great memoir-a must read for anyone going through conflicted emotions ...
926094
great memoir-a must read for anyone going through conflicted emotions about parents-the lesson is:don't behave in ways that will make you have regrets.
2341157
I bought this memoir based on the recommendation from a friend. I felt like I was struggling with some things in life, and I couldn't quite figure out how to move past some of the things that had happened. I took it with me on a trip and planned to read it during some downtime. I started reading from the time I got on the plane, and then I couldn't put it down. I was gripped by this amazing story. Rebecca has gone through so much in her life, and at each turn, I kept thinking that things would change for her. But calamity after calamity beset her life. The only constant. Her amazing strength of will and commitment to keep fighting. The stories from her father and their relationship were my favorite part of the book. He's someone that you wish had been your dad or that you could have had him as your pastor. His wisdom has infused Rebecca's life and given her such strength. The memoir does leave you with the feeling that you can survive anything life throws at you.
I love the way that Rebecca challenges two common notions: 1. Everything in life has a purpose. 2. God doesn't give you more than you can handle.
Rebecca's life proves both of those aphorisms aren't always right. I was right there with her when she made her case that everything in life happens for a reason. When you read this and realize everything she's gone through, you understand that this statement can be incredibly damaging to someone in the way that it trivializes their suffering. It's a way to say, "Don't feel what you're feeling because it's just part of God's plan or you need to look for the silver lining."
I was moved by this book.
1327198
I highly recommend this moving memoir. Dr. Swift describes her challenges on the path to becoming an ob/gyn surgeon and the director of a clinic for the un-insured, to the startling day-to-day challenges that the career presents. Wrenchingly emotional life-or-death situations are to be faced and accepted one directly after another, super-human hours are to be worked with no loss of wits. She stellarly rose to position but the costs were high to her life and health and she knew there must be a better way to live.

