RebeccasReads

When We Get Back Up: A Generation will Change

From the Introduction of “When We Get Back Up: A Generation Will Change,” author Sandra D tells the reader, “After emerging from a period of darkness where even a dream vacation became a personal nightmare, I patiently wrote this book based on actual events.  I give personal accounts of real life experiences.  In so doing, I use my real name while changing the names of all others.  While reading, you may laugh, sigh or shake your head in disbelief as some of the challenges I faced were very unusual.  You may even nod your head in agreement, having faced similar challenges.”

Each one of the 29 Chapters in the book begins with a positive inspirational quote such as “I am grateful for the lessons I have learned within my family.” (p.80) and “I allow love to find me.” (p. 252)

Sandra D does not hold anything back when telling the story of her life.  All of the details are there and one can vividly picture the events taking place around her.  She does an incredible job of relaying her experiences to her readers.  Her hurt and pain can be felt permeating throughout the pages of the book.  However, also coming from Sandra D’s writing, is the sense of inspiration, the feeling of hope, and the promise of healing.

I commend Sandra D for telling her story and think that “When We Get Back Up-:A Generation Will Change” would be an excellent resource for those suffering, or having suffered, from abuse.  It is also an eye-opening book for those who haven’t been through such trauma, to get a glimpse inside others’ struggles and develop a sense of empathy for those scarred by situations in their past.  As Sandra D states, writing this book was therapeutic for her.  I believe that the contents within will also help many others who are, or have been, in similar situations.


When We Get Back Up: A Generation will Change
Sandra D
MeetSandraD (2011)
ISBN 9780615436128
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (3/12)

Threads: The Tapestry of Life

It is not often that the synopsis on the back cover of a book uses wording from the last page of the book, but in Rose O’Flynn’s “Threads: The Tapestry of Life,” this is the case.  On the back cover the opening paragraph reads:  “Three strong men, who face the horrors and loneliness of war, human brutality and the harshness of nature.  Four strong women, who, left alone, endure heartbreak and incredible hardships.”  Although worded slightly different at the end of the book, the meanings are the same.  These two sentences pretty much sum up the entire work.

What is especially interesting about “Threads: The Tapestry of Life” is that the stories in the book are based on actual events and the author is a descendant of the people in the book.  O’Flynn wrote the story using documents, diaries, and actual verbal records from the people involved.

I enjoyed reading of the family’s story.  O’Flynn told the tales in a way that my interest was held throughout the entire story.  The characters were very genuine and real and I was truly interested in what was going to happen to them next.  Although the cover art would not be one to immediately grab my attention, once I read further in the book and realized what was depicted on the cover it was it made sense to me.  I also think that it should be made more clear on the cover that this story is based on true events.  I think that the book would appeal to more people that way.

Threads: The Tapestry of Life
Rose O’Flynn
Osborne Porter Literary Services (2011)
ISBN 9780986991905
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (09/11)

Hurrah’s Nest: Memoirs of a Money Trader

“Hurrah’s Nest: Memoirs of a Money Trader” is the first book in “The Baby Boomer Memoirs” series of books by Barbara Kennedy.  This narrative is split up into three parts, 1955-1975, 1975-1980, and 1980-1990 and is told through the eyes of three of the main characters, Meg, Becky, and Alex.

The first part of the book tells the story of Meg and Becky’s childhood.  Meg and Becky were born a few days apart in the same house.  Meg’s father, after the death of her mother, moved Meg down to Florida.  Becky continued to live up in New York.  They kept in touch via mail until the time Meg would move back up North.

Although living apart, they each have a profound impact on the other’s life right from the beginning.  That point is illustrated many times throughout the book.  One instance in particular is in the opening pages when Meg was attempting to write her memoirs but “even now she thought about Becky, wanted instead to write about Becky, to be upstaged by Becky, to be Becky.” (p.5)

To me, the most interesting part of the book began when Meg moved to New York.  That is when everyone’s lives truly started to intertwine.  All three of the main characters, Meg, Becky, and Alex, are married (not to each other) but are not happy with their respective partners.  This makes for a unique situation where anything can happen.

In the Author’s Note section, Kennedy states that she has “…always been fascinated that things aren’t always as they appear” (p. v) and she says that she used this as the premise of “Hurrah’s Nest: Memoirs of a Money Trader.”  I also find that statement to be intriguing and definitely a great one to base a book on.  I enjoy the unexpected and recommend Kennedy’s book to others who enjoy the same.

