Sacha T. Y. Fortuné

A moving, heartbreaking, and triumphant memoir of an intersex journey to adulthood

This was my forty-second book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Operated on at birth and raised and conditioned to believe he was female, Jymi experienced many struggles while being dependent on the system that abused him. He recounts his childhood experiences, and inspirational stories to balance the trauma and struggles.

The Pros

This was a moving, heartbreaking, and triumphant memoir of an intersex journey to adulthood.

The author always felt like he did not belong in his own skin:

I wasn’t a regular girl. I knew that.

From early childhood, he experienced severe bullying and emotional neglect, which made him feel suicidal:

They made fun of me every chance they had. I was a punching bag for their insults. […] I was picked on left and right. Kids blew spitballs at me all day every day, and harassed me with sexual gestures and notes with threats. […] I’d come home from school crying every single day, but my mom was always on the phone with her friends and I was an annoyance and a stress to her. […] Between the combination of everything changing so much, going through a puberty that was making me into something I didn’t wanna be and wasn’t ready for, and then being emotionally tortured every day by my teacher and all my peers, I lost hope. I broke. I stopped being a child.

Even when other adults recognised his need for help and guided him towards therapy, he felt pressured by his family to “make them look good” or else he would be punished. He struggled with dyslexia, speech therapy, and trauma; and engaged in self-harm such as cutting. Fortunately, he found the outlet of writing, and this was his saving grace throughout many years of struggles that would follow.

The recount of depression and problems with substance abuse is balanced with dark flashes of humour: getting an A for a “report” he did on a book he entirely made up, prank-calling a woman pretending to be her husband’s lover, and more. Every nugget brings a rush of nostalgia for decades past, and it was an entertaining read despite the heavy subject matter. There are shocking moments as he explores his sexuality, interacts with others at a psychiatric hospital, has emotional discussions with his parents, finds out about being intersex, and experiences various types of abuse; and touching moments as he suffers the loss of loved ones and finds friendship and kinship in the company of others.

The style of writing is engaging as it feels like you’re chatting with a friend, though there are moments that seem to be a bit scattered and distracted with abrupt bits (much like such a conversation with a friend). Also, as the memoir covers such a long period of the author’s life, it was at times challenging to keep track of everything in terms of the people, places, and the chronological timeline of events; still, it is definitely worth the effort to follow along to learn about his whole truth.

Conclusion

Overall, this was a moving memoir that will touch many readers, and one that will stay with you for awhile! Trigger warning: there are some serious issues here that will be painful to read, so it is not for the faint of heart. The relationships are intense and at times soul-crushing, but throughout it all there is a rising tide of triumph — of survival, of faith, of the eternal battle for self-love. This was a great read and I would highly recommend to others, particularly among the LGBTQIA+ community. I thank the author for the time and effort to compile these painful memories into something that can connect with others and make a significant impact on their lives.

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https://a.co/d/aLcaxhT

An entertaining and informative look at an important era of change in the cannabis industry

This was my forty-second book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Jamie Andrea Garzot recounts her journey from becoming a cannabis retail rookie navigating an unregulated market to a cannabis authority and advocate for cannabis legislation — from the wild heyday to legitimisation in the way cannabis is now distributed and sold. It is also Jamie’s story of tenacity throughout the lessons she learned the hard way, and how staying true to her vision paid off every step of the way.

The Pros

This was an entertaining and informative look at an important era of change in the cannabis industry.

Jamie is not of “cannabis heritage” but came upon the use of cannabis as a sleep aid. She recounts an experience visiting a store with a casually-clad laid-back employee and rude graphics on products along with labels like “Fire Crotch” and “Cat Piss” — these were typical of her competitors who promoted a lifestyle with the regular use of cannabis, which with she couldn’t identify:

I saw the potential to create a store that was different, that did not have the “stoner” customer at its center but instead embraced all customers. I envisioned a store and an environment inclusive to everyone, regardless of their cannabis background and experience; a store in which everyone, be they a lifelong consumer or a business professional using cannabis for occasional insomnia, could feel comfortable.

