Honest and heartfelt portrayal
926856
An honest and heartfelt portrayal of one man's journey to a world beyond all our human understanding. I've read many of these books and felt the epilogue by Marv's wife only reinforced the raw honesty of this particular story.  Was one of my favorites!
4234770
Very good read. Andy Phelps' honesty and sincerity is more than evident throughout the story, not pulling any punches on how he has handled adolescences and adult life from a sitting (and sometimes laying) position. Andy's story draws you into each scene allowing for vivid mental imagery.

I really enjoyed the book, and hope Andy continues to write and document his life. Andy is a rarity in society as he handles one challenge after another while appearing to be a really good person taking everything in stride. I wish Andy all the best.
3465567
Through excellent use of words, the story was easy to visualize, like a movie going through my mind.  The hardships were "felt" and the journey to overcoming poverty was realistic, not easy or candy-coated.  The healing process from "losing" a child, especially to a disgruntled parent, the drawing close of the family to find the daughter speaks clearly, especially in a culture that has valued girl less.  Poverty is no excuse for not living a life full of love in the midst of sorrow and hardship. The heart is  (can be) greater than the sadness that surrounds it. Very moving.
2995869
Julie Metz's memoir is a brutally honest look at a life that also manages to capture your heart with its warmth and wit.  Of course, the story is a whopper, but Metz's skillful mastery of storytelling makes Perfection stand out above the slew of memoirs that are flooding the marketplace.  We recognize the characters as people in our own lives, yet as a result of the betrayal that she has to come to grips with, human behavior is revealed which more often than not is kept under wraps.  She dares to shine a spotlight on herself and her choices that most people in her own situation would shy away from, and does so in a compelling way.  Once you pick up Perfection, you will not want to put it down until you're finished.
2348680
After reading the reviews, and the first chapter of this novel, I was excited to sit down and delve into Caitlin's world.  In short, I was not disappointed.  As I tend to shy away for books which are mostly a character study, I was surprised to find that I barely noticed the minimalist use of supporting cast.  In telling her story, Caitlin's voice is strong and emotional and Nina's use of a small supporting cast adds a layer of depth to a its telling.

This book will touch the soul of anyone who has experienced a loss of any kind, as it explores the many elements of grief.  It also examines the expections we have of others.  Though I spent most of this story reading through misty eyes, I walked away with a tremendous sense of understanding of the emotions and levels of grief I have experienced in my own life.  Nina has accurately conveyed the essence of self-doubt and disconnection we often feel when we lose those we love.  But most of all, as we share with Caitlin the tumultuous year immediately following her best friend's suicide, we discover that there is a life beyond loss.

