The Martial Art of Recovery: Self-Mastery Practices to Subdue Addiction and Achieve Mental Wellness by Eric Fisher Review

On January 7, 2026January 6, 2026 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 Eric Fisher shares a unique approach to combating addiction and mental health struggles using martial arts in the book “The Martial Art of Recovery.”

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The Synopsis

Addiction has been given various explanations – some regard it as a choice, a habit, a disease, a moral failure, brought on by traumatic experiences, or a combination.

The Martial Art of Recovery offers a unique metaphorical approach to treating addiction, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Techniques and concepts from American Kenpo, a martial arts style, intersect holistically with mental health and addiction treatment.

Striking self-sabotage begins with a single move.

The following is a brief summary of the book’s contents:

Sixty-six American Kenpo martial arts techniques translated for addiction treatment.
Ninety-eight martial arts terms have been translated and presented with practical examples to aid in addiction recovery.
Techniques from the American Kenpo martial arts style are translated into coping skills and strategies for anxiety, depression, and trauma.
A section that provides information, examples, and techniques related to the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual domains that play a role in the recovery process.
The “Five Swords” for addiction treatment and mental health.
How to view the addiction as “The Opponent.”
How to practically apply martial arts techniques and concepts in daily life.

The Review

For such a unique and creative new take on the battle of addiction and mental health, the author’s book felt both relatable and driven in a way that people familiar with the struggle should be able to relate to. The book’s title may seem to indicate that martial arts is the key component to this technique. Instead, the author does a great job of using martial arts as a creative mindset and viewpoint, focusing on mentally transforming these struggles into external forces that can be combatted.

The book’s slow, steady pacing and the author’s inspirational writing will stay with readers long after it ends. The haunting reality of addiction and mental health is not shied away from, but instead harmoniously brought together with the authors’ unique way of bridging the gap between recovery and martial arts mindsets and training. The book tackles not just the physical but also the mental in a healthy way. It even takes on philosophical, psychological/medical aspects as well, exploring the impact of grief and how the brain itself can be mapped and explored in depth.

The Verdict

The expressive, entertaining way the author writes and the heartfelt message of hope that the author’s writing and techniques promise make this a truly compelling must-read nonfiction book. The way the author incorporates everything from different fighting techniques to the other belts that martial artists earn, and how he relates these to mental health awareness, as well as the at times light and empathetic way he uses his voice, will keep readers hanging on to every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Eric Fisher is a certified counsellor based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He has over 13 years of experience working in outpatient and inpatient treatment settings in the US and Canada. Eric is a master practitioner of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), both of which are evidence-based treatments for trauma. Eric’s private practice, Recovery Arts Counselling, serves individuals, couples, and families locally and remotely. He also works as an associate for local clinics in the surrounding area. In the past, Eric has supervised master’s-level graduate students and counsellors early in their careers. Additionally, Eric has a black belt in two martial arts styles: American Kenpo and Wadō-ryū. Eric enjoys hiking and riding his bike outdoors, trying new foods, travelling near and far, and meeting people.

https://amzn.to/49ak0tJ

Interview with Author Kimberly Yule

On December 19, 2025December 18, 2025 By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I am married and have three grown children, who are my greatest accomplishment, and I am quite proud of them, too. I’m a retired Nurse Practitioner and worked in mental health, OB/GYN, Hormones & Wellness, and owned my own Regenerative Aesthetics business before retiring in 2021. I’ve had a love for writing since my younger years, when I began journaling. Being retired afforded me lots of time to get back to doing things I love, like writing and traveling. I call California, Texas, and the Caribbean home. If I’m not in one of those places, I’m traveling the world and finding things that inspire me. My best writing is done at the beach.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

In many ways, this story is very personal to me. I had a family member who went through some very tough mental health issues, and by the grace of God, was able to reach out for help. What bothered me the most was that we never knew they were having problems. I wanted to write a book that brings mental health to the forefront and lets people know that there is help.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

I hope the reader finishes the book with a deeper understanding of how mental health affects people in many ways and that compassion or small gestures can be so powerful. Even if we don’t see it, people are carrying around grief, sadness, and quiet battles that they are fighting beneath the surface. Even in our darkest moments, connections and vulnerability with others can help to create unexpected pathways to healing. Let’s remove the taboo about mental health and make it a a subject that is comfortable to talk about.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

Honestly, it was by accident. When the story came to me, I thought of my children, knowing how difficult life is for kids nowadays. I wanted to make an impact in the young adult age group that has a higher incidence of mental health issues. I felt like I could tell an important story from their viewpoint. The story is also a crossover to any age group that knows someone who suffers from mental health issues.