Despite having limited capital to invest, limited knowledge of the product herself, and not having a background in business, she focused on developing a clear vision. Her personality and grit helped her along the way as she embarked on the difficult journey of owning and running her own business.

Many customers were reluctant or fearful at first. She recalls experiences with customers — helping a reticent elderly customer to find hope after chemotherapy using cannabis as a last resort, helping a customer transition from opiate addiction to cannabis and then to no substances at all, and many others. These experiences shed light on the valuable work she was doing not just as an entrepreneur but as an advocate:

In becoming an advocate, I realized how important it was to not just champion cannabis; the conversation was bigger than that. More specifically, I began to see the importance of furthering the industry not for its own sake but to further its legitimization in our society; to both make it more accessible to those who needed it the most and to destigmatize the product and its industry.

There is a historical recap of the journey to legitimisation, and information about the political atmosphere that railed against the use of the substance. Through her own research and involvement with the cause, she became a valuable resource for others. There is a lot of specific detailed information here in terms of the legal and political aspects at the time, which I personally didn’t need to enjoy the book (as some of it went over my head, as I’m not from the U.S.A.), but it’s a treasure trove for those who would like all the fine details.

For me, I enjoyed learning a lot in general about this topic as I read, as I found it enlightening, and it was also inspiring to read about the author’s own journey from being “green” and naive in the industry to becoming such a formidable force for change. I particularly liked the personal details she shared — a tumultuous relationship, therapy, family drama, and much more. As she says: “life happens in the middle of trying to run a business” — this can derail you if you let it! These personal details made me appreciate even more the way she overcame her challenges to triumph in her career.

Conclusion

This was an excellent and informative read, with a lot of valuable information about a fledging industry that is still finding its way. I am grateful for the knowledge gained about this topic I was always curious about, and this is a good resource that I would highly recommend to other users.

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A touching, heartbreaking memoir of motherhood, marriage, and madness

This was my forty-second book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

From marriage at a young age to her last days, Joan Burns recounts her life as a mother and wife in a working-class community in North-East England — mostly marred by her husband’s obsessive behaviour and poor mental health, which negatively impacted their entire family and threatened to ruin her happiness. Joan’s story is a moving account of heartache, resilience, and love.

The Pros

This was a touching, heartbreaking memoir of motherhood, marriage, and madness.

We learn of Joan’s early life and her parents’ relationship, which was strained; along with all her family’s histories that also shaped her beliefs about love and marriage. After falling out with her first love as a teenager, Joan soon falls in love with another man: Kenny. They marry and eventually have five children, but marital bliss is not to be: Kenny suffers from what we now know to be Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder — at the time, it was experienced by Joan to be bouts of madness where he spent hours washing himself, had peculiar behaviour such as replacing door handles and crockery that was “contaminated”, and in general he was extremely unreasonable and stubborn.

I loved reading about her entire family’s histories, and felt like I knew many of the characters as they were so vividly described. I also enjoyed learning about the trials and tribulations of motherhood and managing a household — bouncing around from home to home between rentals and government housing; spending all day washing, cooking, cleaning, and preparing and seeing about a family, and (something that resonates in every era!): running up debt while struggling to make ends meet.

This is truly a treasure trove of a time capsule of that era. As a reader we experience the joy of a time long gone by, when children were happily running around outside playing, before incessant gadgets and insolent know-it-all attitudes of today’s youth became the norm. Her children adore and respect her, and at times her daughter Julie carries a heavy burden of duty as an additional mother to the younger ones.

I appreciated that Joan was able to understand Kenny’s behaviour as illness rather than just peculiarity, but unfortunately at the time there was little she could do to help him, even though she tried many times. It was horrific to learn of the ways Kenny threatened their family’s happiness, and there are heartbreaking moments that pack a powerful punch.  There are also sweet times, and the lingering innocence and faith of the family’s matriarch Joan as she constantly strives to provide the best circumstances to produce a loving family home despite her husband’s madness and selfishness. I especially loved that she was able to open her heart again, as a mature woman, after all that she had suffered through with Kenny — this truly made my heart sing.