Hurrah’s Nest: Memoirs of a Money Trader
Barbara Kennedy
iUniverse (2011)
ISBN 9781462011230
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (08/11)

Naga Queen

I just finished reading “Naga Queen” which is a fictional biography about Ursula Graham Bower. Some non-fiction facts about Ursula Graham Bower: she was a fiercely independent woman who became one of the pioneer anthropologists in the Naga Hills from 1937 – 1946 and, as if that wasn’t unprecedented enough for a woman in that day and age, she also became a guerrilla fighter in Burma against the Japanese from 1942 – 1945. Needless to say, Ursula was an amazingly complex and interesting woman and Pauline Hayton, the author of “Naga Queen” definitely did her justice with this manuscript.

We begin our journey through “Naga Queen” with Ursula who, having recently finished her schooling; feeling let down and unfulfilled, travels to India to visit her best friend Alexa in Assam. Ursula’s parents have approved this trip thinking that their daughter will find herself a suitable military husband while she’s there. Unfortunately for her parents, the only thing that Ursula desires is a life filled with excitement and adventure; finding herself chained in a suffocating marriage is certainly the last thing on her mind.

Ursula is given a one-time opportunity to travel into the inner depths of India’s jungles where she meets the Zemi Nagas. She falls in love with the untamed spirit of the Zemi, the wildness of the countryside and, with her heart breaking as she leaves; she vows to find a way to permanently return to the place that feels like her long lost home.

Needless to say, being as strong-willed as she was, Ursula found a way to do just that and while I won’t give away any more of Hayton’s story I will state that Ursula’s actions during World War II did result with her receiving the “Order of the British Empire Medal” and her fame earned her the nickname “The Naga Queen.”

In summary, I found “Naga Queen” to be a completely riveting read. Hayton’s writing style is impeccable and, even though this is a fictional biography, the reader will be hard pressed to figure out what is truth and what is myth. Throughout history it seems all heroes/heroines become larger than life: both because of their deeds and because of the storytelling prowess of those who recount their exploits. In this regard Hayton has gone over and above; she has skillfully woven Ursula’s amazing life into a rich tapestry that was truly a pleasure to read.

Naga Queen
Pauline Hayton
Hayton Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9780983586302
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (8/11)

Moon Over Vaudeville

Maureen McCabe’s “Moon Over Vaudeville” is a result of McCabe piecing together her father’s story from his old Vaudeville scrapbook.  Growing up, McCabe knew the scrapbook existed but really didn’t have as much interest in it as she did other family photos.  It wasn’t until she hit middle age that she started to appreciate her father’s Vaudeville journey.  Unfortunately, at this time she was not able to discuss Vaudeville with her father as he had passed.  However, she was able to compile all of his pictures and mementos from traveling the Vaudeville Circuit to tell his story.

When I first received “Moon Over Vaudeville” I was very impressed with the layout of the book.  I loved the inclusion of all of the old photographs, telegrams, clippings from papers, etc.  The book has such an authentic, nostalgic feel to it and it is enjoyable just to page through and look at all of the moments from the past.

I knew of Vaudeville but really had never read anything in depth about it before.  I am grateful that McCabe’s father, Weldon Barr, saved all of the mementos so that his story was able to be pieced together to make up this book.  I found it to be a very intriguing read.  There were some areas of the book that were a little disjointed and did not transition as smoothly as they could have, but the beauty of the book layout and the overall story more than made up for that.  I recommend “Moon Over Vaudeville” to anyone interested in the history of entertainment in our country.

Moon Over Vaudeville
Maureen McCabe
Moon Over Vaudeville, LLC (2011)
ISBN 9780983357506
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (07/11)

Innocent War

In the opening pages of Susan Violante’s “Innocent War,” Violante tells that reader that, “I wrote a book to get to know my father, and in the process I got to know myself.  This didn’t come without hardship, loneliness, disappointment, and frustration as I set myself to break the circle of silence between parents and their sons and daughters.  I was clear in my quest.  I convinced my father to tape his accounts so that I could transcribe them and leave his legacy to his grandchildren.  My goal of getting to know my dad was achieved at the very moment I got the tapes.  Little did I know that listening to them would bring so many other quests and dreams.”  (p. xiii)

When Violante sat down and listened to the tapes she realized that she couldn’t just keep the story in her family; her father Nino’s story was so powerful that she needed to share it with the world.  So, this is how “Innocent War,” Book 1 in the “Behind an Immigrant’s Past Series” came to fruition and I, for one, am glad that she shared his adventures.

