Tag: memoirs

Don’t Flush! By Dakarai Larriett Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Dakarai Larriet showcases the struggle and activism his false arrest brought to life in the book “Don’t Flush.”

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The Synopsis

What would you do if you were arrested for a crime you didn’t commit—despite passing every test and proving your innocence?

In Don’t Flush!, activist and Senate candidate Dakarai Larriett recounts the harrowing night in April 2024 when he was wrongfully arrested in Michigan for suspected DUI. Despite testing negative and showing no signs of impairment, he was jailed, humiliated, and thrust into the unforgiving machinery of systemic injustice.

This gripping memoir not only exposes the cracks in our legal and policing systems but also shows the power of one voice refusing to stay silent. Larriett’s $10 million lawsuit against the Michigan State Police, his media campaign fueled by FOIA-released footage, and his push for legislative reform—including a Motorist Bill of Rights and the end of qualified immunity—paint a picture of a man turning trauma into action.

Don’t Flush! is more than a personal story—it’s a rallying cry. Whether you’re an ally, advocate, or just waking up to these injustices, this book demands you do more. Read it. Share it. Join the movement for true accountability.

The Review

This was such a compelling and thought-provoking read. The author expertly weaves a balance of personal storytelling and inspirational and motivational discussion, engaging readers to deliver a powerful look at social justice and the overhaul that the criminal justice system needs in the United States, as well as the many fears and hardships those who struggle with discrimination must face every day. 

The author’s writing was the most powerful aspect of this book. The tension, and almost atmospheric way the author delved into those tense moments of his false arrest, from the hyper awareness of his surroundings as he drove before he spotted the police, to the calm manner he forced himself to stay in when engaging the police, and how these moments connected to the similar struggles of discrimination his grandparents and so many others had made these events feel more elevated and essential, and yet the harsh realities that this book brings to light also serves a hopeful tone, as the author showcases how finding the light in that darkness proved that a path of change does exist, if people are willing to fight for it.

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The Verdict

Engaging, thoughtfully written, and memorable, author Dakarai Larriett’s “Don’t Flush” is a must-read nonfiction memoir that also serves as a valuable resource for social and criminal justice reform. The expertise with which the author crafts this book, slipping from the defining moments of his childhood and his struggles both as a Black man and a Gay man, to the horrors so many face when confronted by false arrests such as this, and the inspiring direction the author takes when making a bid for the US Senate will have readers enthralled with the author’s story and eager to fight for the changes this country sorely needs. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dakarai Larriett, a proud Alabama native and son of a U.S. Army veteran and public school teacher, is a successful entrepreneur and dedicated community volunteer whose run for the U.S. Senate is motivated by a false arrest in 2024 for which he has yet to receive justice. His upbringing, shaped by his father’s military service, saw him move across various states and even to Germany. After excelling as an honors student and earning a full scholarship to the University of Alabama, Dakarai’s passion for public service grew during his junior year as an exchange student at Howard University. He built a successful career as a corporate leader while managing a pet-care business he started in his garage, ultimately returning to Birmingham in 2021 where he became known for his servant leadership. Engaged in various volunteer activities, he also leads a board representing local families and businesses, expressing his love for Alabama’s culture and community. In his free time, Dakarai enjoys the shooting range and attends First United Methodist Church regularly.

Website: dakarailarriett.com

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Working Fire in East Cleveland by Michael C. Ede 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 and firefighter Michael C. Ede shares the true stories and harrowing realities of life not only as a firefighter, but as a firefighter working in the struggling city of East Cleveland in the book “Working Fire in East Cleveland.”

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The Synopsis

A career firefighter with a personal commitment that: everyone gets home safe!

26-year firefighter, Michael C. Ede, a career firefighter with a personal commitment that “everyone gets home safe,” shares true stories of emergency calls, working relationships, and life inside and outside of the firehouse in the financially and morally crumbling city of East Cleveland, Ohio.

This book offers readers a unique opportunity to enjoy a completely transparent, start-to-finish 26-year career highlights of a firefighter in a busy urban department. Readers will benefit from an honest appraisal of what a firefighter experiences both, inside the engine house, and at the emergency scene throughout the span of an entire career. The transformation from young, inexperienced rookie, to old, seasoned veteran, is chronicled in a way that keeps readers anticipating each new phase.