5) 5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

It would be Briggs. The story only allows for a glimpse into his life and there is so much to learn from him. I would want to have an honest conversation with him about who he is and how his mental health affects him, which would allow for a better understanding of him as a unique person. I’d ask him to describe his pain and how it affects his thoughts. What do you wish you could admit without feeling judged? What’s one message you wish others who struggle could hear from you?

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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I would say Goodreads and Facebook

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

The key is to believe in yourself and just start with writing down something. It took me a couple years to write my story. Maybe at first, I didn’t think I could do it. But the more I wrote, the easier it got, and slowly my story came together, as did the belief in myself that I could write.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I plan to continue writing, as there are more stories of connection I want to tell. Travel is a huge source of inspiration for me. Every place I visit helps to spark new ideas, characters, and scenes. So yes, you will probably find me on a beach writing my next story.

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About the Author

Kimberly Fiese Yule believes life is better with sand between your toes, music in your ears, and a story that makes you feel seen. A mother of three, her greatest pride and joy, she is also a former women’s health nurse practitioner and a lifelong wanderer. Depending on the day, she calls Texas, California, or the Caribbean home, always finding inspiration in sunshine, connection, and the beauty of everyday moments.

https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyyule

https://kimberlyfieseyule.com/

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To Save One by Kimberly Fiese Yule Review

On November 7, 2025 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 young woman in grief begins a project to tackle mental health and help others in author Kimberly Fiese Yule’s “To Save One.”

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The Synopsis

Find solidarity in loss, friendship, and the fight to bring light into the darkest moments.

“A brave and tender story that speaks to the heart of every teenager, and every parent who loves one.”

When Evy loses her boyfriend to suicide, her life unravels in grief and unanswered questions. With the help of her best friend Henry and her classmate Chloe, who carries her own hidden struggle, Evy channels her pain into The Happy Face Project, a senior film that dares to talk openly about mental health.

What begins as a school project becomes something bigger: a mission to break the silence, to offer hope, and to save at least one life before graduation. Along the way, Evy, Henry, and Chloe discover that healing is found in music, courage, and in standing together when it matters most.

For anyone searching for connection and for every parent or educator who wants to better understand what today’s youth are facing.

A story of heartbreak and resilience, it offers both a mirror for young adult readers and a conversation starter for families, schools, and communities.

The Review

This was such a powerful and moving read. The author did an incredible job of delving into a subject that is both sensitive and heartbreaking, and did so with a reverence and care that truly resonated with readers. The powerful imagery that sets up each chapter’s scenery and tone is compelling, and the depth of world-building the author puts into the story itself speaks to the themes of this story, telling a story that weaves into the fabric of all of our lives.

Ultimately, this story served as a testament to thought-provoking themes and empathetic characters. The tragic circumstances of Briggs’s story and how his loss impacted so many people in the story were equally on par emotionally as protagonist Evy’s exploration of grief and loss, and the raw moments of her grief that pop up throughout the book are truly relatable to anyone who has ever felt grief like that before. The honest and sympathetic portrayal of mental health and those who suffer from this subject matter, including both those who have become victims of this mindset and those who have been left behind as a result, all have a voice in this story and bring the emotional resonance that makes this story so engaging.

