‘A Dime to Say I Love You’ will be released July 15, 2025. Photo: Barnes & Noble
📚Book Spotlight: A Dime to Say I Love You by Kathryn Henry For Readers Navigating Grief, Love, and the Spiritual Unknown
For readers navigating grief, spiritual seekers questioning the nature of love and the afterlife, or anyone who’s ever whispered I miss you into the void―today’s book spotlight is especially for you. (Advantage Media, 2025)
When Henry lost her wife Lisa to a rare and aggressive cancer, she plunged into a deep well of grief that threatened to consume her. But what followed was more than mourning—it was a spiritual reckoning. This memoir chronicles not only their final days together, but also Kathryn’s unfolding inner journey, marked by raw honesty, resilience, and a search for meaning beyond death.
This is not your typical grief memoir. Grounded in the brutal reality of terminal illness and lifted by transcendent moments of love, humor, and insight, Henry’s voice emerges—shaped by trauma, tempered by devotion, and illuminated by spiritual inquiry. Their life together—renovating homes, hiking in Japan—comes alive on the page, where even the smallest details carry sacred weight. And then, there are the dimes: tiny silver tokens that begin appearing as signs, metaphysical breadcrumbs that hint at Lisa’s enduring presence.
Each chapter blends storytelling with meditative reflection, offering readers space to pause, breathe, and explore their own emotional landscapes. This is a book for anyone who has loved deeply and lost deeply—and is looking for light in the darkness.
For fans of Cheryl Strayed, Joan Didion, and Thich Nhat Hanh, A Dime to Say I Love You doesn’t offer easy answers. What it does offer is resonance: a reminder that pain is not the opposite of love, but its echo.
Kathryn Henry’s journey—from a turbulent youth and high-level corporate career (at lululemon, Gap, Levi’s), to a spiritual awakening forged in the fire of personal loss—is as extraordinary as it is relatable. Her story is a testament to love’s lasting imprint, and the quiet ways the universe may still speak, if we are listening.
‘Poets Square’ is the new memoir by Courtney Gustafson. Photo: Barnes & Noble
📚Poets Square: A Memoir in Thirty Cats
How One Woman, Thirty Feral Cats, and a Bit of Dumb Hope Sparked a Movement of Care
What happens when you move into a new house—and discover that it comes with thirty feral cats?
In “Poets Square: A Memoir in Thirty Cats,” Courtney Gustafson shares the deeply personal and unexpectedly viral story of how a scrappy colony of stray cats transformed her life, her neighborhood, and the way she thinks about care, resilience, and community. (Penguin Random House, 2025)
A Pandemic, a New Relationship—and Then, the Cats
When Courtney moved into a rental in Tucson’s Poets Square neighborhood, she was already in survival mode. She was navigating a new relationship, working a job that didn’t pay enough, and dealing with mental health challenges—all during the chaos of a global pandemic.
So, when she realized her new home came with thirty unclaimed, unfixed, and hungry feral cats, her initial response was: not my problem.
But the cats had other ideas.
With their pleading eyes, visible ribs, and litters of kittens born in the gravel driveway, they became impossible to ignore.
From Reluctant Rescuer to Accidental Influencer
Courtney hadn’t planned on becoming an animal rescuer. She certainly didn’t anticipate the grief, exhaustion, or heartbreak that comes with trying to help creatures in need—especially within a system that fails both animals and people every day.
But in feeding, fixing, naming, and loving this colony—Monkey, Goldie, Francois, Sad Boy, and so many others—Courtney found something she didn’t expect: a way forward through her own personal darkness.
As she began documenting the daily lives of the cats on TikTok and Instagram, she quickly amassed a devoted following. Poets Square Cats became a viral phenomenon—and the support from her online community ended up saving her home.
A Story About Cats—and So Much More
This memoir is more than a chronicle of rescue work. It’s a meditation on what it means to show up—for others, for yourself, and for the broken spaces in between. Courtney takes readers from dark alleyways to trashed living rooms to her own front yard, revealing a raw, powerful journey that’s as much about humanity as it is about cats.
With tenderness, humor, and hard-won wisdom, “Poets Square” is a story about finding hope where it seems least likely, and building community—even when the world feels like it’s falling apart.
About the Author
Courtney Gustafson is a cat rescuer, community organizer, and creator of Poets Square Cats. She lives in Tucson, Arizona, and shares stories (and cat updates) with thousands on TikTok and Instagram.