There are three unique topics within the book that allow the readers to benefit from a very unusual and special work environment. The fact that the story takes place in a nearly all African-American impoverished city. A black-to-white employee ratio of 50/50 in the fire department, coupled with raw honest story telling, makes this story extremely eye-opening to most readers who have never experienced this type of work and racial makeup within the work force. The contrast of the firefighters is portrayed throughout the book, and the successes, as well as the failures, are brought to the forefront. The work environment is absolutely unique. It answers the questions in a reader’s mind pertaining to how well white and black firefighters work together. Suspenseful, gripping details reveal the answer, and show that when white and black firefighters work together, great things can, and often do, take place.

Reader be warned, there are no cover ups, embellishment, fluff, or exaggeration in this book. Action, hard–hitting humor, & raw honesty tell the story of inner-city career firefighter, Michael C. Ede.

The Review

This was an insightful and engaging read. The author did an incredible job of giving insight and knowledge surrounding life in service to the fire department and the inner workings of life in East Cleveland, OH. The balance the author found in conveying personal experience with the training and education, so few have surrounding fires in general and fighting fires with specific procedures, was engaging, and early stories, such as the one in which the author came close to a near-death experience with a 2-story fire, helped illustrate how firefighting departments learn from these experiences. 

The author not only discussed the educational and experiential factors involved in firefighting, but also the social aspects. The idea of brotherhood among firefighters is unique, and the author’s emphasis on the unique racial harmony found between both black and white firefighters in East Cleveland, which at the time boasted an even 50/50 ratio, was so interesting and well-received, speaking to how living together and facing untold dangers can shed many prejudices and bring people together. The camaraderie and heart that the author poured into these chapters, along with the personal writing style that brought them to life, made for a very engaging reading experience.

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The Verdict

Memorable, insightful, and compelling, author Michael C. Ede’s “Working Fire in East Cleveland” is a must-read nonfiction book on the subject of firefighting. The detail and relatability of the author’s writing style, along with the unique perspective this book offers, will give readers an engaging look into the lives of the unsung heroes who face these blistering fires daily. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Author of the book, Working Fire in East Cleveland, lives in AKron Ohio with his wife, and has two adult children… one of them is a firefighter.

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Don’t Die Dad by Mark Woodley Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

A father struggling with depression and separation must find himself in author Mark Woodley’s “Don’t Die Dad.”

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The Synopsis

Don’t Die Dad

A Separated Father’s Journey from Devastation to Peace and Acceptance

🔥 A raw, powerful memoir of fatherhood lost—and the relentless fight to rebuild a life worth living.

Ten years after separation tore his family apart and ripped him from daily life with his children, one father is drowning in silence—grieving, addicted, unmoored.

With nothing left but a pair of hiking boots and a sliver of hope, he sets off on a three-day solo trek through New Zealand’s Southern Alps. What begins as an escape becomes a reckoning—with his past, his pain, and the man he’s trying to become.

What you’ll find inside:

🛑 Addiction, anger, and the silent suffering of separated dads

👣 A decade-long transformation through nature, therapy, and soul-searching

💔 Honest reflections on love, loss, fatherhood, and identity

🌄 A mountain hike that mirrors the climb back to self

💡 Hard-won insights into peace, resilience, and letting go

For separated fathers.

For men told to “be strong” and “move on.”

For anyone who needs proof that healing is possible.

This isn’t just a memoir. It’s a lifeline.

If you’ve ever felt broken, forgotten, or lost in the dark—this book is for you.

The Review

Immediately, I was struck by the author’s honesty and the visceral depth of their dive into their most painful and personal moments. The book serves not as an educational or step-by-step guide for any father or parent facing separation or divorce for the first time, but instead serves as a beacon to those living that reality that, through that struggle, perseverance is possible. The raw emotions and experiences the author brought to life on the page were both relatable and heartbreaking to read. They allowed readers who have lived through similar experiences to have their hearts laid bare on the page.

The balance the author found between storytelling with their experiences both in the past and on that transformational hike, and the lessons and experiences that made that trip so vital to their future, made this a compelling read. The relatively steady pacing of the book’s narrative elements allowed readers the time to connect to the author’s message. What stood out was how the author didn’t spend time disparaging their ex-spouse. The author was able to explore the emotional highs and lows of this journey without vilifying the other parent in this equation, and the self-reflective nature of both of their actions made this feel truly balanced.

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The Verdict

Heartfelt, emotional, and captivating, author Mark Woodley’s “Don’t Die Dad” is a must-read nonfiction memoir. The honesty and the imagery the author infused into their writing allowed the reader to connect to the emotional elements of the author’s life, and yet still kept the reader engaged in the story of their life as well. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Mark Woodley – Father, Author, Entrepreneur, Advocate and Athlete

Mark Woodley is an Australian father, author, entrepreneur, GPS windsurfing competitor, and advocate for the rights and wellbeing of separated fathers. His memoir, Don’t Die Dad: A Separated Father’s Journey from Devastation to Peace and Acceptance, resonates deeply with men navigating the collapse of family, identity, and connection.

