This book is an easy read, but very educational - and very emotional
934976
As a History major, I found most books assigned by professors not sufficiently thought-provoking. For the most part, difficult topics such as racism and crimes against minorities have been avoided. It is rare that a history book with such a heartbreaking topic makes it to the bestsellers' list. But this one deserves it! This book is an easy read, but very educational - and very emotional. Everyone can benefit from reading it.
22588
For such a short, easy read, I learned a lot about the suffering of the English people during WWII, especially those on the little island of Guernsey, a British Crown Dependency. The book was not at all what I thought it would be. First, there is not one recipe in the whole of it. Second, although the story unfolds in a series of letters written between a young writer, Juliet, her publishers/editor, friends, and the members of the Society, the letters paint a lively and beautiful description of the events. Third, and most ashamedly, I had no idea that Guernsey even existed, let alone had been occupied by the Germans during World War II.

The book was first and foremost entertaining. I would not have completed it if it had not been. But it was far more -- it was educational and gave me much food for thought about the extremes of humanity. I highly recommend it to those who haven't already read this wonderful book.
4288376
This is a wonderful memoir that is easy to read - with the average chapter being about 3 pages in length.  It's an interesting, entertaining, and very touching (it will make you laugh and cry)  book about the challenges and blessings of raising an autistic child.  It's an extremely important book to read for anyone who is raising, working with, or connected to an autistic child - or if you just want a really great book about family. I not only enjoyed the story of Ian and his family, but am very thankful for the insight it has given to me.
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.
4165840
I have always been fascinated by human emotions and how we display them! Sometimes it can feel like our emotions are in control of us and not us in control of our emotions. That is never a good feeling and will generally produce a negative outcome, both in our lives and others. This book walks you through better understanding our emotions and why it is so important for us to really feel those emotions, whether it be through allowing tears in times of sadness, screaming (alone of course) when angry, journaling feelings, etc..., as not feeling them can cause illness, poor health, anger, depression, chemical abuse and so on. I felt this book was very interesting to read and easy to understand as well. In my opinion, it is well written and quite informative! Although, I did receive this product for free, to read, in exchange for my unbiased review of it, this in no way affected my opinion of it. Overall, this is a good book and worth the read! I'd recommend it, it'll help you in your everyday life. Most successful leaders or people have mastered their own emotional intelligence! It can also help you effectively teach your children how to deal with their emotions in a healthy way! This is an important topic that I feel everyone should be aware of.
79067
Empty spaces is hands down, a very emotionally taxing read. After reading the blurb, the story could really go anywhere and I do have to admit I did not see any of what happened coming. In the very beginning we learn that Talia suffers abuse at the hands of her grandfather. He threatens her so she keeps quiet-and feels as though she must succumb to his torture-until she gets older and can avoid him. It's quite evident that while Talia is growing into a young adult, she is emotionally unstable from the abuse she suffered. It seems as though it's one bad thing after another that happens to Talia, and we're really hoping for her happy ending, with her blast from the past, first love, Shane. It's hard for Talia to let anyone in while she suffocates from her emotional instability-but Shane is the only one that can break through her armor.
I appreciate the topic that was thoroughly discussed in this book-and the message for anyone suffering abuse to get help. I truly commend the author for taking the time to write about such a deep topic. My issues with this book mostly lay with the characters. Most of the time, any conversations amongst any of the characters felt incredibly forced. I couldn't fully feel for any of the characters- and the detachment had me feeling like the story was a bit drawn out.
Reviewed for KFA
3763020
This was a great read - heartbreaking, of course, but great all the same. It points out a few tragic truths about abuse. First, it's frustrating just how much our emotional make-up seems almost designed for abuse. Children generally love their parents, regardless of their behavior. Children often don't have an understanding of what is "normal", what is not, or even what is "acceptable" and what is not until it's too late to even try to remedy a situation (or at least until after staggering amounts of damage have already been done). Children tend to be easily manipulated with guilt and shame. And the thought of child abuse is "unsavory" enough that it is all too often easier for people to dismiss clues of abuse or even reports of it from a child, choosing the "easier" belief that their suspicions are unfounded or the child is not being truthful. This story also reminded me of the generational nature of abuse. As I read about Mama's behavior, I wondered about what abuse she may have never recovered from that likely [at least] contributed to her abusive behaviors. As I read about her parents, I wondered what possible abuse might have led the [maternal] grandmother to her drinking problem and her obvious "look-the-other-way policy" regarding the behavior of her husband. I even wondered about abuse the grandfather may have suffered that led to his abusive actions. It is for all of these reasons that I'm extremely proud of CeeCee for doing the near impossible - breaking the chain. She recognized and rose above the culture of abuse that plagued her family and began a new family with a new outlook and a new tradition of love and acceptance. This story could be interpreted as a tragic tale. I choose to see it as an inspiring "rising phoenix-type" story that showcases the triumphant strength of an incredible woman. Hugs to you, CeeCee, and thank you for sharing your story with us!
2840965
Sherrie Eldridge, who was adopted as an infant, shares her insights about the deep-felt loss and guilt that can be part of the adoption experience. This was not always an easy book to read, especially in my role as a soon-to-be adoptive dad, but there were some powerful lessons here, as well as a wealth of ideas about parenting.

