Kristine's journey is expressed with raw, authentic insight and self observation.
933608
I finished Heartbroken Open last night. I am grateful for this beautiful book, written from the hand and heart of a wise woman. Kristine's journey is expressed with raw, authentic insight and self observation. Thank you for sharing with us, and congratulations on finishing this gift to Richard, your daughters, your grandson, yourself, and to us, your readers.
2781822
Roz Savage's very personal memoir reads easily and quickly especially for those who have followed her blogs; it feels like you are reading a long letter from a friend.  As she copes with unwanted help, faces crucial equipment failures, and makes an amazing rendezvous with the Junk crew to exchange surplus supplies, you reflect, putting yourself in her seat.  Who has the courage to trade in a life of comfort for one of extreme challenges and an overriding sense of leaving a legacy?  Roz's adventure gave her the gift of knowing herself, and we learn about ourselves along side her.  Most of us can't follow her exact path but we certainly can take smaller steps in our own neighborhoods to work for a greener planet. My favorite part of each chapter is the quote at the beginning, carefully and aptly chosen, acting as a foreshadowing device for the reader who takes the time to read it!
1383485
Sometimes a book can take you away and provide insight to your own life through the beautiful gift of another person sharing their journey. Lucetta's honesty with herself and the reader allows for an incredibly moving experience. As I traveled along the roads of Africa, the streets of Thailand and the peacefulness of Bali I found myself totally caught up in the inner transformation she was undergoing and was inspired to take new courage in my own life, step out of my comfort zone and do the next hard thing on my own journey. Lucetta eloquently captures the struggles many women face in caring for themselves and their families. She faces all her challenges with love deep in her core and inspires readers to do the same. I highly recommend this book!
2555923
Dr. Sharon Livingston is a natural storyteller, gifting us her honesty by writing in a soul-searching, self-revealing way. The journey she takes us on is often painful, made bearable by a continuous sprinkle of humor and some special characters. This personal tale is completely compelling and offers the reader many life lessons; the best is that we all have legitimate reasons for what we do. Sharon ends by encouraging us to find that nugget of strength each time we sift through our muddy rivers of challenge. A very good read, indeed.
2912507
It is amazing how someone can step back and analyze herself and her life with such clarity. At times, she might be too harsh on herself.......
I liked the book, especially because it lifts the drapes for us to see a part of the world that lived? by different rules. I wonder what is the life of Sultans of Bruneis brother now..
This book is not for puritan eyes, at times the language is offensive, but..very appropriate for the context.
I applaud Lauren ( I feel like I know her a little after reading her memoir!:), I applaud the boldness with which she snaps picture after picture of her life, the way it was, not hiding the bad ..not hiding who she was. Well written, a book with heart and soul.
3583921
Amy's book will take you through an emotionally journey where she exposes her raw emotions and honesty as she questioned God and her faith. Her careful attention to detail helps the reader grasp the true emotions as she walked through many battles that cultivated her into the woman that she is today. I recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with a situation or who is currently going through a trial.  Amy is real and honest about her emotions toward God and how she came to forgive and understand Gods true role in her life.
1958983
What an incredible book. Debbie's storytelling and journaling maked her journey so real. The authenticity and passion and yet simple way she has combined her actions, and feelings is enhanced by the reality of the statistics and facts she weaved between journal entries. I am in awe. Someone  so giving of herself, was able to open herself up and share her story so eloquently. A heartwarming read.
4975875
This is a stunningly honest book by a woman who is authentic in every way. Beautiful write John O'Donohue wrote a book about the Anam Cara (the friend of the heart) that I re-read once a year. Elaine is an Anam Cara to everyone she calls family or friend, and now to those who are privileged to read her book. This journey through the dark night of the soul is engendered by the dying of her beloved husband and her slow raw journey into the birth of her new life. She is also an amazing writer, and holds nothing back from her emotional and physical experiences of loss. "Leaning Into Love" is a blessing, and Elaine offers it with such grace and gratitude while baring her rough and painful places without apology.
4547012
Imagine growing up in a household where you constantly encounter criticism and negativity.  Imagine going to school only to endure more of the same. Imagine seeking the love and approval of others to the extent that you lose all semblance of self. Unfortunately for many people, this is their reality. This is the premise for the book, "The Stranger Within: One Woman's Journey to Self Love," by Lashana N Williams.