The Verdict

A compelling, engaging, and heartfelt YA drama, author Kimberly Fiese Yule’s “To Save One” is a must-read novel. The book also touches upon other themes naturally, including overall health struggles and the impact of a support system, as well as creativity in times of grief and how music can connect people. The book can be haunting at times, and definitely heartbreaking, and yet it is with a strong and compassionate voice that the author brings this rich story to life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

https://www.instagram.com/kimberlyyule

https://kimberlyfieseyule.com/

https://amzn.to/47L4hzk

Interview with Author Randi-Lee Bowslaugh

On May 15, 2025May 14, 2025 By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I am a mom to 2 grown children and a grandma to 1 and have been married for 13 years! I have multiple fur babies who make life quite interesting at times. When I was younger I didn’t feel like I fit in much and suffered from depression. In my 30’s I was diagnosed with autism, which made my life make sense.

During my teenage years when I was first dealing with depression is when I truly started writing. I had written skits and short stories when I was younger but as a teenager, I really delved into writing. It was how I coped with what I was feeling at the time. Those first poems were what turned into my first book about 20 years later.

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

My most recent book “Thoughts of a Warrior” came from a very strange moment. My mom mentioned something about me dieting (I was trying to lose weight at the time) and unintentionally made me feel horrible. To deal with that I wrote a poem.

After writing that poem I decided it was time to release a follow-up to ‘Thoughts of a Warrior’, my first book about being depressed. It needed a follow-up showing that we can make it through the bad times – doesn’t mean there aren’t still some bad times but they are much fewer and farther between.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Mental illness knows no boundaries but that doesn’t make you broken.

No one is alone. We all struggle, we all have ups and downs.

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4) What drew you into this particular genre?

There was a particular night that pushed me to publish. My youngest, who was struggling with depression, was crying about why no one liked her. It completely broke my heart and I realized that I wasn’t doing a good enough job talking about mental illness. That was the moment that I realized I needed to be loud.

5) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Youtube has been the best. I host a weekly show, Write or Die Show, interviewing others and talking about mental illness. My guests and I share, connect and bring attention to mental illness.

6) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Write for yourself, don’t try to be something you aren’t. And remember that the first draft is not the final draft.

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About the Author

Randi-Lee was born and raised in Ontario, Canada and from a young age she had a passion for helping others. She attended Niagara College and graduated at the top of her class from Community and Justice Services, after completing her placement at a recovery house for alcohol and drug addictions. Post-graduation she worked at a Native Friendship Centre for two and a half years while pursuing a university education in psychology. Randi-Lee continued working in social services for another four years as an employment counselor until she left to pursue her other passions.

Randi-Lee is an author and outspoken advocate for mental health sharing her true story with honesty. From the age of 14 she struggled with depressive thoughts. There were times in her life that she wasn’t sure how she would continue. Depression continues to be a battle in her life but she is glad that she continues to live. She has spoken at events that promote wellness and compassionately shares her experiences with her own mental health. In 2021 she started a YouTube channel, Write or Die Show, to spread awareness about various mental health issues and to end the stigma associated with mental health.

Growing up she never felt that she fit in, being the last to understand jokes and confused about many emotions that she saw on others. In 2021 she finally had answers to the questions about herself that had been nagging at her. She was diagnosed with moderate Autism.

Another of Randi-Lee’s passions is kickboxing, which she has been doing for about 10 years. She was a Canadian National Champion in kickboxing in 2015, competed at the World’s kickboxing tournament later that year and in 2016 competed at the Pan-Am games where she received silver in her division. In 2020 she was chosen as one of the coaches for the Ontario Winter Games where she inspired and coached young athletes.

Randi is a mom to two, her youngest child has autism and grandma to one. Randi encourages and supports her youngest child’s entrepreneurial spirit as he follows his dream of being an artist. When she can she incorporates his art into her stories.

Published Works:

Non-Fiction:

Thoughts of a Wanderer

A Mother’s Truth

Embracing Me

Fiction

A Little Scare

Children’s Books:

Operation Deck the Halls

Diamond the Cat

Contact Information:

https://linktr.ee/randib

Grief: The Silent Pandemic by Doug Lawrence Review

On April 4, 2025April 4, 2025 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 Doug Lawrence shares the steps to be taken when confronting and dealing with one’s grief in the book “Grief The Silent Pandemic.”