At the core of this book is the idea of grief and mourning. Whether conscious or not, adopted children have suffered a loss, and they Eldridge believes that it is necessary for this loss to be grieved in order for true emotional integration to take place.

Eldridge draws from a variety of sources, including books and studies on adoption, as well as interviews with many adopted persons, adoptive parents, and (to a lesser extent) birth parents. She includes insights from counselors and therapists who have helped their patients work through adoption-related issues.

The research is extensive, but mostly anecdotal in nature. The author's ideas make sense, but are not always backed up, and it's easy to fall into the trap of simply attributing every behavior or feeling to adoption-related issues. That being said, the parenting advice in this book is quite good, and it definitely raises questions that might not be immediately obvious for those interested in becoming adoptive parents.

The "twenty things" probably could have been cut down to about eight or so, since many of them are restatements of the same basic ideas. Still, there are plenty of ideas and concepts in this book that are definitely worth reflecting on.
4566526
If you are literate, this is anew easy read. The subject matter is emotional but important.  This is not a read I think anyone would regret and I have read it more than once.
795589
I have purchased this book twice; once for myself and once for a friend. This book is an emotional journey, regarding scientific advamc I have purchased this book twice; once for myself and once for a friend. This book is an emotional journey, regarding scientific it's Vance meant event, knowledge, and ethics. Skloot's writing is fluid and clear, enabling an easy read while still offering challenging ideas and very advanced topics. I first heard of Henrietta Lacks on a podcast, and immediately after I ordered the book. This is a page turner, and I guarantee any biology student, science lover, or general reader will enjoy this book. While a basic knowledge of science surely ensures that the topics are truly understood, the author does an exceptional job at describing and teaching the concepts so even every reader, regardless of their scientific standing, will be able to understand the material and its implications. I would absolutely recommend this book to any reader!
1979083
I read this book as I myself had dealt with infertility. From the moment I read the first few pages I was drawn in emotionally to Amy's struggles and found myself being unable to put the book down. When I had to put it down, it would "stick" with me all day. It's a story that takes you on an emotional roller coaster-- it's filled with heartache, loss, and tears, but then also a lot of humor and joy. It was a super easy read and I learned so much about the struggles of miscarriage and the importance of never giving up HOPE.
4961630
Really 'touching' book, while reading, my emotions went from joy to anger, through denial and sadness. It made me smile and made me cry. The story is written in a simple way, yet pushes to think further, back into the story, and into one's own emotional experiences. I really recommend it, and am looking forward to reading the next.
1295281
Through the Eyes of Abuse is a true story of survival.
It educated me about the struggles of those who had been
through the terror of abuse.
The author shares her journey from victim to victorious.
It is an easy read.  Through the Eyes of Abuse is very educational because it
instructs you "How To Be Victorious" I believe it can be a great teaching aide

I recommend this book to those who are still living in bondage of their pass.
It will set you free, so that you can live a productive life. The author did it
and so can you.
1249013
It's hard for me to say I enjoyed reading this book. Rosenhaupt's telling makes it far to easy to see oneself in her shoes, undergoing what every parent/person fears, a traumatic injury to a loved one (or in this case, many loved ones and herself). But I couldn't put it down and learned a lot, perhaps even about myself.
4850315
The book focuses on the growing pains of a gifted daughter of Indian immigrants in England. Although the story was told simply and was very easy to read, it is poignant and very touching. A child of immigrants myself, I identified with the story very easily, but you don't need to have grown up in an immigrant family to identify with the universal loneliness that children experience sometimes.

The story is heart-wrenching and is definitely worth a read. It is a good warning for parents who have excessive demands to let children enjoy their childhood while it lasts.
1464599
I think this book is an important read for everyone. It covers a lot of topics that need to be addressed, and the author did an amazing job at handling them. This is also a very emotional read.

I grew up an hour outside of Nashville and it is interesting to recognize places so familiarly in a book. That being said, the places weren't the only thing I recognized. I didn't grow up in as small a city as the city in the book, but it was still in the south and let me tell you, everything that happens in this book is so real.

Everything about this book was good. The writing, the characters, the plot, everything.
1579279
To describe this book I would like to say that is very interesting and emotional like the first boo I read in English A long Walk To Water. By reading "Of Beetles and Angels" you can appreciate and valuate your family more than before. In this book you learn how important is to be honest with your parents and others.
  This book talks about how a family help people only because they look like Beetles, but this family say they are Angels sending by GOD to treat them. This family says GOD wants to know how they can help other in spite of their poo situation.
  This book is very similar to Salva's story from my first book, the one I mentioned above. Mawi's family came from Africa and they have the best education that you can imagine. Mawi's respect his family and friend and lost his brother Towolde before this one finish hight school. He lost his father after he got sick and got a lot of complication. In spite of his bad situations Mawi's went to school and he graduate from Harvard University. I recommend this book to all you because it is an emotional and educational.