 The author takes the reader on a journey through her life, beginning with her tumultuous childhood, her volatile teenage years, the uncertain college years and ends with her finally discovering her true self as an adult. The reader travels through her experiences and relationships to show how she defeated her demons and overcame longstanding obstacles to learn how to genuinely and authentically love herself.

Williams is very transparent and vulnerable in sharing her story. Her life in some instances is very relatable and many readers, especially women, will be able to empathize with her struggles. There were several times while I was reading that I felt as if I were looking into a mirror of my life. I saw myself and others close to me.

I appreciated how the author debunks the myth that therapy is taboo, especially within the Black community. She shows that therapy can be a revealing and enlightening tool to assist in getting to know one's true self and as a mean of dealing with all underlying and subconscious issues.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a realistic book that shows a true transformation. Williams' book is not a self-help guide, but is the brave, inspirational recollection of her journey. This book is a must read for those who struggle with overcoming negativity, anyone who faces difficulties with knowing who they are outside of the expectations of others and anyone who needs to build self-esteem, self-worth and most of all self-love.
3373240
It is 5AM, and I just finished this book. I could not put it down as I read the chapters on how the author experienced the deaths of her beloved parents. So I kept reading, then got to the closing poem, then read the acknowledgements, and was still inspired. On I went -- to amazon to read the reviews, most of which are positive. However when a few people wrote they thought it was sappy, I had to write my own review. This book is a lovely story of a woman's journey to know herself, her strengths and weaknesses, and  embrace her true self. We learn how to live authentically by accepting, forgiving and loving ourselves. We are reminded to fully experience this journey. Allow in love and generosity, and be loving, generous, and patient -- and the end result is  more happiness and fulfillment.

Agapi's story is not sappy: it's authentic, moving, heartfelt and wise.
1985409
I truly enjoyed reading this book. I felt it was an honest view of one womans journey towards enlightenment. The subject matter is not easy but the Author's descriptive ablity clearly allows one to see what she was seeing. The wisdom gained from her experience really shines through and I'm really looking forward to the next installment.
2179528
Pen therapy takes you on a girl's journey that deals with the intricacies of life that lead to womanhood. Love, life, children, heartbreak are all explored. We are invited to take a very honest and revealing look inside one woman's life that has lived through ups and downs and is willing to share it openly.

It is a rare opportunity when an author openly reveals their most raw emotion, personal weaknesses and sometimes elusive dreams for the world to see. It is through her personal journey that she arrives at a place of self discovery and personal Joi. A great fast read that you will go back to again and again.
2817952
Anlor brought me as a reader into the most intricate details of her life which was filled with many challenges so that I could get enough of a sense of what it may have been like -  feeling a sense of dread as her health declines further and then feeling a sense of relief and optimism as she finds a path to a health and well being.  I feel fortunate to have taken the journey by reading this as it inspired courage and persistence and left me with a better understanding of what some people on the autistic spectrum struggle with in their lives.
110534
Amy speaks from the heart. Shes raw and real throughout. Many women will identify with these inner demons that can get the best of you for a long time. Athlete or not this book is wonderfully written and insightful into accepting yourself for who you are!
3083072
Raw and authentic. It was refreshing to read this genuine process through the hard of one's life journey, to witness the struggle, and experience victory along side the author as God reveals His love for her. Just beautiful.
2233435
When a costly turning point happens, Ellie bravely meets it with honesty and grace and invites us along for the ride.  She uniquely captures the parallels of her journey and the life lessons she must face in order to heal and move forward.  Her wry observations of human interaction and the vulnerability with which she shares insights into her heart and soul are very moving and real.  I could feel her pain, her relief and even her grit while she faced the fears that were rooted in her life.

Its like watching a butterfly break free from its chrysalis and test its wings
282015
Poignant and authentic journey from despair to recovery. An inspirational read