The story is told through a young boy’s point of view and is a book that once you pick up you will be unable to put down.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Nino and his family’s life throughout WWII.  It was a neat perspective to look at the situations from a child’s point of view and I learned a lot relating to the history of the time period. 

Other than some editing issues, “Innocent War” is an excellent work that I would highly recommend.  Violante successfully takes an era out of a history book and brings it to life in a way that is interesting and at the same time educational.  I could see “Innocent War” being part of a high school/college history class curriculum.  It would supplement a textbook nicely by bringing real faces and stories to the events of that time period.  I greatly look forward to reading the next installment in the “Behind an Immigrant’s Past Series.”  I am truly enjoying Nino’s story and can’t wait to see where he and his family go from here.

Innocent War
Susan Violante
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432770471
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (7/11)

A Doctor's Journey: A Collection of Memoirs

Dr. Mendelsohn, a neurologist practicing in New York, is a creative soul. Studying musical arts during his college days, it is obvious how much importance music plays in his life. Switching from music career aspirations to medicine, Dr. Mendelsohn has kept using his creative side while practicing neurology. Reading this collection of ten short stories inspired by author’s own experiences makes it clear how lively and humanistic, Dr. Mendelsohn’s approach is to patients. His patients are not just clients, but people with personalities, which the author takes seriously and is attentive to. In today’s continuous flow of 10-15 minute doctor appointments, which seem to be so artificial and non-personal, it is refreshing to see how physicians are still doing their job with much passion and human side.

Even though the book is described as a collection of memoirs and listed as fiction (strange, it should be either one or the other, not both), it is obvious that book is mostly non-fictional with changed names and slight detail changes. If it were simply a fictional work, this book would not provoke such strong emotional feelings. Some stories are quite sad, while others are humorous. This variety correlates well with the daily experiences of the doctor, at one point – faced with death and inability to help, while at another – the joy of a miraculous recovery, moments of joy, and strong relationships with patients.

Most stories are told from the physician’s point of view, while others – from the patient’s. I suppose, the stories told from patient’s point of view is what makes this work more fictional. It is quite refreshing for the storyteller to change, keeping the reader more interested. The stories range from tragic accidents to miraculous recoveries, from “Casanova” colleague to influence of music on well-being. The last chapter, which is also the longest, discusses the effects of music on the human brain. As a musician, the physician strongly believes in music therapy, and plenty of evidence is presented to support the notion.

Overall, Dr. Mendelsohn is an entertaining storyteller. It is a pleasure to read his intriguing accounts. "A Doctor's Journey: A Collection of Memoirs" is a recommended read for anyone who enjoys health care related writings arising from under a pen of a creative physician.

A Doctor's Journey: A Collection of Memoirs
Frederic Mendelsohn, M.D.
Outskirts Press (2011)
ISBN 9781432769390
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (7/11)

Letters to Zerky: A Father’s Legacy to a Lost Son and a Road Trip around the World

When I first set eyes on Bill Raney’s “Letters to Zerky: A Father’s Legacy to a Lost Son and a Road Trip around the World,” I found the cover to be very intriguing.  This would definitely be a book that would grab my attention in a book store setting. After reading the book, I was pleased to find that the expectations that I had from viewing the cover were met by the contents within.

“1967 was the summer of love in a summer of death.  As napalm rained down on the people of Vietnam and the first of the runaways began trickling into San Francisco, with flowers in their hair, JoAnne with her dachshund, her husband and their ten-month-old son, Eric Xerxes Raney, trickled out of San Francisco, wondering if they would ever return.  JoAnne had just sold her little movie theatre and after all its debts were paid off, perhaps ten thousand dollars remained, which we decided to blow on a Volkswagen camper-van and a trip to Europe.”  (p.ix)

What follows is a series of letters from father to son and excerpts from Zerky’s mother’s diary chronicling events from the destinations.  I really enjoyed the format of the book and reading about the family’s travels.  There were also many photographs throughout the memoir, which greatly added to the story.  Another positive attribute related to the format of the book was the inclusion of numerous maps showing exactly where they were in their travels.  It is always nice to have visuals included relating to the people and places that are being discussed.