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The Synopsis

Grief is a profound and universal experience, a natural response to the loss of someone or something deeply cherished. Yet, for many, the journey through grief is made even more difficult by a lack of personal understanding and a society rife with misconceptions about what it means to grieve. This widespread misunderstanding has contributed to a mental health pandemic, leaving countless individuals feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and without the tools to heal.

In Grief the Silent Pandemic, Doug Lawrence offers a guiding light in the darkness of loss. Drawing from decades of experience as a grief mentor and the deeply personal pain of losing his beloved wife, Lawrence provides a compassionate and insightful exploration of the grieving process. With raw honesty and profound empathy, he delves into the complexities of grief, shedding light on the emotional, psychological, and societal challenges it presents.

Through heartfelt storytelling, practical advice, and actionable solutions, Lawrence empowers readers to navigate their own grief journeys. He challenges the stigma and misinformation surrounding grief, offering a roadmap to healing that is rooted in understanding, connection, and hope.

Whether you are seeking solace in your own time of loss or looking to support someone you care about, this book is a beacon of hope that reminds us all: healing is possible, and brighter days lie ahead.

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The Review

What a profound and truly moving read! The author does a remarkable job of finding the right balance between informing the reader and being empathetic to the nature of grief in general. The author’s ability to relate personal experiences to the grieving process and identify the root of what drives grief makes the education and practices related to the grieving process so much more moving and in-depth.

What stood out to this reader was the focus of the book’s inception on the COVID-10 pandemic, and how mental health in general, especially grief, got lost in confusion during that time. The horrors and fear that came with the pandemic and the hardship that came with having to face grief in such isolation and pain was so spot on, and thoroughly pushed through the core problems of pushing aside grief and mental health care in general to focus on other things to better help readers understand the importance of mental health altogether.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, heartfelt, and emotional, author Doug Lawrence’s “Grief: The Silent Pandemic” is a must-read nonfiction book on mental health and grief. The informative nature of the guided book and the raw and emotion-driven experiences that the author shares on a personal level and as a mentor will help readers relate to the book’s message and get lost in the process the author lays out for readers. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on April 20th, 2025!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Doug Lawrence is an International Certified Mentor and holds two Mentor Certifications; Certificate of Competence – Mentor and the Certificate of Competence – Journey Mentor from the International Mentoring Community. Doug is the only one to hold the Certificate of Competence – Journey Mentor in the world today.

Doug served in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) for 25 years retiring in February of 1999 at the rank of Staff Sargent.

Doug has been involved in the certification of mentors since 2009 when he first partnered with an organization to provide mentor certification based on knowledge. Doug has now partnered with an expert in certification to provide a certification for mentors based on competence.

Doug’s Practice of Mentoring continues to grow and has resulted in: 1) his teaching of others how to effectively mentor, 2)the mentoring of others internationally, 3) and being recognized as a thought leader in the mentoring space.

He has been working with researchers to examine the role of mentoring as a support for those struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). His experience in law enforcement coupled with working with people as a mentor who are suffering from PTSD has afforded him a unique view of mentoring and PTSD. His personal story is one that is compelling and it fuels his passion about wanting to help others.

Doug is a firm believer that mentoring begins with a person’s personal growth thereby helping to remove any obstacles or barriers to their professional growth and career development. As Doug has found, some of those barriers can be mental health and mental well-being challenges.

“You are Not Alone” came from the all to often stigma of people being afraid to ask for help, afraid to step out of the closet and say, “I need help”. Afraid to extend a hand to say, “its okay I will go with you on this journey.”

“You are Not Alone” came from cry for help and increased anxiety and depression from having to wait far to long for treatment and to begin a healing journey.

This book provides a solution to that problem.

The Door at the End of Everything by Lynda Monahan Review

On October 1, 2024September 30, 2024 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 and poet Lynda Monahan shares a powerful collection of poetry in honor of the people who contend with mental health on a daily basis in the collection “The Door at the End of Everything”.

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The Synopsis

Written while Lynda Monahan was hospital writer-in-residence at the Victoria Hospital in Prince Albert, working often on the adult and youth mental health wards, the tight, pared poems in The Door at the End of Everything give voice to and honour those living with mental illness, speaking to not only the suffering but also the courage and hope that is so clearly there as well.

