field, brings a wealth of experience to his role as a captivating national speaker. From his beginnings as a correctional officer in 1989 to his tenure as Chief of Police, Tim’s journey is a testament to his expertise in “working the beat.”

Retiring from law enforcement in 2016, Tim embraced the title of “Off Duty Chief,” passionately taking his message, music, and talent to the streets. His compelling storytelling and witty perspective on balance, growth, leadership, and life make him a sought-after keynote speaker on the national stage.

Tim’s unique approach combines his love for music with his motivational message, taking audiences on an emotional roller coaster. From light-hearted anecdotes to profound insights on loss and mental health, Tim engages and inspires.

Based in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, Tim shares his life with his wife, Denise, relishing the outdoors, friendships, and family moments with their adult children and two grandsons.

Discover your rhythm of life through Tim’s unique perspective and powerful storytelling.

I Feel Your Stare: An Autobiography by Cheryl Gillespie Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Author Cheryl Gillespie shares her story of overcoming health problems and segregation at a young age in her book “I Feel Your Stare: An Autobiography”.

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The Synopsis

“I Feel Your Stare” will take readers from my early childhood diagnosis of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and associated blindness, to an unwelcome enrollment in a segregated school, and a journey of navigating societal barriers, but with elements of hope, humour and positivity. I believe my story would be a good fit for those who work within the medical profession, to educators and parents seeking insight on how to support their children, or even for teens who may need a little inspiration.

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The Review

What an emotional and insightful read. The author did a remarkable job of crafting this nonfiction read creatively, transporting the reader into the moments that defined the author’s life. The setting and atmosphere the author crafted through this very personal and emotional book allowed the reader to connect to the author’s message truly. 

The depth of honesty and engagement the author had in this book really solidified the author’s experiences and tone throughout this book. The way the author didn’t hold back on the memories and experiences throughout her life made this story shine. The health concerns really made me feel connected to the author, for while we all have our different struggles, I know what it is like to live with an illness that takes up so much of our lives. Yet, the inspiring way the author rises above those experiences and uses her struggle to overcome and grow more robust in the face of those adversities made this book really thoughtful and heartfelt.

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The Verdict

Compelling, enlightening, and memorable author Cheryl Gilespie’s “I Feel Your Stare: An Autobiography” is a must-read nonfiction book that will resonate with many readers. The vulnerability and honesty of her story and the exploration of the author’s personal life and the social discussions that arise from that life, such as living with illnesses and facing discrimination in life, made this a truly engaging and personal read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

In her home province of New Brunswick, Canada, Cheryl Gillespie, along with her cat Mattie, will often be found basking on the backyard deck beneath the warm sunshine, the very spot where many of the chapters for “I Feel Your Stare” were written.

A childhood diagnosis of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, with associated blindness, coupled with physical and societal barriers, has proven only to strengthen her resolve. Following graduation from Fredericton High School, Cheryl advanced in her private studies through the Royal Conservatory of Music, attaining First Class Honours in piano, theory and history.

Today, well established in her teaching career, she takes pride in the education of her students, highlighted by a two-time provincial medal winner through Mount Allison’s Local Centre Examinations Department of Music. Through her active role within the Fredericton Music Teachers’ Association, Cheryl has built invaluable, longstanding friendships with her colleagues. In 1993, Cheryl was the recipient of the Stanley B. Cassidy Memorial Award, presented by the Fredericton Music Society, recognizing her dedication to excellence and personal achievements.

Cheryl’s first work for adults, “I Feel Your Stare” was preceded by her children’s book, “Tigger and Jasper’s New Home.”

Releasing Religion: A Minster’s Wife Goes Rogue by Gaye Kick Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

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Author Gaye Kick shares her story of marrying her musician boyfriend, only to become a young minster’s wife instead and the long path it took to find her own spiritual path that resonated with her in the book “Releasing Religion: A Minster’s Wife Goes Rogue”.

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The Synopsis

She was the proverbial good girl, obeying all the rules and expectations of others—until she took control and changed the rules.

Gaye was an optimistic college music major when she agreed to marry her senior music major boyfriend after his graduation. She never expected that before their wedding, he would upend his career and toss her unprepared into the role of a minister’s wife at age eighteen.

But the people-pleaser in Gaye is compelled to stand by his side, even if it means living in a fishbowl where the expectations of others disrupt her sense of self. Gaye walks this path that was never meant to be hers for fifteen years before beginning to realize that only by reclaiming her identity can she unleash her inner power and become the unstoppable force she was meant to be.