There is also a music CD, “Waltzing around the World,” which is a nice accompaniment to the book.  My favorite song on the CD was “Zerky’s Waltz” which I must say is quite the catchy little tune.  “Letters to Zerky: A Father’s Legacy to a Lost Son and a Road Trip around the World” is a unique and powerful memoir.  The story is very well put together and I enjoyed reading of the family’s adventures. 

Letters to Zerky: A Father’s Legacy to a Lost Son and a Road Trip around the World
Bill Raney and JoAnne Walker Raney
Nickelodeon Press (2011)
ISBN 9780982138410
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (08/11)

Just a Few Seconds: A Story from the Hidden World of Music and Beyond

“…I would forever be at the mercy of my dreams.  It is a shame however that dreamers are generally looked down on by society and that there is only one word for two different kinds of dreamer.  There are the passive dreamers who sit on their backsides and do very little to follow those dreams and there are the active dreamers who devote their entire life to following their dreams and when they succeed we all benefit from their perseverance.”  (p.4)  Nemo James was a dreamer of the active variety.

Before reading “Just a Few Seconds: A Story From the Hidden World of Music and Beyond,” I had no idea who Nemo James was.  At the completion of the book I felt that I had gotten a true sense of both Derek Newark (Nemo James’ real name) the man and of Nemo James the musician.  I also went to his website and listened to a few previews of his songs because, while you can envision what he may sound like in your head, hearing the actual music gives you the complete picture.

I found his story to be quite interesting.  While unique to me, I am certain that his life story is an all too familiar trail to most musicians trying to make it in the music industry.  His autobiography spans decades as he jumps from band to band and venue to venue.  The book is intelligently and eloquently written and I appreciated the look inside a musician’s life.  At times, “Just a Few Seconds: A Story From the Hidden World of Music and Beyond” moved along a little too slowly for my liking, but my interest was regained quickly enough.

I enjoyed reading about Nemo James’ perseverance in “Just a Few Seconds: A Story from the Hidden World of Music and Beyond.”  James has a second book due to be released in December 2011 called the “Croatian Diaries” which sounds to be an interesting follow-up book.

Just a Few Seconds: A Story from the Hidden World of Music and Beyond
Nemo James
Derek Newark Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780956798602
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (05/11)

Stories for Oliver

I just finished reading “Stories for Oliver” by author Charles William Wrightson and now I’m sitting here wondering how to put my thoughts into words so that I can write its review. The many short stories, excerpts and poetry contained within this book’s pages reminded me of the lively conversations I’d begun to have with my father before his untimely passing a few years back. My father and I lived almost two thousand miles apart which meant there wasn’t always a lot of time to sit and chat, yet when he would share stories of his childhood I always listened with bated breath, not to mention, a small amount of envy. I never knew that growing up could be so fun and that fifty years ago the world was a much happier and seemingly more carefree place. The same feelings I’d had when listening to my dad’s tales were also elicited within me as I read “Stories for Oliver.”

As far as the premise for “Stories for Oliver” Wrightson started this “writing project” shortly after his first grandchild, Oliver, was born. Wrightson’s goal with this memoir was to provide a look at his life, from childhood to present, so that Oliver would have an understanding, or a sense, of who his grandfather was. As is the case with most authors, once Wrightson started putting the proverbial pen to paper he kept having ideas for more and more stories to include. Somehow his original intention of just a few short stories wound up becoming over thirty-five humorous, eye-opening, reminiscent, or thoughtful tales plus ten heartfelt poems. Bravo Charles! Well done! I dare say your writing teacher would be proud. Oliver, Genevieve and your grandchildren who are still on the way are very lucky indeed that you have taken the time to write this for them.

In summary I found “Stories for Oliver” to be an extremely well-written and riveting book. The stories and poetry found within its pages are heartfelt, sincere and filled with love. Plus, there were some that were educational which is helpful as oftentimes we find we live in a world where “common” sense isn’t really that common.