Praise for “Poets Square”
“Truly moving; a heartfelt exploration of the humanity at the heart of animal welfare. Courtney masterfully weaves together stories of cats with stories of her own life and the lives of her community members—raw, flawed, and striving for goodness in a complex world. Her journey from cat observer to dedicated caregiver and community builder is profoundly inspiring.”—Hannah Shaw, New York Times bestselling author of Cats of the World
“Courtney Gustafson writes with uncommon grace about the castoff, the abandoned, the invisible. This book should be read and treasured for its ability to make the reader more human and humane.”—Lauren Slater, author of Blue Dreams and Lying
“Poets Square is charming and tender, funny-sad, quirky in the best possible way. It’s a story about care and compassion and acts of kindness big and small. I flew through it— and I’m not even a cat person.”—Chloë Ashby, author of Wet Paint
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‘Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis’ is the new book by Joan K. Peters. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Psychoanalysis, a deep exploration of the unconscious mind, offers a powerful path toward mental health and self-awareness. Rooted in the belief that unspoken thoughts and early experiences shape our behaviors, it invites individuals to uncover, confront, and integrate hidden parts of themselves. In a time when mental health is gaining long-overdue attention, talking openly about therapy and inner struggles is vital. It reduces stigma, encourages others to seek help, and reminds us that healing often begins with honest conversation. Embracing psychoanalysis and mental wellness isn’t just personal—it’s a collective step toward a more compassionate, self-aware society.
The new memoir “Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis” dares to tell the patient’s side of psychoanalysis. It’s available now wherever books are sold.
Joan K. Peters was born in New York City and got her Ph. D in comparative literature from The University of Chicago. She’s published a novel and two books about women and work and is a professor emeritus of literature and writing at California State University at Channel Islands. She lives in Ojai with her husband, her dogs, and her chickens. In her much-anticipated new book “Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis,” she focuses on her experience in psychoanalysis at two different points in her life, comparing two different theoretical and technical analytic views, from the vantage point of her experience as a patient. (CS Lewis Publicity, 2025)
“Untangling: A Memoir of Psychoanalysis” – With the drama of a novel it tells the story of a turbulent and transformative psychoanalysis in this first ever in-depth patient’s account. Joan K. Peters’ story lays bare the inner workings of this complex treatment, which takes place behind closed doors, is rarely spoken about, and is largely unknown outside of professional circles.
A polished, poetic, and often funny writer, her willingness to expose her own demons brings psychoanalysis to life, from the intense strife to the fierce love that can develop between patient and analyst. Joan’s first analyst, Lane, helped Joan alleviate tormenting and recurring nightmares and to find herself by discovering her family’s secret past. Her second analyst, Kristi, guided her through the frightening depths of that past to a yearned-for freedom.
In another first, Kristi writes an afterword about the challenge of analyzing Peters. Unique in its reach, “Untangling”reveals the mysteries that lurk beneath the surface of our psyches.
Psychoanalysis is full of mysteries — it taps into the subconscious more than any other form of therapy and sets up a unique relationship between analyst and patient. No one really knows exactly how or why it works, just that it does. But one patient, in candidly revealing her own journey, invites readers into that very private patient experience as she grapples with hidden and haunting demons.
Whether due to taboo, fear, shame, or reluctance, very few patients have shared their journey of psychoanalysis with others, let alone written about the experience. Too many people are unaware of the transformative powers that this penetrating, multi-layered therapy has.
In her unique memoir, written in the narrative style of Mary Karr, the author recounts her two analyses — one when she is in her twenties and another in her sixties — that form one continuous story of immense discovery and healing. She dramatizes firsthand accounts of how she and her two very different analysts unlocked the traumas, losses and terrors of her past – enabling her to confront and understand them, and finally feel free to fully enjoy her life.
Author Joan K. Peters. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
‘The Last Real Showgirl: My Sequined ’70s Onstage’ by Diane Christiansen. Photo: Amazon
Showgirls are known for their dazzling blend of beauty, confidence, and theatrical glamour. Their elaborate costumes, precision choreography, and magnetic stage presence create a spectacle that celebrates femininity, fantasy, and performance art. Often associated with Las Vegas or classic cabarets, showgirls evoke nostalgia for a bygone era of entertainment while continuing to evolve with modern flair. Visually appealing, they also possess a charisma and skill which they bring to the stage. Audiences are drawn to the magic, energy, and escape showgirls offer—a vibrant celebration of artistry, elegance, and the enduring power of performance.
If you’ve ever been curious about what it’s like to be a showgirl, consider the new memoir by Diane Christiansen. “The Last Real Showgirl: My Sequined ‘70s Onstage” gives readers an insight into the reality of being a showgirl in the ’70s — in the heyday of star-studded productions from Paris to Las Vegas. It’s a true story, by a real showgirl, that’s filled with surprises. (CS Lewis Publicity, 2025)
Diane Christiansen‘s career has spanned five decades as an actress, dancer, author, director, producer, writer, costume designer, and studio owner. She is an acting coach to many acclaimed actors on television shows like Euphoria, This is Us, Dickinson, Stranger Things, Sandman, Quantum Leap and countless other well-known and popular TV shows and movies.