In a relatable and moving account of overcoming obstacles, Gaye Kick provides an eye-opening peek into the ups and downs of a clergy wife who yearns for a spiritual path that resonates with her soul. Her story will inspire other seekers to examine beliefs hindering them from living the life they desire so they, too, can go on an incredible journey of breaking free.

Releasing Religion is an honest, heartfelt memoir. If you like engaging narratives, funny self-reflection, and journeys of discovery, then you’ll love Gaye Kick’s uplifting search for freedom and identity.

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The Review

This was both informative and engaging for readers. The author did an incredible job of capturing the raw emotion of having to endure a life that never quite felt like the life you imagined yourself living and adding humor and charm to the writing to bring readers into the author’s story. The insight and relatability of the author’s story really help readers resonate with the author on both an emotional and social level.

The thing that drew me into this narrative was the author’s perspective on this topic. As someone who grew up with a religious parent and years spent in religious schools, and having left organized religion; as a result, it was so fascinating to see (or read) from the perspective of someone who married into the religion and spent their childhood with that religion as well. The way the author captured the struggles the faith can bring upon those who live within it so closely was fascinating and heartbreaking to read, yet the author’s story inspires hope within the reader.

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The Verdict

Heartfelt, compelling, and engaging author Gaye Kick’s “Releasing Religion” is a must-read memoir and nonfiction read. The memorable story the author’s life became and the knowledge that readers will gain as they see through the eyes of a minister’s wife, as well as the empowering message the author’s story inspires, will keep readers enthralled. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Gaye Kick graduated from the University of Illinois Springfield, where she studied writing under novelist and children’s book author Jaqueline Dougan Jackson. She writes humorous short stories about finding balance and inspiration as she navigates the highway of life. In addition, Gaye is a talented pianist, singer, and songwriter specializing in new thought music. Explore her work at www.gayellenkick.com

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The Brink: A Memoir by Jaime Andrews Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Author Jamie Andrews takes a witty yet emotional journey into her adolescence in the book “The Brink: A Memoir”.

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The Synopsis

Andrews unblinkingly delivers this tale of her troubled adolescence, detailing her descent into depression, promiscuity, drugs and institutionalization – all before the age of 18. Told from the point of view of a teenage sociopath, The Brink is funny, harrowing, lurid and absolutely true.

A deep, dark look at growing up in 90s suburbia, The Brink is eminently relatable to the ostracized youth of today, those who have been there, and those who enjoy gawking at car wrecks.

Jaime Andrews has been a comedic commentator (TruTV’s World’s Dumbest), an album cover-girl (My Chemical Romance), a columnist (Backstage, New Thinking), a commercial queen, a theater manager and, most recently, an award-winning filmmaker (Division). Way before that, though, she was the big mess you’ll find in these pages.

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The Review 

What immediately struck me when reading this incredible book was the depth of honesty and the casual tone in which the author wrote. The steady progression from teenage outbursts to more steady streams of depression and the harrowing experiences in institutions allowed the reader to connect with the author and their life. 

The way the author organized this memoir was terrific. The book takes readers through her life as she experienced it, allowing the reader to feel the buildup, tension, and shocking events as they unfolded. The emotional weight of these experiences perfectly underscored the witty and direct writing style and speaks to the harsh realities that many young people face every day. 

The Verdict 

Poignant, concise, yet emotionally compelling and incredibly witty, author Jamie Andrew’s “The Brink” is a must-read memoir. The heart and charm that went into the writing of this story and the inspiring way her story reached out to others who have experienced similar events made this a remarkable story to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out this book today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

On the outskirts of popular culture for over 20 years, Jaime Andrews started acting professionally at the age of 12 at Arena Playhouse on Long Island. Best known for her work as a comedic commentator on TruTV’s World’s Dumbest, she has been a billboard model (Stoli), an album cover-girl (My Chemical Romance), a columnist (Backstage, New Thinking), a commercial queen (she shipped her pants for K-mart and has hung out with the Geico gecko and Chester Cheetah, among dozens of others), a theater manager (Sacred Fools) and, most recently, an award-winning filmmaker (Division, now available on several platforms). She was a recurring Guest Star on Good Girls Revolt, whose premature cancellation started an online firestorm at the dawn of the Me Too movement.

Jaime’s memoir, The Brink – about her tumultuous teen years – will be published in 2023, and she has several projects in the works through her production company, jaimation. She is also working on a graphic novel, Cookie & the Monster, adapted from her play which won best show in the Ensemble Theatre category at the 2015 Hollywood Fringe Festival.

http://www.jaimeandrews.com/

Circling Home: What I Learned by Living Elsewhere by Terry A. Repak Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Author Terry A. Repak shares the highs and lows of raising children as global citizens, staying in different countries around the world in the book “Circling Home: What I Learned by Living Elsewhere”.