I give “Stories for Oliver” a solid five-stars and I recommend it to readers of all ages…

Stories for Oliver
Charles William Wrightson
CreateSpace (2011)
ISBN 9781460910955
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (2/11)

Beyond Schizophrenia: Michael’s Journey

“Beyond Schizophrenia:  Michael’s Journey” is written by Michael’s mother, Susan Frances Dunham.  Dunham graduated from the Sandusky School of Practical Nursing and practiced in a variety of settings.  This practical experience gave her a little insight into the world of mental illnesses, but I don’t think anything could properly prepare her for when her own son fell victim to schizophrenia.

Michael was a normal, happy college student when things began to change.  Many of the behaviors that Michael was exhibiting led one to believe that there may have been drug use.  However, testing proved that theory to be wrong.  Michael had developed schizophrenia.

Dunham takes us on the family’s journey through their battle with this terrible illness.  As a parent myself I found her story to be heartbreaking as I read about how they struggled through all aspects of this mental disorder.  To think that in an instant, a healthy, ordinary young man was so dramatically transformed by this illness is frightening.

Before reading “Beyond Schizophrenia:  Michael’s Journey” I had a very generic vision of what schizophrenia was.  Dunham’s book really opened my eyes and provided me with a very clear picture of the disease from the symptoms all of the way to the side effects of treatment options.

I believe that “Beyond Schizophrenia:  Michael’s Journey” would be an excellent required reading choice for many health care related college classes.  I think that everyone could learn a lot from reading this book.  I commend Dunham for opening up and sharing with the world her family’s experiences.

Beyond Schizophrenia: Michael’s Journey
Susan Frances Dunham
Modern History Press (2011)
ISBN 9781615990351
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (05/11)

A Lifetime of Small Adventures

Some people have the gift of gab!  They can relate experiences and spin a tale totally enrapturing their audience.  Bill Birnbaum is such an individual.  His easily readable style is entertaining and often laughable.  His re-telling of episodic adventures that span his lifetime is amusing to read but often reflective and thought provoking.

Reading Bill’s boyhood memories nudges the reader to think back and recall his own past,  those small adventures with family and friends that are often repeated and often embellished.  We all have them!  We remember warm fuzzy family gatherings, a special outing with Mom or Dad, embarrassing moments and pranks we played.  As we travel through Bill’s life we can relate to our own.  We may not have set off a series of little bombs, flooded a basement, smashed pennies on the railroad track or hitchhiked cross country, but ten to one we can match stories of little indiscretions.  Also, we can all remember a special moment with family, a time when nature awed us or a stranger surprised us with a gesture of kindness.

The point is as one matures and the adventures get larger, they tend to form the individual.  Learning experiences!   Expanding your horizons, taking a chance and extending yourself to others are what make life interesting and inspiring.  As Bill points out, these little adventures ultimately teach us who we are.

A Lifetime of Small Adventures
Bill Birnbaum
Douglas Mountain Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9781932632002
Reviewed by Enid Grabiner for RebeccasReads (05/11)

From Jerusalem to Beverly Hills

A couple weeks ago I was asked if I would be interested in reviewing “From Jerusalem to Beverly Hills: Memoir of a Palestinian Jew” by author Eitan Gonen. I really enjoy reading biographies; I love learning about some of the other people whom I share this world with so I immediately accepted. As my caption states – “From Jerusalem to Beverly Hills” was a riveting read. This was a book that I was immediately sucked into as soon as I began reading and I didn’t want to put it down. Gonen has a wonderfully descriptive writing style. His life story is amazingly interesting and his personal memories flow across the pages of this book with the same ease that water runs downstream.

In “From Jerusalem to Beverly Hills” Gonen explains how his parents, pioneers from the Soviet Ukraine Diaspora, came to be in Jerusalem. Gonen’s own recounting begins in Jerusalem when he is just four years old and I was impressed by the amount of detail he remembers from such an early age. Gonen shares the challenges his mother had with various schools when she was trying to enroll him in first grade. A religious school eventually accepted him and we follow along as Gonen shares with us his life as he remembers it. During all of this World War II was also happening. Gonen shares his memories of waiting for his father, who had taken a construction job with the British military, to come home. Toward the end of the war the British were limiting Jewish immigration and there were times when Gonen’s father worked too far away and could not safely make it back for Shabbat.

I don’t want to give any more of Gonen’s story away but I will say that he has definitely lived a full life. He has endured much: hunger, personal loss, family displacement and more. He has seen things that no one should have to see. He has experienced things that no one should have to go through and yet through it all I would say he has triumphed. He is a true survivor.

