Biography & Memoir

Camel from Kyzylkum

Lara Gelya (Life Journeys Books)

| Reviewed by Brenda Baiocchi

In this remarkable memoir, Lara Gelya recounts her life journey, spanning over five decades, from her childhood in Ukraine to her years in Uzbekistan and eventually to her new life in the United States. The book examines humanity’s capacity to adapt, persevere, and thrive in adversity. Gelya's story begins in Vinnitsa, Ukraine, where she was born in 1950 to a Jewish family. Her childhood was marked by discrimination and stigma due to her Jewish heritage, which she experienced firsthand during her early years in school and social interactions. H...

Little Boy I Know Your Na...

Mitchell Raff (River Grove Books)

| Reviewed by Cristina Prescott

Little Boy, I Know Your Name by Mitchell Raff is a personal and emotional exploration of the author's journey as a Holocaust survivor's son. The book is a powerful exploration of the trauma and pain that can be passed down through generations and the author's struggle to come to terms with his own identity and sense of self. The book is divided into Part One, “A Mother's Betrayal,’ and Part Two, “The Inheritance.” The first part is a detailed account of the author's childhood and his relationship with his parents, who were both Holocaust surviv...

Finding the Light, Naviga...

Kasey Claytor (Osprey Publishing)

| Reviewed by Cristina Prescott

In her poignant memoir Finding the Light: Navigating Dementia with My Son, Kasey Claytor confronts the devastating reality of her son Justin's diagnosis of Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD). At the heart of this narrative are profound themes of love and resilience that shape both the author's and Justin's experiences. Claytor's tone is one of raw honesty interspersed with moments of tenderness; she shares insights into her tumultuous journey with a heart grounded in love for her son while struggling with the harsh realities of his conditio...

The Significance of Curly...

Kara L Zajac (Atmosphere Press)

| Reviewed by Sarah Harkness

In The Significance of Curly Hair: A Loving Memoir of Life and Loss, Kara L. Zajac crafts a heartwarming story that examines the bond between a granddaughter and her grandmother. The memoir is a beautifully written tribute to the life of Gram, a resilient and loving woman who shaped the author's identity and sense of self. The book is a journey of grief, healing, and deft exploration of family bonds and dynamics as Zajac recounts the six days she spent with her grandmother before her passing. Through her words, we are transported to a world of...

The Kitchen and the Studi...

John A. and Mallory M. O'Connor (Atmosphere Press)

| Reviewed by James Farlow

John A. and Mallory M. O’Connor's The Kitchen and the Studio weaves a rich tapestry of food, art, and love, reflecting their sixty-year journey together as creative partners. This memoir is a compelling blend of a cookbook, art book, and personal narrative, celebrating their shared passions and the joy of communal meals. The O’Connors met at the University of California, Davis, a vibrant setting that is the backdrop for many of their intertwined stories. The early chapters are filled with delightful anecdotes of their first dates, cul...

Coincidence, You Say

Partick Hogan (Whatnot Enterprises, LLC)

| Reviewed by David Reyes

In Coincidence, You Say? Patrick Hogan, a Vietnam War veteran and police officer, shares his remarkable life story, filled with extraordinary events that shaped him into the man he is today. The book is an unflinching account of Hogan's life, covering his childhood in New Jersey, his service in Vietnam, and his career as a police officer. Hogan's story is a tale of courage, humanity, and integrity, even in the most challenging times. The book begins with Hogan's idyllic childhood in New York and New Jersey, where he developed a love for animals...

Morbid Thoughts and The D...

Perry Muse (Gatekeeper Press)

| Reviewed by Jane Riley

Morbid Thoughts and The Domino Effect by Perry Muse offers a raw and heartfelt account of the author's journey through life's trials, from harrowing accidents to a stage 4 cancer diagnosis. Muse's narrative weaves together moments of humor, resilience, and introspection, creating a compelling reading experience for readers. Muse's candid exploration of his battles against physical and mental adversaries is at the heart of the book. From surviving catastrophic accidents to confronting the shadowy specters of morbid thoughts, he opens his so...

American Airman, a Memoir...

Jonathon Benjamin (Politics and Prose (Opus))

| Reviewed by James Farlow

American Airman by Jonathon Benjamin provides a heartfelt and captivating account, giving readers an honest and unrestricted glimpse into the experiences of wounded military personnel. The memoir starts by vividly portraying the author's challenges, encompassing both physical and emotional aspects, as he confronts the consequences of a devastating car accident that resulted in a severe brain injury while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Benjamin's written work effectively portrays the daunting experiences encountered by veterans who grapple with...

Killing Pain, Understandi...

Robert Hayward (Covenant Books)

| Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo

Robert Hayward, the author of Killing Pain, introduces himself as an addict during Narcotics Anonymous and Wellbriety meetings. In his memoir, he provides a candid and powerful account of the opioid epidemic in America. Hayward shares his struggle with addiction, addressing the roots of the crisis and focusing on society's preoccupation with painkillers like OxyContin and heroin. Through his narrative, he not only offers a cautionary message but also invites readers to follow his journey to redemption. Hayward takes readers on a gripping explor...

Diamonds Beneath the Dark...

Nicole Danielle (Self Published)

| Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo

Diamonds Beneath the Darkness by Nicole Danielle is a mesmerizing journey through the labyrinth of a woman's life, and it's a story that refuses to be silenced. From the very first page, Nicole's unfiltered voice grabs your attention and doesn't let go. Her words are like a symphony of emotions, each note resonating with authenticity and vulnerability. The book begins with a whisper in the darkness, a whisper that echoes in Nicole's soul, driving her to break free from the chains of her past. It's a story of transformation, of a woman who refus...

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