“The Last Real Showgirl: My Sequined ‘70s Onstage” by Diane Christiansen – During the 1970s, showgirls represented the pinnacle of club and resort entertainment. In the modern age, very few shows left in Las Vegas, the resorts, or Paris feature showgirls at all. This memoir presents in her own words the life of Diane Christiansen, the last real showgirl.
As a teenager, desperate to get out of Illinois and into the glittering world of professional dance, Diane visits Montreal and discovers the electrifying world of French Cabaret. This kicks off a chain of events which finds her, before long, in Paris, dancing with a giant seahorse on her head at the world-renowned Lido de Paris. From opium dens in Paris to comedy clubs in the Bahamas, the arc of Diane’s dazzling career spans the globe, all before she is 28. This insider perspective on the industry presents the singular life of the last real showgirl, while also capturing the swansong of a thrilling era in stage entertainment.
Showgirls were powerful women in charge of their own careers — and well-paid, valued players in the flashy world of sequins, feathers, step-kicks, and lavish productions. Most were classically trained dancers who traveled the globe and planned their post-showgirl futures well in advance. They were nothing like the forlorn characters in recent movies.
In her candid, rollicking memoir, Diane Christiansen recounts her years as a showgirl — an iconic symbol of sexy, top-shelf entertainment rarely seen today. She offers an insider’s view to the alluring world of elaborate costumes, dance routines, the meaning of “Semi-Nude” and “Nude,” and life backstage, onstage and offstage. She delves into loves, losses, and her high-flying life.
‘Crash Course’ is an insightful look into the volatile world of startups. Photo: Amazon
In “Crash Course: A Founder’s Journey to Saving Your Startup and Sanity,” Ricardo Jiménez offers an unfiltered and deeply personal account of his startup journey—one marked by ambition, struggle, and eventual failure. Unlike typical business books that focus solely on success strategies, Jiménez takes readers through the hard lessons learned when things don’t go as planned. His honest storytelling makes this book a refreshing and invaluable resource for entrepreneurs who want to avoid common pitfalls.
In the Introduction, he bluntly states “I was a startup founder, and I failed.” He is sharing his experiences because he believes we can all learn from someone else’s struggles. Failure is a way of life in business, it’s not you personally.
Jiménez doesn’t just recount his failures—he analyzes them, offering insights on leadership missteps, financial mismanagement, and the emotional toll of entrepreneurship. He highlights the dangers of burnout, poor decision-making, and ignoring red flags, making this book as much about mental resilience as it is about business strategy. The writing is engaging and candid, making complex business concepts accessible to new and experienced founders.
It is divided as follows:
Section 1: Beginning with an Ending Section 2: Starting Up Section 3: Market (Mis) Fit Section 4: Fighting for Survival Section 5: The End Section 6: What I Learned, What I Felt, and What I Still Don’t Know Section 7: Finding the Rewards Among the Risks
Highlights:
Section 4, Chapter 14, Breaking Down – the author shares the importance of self care and work/life balance when all you do revolves around starting your company. People only wanted to talk to him about Plushkies or their ideas for a business and that’s all he was to them. It began to wear him down. “Entrepreneurs are often judged more by their company and product, which is what the public gets to see, than they are by their character and personality.”
Section 4, Chapter 17, Bro Savior Turns Bro Bully – He was so desperate to succeed, he almost lost sight of his principles. He stresses the importance of taking the red flags seriously. “My desperation had caused me to ignore all the red flags flying around that guy and our interactions, almost from the beginning.”
Overall, “Crash Course” is a must-read for anyone navigating the unpredictable world of startups. Above all, Jiménez’ candidness makes him relatable. Rather than glorifying the “hustle culture,” he advocates for balance, self-awareness, and learning from failure. Aspiring entrepreneurs will find comfort in his experiences, realizing that setbacks are not the end—but rather opportunities to grow. It is recommended for readers interested in memoirs and business motivation and self improvement books.
“The hard truth about being an entrepreneur is that, whether it’s building or selling, if it’s your startup, you can’t just rely on other people to build your company.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
This year’s South Texas AuthorCon featured a variety of authors from the Rio Grande Valley.
Author events, such as book signings, readings, and meet-and-greets, offer readers a unique opportunity to connect with the creators behind the stories. These events are important because they foster personal interactions, allowing authors to share insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes details of their work. For readers, attending author events provides a chance to engage with their favorite writers and discover new ones across all genres. The appeal lies in the sense of community and connection that forms, making the reading experience more intimate and memorable. These events also encourage a deeper appreciation of literature and the creative process.
This month, the city of San Benito hosted the second annual South Texas AuthorCon at the San Benito Plaza. The two day event brought readers of all ages to meet authors of all genres, purchase books, and get author autographs. The first day was geared solely towards students while the second day was open to the public and all together, authors, artists, and guests made this event a success.