Mark’s story of fatherhood began like many—with joy and the dream of raising his children in a loving home. That dream shattered with a single text message, launching him into the chaos of legal conflict, emotional disconnection, and the grief of part-time parenting. Over the next ten years, he faced a collapse of self, a loss of purpose, and long stretches of silence from his children.

A self-employed professional in the health and nutrition industry and previous the cosmetic industry and advertising industry, Mark has spent over 30 years working with a variety of people and corporations. But business success couldn’t shield him from the emotional toll of separation. As his internal world crumbled, he returned to a teenage passion.

Windsurfing became his lifeline—restoring presence, physical resilience, and emotional strength. He went on to become a GPS Windsurfing Champion, proving his tenacity and reminding him that healing often begins with physical motion.

But the deepest transformation came through facing the shadows within: childhood trauma, addictions, emotional shutdown, and the ache of losing daily contact with his children. His journey through despair, recovery, and hard-earned clarity is captured in Don’t Die Dad, written over three symbolic days of hiking through New Zealand’s Southern Alps—a mirror to his decade of emotional reckoning.

Today, Mark is the founder of Separated Fathers Recovery, which hosts an online course: Always Dad: The Recovery Accelerator for Separated Fathers, a structured course grounded in lived experience, empathy, and growth.

Through his work, Mark champions legal reform, mental health support, and greater understanding of the father-child bond after separation. He looks to speak regularly on podcasts and panels about male vulnerability, rebuilding after crisis, and showing up with dignity—even when love is met with silence.

Mark lives in Perth, Western Australia and travels back to New Zealand regularly where Don’t Die Dad was written. He remains a present, committed father and a qualified voice for change—proof that from devastation, peace and acceptance is possible.

https://www.separatedfathersrecovery.com/

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Life Strikes Back (Back In A Year Series) by Candace MacPhie Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Candace MacPhie continues to share her journey through a year of travel as she crosses through Eastern Europe in the book “Life Strikes Back”. 

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The Synopsis

Ahh—here I am—on my dream backpacking trip overlanding from Russia—through Eastern Europe—to Istanbul with my travel partner, Khadejah. Bring on the sunny days of exotic sightseeing, tasty new food, interesting people, and places I can get lost in to soothe my tattered heart.

But …

It rains most days.

Don’t even get me started on the food.

The locals are low on smiles.

And I’m drowning in grief.

Then the sun finally comes out. With the help of my friends, George Michael’s music, and laughter we tackle culture shock, wild interactions, changing plans, and uncover gems I never thought I would see with my own eyes.

But the leers, catcalls, and gropes are never-ending. Regardless we persevere … until a vicious and humiliating encounter causes me to question if life on the road will save me or break me.

__________

About the series: Grab your backpack and get ready for an adventure in the ’90s when the Internet was scarce but laughs weren’t. Life Strikes Back is Book Two in the five-part Back in a Year series, a true story of a young woman traveling around the world. Each book can be read independently, but it’s more fun to take the full trip.

__________

Content Warning: Profanity, sexual harassment, sexual assault, consensual sexual content, parental grief, alcohol consumption, smoking, and visits to Holocaust sites.

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The Review

This was yet another compelling and engaging read. The adventurous nature of the author’s experiences and the vivid imagery that comes with the descriptive nature of those experiences, including the settings of each chapter. The rich culture of each country and the customs that went into each interaction gave readers insight into each country and their interactions and the era in which this book took place (the 90s).

The balance the author struck between her journey’s big, emotional moments and the more witty, humorous interactions she had made this an enthralling memoir. The bond she shares with her travel partner and the theme of travel being a means of healing from grief spoke to this author’s heart, as well as the connection readers can make with this deeply personal story.

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The Verdict

Thoughtfully, deeply engagingly, and incredibly presented, Candace MacPhie’s “Life Strikes Back” is a must-read memoir. The breathtaking imagery the author brings to life on the page and the thought-provoking life lessons the author experiences will keep readers invested as the book comes to a close. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Born in Montreal, Quebec, I spent years backpacking and working around the world. I have a Bachelor of Commerce degree, an MBA, and worked for twenty years on four different continents and now call Calgary, Alberta home.

I got married, had kids, and things got busy. Time was moving by quickly, and my kids were growing up fast. I shifted gears and quit my job to spend time at home. During the COVID lockdown, I had time on my hands, decided to try writing, and started writing the Back in a Year series.