Several of the poems and poetry sequences have seen publication in various literary journals, including Grain, The Society, The New Quarterly, Transition, Bareback, and Dalhousie Review, and in the poetry anthologies Writing Menopause (Inanna Publications), Lummox Anthology of Canadian Poetry, Worth More Standing (Caitlin Press), the Apart pandemic anthology (Saskatchewan Writers Guild), and Line Dance (Burton House Books), and in various tanka publications such as Atlas Poetica, A Hundred Gourds, and Gusts. A series of online readings from this collection, created with the help of a Canada Council grant, are available on YouTube.

The Review

What a profound and heartbreaking read! The author captures the voice and trauma of these individuals who suffer through and endure the pain of mental health trauma. The visceral nature of the poems’ themes and the thought-provoking imagery in the author’s writing style paint a picture of the turmoil so many feel inside, to the point that these feelings feel almost personified in the writing itself.

The emotional core of these poems and the powerful themes made this book what it is today: moving. The writing was indeed illuminating, as it allowed readers not only to feel and understand the internal struggles of so many people and the tragic reasoning for so many who make the hard decisions that impact their lives and the lives they leave behind, but it also allowed readers to see the promise of hope for those who fight through those struggles and search for the means of internal peace, in this case through the beauty and serenity of nature itself.

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The Verdict

Overall, this was a moving and heartfelt read. The author did a brilliant job of capturing the heart and the passion that so many feel for developing this need to further the cause of mental health awareness. The imagery and atmosphere that the author creates through these poems and the emotional themes that the author explores make this a pivotal book that readers should return to time and time again. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

From Struggle to Strength: Teen’s Journey to Mental Wellness by Hobokela Jackson Review

On September 26, 2024September 26, 2024 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 Hoboken Jackson shares a guide to mental health and the real stories of teens who had to experience it first-hand in the book “From Struggle to Strength: Teen’s Journey to Mental Wellness”.

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The Synopsis

“From Struggle to Strength” embarks on a poignant journey through the tumultuous terrain of adolescence with a courageous teen as your guide. This compelling narrative dives deep into the heart of mental wellness, offering a beacon of hope amidst the storms of uncertainty and doubt that often plague young minds.

Navigating the treacherous waters of teenagehood can feel like an Impossible challenge, but within these pages lies a roadmap to resilience and empowerment. Through intimate storytelling and candid reflections, our protagonist shares their odyssey from despair to the summit of self- discovery.

From battling Inner demons to confronting external pressures, every twist and turn of this narrative illuminates the universal struggles faced by today’s youth. However, through the darkness shines a light of hope a testament to our Indomitable spirit.

As our protagonist learns to harness their inner strength, they impart Invaluable lessons on cultivating resillence, nurturing self-compassion, and embracing the power of vulnerability. With courage as their compass and hope as their North Star, they navigate the complexities of adolescence with grace and determination.

“From Struggle to Strength is more than just a story-it’s a lifeline for teens grappling with mental health challenges. It reminds them that they are not alone in their struggles and that there is always a path forward, no matter how daunting the journey may seem.

The Review

What an insightful and compelling read. The author does a remarkable job of capturing the difficulties and hardships that young people face in their mental health journey. The balance the author found in telling personal stories of teens experiencing everything from ADHD to anxiety and depression with the expertise in giving practical tips to people on how to combat or cope with these struggles was incredible to see come to life on the page, hitting that note of vulnerability and honesty that readers need in a book surrounding mental health awareness.

The standout part of this book to me was the tone, as the author never shied away from the personal and clinical nature of these mental health struggles and yet always found a way to inspire others to find the right path to understanding and confronting these inner battles. The depth of knowledge and relatability the book offers to younger and older readers will stay with readers long after the book ends.

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The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and engaging author Hoboken Jackson “From Struggle to Strength” is a must-read book on mental health and teens struggling. The value and heart put into this book and the compelling nature of the personal stories revolving around these mental health struggles will inspire readers to confront their own struggles in a healthy and positive way. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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The Illusion of the Perfect Profession by Betsy Gall Review

On March 3, 2024 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.