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The Synopsis

When Terry Repak and her husband moved to West Africa with two small children at the height of the AIDS epidemic in the 1990s, she seized the opportunity to connect with people of other cultures and bear witness to the ravages of the disease. Circling Home chronicles the adventures and challenges of raising children to be global citizens and trying to find home in countries as diverse as Ivory Coast, Tanzania, and Switzerland. Her memoir spotlights the complexity, struggles, and profound lessons at the heart of the expat journey.

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The Review

This was an incredibly moving and insightful read. The author does an incredible job of balancing the book with both memoir style writing and travel exploration. The imagery and detailed look into these experiences harkens to the author’s work as an investigative reporter, and the honesty for which the author speaks brings the emotional depth of her experiences to life perfectly.

Both the information and heart that went into showcasing the life of an expat and American living abroad and the honest approach to the author’s relationships with her family and their friends that made this story shine. The isolation and loneliness that can come with living abroad in a country not their own, as well as the shocking revelations of witnessing Africa in the height of the AIDS pandemic was quite engaging to me as a reader. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, heartfelt, and engaging, author Terry Repak’s “Circling Home” is a must-read nonfiction book for anyone who enjoys memoirs and travel books. The depth of information, personal writing mixed with great journalistic style, and an emotional connection that readers will resonate with as a family member will make readers eager to dive into this very personal story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Terry Repak has worked as an investigative reporter, an editor, a television producer, a research fellow and a free-lance writer. She has a BS from Ohio Wesleyan University, a Masters degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and a PhD in Liberal Arts from Emory University. Her travel articles and research have appeared in newspapers and other publications, including the Seattle Times, Christian Science Monitor, Dar Guide, Geneva Talks, Offshoots, Hello Switzerland, The Harvard Journal of Hispanic Policy, Gender and Society, and Social Problems. Her most recent book is a memoir, “Circling Home: What I Learned By Living Elsewhere.” Her earlier books are “Waiting on Washington: Central American Workers in the Nation’s Capital” and “Edward Kennedy” (with Murray B. Levin).

https://www.terryrepak.com/

31 Hours: A Mother’s Story of Hope, Heroes, and Autism by Dr. Michelle Naguib Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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A young mother struggles as her son, diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, disappears, and the community she fought so hard to accept them must rally around her to find the missing boy in author and Dr. Michelle Naguib’s “31 Hours: A Mother’s Story of Hope, Heroes, and Autism”.

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The Synopsis

When her fourteen-year-old son Jimmy goes missing, Michelle is frantic and distraught. As the hours tick by, Michelle’s desperation escalates, her self-doubt intensifies, and the community’s collective efforts to locate Jimmy become increasingly urgent.

In this memoir, Michelle takes us through the emotional journey of losing her son, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as a young child, and reflects on the circumstances that led to his disappearance, her struggles to find him a place of belonging in the community, and the heroism of this same community in rallying to find Jimmy.

An honest account of a mother’s struggles, a keen insight into living with neurodiversity, and an invocation for understanding, acceptance and change, 31 Hours is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking. It is a true story of resilience that is both relatable and riveting.

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The Review

This was an emotional, heartfelt, and insightful read. The tension and heartbreak as the author recounts the hours leading up to and following the disappearance of her son was impactful, to say the least, the reader was given insight into the complex web of emotions that can overwhelm any parent, let alone the parent of a child who is neurodivergent. The emotional wellspring that the author taps into to recount her experiences and the thoughtful attention to detail really painted an image in the author’s mind about this experience.

In addition to these tense moments throughout the memoir, the author does an incredible job of not only delving into the details surrounding the work and love that goes into caring for and loving a child who is neurodivergent but also of the efforts that are made to bring your child into a community that supports and cares for them just as much as you do. The impact that faith and community had on any given situation made this a compelling memoir.

The Verdict

Heartfelt, emotional, and authentically written, author and Dr. Michelle Naguib’s “31 Hours” is a must-read memoir for anyone who has experienced the fear of a missing child, the struggles and triumphs of raising a neurodivergent child, or the love of motherhood in general. The engaging way the author addressed the reader while also writing in a way that allowed her to pour her heart into the experiences she was sharing made this a memorable memoir. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Michelle Naguib is a mom, pediatric dentist and author who started writing as a cathartic outlet after her son, who was diagnosed with autism, went missing. She lives in South Florida with her husband and two sons, as well as her beautiful Labrador Retriever, Amber.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelle.naguib

Instagram: https://instagram.com/michelle_naguib?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Urban Nomad: A Memoir by Freddie Kelvin Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

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A man who has shunned his past finds himself returning to the life he thought he left behind in author Freddie Kelvin’s “Urban Nomad: A Memoir”.