Exquisitely written, this story touches your heart and stays in your soul. Though told in a matter-of-fact tone of voice, there is still a pleasing dollop of dry British humour sprinkled throughout, which made it an enjoyable read from beginning to end. I finished it easily in just a couple of days, staying up late into the night to finish a chapter — only to move onto the next chapter as I couldn’t stop there!

Conclusion

This memoir was a collaboration of Joan’s documents, her daughter’ Julie’s revisions, a ghostwriter, and additional editing; and it was published by Julie’s daughter after the passing of her mother and grandmother. I am honoured to have gotten the chance to read and review this written tale of such valuable and cherished lives gone by, and would highly recommend to other readers.

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I chose this book from an ARC program after having read another of the author’s books, “The Girl Who Talks To Ashes” as I really enjoyed that one.

The Premise

THE AWAKENING: Aspen awakens with no recollection of her prior life and leads a lonely life keeping to herself — until, that is, strange and dangerous things begin to happen around her in response to her emotions. When she meets Aiden, she learns that she is a Pentamancer, a powerful and rare being that can wield and control the elements. As she struggles to deal with her new powers, she faces the Asterian Order, led by Savannah, who is intent on controlling her power and hiding her true past.

THE ENLIGHTENING: Aspen — or Rowan, her real name — is now aware of her past though she doesn’t remember it, and embarks on a journey to find her mother who she learns is being held hostage at a Containment Center by the Asterian Order. As her powers intensify — along with her feelings for Aiden — she questions who to trust, even Aiden himself. As he himself searches for his sister, who is also being held captive, Aspen realises that family ties are entangled with dark secrets that can tear them apart.

THE CHRISTENING:
It’s two months after the Day of Enlightenment, the day a true Pentamancer emerged once more on the world stage after centuries of extinction. Aspen agrees to cooperate with the Inner Circle in hopes that her radical visions for the Elementalist community can be realized. Political divisions are simmering, and the fate of the Community now rests on the shoulders of the so-called “Prophet”; it’s up to Aspen to decide whether to embrace her newfound status, or refuse it.

THE RECKONING:
Four years after the collapse of the Inner circle, the stakes have never been higher for Aspen and her friends… and losing has never been more dangerous.

The Pros

This was an epic fantasy that aptly captures the reader’s interest. Having read another book by the author before, I knew what to expect, and I was glad to see this live up to that expectation. I admit I would certainly have been rather unlikely to pick up an entire 4-book series from an ARC program, had I not had faith in the author! Fantasy is not my go-to genre (many authors just do it poorly, or without a clear vision) but I do love and appreciate when it is well executed, and this thankfully does not disappoint. The world-building was really well done, and I could easily imagine every scene as the descriptions are vivid.

I also loved the relationships it explores, which are not just romantic (thank God!) — there’s also family ties and friendship alliances and loyalty among the characters, mentor/mentee relationships with Aiden and Robert as well as those who train Aspen, and even the zealous quasi-religious following of those who adhere to the legend of the Pentamancer. The dialogue was also well written and kept the story lighthearted all the way though. Jumping from action, to romance, to suspense, to drama — the writing really takes you on a fantastic journey, suspending your disbelief and diving into their world of magic and power.

The Cons

There was a bit of a slow start at the very beginning as the author set up Aspen’s day-to-day life, but this soon fades away once it gains its strength. Though important to explain, there was a lot of detailed background information about the tattoos, including images and detailed explanations that I wished were a wee bit less. These are extremely, extremely, extremely tiny niggles though.

Also — not a con, but worth mentioning: though it is split into 4 books, it’s really one long book as there is no recap between books if you were to pick it up out of order. You need to read this in order!

Conclusion

Overall this was an epic journey from beginning to end and I am thrilled to recommend to readers of all ages who enjoy a good fantasy series. There is a lot to love here, and the characters are brilliantly created and brought to life by the author. Once you get into the swing of things, the action is nonstop from beginning to end with rarely a pause for breath to think. I look forward to reading more by this author.

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An inspiring book with useful tips and quotes to guide others in need of motivation

This was my forty-first book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Athlete and marathon runner Jack Perconte shares the mindset and beliefs that have contributed to his success, offering encouragement to others to embody these principles and achieve their own goals.