TW: Discussions surrounding the topic of Suicide are prevalent in this book. Reader Discretion advised.

Author Betsy Gall shares the painful truth behind the tragic loss of her husband in the book “The Illusion of the Perfect Profession”.

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The Synopsis

Betsy Gall was living the American dream. Married to an oncologist with three healthy children; life was pretty darn good. That all changed on Thanksgiving Day of 2019 when her “life of the party” physician husband took his own life. Matthew Taylor Gall, M.D., M.S., who had devoted his entire life to saving lives, was dead at the young age of 49. The Illusion of the Perfect Profession is a culmination of Betsy’s journals, letters to God, and her journey with faith throughout this horrific traumatic experience that left her family shattered and asking how could this happen. Through reading and research, Betsy discovered that physician suicide is a trend. One million patients lose their doctors to suicide every single year. This is a subject matter that, unfortunately, needs to be widely discussed to help change a system that is undoubtedly broken. This book is one wife’s story about love, physician suicide, and finding comfort and purpose in the aftermath.

The Review

This was an authentic and heartbreaking read. The author brilliantly blended original writing with her personal journal entries to make the experiences and life of their family feel more connective and relatable. The detail the author gave of the life that she and her husband built together, from the moment they met to the tragedy that would befall them decades later, allowed the reader to visualize and become immersed in their story.

Yet it was the emotional and heartbreaking experiences of the author’s life and the loss of her husband that made the reader feel that sense of loss and confusion, something the author illustrated expertly through her writing. The shocking realities of what physicians go through and the rate at which they take their own lives are surprising, and the research the author presented in the wake of her own husband’s battle with depression was thoughtful yet saddening. The mixture of faith and resilience the author leaned upon allowed the reader to vividly feel the heart of the author’s struggles.

The Verdict

Tragic, engaging, and thought-provoking author Betsy Gall’s “The Illusion of the Perfect Profession” is a must-read nonfiction book that readers cannot put down. The emotional connection between the author and her story, as well as the realities of depression and suicide and the suddenness of it all, made this a compelling 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

Betsy Gall and her three children, Grady, Gavin, Sophie, and their dog Liberty, split their time between Charlotte, NorthCarolina, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, where she focuses on faith, family, and friends. In addition, Betsy is an active real estate agent, investor, landlord, and habitual remodeler.Betsy is speaking all over the country about physician suicide after her oncologist husband, Dr. Matthew Gall, tragically and unexpectedly took his own life on ThanksgivingDay in 2019.In her spare time, Betsy loves to downhill ski, spend time at her lake home, and exercise. In addition, she continues to giveback to Angel Foundation and the Dr. Lorna Breen Foundation.

Reckless Grace: A Mother’s Crash Course in Mental Illness by Carolyn DiPasquale Review

On August 24, 2022October 14, 2024 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 mother struggles with the knowledge of her daughter’s painful journey through mental health and addiction after discovering her daughter’s journal after a heart-shattering loss in author Carolyn DiPasquale’s “Reckless Grace: A Mother’s Crash Course in Mental Illness”.

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The Synopsis

Fourteen-year-old Rachel guards a collection of secrets for ten years, journaling to vent her terror and loneliness.

What the single, working mother recalls is a far cry from what happens, as dramatically revealed in tandem chapters gleaned from Rachel’s journals. While the mother sprints from task to task, the daughter details the baffling emergence and frightening progression of bulimia, diabulimia, and borderline personality disorder; her eventual substance abuse; and heart-wrenching reasons for not seeking help.

Following Rachel’s fatal overdose years later, her mother, Carolyn DiPasquale, stumbles upon her daughter’s diaries. Shattered, she searches for answers, retracing her steps to figure out how parents and doctors missed three major mental illnesses.

Despite her loss, DiPasquale hopes her story lights a path for victims of mental illness while awakening all readers.

The Review

This was such a powerful, emotional, and heartbreaking read. The author’s passionate story of loss, discovery and the journey through grief that was presented was emotional and captivating all at once as a reader, and yet heartfelt and tragic for any parent out there who has had to deal with this level of loss. The honest and poignant way in which the author wrote kept the reader invested in the story throughout the narrative.