In closing I give “Jerusalem to Beverly Hills” a five-star rating and would say this book is a “must read” for anyone who loves biographies or history.

From Jerusalem to Beverly Hills
Eitan Gonen
AuthorHouse (2010)
ISBN 9781452092942
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (04/11)

The Odd Tales of an Old Man

Edward Cardillo begins his novel, “The Odd Tales of an Old Man” with the following dedication:  “This book is dedicated to the elderly whose wisdom all too often remains untapped, but whose actions and experiences have shaped the world as we know it.”

In the opening pages of the novel, the reader is introduced to Heather Enright and her two sons, Sean and Connor.  Heather is a single parent and isn’t around her boys much.  There is no father figure in their lives and the men that parade through the home probably do more harm than good.  This results in the boys, particularly Connor, becoming quite wild.

Heather tells the boys that they are going to visit their grandfather who is dying in a nursing home.  Being that they have never met their grandfather, and that they know that their mom hasn’t spoken to their grandfather since she was a teenager, the boys aren’t all that excited about going.  The initial meeting isn’t the smoothest, but the old man tells them quite an array of tales on that, and on all of their future, visits.  Will the old man’s wisdom and knowledge shared through these tales be enough to help the boys?

I thought that the idea of the book was a good one and I was intrigued with the boys’ interaction with their grandfather.  The odd tales that the man told them were interesting and I enjoyed the lessons that came out of each one.  The book, however, was quite predictable and in some areas seemed to drag and in other areas seemed to not have enough detail.  I wish we would have seen more of Sean and Connor’s lives.  The areas of the book where they weren’t listening to their grandfather’s tales were sparse and seemed to just fly by leaving me without a true sense of who the characters really were.  Overall, while the concept was a good one, the execution was a bit lacking for me.  However, if you don’t mind a predictable read, the old man’s tales are full of wisdom and some are quite interesting.

The Odd Tales of an Old Man
Edward P. Cardillo
Lulu (2010)
ISBN 9780557570768
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (4/11)

Once in a Lifetime Dog: My Borisangel

"Once in a Lifetime Dog: My Borisangel" is a loving tribute to a Borzoi sight hound who was very special to the author.   Her love for Boris is very evident from the start.

It was a little difficult to get going on this book.  I was put off by the sappy nature of "A Word From Boris."  The dog speaking to the reader was a bit much.   While it works in books such as "The Art of Racing in the Rain," it didn’t here.  The dog referring to the author as “my love” and soul mate was too much like a lover for my tastes.

I have no doubt that Boris was a special dog but the author had a hard time conveying exactly why he was so different than all our beloved pets.  I would have enjoyed more stories conveying personality and more of the relationship than just statements of love.  It kind of made me feel sorry for Hildreth's husband and children when she went on and on about the dog being the true love of her life.

The story picks up quite a bit after Hildreth meets her second husband, Foster.  He and her parents seem to be wonderful people and very supportive.

This is definitely a book for dog lovers.  I did learn a lot about a breed I was unfamiliar with.  The Borzoi sight hound seems to be a dignified, regal and beautiful dog.   I wish I could have gotten a better sense of Boris.

Once in a Lifetime Dog: My Borisangel
Chantelle Hildreth
Outskirts Press, Inc. (2011)
ISBN 9781432754594
Reviewed by Rita Grasshoff for RebeccasReads (4/11)

Down Memory Lane: With Marguerite and Family

“Down Memory Lane with Marguerite and Family” is an intriguing walk through historical events and family dynamics. The story begins with Marguerite who is forever changed by the devastation a hurricane and later volcanic eruption bring to her town and family. Her husband, George, is enveloped in a cloud of anger and sadness and not the man she once knew.  All of this deeply affects her children. Her only son, Jonathan, enlists in the Navy and daughter Clementine is miserable. Seeing her father as intolerable and lost, Clementine eagerly gets married and plans her escape. She and husband, Christophe, head to Montserrat and Martinique for their honeymoon to explore their heritage and find answers.