The Pros & Cons

This was an inspiring book with useful tips and quotes to guide others in need of motivation.

Author, athlete, and experienced marathon runner Jack Perconte shares his expertise and advice he has learnt from decades of his craft. A major aspect of this is goal-setting. He highlights that an “all-in” attitude of commitment, along with a combination of goals of all sizes, is required to achieve a big dream:

The critical takeaway is that energy and purpose result when one has short, medium, and long-term aspirations happening simultaneously. Most people try quick attempts, and some attempt the intermediate ones. But most people spend a lot of time thinking of their deep-seated dreams but never act on them.

He interweaves famous quotes and song lyrics by authors, athletes, musicians, and other renowned persons, and also mentions his experience participating at different marathons. I liked reading the “Marathon Legend capsules” and about the various events he attended, and was thrilled to learn of his background that is often spent in service of admirable causes. Being a coach is such an important role to inspire others.

There is a lot of practical advice, such as how to prepare for a marathon by establishing routines with the same exercise times, balanced foods, etc.; and he highlights the importance of safety e.g. using the right shoes, practicing caution while using a treadmill, ensuring you research good trails that do not have uneven surfaces, focus on your surroundings in unknown areas rather than listening to headphones, and charging your phone before you head out, as this can become your lifeline in case of emergency. Also (and I totally agree!), it is good practice to be courteous to other runners.

He uses candid, direct language to engage the reader, and it is easy to read. Overall I really liked the premise of the book, and my only suggestion is that I wished it could have been more structured. There are a lot of useful points here, but at times they seem to be a bit scattered rather than following a cohesive thesis or overall framework of principles that would have helped to differentiate it more among its market of similar books. Nevertheless there is a lot of valuable information here, and the seemingly “scattered” anecdotes may appeal to those who read short bits on a regular basis, as this can serve as their motivational focus for their daily practices.

Conclusion

This was an enjoyable book, and I am glad to have gotten the chance to learn so much from a veteran sportsperson and coach. I would recommend to others, both athletes as well as anyone who may need an extra boost of motivation to find their purpose and make intentional changes in their lives. I thank the author for taking the time to produce this collection of advice and strategy, and look forward to his further works.

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An inspiring and useful book for those suffering with chronic illness

This was my fortieth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

The author integrates his personal and professional insights into a concise, actionable, evidence-based guidebook to help others to live their best lives despite having a chronic illness.

The Pros & Cons

This was an inspiring and useful book for those suffering with chronic illness.

The author notes the high prevalence of chronic medical conditions, and points out the poor quality of life for those who suffer. He highlights the importance of focusing on mental health alongside any other therapies or medications, stating that even when conditions are “invisible” they are still very real to the patient and require a multi-pronged approach.

Blending facts with useful resources, as well as sharing his own experience of struggling with an immune deficiency disorder, he promotes “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy”, which helps patients clarify their values and lead a more fulfilling life while improving psychological flexibility; as well as “positive psychology” which embraces optimism while understanding the merits of “defensive pessimism”.

He shares his religious faith, which has guided him through his challenges, and also advises that staying open to new experiences can be a healthy coping mechanism. Lifelong learning is important to keep your mind active and healthy; volunteering, in particular, is another strategy to help take the focus away from one’s pain and into more altruistic measures that can be of mutual benefit as it reduces your own stress.

There are self-reflective questions to guide the reader, as well as prompts such as: “Write a letter to someone you have never thanked before” and “Write one thing for which you are grateful for each day”. He also encourages practicing mindfulness, such as breathing exercises and various forms of exercise; and mentions supplements that can help chronic illnesses. There are also practical tips to help simplify your life, such as decluttering your home or having groceries delivered.

Dating advice is also included, as well as resources to access support groups, and tips about discussing your illness with your loved ones as well as with your employer. I also appreciated the section where he outlines things that someone should NOT tell someone with a chronic illness, for example it is insensitive and cruel to say: “You don’t look sick” or “It’s all in your head.”