The things that really will stay with readers long after reading the book are both the style in which the author presented this story and the themes that were talked about. The way the author presented both her perspective as a mother and her journey through grief and then also her daughter’s perspective through diary entries that explored the struggles of mental health and other disorders was not only very balanced but came across in a very narrative way. The themes however were plentiful enough for a multitude of different readers to relate to. For me personally, as someone who has someone in their life that has had to deal with many of these mental health and eating disorders, I have experienced firsthand so much of the author’s own experiences, and while I may not understand it from a parental perspective, I do know what it is like to yearn to help and care for someone you love who is struggling with something outside of their control.

The Verdict

Heartbreaking, emotional, and engaging, author Carolyn DiPasquale’s “Reckless Grace: A Mother’s Crash Course in Mental Illness” is a must-read nonfiction book on mental health, grief, and the journey of a parent with their child. The story presented is difficult, and yet brings an urgency and need for all parents to understand and utilize in their journeys, and with that awareness, readers can have the much-needed sense of healing and hope that many parents are seeking out there. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Carolyn DiPasquale grew up in Franksville, Wisconsin, graduating from UW-Milwaukee with a double major in English and French. In 1983, she moved to Rhode Island where she raised three children while pursuing her Master’s in English at the University of Rhode Island. Over her career, she taught literature and composition at various New England colleges; worked as a technical writer at the Naval Underseas Warfare Center in Newport; and wrote winning grants as a volunteer for Turning Around Ministries, a Newport aftercare program for ex-offenders. She has been an active member of the Newport Round Table, a professional writing group (founded in 1995), since 2013.

DiPasquale currently lives in Richmond, Rhode Island where she has started working on a sequel to Reckless Grace. She has also ventured into writing children’s books. In her free time, she enjoys cooking and baking with healthy ingredients, hiking and trapshooting with her husband Phil, and volunteering at the New Hope Chapel food pantry in Carolina, Rhode Island.

Visit her website to follow her updates. You can also follow her on Instagram or Facebook.

Purchase a copy of Reckless Grace on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Bookshop.org. You can also add this to your GoodReads reading list.

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Blog Tour Calendar

– Blog Tour Calendar

August 1st @ The Muffin

Join us at WOW! Women on Writing as we celebrate the launch of Carolyn DiPasquale’s memoir Reckless Grace. Read an interview with the author and enter to win a copy of the book.

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com

August 1st @ Mindy McGinnis

Join Mindy as she features a guest post by author Carolyn DiPasquale on the topic of how mental disorders travel in packs. Don’t miss this!

https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog

August 3rd @ Pages and Paws

Join Kristine as she reviews Carolyn DiPasquale’s memoir Reckless Grace. You don’t want to miss this powerful memoir!

https://pagesandpaws.com/

August 8th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog

Join Anthony as he features Carolyn DiPasquale’s guest post about lessons learned from querying agents and publishers.

https://atomic-temporary-124910902.wpcomstaging.com/

August 9th @ The Faerie Review

Join Lily as she features Carolyn DiPasquale and her memoir Reckless Grace.

https://www.thefaeriereview.com/

August 10th @ Word Magic

Come by Fiona’s blog where she shares the author’s guest post about memoir writing. Don’t miss this important post if you are interested in this writing genre!

https://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/

August 13th @ Boots, Shoes, and Fashion

Join Linda as she interviews Carolyn DiPasquale about her memoir Reckless Grace.

https://bootsshoesandfashion.com/

August 15th @ A Storybook World

Join Deirdra as she features Reckless Grace by Carolyn DiPasquale.

https://www.astorybookworld.com/

August 18th @ Pen and Prosper

Join Jennifer as she interviews Carolyn DiPasquale about her memoir Reckless Grace.

http://penandprosper.blogspot.com/

August 19th @ Knotty Needle

Visit Judy’s blog and read her review of Carolyn DiPasquale’s memoir Reckless Grace. You don’t want to miss this touching memoir.