This is also a must read for teens as it paints an accurate portrayal of the aftermath of suicide.
1363347
This book is an honest and genuine portrayal of one's journey from fear to faith. It offers the readers a realistic view of the challenges that many of us face but it uplifts by offering the solutions that are found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ.
1264881
As the mother of a child on the autism spectrum, I applaud Sally Pla, not just for writing such a heartfelt, touching story, but for her honest, respectful depiction of Charlie. Charlie has OCD/ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder). His routine is suddenly uprooted when his siblings and their mysterious babysitter Ludmila go on a cross-country trip to be with Charlies father in a hospital in Virginia. Charlies world assaults him on their cross country road trip. New smells, foods, people, and experiences are thrust upon him. Along the way, Charlie adopts a three-legged dog that he names after his bird guru hero, Tiberius Shaw; the dog smells, but thats okay. In fact, a lot of things that would have upset Charlie before are suddenly becoming a little easier to bear. Sallys honest writing makes Charlies inner thoughts, anxieties, and compassion ring true throughout this charming page-turner.
1286691
great show.  I liked the honest flow of events, while revealing the devastation that often accompanies Alzheimer's and the profound changes this disease forces upon not just the patient, but everyone associated with and related to its patients.  As it is often the case in reality, this film did put life in a greater perspective, and revealing natural tendency of human bonding, despite the stress of modern society that often makes us act as selfish individuals, consumed by our own individual concerns.
4657263
This book is a touching portrayal of how AD not only robs the patient, but the family of the precious lives and love they shared prior to the unfortunate and tragic onset of this disease. It was heartbreaking to watch the struggles, yet heartwarming to see such perseverance and love. The Author's portrayal of how others learn to cope (each in their own way) helped make this book an exceptional read!
3235994
This book is an honest heartfelt sharing of a life filled with hope in the face of real world challenges.
944804
Kelly's story provides an inner glimpse of the struggles of a family during infertility, premature birth, and depression that will touch anyone. Although it may be especially poignant for families that share this struggle, I was moved by Kelly's honesty and passion even though I have not had the same experiences. As a similar personality type, it was especially meaningful for me to understand the process Kelly went through to overcome her depression and how she found joy and hope through these adversities.
2424865
"Slightly Bruised and a Little Broken" is the extremely honest story of one womans long journey of abuse.  Although at times it seemed to jump around, I could feel the pain from Petite through every word on the pages. I read the book from start to finish over several hours...missing nothing, and I found tears running down my cheeks when I was finished. Her story was mesmerizing and at times, I wished I could have reached through the pages and given her a hug. This memoir is honest and open and Petite gets right to the point with each abusive incident.  She tells her story in an impersonal and detailed wayalmost detaching from the pain that she is really going through. You will, however, feel all of her pain as you read her memoir. The way Petite recalls small details and events, and the flashbacks and images from each abusive occurrence reveals how painful and lasting these injuries are for her. I was inspired by her resiliency and willingness to keep moving on after each abusive event in her life.  I am happy that Petite was able to work through the abuse that shaped her life. Her openness, sincerity, and honesty are beyond inspiring and her story is worth reading.
1748628
After being given the privilege of a sneak preview of this book before being published, my heart needed to take rest from the emotions it brings forth in the reader. Bring a tissue with you as you settle in for Karina's journey. Patricia Bell draws out all of the heartstrings in this realistic view of what children through teenagers go through when their lives are affected by the choices of others. It's depicts the good and the bad in a world where many children live in areas of trust, security and fear yet still hold onto a spark of hope.
1907824
Big Lies in Small Town takes the reader behind the `front' of polite, acceptable society and convention; displaying real people, living their lives, struggling with acceptance, boundaries, and tolerance.  Through her raw, sometimes brutal writing style, Ms Samoranos shows a keen insight into the inner workings of a country town.  She uses her writing skill to portray these perceptions clearly, without shadows, or apologies.

This book portrays real people, living, loving, and grieving; trying to make sense of their lives and relationships.  Exploring what constitutes tolerance, patriotism, and ultimately family, this book holds a mirror to life; showing that life, and truth, are not always pretty.

I found the book challenging to read as I often questioned my own values and understandings, and what I would have done in the same situation/s.  In the end, I was glad to have read it, and feel that I emerged a stronger and wiser person.
1590564
Having had a real- life experience resembling this piece of fiction, I found the emotions developed to be authentic and well- expressed
I especially admired the care- giver's frustration at obstacles faced daily by those with physical challenges. The single minded character portrayed a strength of his convictions that most of us can only envy
1318327
Perfectly Ernest is engaging, emotional and honest--a picture of the importance of community and love in overcoming despair.  I loved it!
4761642
When I first purchased this book, I didn't know exactly what to expect. As I began to read, I discovered a heart-felt, honest look at the struggles that women often face, and the reasons behind them.  Diane DeBella shares her own struggles that many women can relate to with courage and authenticity, ask well as proposing solutions to these struggles for current and future generations.
I discovered that I was able to personally relate to some of the chapters in her book, and it felt like DeBella was speaking directly to me.  In this day and age when so many girls and young women are given objectifying messages via media, Diane DeBella's book challenges these messages with a thoughtful rebuttal of why women are subject.