Finally, he encourages others to not succumb to the negative emotions caused by their illnesses, but to instead consider how their conditions can benefit them. He states:

I have found incredible meaning and purpose from living with my invisible chronic illnesses. While my search for better health never ceases, I view this suffering as a part of life from which I can grow and learn.

Conclusion

Overall this was a very useful book with several aspects of guidance, and there is a lot here that can benefit multiple audiences. It is well researched and aptly presented, and it can be used by both those with chronic illness as well as those who are caregivers or loved ones of someone with such an illness. I would highly recommend this book to others, and look forward to future works from this author.

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A sweet children’s book of bravery and triumph that has a lasting positive message

This was my thirty-ninth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

An inspiring and entertaining magical adventure about two siblings who go in search of an emerald to tame the Worry Monster — but do they need this external magic, or is the magic already inside them? Using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), it supports children’s development and helps to manage their anxiety.

The Pros & Cons

This was a sweet children’s book of bravery and triumph that has a lasting positive message.

Levi is afraid of the Worry Monster that has him going to sleep scared and waking up worried. He sees the monster outside his window, but his mother doesn’t see it. However, she tells him about advice she got from his Grand Granny:

“Face your fears head on, and don’t you ever run away. Look for the magic emerald in the deep green forest, to keep your Worry Monster at bay.”

With the help of his sister Luna, Levi embarks on a journey to find the emerald to tame his Worry Monster. Their journey forces them to be brave — along a long trail, to a cave in a forest. During their adventure, he feels worried and anxious, and finally has to confront his fears by attacking the monster with his robotic leg.

Notably, there are parts that rhyme and parts that don’t. Also, there were a couple of minor errors e.g. “rug sacks” instead of “rucksacks”, and some comparisons that rang a bit odd e.g. “Your brain is like a washing machine” (because you always want to worry).

However, overall I really liked the consistency with mostly four-line stanzas/paragraphs, the curly words for emphasis, the adjectives paired with the verbs and adverbs, and the alliteration throughout e.g. “dreadfully dangerous”, “meandered moodily”, and “sharp shiny”. I also appreciated that there is a mix of big and small words — this helps children to explore and build their vocabulary skills. Finally, I liked the inclusion of a diverse character like Levi with his robotic leg that saved the day.

Overall, the story helps children understand that anxiety and worry are experiences that are necessary to overcome, but they do not need external magic to do so — the power lies within them:

“Did I even need to find the treasure chest, or the emerald deep in the cave? Did I need to have such an adventure, or did I just need to look inside myself and be brave?”

Conclusion

This was a good read for young children, with colourful illustrations and mostly easy-to-read words. I would recommend to readers between 3 and 8, but it can be enjoyed by everyone. The story charts the journey of a child to face his fears and overcome them, which is an important part of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) that can help children to manage their anxiety. I look forward to other books by this author.

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An enjoyable, heart-warming tale of dedication and selflessness to a worthy cause

This was my thirty-eighth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

An image of a blind child in a newspaper became the catalyst for Dr. Mehdi Mostamand to change the course of his life, and dedicate it to helping the poor who do not have easy access to healthcare. The author recounts his father’s life and achievements.

The Pros

This was an enjoyable, heart-warming tale of dedication and selflessness to a worthy cause.

Interweaving his father’s journals with his own recollections, the author highlights his father’s legacy. It is beautifully written with a storytelling cadence that is easy to fall into as the dialogue unfolds among the characters. We also learn history and culture of the region through the settings described, and the language used.

The doctor’s calm humility and grace in his personality shine through, particularly in the interviews with the media when he responded to any negative nay-sayers with confidence and purpose. His passion is also seen when he is confronted with bureaucracy, and his voice can be heard through the words:

These children are the future doctors, teachers, engineers, and scientists of our country. If we let them go blind, how can we put our country on the path of progress and advancement?

I loved the way he used his journals to inspire his children, rather than keeping it personal to just remind him of his past. Through his writings, he engaged them and taught them valuable lessons, and also shared part of himself:

Through his journal and his own stories, we learned about his deepest feelings. We learned what moved him, what made him happy, and why Mahatma Gandhi was his hero. […] We also learned how Dad felt about God and religion and why he loved poetry, Rumi, and Ismael Balkhi. His journal was a window into his soul.