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The Synopsis

Freddie Kelvin has had enough of all this hatred. His parents escaped the Nazis, and he decides to abandon his Jewish upbringing in England.

He becomes a doctor, even though he doesn’t understand science.

He marries in a church but is haunted by ghosts of his Jewish past.

As he jumps from job to job and city to city, he is lost, rootless, and disconnected. After a brief stint in Canada, he returns to his homeland.

Once back in England, he’s told unwelcome news: “We can’t hire you; you’re too much of a wanderer.” So, he jumps ship and lands a job in North Carolina.

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He survives a major heart attack and two cardiac arrests but remains alive 15 years later. Finding new passions in photography and the performing arts, he takes his camera to many exotic countries including, to his surprise, on several trips to Israel.

Part memoir and part a unique perspective on religion, history, and culture, Freddie traces his experiences in a wide variety of different communities.

After wandering far and wide for so long, he continues to ponder where he belongs and finally comes to terms with his Jewishness.

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The Review

This was a compelling and moving memoir. The author does such an incredible job of capturing the mental and emotional journey that the author had when diverting away from his family history and then rediscovering it for himself years later. The passion and heart that went into the author’s story and the imagery that brought the settings to life, from war-torn Austria and the people who had to escape from there during WWII, to life in England and even in the United States made the author’s life truly visceral. 

The culture and atmosphere the author establishes become the true heart of the story. The author’s personal experiences and the feeling of listlessness were so palpable on the page, and the connection the author discovered to his disconnect to his family and heritage made this story so emotionally driven and thoughtfully curated. The detail that went into his parent’s life both as individuals and together, as well as their escape rom Austria during WWII, added to the depth of emotion and history that this memoir brought to life.

The Verdict

Gripping, engaging, and memorable, author Freddie Kelvin’s “Urban Nomad:  A Memoir” is a must-read nonfiction read. The detailed yet mesmerizing detail that went into this narrative and the history and culture that helped elevate the author’s personal story made this a fantastic book to get lost in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!


Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Freddie Kelvin, the only son of Ernst and Ida Kohut, was born in England after they had narrowly escaped from Nazi-held Austria. He grew up in a strictly protective Jewish community. He rebelled against this by changing his last name to Kelvin and dismissing any connection to Jewish society. Moving to London to study medicine, he found himself tossed around in new communities with a precarious loss of identity. Training in so many unfamiliar surroundings, he felt lost, rootless and disconnected. Almost no one knew that he was Jewish. He married the first of his two Christian wives in a church, leading to feelings of guilt about betraying his heritage. Reluctant to drag his tail back to the industrialized north of England, he emigrated to the United States. Later on, he took courses in creative writing and became a passionate photographer. This led to a life-changing epiphany, for he realized that his heart truly lay in the arts. Better late than never! He traveled abroad widely, experiencing many different cultures. These nomadic experiences, while always tinged with excitement, were confusing. Identity change is a complicated business, and always poses the questions: “Who are we and where do we belong?” Ultimately, try as you may, you cannot entirely escape your roots. Freddie’s story is part memoir and part a unique perspective on religion, culture and history. After many visits to Israel, he slowly developed a sense of pride in his Jewish background. Inspired by the wanderings of both his parents and himself, he developed an urge to write his memoir, and so Urban Nomad was born and became his baby.

https://www.engagingauthor.com/

Box of Birds by Stephen Stowers M.D. Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author and Dr. Stephen Stowers M.D. shares a lifetime of lessons and insights into the medical profession, and how changes to the American Medical Care System led him to find a new practice in another country in the book “Box of Birds”.

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The Synopsis

In this fascinating memoir, cardiologist Stephen Stowers eloquently captures the various changes that he has lived through over a lifetime spent as a caring and ethical medical professional. With sadness, he watched as a profession he loved became more and more focused on the bottom line, while working as a doctor in the United States. He unpacks for the reader exactly what has gone awry in American medicine, showing us how the misguided shift toward a more corporate mindset was ushered in by hospital administrators, leading even well-intentioned doctors astray, as they are encouraged to place costly interventions above equally effective less invasive therapies. He also shows how he found refuge in another country, where he was able to practice medicine in a more ethical fashion once again and explains to us the surprising truth that he discovered there: New Zealand has better patient outcomes yet spends less money on healthcare, compared with a country such as the US. How can this be true? Read this book to discover the astonishing answer, that doing more with less is actually often a better path for doctors, hospitals, and the patients they want to assist. Stowers writes highly readable memoir that explains in terms any reader can follow exactly why he wanted to pursue medicine in the first place, how he grew disillusioned with American hospitals, and the joy he found in New Zealand after relocating there. Doctors, nurses, medical professionals of all kinds, and anybody who has been a patient and wondered what has gone wrong in American medicine and how to help put things right again should read this book.