My doctors will get more compassion from me in the future, instead of me just expecting it from them.
3977855
This is so insightful into the emotional causes of this did-ease...a must read if you or someone you know is suffering
3946566
Although none of us wants to experience what Amber went through, one cant help but want the kind of peace and joy she found in God  through His redemption of her life. Perfectly Broken pulled at my heartstrings and made me want to experience God in the way that Amber has. Her story is real and raw, yet redeeming. I recommend her memoir for any woman who has ever questioned God,  felt bitter about her circumstances, or who just needs to come outside her pain long enough to realize God has higher purposes for her life. -- Cindi McMenamin, national speaker and author of several books including, When Women Walk Alone, When a Woman Overcomes Lifes Hurts, and When God Sees Your Tears.
3689879
The Monster That Ate My Mommy- Jessica Aiken-Hall
Towards the beginning of this memoir I was jotting down feelings, and points I would make in review of the writing. I loved the book immediately but I felt guilty for being so gripped by someone elses painful experience. I was angry, heartbroken, hopeful, disappointed. Jessicas writing had me feeling as if I were sitting with a friend that was telling her life experiences.
There was a point in the memoir I wasn't sure I could continue to the end, as the imagery in my mind was all too real. Of course this just further indicates how well written her story is. As I continued there was a particular chapter that had me sobbing and from that moment on my emotions had taken over for the remainder of the book I would cry with the happy moments and sob with the less than desirable ones.
I had to allow myself time between finishing the book and writing my review to compose myself and collect my emotions. I struggle to put into words a review that will give this story justice.
2388752
So was I heading home? Or not! The conflicting voices in my head kick-started a long-lasting soul search writes author, Kate Motaung.  With a confident uncovering of the vulnerable parts of her life story, Motaung invites the reader to shake out fear and ask tough questions of belonging.  The writing is personal and detail-filled, all the while, the edges are soft and the longing of home connects to readers wondering of their own journeys.  The placement of color and reflection throughout each chapter allows one to intake the physical and the spiritual view of each story in a meaningful and captivating way.  Thankful this book is available to those with cross-cultural experience or serious illness within their life or family, as she writes in a way that allows people to know they are not alone.  However, the tender teacher in Kate Motaung, makes this a solid read for anyone whose heart aches to have peace and know home.  Then finally, I understood.  This whole life is a rental.  This whole body of mine is a borrowed house pushes the reader into the final pages of the memoir and the deep rest that comes in knowing a joyful end.
1757085
A meaningful memoir about domestic violence which can happen to anybody of any socio-economic background. She describes very well how she got caught up and why she couldn't "just leave". Recommend it for anyone in an abusive relationship or who has escaped from one. Well written and easy to read - I couldn't leave it alone at times. I saw a video clip of a TED talk that Leslie Morgan Steiner gave about her experience and wanted to know the whole srory.
4720102
When Angels Fly covers a very difficult and painful subject, but being written in diary form made it an easier process for me to read. This memoir shows not only the tragedy of a sick child, but abuse. I read the words of an amazingly strong woman who advocates for her children. Some parts of the book, I couldn't believe what I was reading, but Sarah had a support system in place in the middle of that chaos. I learned a lot about hospital procedures, tests, and being a patient advocate. I felt every emotion reading this.  My heart went out to the authors, but I was inspired by Sarahs strength, and above all love. This is a book for those going through difficult times, but it is also for those who arent-- so they can understand.
763625
This book is wonderful. Each chapter is interesting and you get an in-depth look at Didion's experiences. The writing is excellent and you can really relate to all her hardships. Her round-about way of addressing her mourning and coping mechanisms emphasize just how difficult and repetitive a loss can be. Recommend to anyone who enjoys or would like to give the memoir style of writing a chance.
4025727
Carrie Stark Hugus really made an unexpected difference in my life by writing this book.  I actually read it a few months before my cousin took his own life and left behind 2 pre-teen girls.  Because of what I read, I had insight that helped me handle the situation better. I highly recommend this easy-to-read memoir. She has also included a great list of places to seek additional help at the end of the book if you need it.
3458194
I've read lots of different memoirs but never one concerning difficulties with conceiving and multiple miscarriages. It's perhaps a book where I initially 'wouldn't have wanted to go there' before-indeed, when this book was brought to my attention, I wondered if it was for me as I imagined it would be a very hard read. After having the opportunity to take part in an online interview with the author and finding out some background information about her and her book I really wanted to read it, she came across really well and I just had to have a dip in her book even though I was three quarters of the way through another at the time. I only started this last night and it was a really good book. Amy has a nice 'down to earth' tone coming across through the writing. It's amazing how she manages to have a quirky, humorous tone in some places given the subject matter. It is an emotional rollercoaster of a read. It's very well written and makes gripping reading as you become engrossed in it and all the while you really feel for Amy and Kevin. I liked the structure once I got into what was happening: She switches between her latest pregnancy and then switches back to a previous one, then back to the present, then another pregnancy and miscarriage etc. This works very well and it's not repetitive at all, it held my interest all the way through. At the head of most chapters there are small pieces of writing in bold italics which are from Amy's friends/family etc.-they give their views and perception how it was for Amy and Kevin and how they felt eg. one sister says how she felt awkward when she was pregnant and it had been easy for her yet so difficult for Amy. There are some very emotional chapters. Things that lots of people just don't even have an inkling of. Other options are discussed, a procedure tried. I just couldn't put this down, I was so rooting for everything to come right for Amy. What an amazing book, a beautiful story, so well told. One of the most accurate books I have read recently. It's well balanced as you have the tragic moments but the hope is running all the way through too. A five star read which I couldn't put down and read in a just a couple of days. It's one of those books where you feel you shouldn't be enjoying it given the subject matter but it was just that it was so well put over that I was compelled to read it and I just read on and on. You just have to marvel the things people go through and get through. She obviously finds it easier to talk about this rather than bottle it all up, she mentions that people usually tend to avoid talking about it and she hates how they just gloss over it, it helps to talk and I think writing this book will have been therapeutic for Amy and I can see it being helpful for others who have gone through similar experiences.
3183231
I actually worked closely with Keith at a couple of advertising agencies, where we collaborated on creative marketing campaigns, and I considered Keith my friend. Through the years we went in different professional directions and lost touch. After reading his memoir, I am astounded at all the clues I missed (didn't want to believe), regarding his abusive childhood, and have been replaying past conversations in my head.