As the narrative charts his journey to engage organisations to fund and support his initiatives, we also see the upheaval of the political climate around them. Alongside this explosive environment, there are sweet family moments of bonding and love. It was heartbreaking to see his father — a beacon of optimism, and a guiding light for the entire family — suffer from illness and depression, and eventually mental deterioration as the years went by. I am grateful to have learnt about his contributions, and also enjoyed the photos included at the end of the memoir.

Conclusion

This was a lovely read by a talented author to create this engaging blend of fact and constructed recollection into an enjoyable memoir. I was thrilled to learn of the dedication of this doctor and his contribution to the medical field in their country. Writing this story honours his life and his work, and I thank the author for sharing what was special about his father. I would recommend to other readers, and I look forward to any further work by the author.

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An inspiring, empowering self-help guide to surviving and thriving after divorce 

This was my thirty-seventh book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Picking up the pieces after the dissolution of her marriage, the author pens her account of her lessons learnt. Tracing her own self-development and evolution to independence, she offers guidance to others to embark on their journey in their new status of being single.

The Pros & Cons

This was an inspiring, empowering self-help guide to surviving and thriving after divorce.

Combining eloquent prose with memorable quotes, powerful affirmations, and guided tasks of mindfulness, the author weaves her own experience into a springboard to help others who may find themselves in a similar situation.

The book covers a broad range of topics — grief, depression, therapy, family relationships, mental health, financial ruin, dating post-divorce, and much more. It also has anecdotes of her personal experience, for instance: being caught unawares about managing the affairs of her car, immediately post-divorce, because her ex had always handled it; and losing the in-laws and mutual friends that had been such a big part of her life.

I liked that she still maintains that her ex was her best friend, and absolutely loved the way she defended him when another man put him down — this was awe-inspiring, and so important to see: even though we may not still be in love with someone, the bad times do not make the good times invalid.

It was also notable that she mentions that friends and family only want to see you happy and move on — though your circle may be supportive, they cannot really understand what you are going through unless they have experienced it themselves; the “divorce club” you belong to may consist of strangers rather than your closest loved ones. I also liked her mention of one key lesson learnt — that she must learn to be a better partner; and her expressed irritation at those who guilt you with “think about the kids” and foist “marriage counselling” onto everyone as a solution to everything, thinking “you just didn’t try hard enough” when in reality, at times it may only prolong the inevitable: all marriages are not worth saving.

I found the quotes interspersed throughout to be insightful, and some of these are great take-aways that resonated with me:

Being single is significantly better than being in a marriage that eats away at your spirit.

The real tragedy would be wasting your pain. Use those tears to fuel your drive to create an extraordinary life.

I used to live our life. Now I live mine.

Conclusion

Though I myself have not personally endured the agony of divorce, I found this book useful and a valuable resource for anyone going through a difficult relationship. It can also be read as a cautionary tale for those who are single or about to embark in a serious commitment or marriage; a reminder to ensure that you do not lose yourself in someone else, but learn to love yourself and thrive on your own. I would highly recommend to other readers, and look forward to other books by the author.

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An inspiring self-help guide to rising above your own fears and limitations

This was my thirty-sixth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Providing valuable insight into the human psyche, the author enlightens us as to what boundaries stand in our way to success, and advises ways to circumvent this negativity and triumph to achieve our goals.

The Pros & Cons

This is an inspiring self-help guide to rising above your own fears and limitations.

It is true that “Beliefs can make you or break you” — understanding the difference between empowering and disempowering beliefs is key to one’s mental health. As the author explains, our modern “threats” in society are related to the events that can change our well-known path to survival:

If we are used to a routine that our belief system accepts as safe, it would be challenging to change it.

I appreciated that the book is well presented and laid out, and aptly researched, interweaving quotes from renowned historical sources (emperors, philosophers, religious leaders, author, poets, etc.) as well as more modern scientifically-based sources. As each chapter unfolds, it provides take-aways and checklists to refer to, engaging the reader in guided exercises to break away from their negative thinking and focus on self-development.