Through a series of flashbacks, we travel memory lane with Marguerite and later her daughter Clementine. Marguerite’s mind searches for salves to heal her wounded family, but she doesn’t share these inner thoughts. Her silence creates distance and frustration for Clementine. During her pilgrimage to the places her mother grew up, Clementine muses to her husband, “Have you ever thought of life as a great jigsaw puzzle?” The journey to discover how each piece affects the piece around it is beautiful and the reader wants this family to reunite and heal.

History buffs, in particular, will relish the detailed historical events and personal stories told throughout the novel. Unfortunately, an overabundance of grammatical errors and at times awkward dialogue distract from an otherwise heartwarming tale. The novel would benefit from a strong editor’s eyes in those categories as well as structure and pacing. Still, Bruno weaves memories into a compelling story and creates characters we yearn to see at peace.

Down Memory Lane: With Marguerite and Family
Linette Arthurton Bruno
Outskirts Press, Inc. (2011)
ISBN 9781432767853
Reviewed by Tia Bach for Rebecca's Reads (3/11)

Odyssey of a DP: Memoirs of a Displaced Person

The Second World War’s arrival in Belgrade sends the author, still a kid at the time, onto a journey, which would change his life forever. Being fortunate enough to escape the bombing of the hometown Belgrade, author’s family and the author himself end up at a refugee camp in Austria. One can only imagine the magnitude and kinds of hardships encountered before, during, and after running away from the homeland, but the desire to survive and protect their lives, kept Drobashevsky family going towards safe and bright future. After going through some of the harshest conditions in the refugee camp, the author was able to immigrate to the U.S, setting a new beginning for a brand new life.

In America, Mr. Vladimir Drobashevsky can be considered a perfect example of a newcomer, who pursued the so-called American dream and achieved incredible heights due to his talent, drive, and efforts. After serving in the Army during the Korean War, the author got a degree and became a renowned industrial and graphic designer, especially praised for his commercial work, both nationally and internationally.

After his father’s death, Mr. Drobashevsky began realizing how little he actually knew about his dad’s rich life experiences, who lived through the most dramatic historical events in the beginning of the twentieth century – the Bolshevik Revolution and both World Wars. Looking into the past, the author started reflecting on his own life story, reminded of his long journey to the Land of Freedom.

The story is a wonderfully written recollection of major historical events spanning almost 80 years. A personal connection to history, emotional feelings and inner thoughts of the author make this a worthy memoir. Overall, a very enjoyable read, recommended to both, history buffs, as well as memoir lovers. This text serves as a proof that one does not have to be a celebrity to write an interesting memoir.

Odyssey of a DP: Memoirs of a Displaced Person
Vladimir Drobashevsky
Outskirts Press (2010)
ISBN 9781432758950
Reviewed by Andrey Bilko for RebeccasReads (1/11)

Scarred: A Memoir

“My wrists were wrapped in strips of sheared towels and bound together by chicken wire.  Chill penetrated my aching shoulder blades.  I was seven years old, trapped in a basement and already used to pain.  A sturdy belt, looped through the restraints, suspended me from a hook in the ceiling.  The towels were meant to stop the wire from cutting into skin.  Though the banded loops smarted, they never broke he flesh.  My hands hurt, then stung, then felt as if they were on fire.  My heartbeat pulsating through the swollen digits followed the dissipation of the sensation of scorching heat.  In the end, my hands went numb.  The cramps in my calves, joints, and bones were what eventually made me pliable to his will.”  (p.3)

This disturbing visual is taken from Chapter One in George Molho’s memoir, “Scarred.”  At the age of seven, Molho was kidnapped by his father and was abused both mentally and physically.  The above account is just one of the many horrifying tragic situations that young Molho experienced in his childhood.  I have a child similar in age to the age that Molho was when these events took place and just reading about the trauma that he has been through made my stomach turn.

The most important thing though is that “Scarred” is ultimately a story of survival.  In addition to writing his memoir, Molho also speaks publicly on the topics of child abduction, domestic abuse and also about healing.  I commend him for coming forth and sharing his story with others in hopes that it will empower those who went through similar life experiences to recover and move on. 

“Scarred:  A Memoir” is a very powerful autobiographical work and one that will hold your unfailing attention.  Although some of the imagery can be a little heartbreaking, Mohlo’s story is an important one and his writing will definitely touch and leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads the book. 

Scarred: A Memoir
George Molho
iUniverse (2010)
ISBN 9781440195136
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebecca’s Reads (12/10)