You see, Keith was always SO funny and we had the best time! He often regaled me with stories of his mother and family, but he told them in such a way that I thought he might be "embellishing" his tales for comic relief. By his own account, he has a flair for the dramatic. I never dreamed his abuse was so horrific and he never spoke of the true depths of his mistreatment. Humor was definitely a coping mechanism, and Keith was always the life of the party.

One one hand, this was a difficult and heartbreaking read, on the other hand, Keith is a gifted writer telling a totally gripping story and I found it difficult to put the book down. I'm glad I took this poignant journey with Keith though his book and I am so glad for the healing effects of its writing - for Keith, and for others who are experiencing childhood abuse.
2661460
I cried with Brian's hurts and I laughed for joy of the ending. I could not put the book down.  He really captures your thoughts as you go through this process with him.

I so appreciate the courage it took for Brian to share such deep and intimate details of his inner struggle to overcome the illness of Body Dysmorphic Disorder. "Shattered Image" is Brian's downward spiral into alcoholism, drug abuse, and constant self-criticism finally brought him to a place where he realized "There's no way to escape my problems. I have to face them." This story of triumph over a distorted image of oneself, disbelief in one's true individual worth, and his ultimate acceptance of himself and a healthy love for who he is as a person, should be required reading for all who struggle with these difficult issues.

Thank you for sharing your heart my dear friend, I know this took courage.
307873
What is wrong with all of you that negatively committed on this book? It is obvious that Jaycee`s book is written in her words and not the words of a professional writer which is what makes it capture the heart. I loved the way her writing was a bit scattered and as she was writing about one memory it brought up others that she choose to share. Jaycee shared very personal parts of her life with her readers that gave insight to her journey both positive and negative. The fact that this young woman has the emotional capacity to function after what she has been forced to endure is in itself a miracle. To relive the 18 years of her life that monster took from her must have been hell. As a woman and a mother of a daughter about Jaycee`s age, some of her experiences were hard to read. Jayee shares enough of what she felt both physically and emotionally to give the reader insight into her years in the "backyard". I believe Jayee has the right to share only the information she is comfortable with. I for one consider it a privilege to have read this wonderful young women's very personal memoir and look forward to reading her next book of life after her rescue if she chooses to grace us with one. I have and will continue to recommend this book.
4384255
I loved this book and recommend it highly.  For anyone who's lived through a dysfunctional childhood, you will appreciate how the author weaves her tale without blame, self-pity or judgment.  I felt that I really knew Marlayna and if we ever met we would be real friends.  I can't say enough about this book, it's a great read and well-written. It's honest and thought-provoking and empowering.  I read a lot and this one is definitely at the top of a very long list.  I love this book and hope that the author will write another one filling in the blanks between where she leaves off and where she is now.
605677
This book is a great read, not just for those going through cancer treatment, but also for their family members and loved ones. With honesty and humor Lesh guides us through the emotional rollercoaster after the initial diagnosis to the follow up care. I gifted this to a friend currently going through cancer treatment, but was a little concerned it could come across as commiseration (which I know she abhors!). So I downloaded a copy for myself and started reading. While the book does open your eyes to the emotional struggle, it will also help you see the light at the end of the tunnel. Whether you have gotten the dreaded diagnosis or someone close to you has, do yourself (and them!) a favor and pick up a copy of "Let me get this off my chest!"