The resources provided (some of which are accessible online) were useful, and the goal-setting practices are easy to follow. I also liked the use of dialogue exchanges to connect with readers, as these “voices” resonate with us all; these are all thoughts we have heard or experienced that get in the way of our success. Finally, I found it insightful that he mentions society is centred on “brainwashing” by family and friends among communities:

They have passed their beliefs on us as the truth. As a result, the way we work is not our way. We didn’t choose to listen to them, but our subconsciousness was imbued with their beliefs. What we can do now, however, is say “That’s enough.”

I admit this is quite similar to other self-help books, and there is nothing radically new here, but overall this was a good read, and provides many useful resources.

Conclusion

Though I did wish it was more differentiated from others on the market, I enjoyed this self-help book and appreciate the research and effort put into compiling it in an easy-to-read and digestible format. I believe it will be valuable for its target market, and I would recommend to other readers. I really liked the short chapters and overall layout, and I think it will be particularly useful as part of someone’s daily ritual to practice mindfulness and cope with stress in their day-to-day lives.

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An enjoyable young adult psychological thriller with a supernatural twist

This was my thirty-fifth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Months after their abusive father’s death, siblings Jessie and Bryan grapple with moving forward. But Jessie’s alter-ego Lena gets in the way, and their father’s ghost is hell-bent on destroying both Jessie and her alter-ego(s). Can she find the strength in herself to overcome this dark force?

The Pros & Cons

This was an enjoyable young adult psychological thriller with a supernatural twist.

I chose it because the preview was intense and completely blew me away — it opens promisingly with a violent scene; however this shocking intro does taper off a bit as the story unfolds. Nevertheless it is a good read, and there are many elements to like here.

I loved the relationship between the two main characters, siblings that endured their father’s abuse and their mother’s poor management of the family and of her own emotions. It was heart-wrenching to see the way she behaved in not protecting her children, though we understand she was dealing with her own trauma when she attempts to take her own life.

Brian’s love for his sister and his fear of her inability to control her multiple personalities make him want to stay home to protect her, but he eventually leaves. I liked seeing the ways in which both he and Jessie engage in relationships and find solace in their love lives, and also was happy to see their mother recovering and emerging from her shell. I was glad to see the wider support network with Dr. Chen and Reverend White providing help, as therapy and guidance are much needed to help deal with the ordeal they have been through.

The novel is short and it held my interest well enough, but I do not believe I am the ideal reader. I did not feel fully invested with the characters — though I usually love books that jump between multiple characters, it somehow felt strange to be reading from the points of view of siblings (both male and female), with little difference in the style of writing (making it hard to differentiate between them apart from the chapter titles) — and then it briefly jumps into Lena (Jessie’s alter-ego) without explanation. I also usually love psychological thrillers that deal with dissociative personalities, but here it is not executed as well as I hoped it would be. Finally, the build-up to the “showdown” with the ghost was great, but then there were just a few paragraphs of actual confrontation before the book winds into an abrupt end.

Conclusion

Overall the plot is a doozy, but I wished the story had bloomed a bit better to pack a more powerful punch into its short word count. I’m glad I gave this book a try, and though it wasn’t entirely my cup of tea, I can recommend to younger readers. The short, choppy chapters are easy to breeze through (I read the book in just a few hours), and this will well suit the YA target market. The language is fluid, and the action is continuous and engaging all the way through. I also loved the overall message of strength and power in yourself to overcome the ghosts of your past — this is so crucial, particularly for young people, and I thank the author for using her own personal experience to craft a story that can inspire and help others. I’d love to give the author another try, and I may also look into the first book in this series.

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A raw, thought-provoking reflection of mental health and the internal wounds of its gatekeepers

This was my thirty-fourth book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Mental health therapist Jim LaPierre LCSW recounts his own life and career experiences, and provides guidance for other “wounded healers” like himself who straddle the fine line of sanity while helping others with their own mental struggles. Through self-help reflective questions and exercises, readers can use this book to help their own healing and recovery.