When I’m not at my computer yelling, “Just a few more pages, then I’ll make dinner,” I love hiking in the Rocky Mountains, hot yoga, reading romance novels, and making up new cake recipes. I especially like to laugh and spend time with my husband, the self-proclaimed grumpy motherf*%ker, and my three awesome kids.

Follow me on Instagram: @candacemacphie

Or on TikTok: @candacemacphie

And visit my website for trip photos: www.candacemacphie.com

The Year We Danced by Stephen E. Smith Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

Author Stephen E. Smith shares a vivid memoir from the mid 60’s that helps cope with the global COVID-19 virus in the book “The Year We Danced”.

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The Synopsis

With the number of Covid cases increasing and the death toll steadily rising, award-winning writer Stephen E. Smith decided it was appropriate — maybe even necessary — to write about happier, less stressful times.

In a box of forgotten files, he rediscovered loose-leaf binders and keepsakes from his first year of college. It had been more than half a century but reading through his course notes, personal observations, and the clippings he’d torn from magazines and newspapers, he pieced together the events, good and bad, tender and tragic, that shaped his freshman year.

Much of what he writes is disarmingly funny, but recalling the Civil Rights Movement, the War in Vietnam, and the complexities of finding himself a stranger in the South forced him to reassess a period of his life he’d long recalled as carefree. In this vivid and poignant mid-60s memoir, readers come to understand how friendship, a love of language and music, and the bittersweet remembrance of lost love can help sustain us through difficult times.

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The Review

The biggest takeaway from this incredible memoir is the relatability so many readers will be able to have with it. The honesty and everyman-style of writing really speak to the author’s experiences and life well, and the way the author was able to incorporate humor and showcase the lessons and insights that the author gained during his life made this a compelling book.

The artistic and poetic nature of the author’s vision for this book was evident in every chapter. The author brought readers into these memories and experiences as if they lived through them. The rich and dynamic individuals that the author brings into the book from his life and the absurd humor that keeps the book fun and light while honest and enlightening in other moments make this a great book to get lost in.

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The Verdict

Author Stephen E. Smith’s “The Year We Danced” is a humorous, relatable, and engaging memoir. Its unique absurdist writing style, entertaining memories, and heartfelt attention to detail about the era it describes make it a wholly unique read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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The Smallest Wave by Dolores Reynals 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 Dolores Reynals goes on an emotional and heartfelt journey of self discovery, finding her true self and living life authentically in the book “The Smallest Wave”. 

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The Synopsis

“There is fierceness in the smallest wave, even the tiniest ones that reach the shore do what they do with all their might. They don’t ask for permission, and they don’t care that they are small.”

Dolores Reynals was born with an insatiable curiosity and a longing to explore beyond the confines of her family and a conventional environment, giving her a strong determination to dive into the unknown and grow into her true self away from the influences of her youth.

Her quest leads her from her hometown of Mendoza, Argentina to Spain, London, Los Angeles, and Mexico. Sometimes settling and sometimes wandering, Dolores confronts questions that echo those of her past, contemplating femininity, authenticity, and the elusive meaning of home.

With raw emotion and poetic insight, The Smallest Wave is a woman’s journey to live true to the person she is, even if it means releasing everything else.

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The Review

What a compelling and heartfelt memoir. The author does such an elegant job of capturing the sense of adventure and discovery that travel can bring to people. The use of imagery in the author’s writing, as well as a poetic writing style, allowed the reader to feel transported each time the author took a new step towards a new location and a new journey. The writing style was as sophisticated yet honest as an artist with a paintbrush, allowing readers to get lost in the words the author brought to life.

The themes of identity, self-discovery, womanhood, and home all felt very prominent in the author’s memoir. The thoughtfulness and honesty that allowed the author to deliver not only the experiences she had but the lessons she learned and the impact of those decisions on her overall journey made the book flow perfectly. The reader was able to feel like they were growing right along with the author as the trip progressed, and readers could instantly make a connection emotionally with the author as well.

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The Verdict

Adventurous, heartfelt, and engaging author Dolores Reynals’s “The Smallest Wave” is a must-read memoir. The relatability of so many people, especially women who are looking to discover themselves, was remarkable to see a spark to life on the page. The amount of sympathy, heart, and compassion the reader feels for the author and considers the author brings to her own life as each experience teaches her something new will have readers returning to this book 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

Dolores Reynals was born in Mendoza, Argentina. She started out as a radio actress before moving to London to attain her BA (Hons) in Drama from the University of Surrey. Since then she has worked internationally and now lives nowhere in particular, often between Europe and Mexico.

https://www.doloresreynals.com

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

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

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.

Watermelon

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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