The Review

This was a well-written and captivating nonfiction read. The author found the perfect balance between personal memoir writing and education regarding the different medical systems in the United States versus that of New Zealand. The detail and personal nature of the author’s writing really gave readers a sense of the experiences that informed the author’s opinions on the medical establishment as a whole.

The intriguing nature of how corporate the United States medical field became over the years was something that really resonated with me as a reader. As someone who has numerous medical ailments and who has a family with similar situations, the frustrations that have been felt over the prioritization of money and insurance versus actual health care have been something that has frustrated me as well, and to have a medical professional confirm these suspicions is profound. The author’s contribution to the discovery of a new protocol regarding coronary calcification was also quite remarkable and added to both the author’s viewpoints regarding holistic healthcare and his medical knowledge as a whole. 

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The Verdict

Captivating, engaging, and thoughtfully written, author Stephen Stowers’s “Box of Birds” is a must-read nonfiction memoir that meets medical guide that readers won’t be able to put down. The personable writing style and strong imagery mixed with the valuable medical knowledge and skill the author demonstrated through their experiences made this a breathtaking read you won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating 10/10

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About the Author

Stephen Stowers is a skilled clinician who practiced cardiology for twenty-nine years in Florida and six and a half years on the North Island of New Zealand as a member of the

Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Dr. Stowers graduated from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. 

He completed his cardiology fellowship at the George Washington University Hospital. As a pioneering cardiologist, he was a leader in the development of acute imaging of chest pain patients in the emergency room. Dr. Stowers has published widely in medical literature and recently published an international study on coronary calcium and its potential contribution to the early detection and treatment of coronary artery disease. He has also written a popular blog about his life in New Zealand, kiwicardiology.com.

The Condemned: A Memoir Told Through Selected Early Works of Short Stories, Essays, and Poetry by Shari Lopatin Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Author Shari Lopatin shares a collection of both fiction and non-fiction stories, as well as essays and poems, to share the story of a young woman trying to find herself in the book “The Condemned”.

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The Synopsis

In this special memoir told through a collection of earlier works including fictional short stories, non-fiction essays, and poetry, Shari Lopatin tells the story of her younger self—a millennial coming of age through the 1990s and 2000s while fighting to make sense of a world rapidly changing amidst The Great Recession and September 11. Touching on themes still relevant today, Shari shares deeply emotional pieces from her formative years about mental health, the search for home, the awkwardness of dating, love and heartbreak, and the effects of Antisemitism.

Included in this hand-selected collection are the fictional short stories “Pomegranates” about the power of kindness and connection; “A Call from Paris” about a young marriage falling apart; “Stone from HELL” about the effects of a monstrous society; and the namesake of this book, “The Condemned” about finding self-acceptance. Shari also included other personal essays and poems never before seen.

Ultimately, The Condemned: A memoir told through selected early works of short stories, essays, and poetry reveals one young woman’s struggle to find herself within a confusing and sometimes ostracizing world, and the messages of love, hope, and truth she now brings to others.

The Review

What an emotional and captivating collection of stories. The author found a great balance between her fiction and nonfiction works, with each story doing an exemplary job of conveying the raw emotions and pivotal moments that defined her life. The imagery and the heart that the author poured into the story and essays were remarkable, really bringing the reader into these moments and in the case of the fiction work, allowing the reader to embrace the characters outright.

The poetry was also so moving and conveyed the honesty and passion of the author’s writing so eloquently. The quick pace of the book and the variety of the collection gave the author ample opportunity to really connect to a wide range of different readers and gave an intimate look into the author’s life in a creative and moving way.

The Verdict

Insightful, thoughtful, and engaging, author Shari Lopatin’s “The Condemned” is a memorable and thought-provoking memoir filled with creativity and heart. The powerful messaging of the stories in this collection brings to life a beautiful and emotional story of triumph in the face of adversity, and the journey to find life and purpose. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Shari Lopatin tells stories that matter. An award-winning journalist in her earlier years, she now writes novels that tie into modern-day social issues, short stories, serialized fiction, essays, and poetry. Shari has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine writer, public relations professional, social media manager, and earned the title of “Cat Mom of the Year.” Read more of Shari’s work and get updates on her latest books by signing up as a free or paid subscriber for her Substack newsletter, Rogue Writer, at sharilopatin.substack.com.