The Pros & Cons

This was a raw, thought-provoking reflection of mental health and the internal wounds of its gatekeepers.

Through an engaging collection of short essays, the author recaps his personal experience with his past as well as throughout his career. He also offers self-help guidance in the forms of questions and exercises at the end of each chapter.

His recounts of experiences with patients were interesting and deep, and it was evident that they impacted upon his psyche and were influential in shaping his practice. He explains how many of us operate on a spectrum where we “pass for normal”; however, “we create internal conflict by avoiding external conflict.” There are many profound statements that inspire deep reflection, such as: “My brain does an awful lot of stuff without my permission.” This is so true, and really resonated with me.

In terms of the overall book as a whole, there are a few moments that feel repetitive, but nevertheless these elements give it a natural cadence of storytelling that is calming and reassuring — similar to a therapy session. There are a lot of images that stay with you as inspirational take-aways.

For instance, I liked his comparison to the tale of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and the Island of Misfit Toys, where toys that were abandoned or imperfect were able to come together and form a family — so, too, can “wounded healers” who can combine their strengths and capacities to make each other whole again, through their connections and bonds among the community:

We are different but in amazing ways. Nobody loves like we love. Nobody laughs like we laugh. Nobody will ever be as honest with you as we will. Our loyalty to each other is fierce, and we are the very best people to call at 3 a.m. when the wheels have come off the bus because nobody can be there for you like we can. Despite being so good to each other, we struggle to be good to ourselves.

Conclusion

The lasting message of this book is that to be able to be a healer, you must work on yourself first:

It is not selfish to take care of yourself while serving the world. Quite the opposite: it is absolutely and undeniably necessary.

I can see this book being very useful for its target market, particularly as a regular practice of daily or weekly reading, and as a reference guide to help practice mindfulness while working in this challenging profession. I would highly recommend to others, and I thank the author for the time and care to provide this valuable resource to the community.

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A painful but entertaining, triumphant memoir of a woman’s infertility journey

This was my thirty-third book I chose via the Reedsy Discovery program, for which I am the single approved reviewer for this new book. This review also appears on Reedsy.

If you’re interested in becoming a Reedsy reviewer (and have the chance to get paid “tips” to review books!) check it out here.

The Premise

Jade Barrett was in her 30s and living a great life — with a good career, a supportive network of family and friends, and a husband she loved, and with a healthy lifestyle. She never thought that infertility would become her story… until it did. From multiple IVF cycles, incompetent and annoying medical staff, and mood swings galore, Jade recounts her experience, also giving advice to other women who may be going through a similar experience.

The Pros & Cons

This was a touching, amazing memoir that took you through a wide range of emotions from beginning to end. The author holds nothing back — and I thank her for it! The honesty is refreshing, and I myself admit that I would have had the same thought processes as she did.

Like Jade, many women do not consider infertility when they believe they lead healthy, well-rounded, functional lives, and it was a slap in the face to discover that parenthood — a journey she’d put off for so many years to focus on her career and marriage — was not meant to be quite as easy for her as it was for so many others who get pregnant in the blink of an eye.

From the first shock wave of “we may need to see a doctor”, we feel every emotion Jade endures, particularly the underlying resentment towards her husband and blind rage when well-meaning friends say something incredibly condescending, pitying, or insensitive.

The author’s voice is charming, relatable, and intimate (a bit *too* intimate at times — not to give away any spoilers but let’s just say the word “blue” has a whole new meaning to me!). I truly appreciated, more than anything, that she voiced her concern at stages along the way when she was mistreated or ignored — this is extremely critical for others to adopt, and the memoir’s most important message.

Conclusion

At around 100 pages, I flew through this book in one night. It is short but well-written and packs a powerful punch. With authenticity, humour and a storytelling cadence that is easy to fall into, this was a great read. I also loved that the author was reflective as she recounts the story, understanding things in the aftermath and sharing her brazen honesty as she recalls her (at times unreasonable) emotions and behaviours at the time. Thankfully, she made it through and had a positive result. Though I myself have not gone through the harrowing journey of infertility, I know many couples who have, and I would be happy to recommend this memoir to them, as well as to anyone else.

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