Before the event, Beyond Borders Books held a writing contest. Valley View High School student Mariano Moreno won the 2024 Creative Writing Contest for his poem “¿Dónde están mis hijos?” which he recited that day.
Many thanks to the authors and artists for their patience in meeting everyone and taking their time to tell their story and answer questions. This event was an opportunity for me to discover authors I hadn’t hear of and meet fellow bibliophiles. I met a handful of authors from several genres including memoirs, children’s books, and YA novels.
Some of the authors included:
Thomas Ray Garcia– “The River Runs” Short story collection. This collection presents insights into Texas-Mexico border culture, highlighting tales of resilience while refusing to shy away from the omnipresent reality the river imposes. Written from 2015 to 2020, these stories resist a singular vision of the border, centering the Rio Grande as a site of transformation.
Monica Velasquez – “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce.” Children’s book. A little girl waits patiently everyday just to get to Sunday, when the family eats sweet bread. Her feelings change day by day in which she dreams of eating different types of “pan dulce.” The book is a rhyming book for children or children at heart. Different types of Mexican sweet bread are beautifully drawn, bringing the book to life.
Cassie Bleu Davila – “I’m Not Waiting for My Mom To Die.” Memoir. When Cassie was 7 years old, she had to leave the only place she had ever known after her mom married a US citizen. Now living in the United States, she puts on a fake smile for everyone, but behind closed doors her life is a nightmare. She is hiding the deepest darkest secret that nobody could imagine. The only person that knows about her secret is her mom. But if her own mom won’t help her, who will?
Rosario Ozuna – “The Tears Behind the Smile: Poems and Reflections from the Heart”– Literary fiction. These poems and reflections mirror daily obstacles and several of our deepest daily emotions, which sometimes we keep chained up within our soul. Several of the themes in this book are kept in our hearts in silence. Many of these experiences are painful, distressing, and even make us cry and doubt, but they also help us to believe in ourselves. Without these sunny and blue situations, we wouldn’t know how to move forward and make the best of these circumstances. This book also debuts ten Spanish poems. Facebook profile
Patty York Raymond – “It’s Too Windy” “Hay Mucho Viento!” Children’s books. The story is about family and how establishing long lasting traditions leads to developing close family ties that last a lifetime. Jessica and David can’t wait to swim in the grandparents’ pool. But how long will they have to wait? It’s Too Windy is accompanied by a music CD.
Angela Rosko – “Hello Grace” and “Grammy Misses Gracie.” The Adventures of Gracie and Grammy series of children’s books.
Margarita Longoria– “Living Beyond Borders: Growing up Mexican in America” YA short story collection. In this mixed-media collection of short stories, personal essays, poetry, and comics, this celebrated group of authors share the borders they have crossed, the struggles they have pushed through, and the two cultures they continue to navigate as Mexican Americans.
Naivi Vera – “El Maravilloso Mundo de Susy: La Pequeña Hormiga Aventurera” “The Wonderful World of Susy: The Adventurous Little Ant” Children’s book. “El maravilloso mundo de Susy, la hormiguita aventurera” is a Spanish-English bilingual children’s book that teaches children values like bravery and teamwork. Through this bilingual tale, they will discover how fun the world of ants can be. In this magical illustrated story, children will learn in a fun and simple way how to overcome big challenges and achieve more when everyone can contribute their part by working together, helping each other, and contributing to nature.
‘Son of Birmingham: A Memoir’ by Mayor Randall Woodfin. Photo: Barnes & Noble.
Birmingham, AL – “Son of Birmingham,” the highly anticipated memoir by Birmingham’s youngest modern-day mayor, Randall Woodfin, is available now. This gripping narrative weaves together Mayor Woodfin’s life story with his bold vision for a more equitable future, offering an intimate look at the man reshaping the urban South. (Iron City Communications, 2025)
Through candid storytelling, Woodfin shares how his roots in Birmingham, the lessons from Morehouse College, and the beats of Southern hip-hop shaped his journey. From bagging groceries as a teenager to addressing systemic challenges as mayor, “Son of Birmingham” is a call-to-action for servant leadership, resilience, and unity.
Randall Woodfin was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. After earning his degree at Morehouse College and later his law degree at Samford University, he returned home to serve his community. Elected mayor in 2017, Woodfin has been nationally recognized for his progressive leadership, including a keynote speech at the 2020 Democratic National Convention.
Key Topics in the Book
The journey from grocery store clerk to mayor
Southern hip-hop’s influence on leadership and grit
Declaring gun violence a public health crisis
Building unity across Birmingham’s 99 neighborhoods
Leading Birmingham through pivotal moments in history
Don’t miss this unforgettable story of hope, resilience, and the power of leadership.
Praise for Son of Birmingham
“Being from the South, I know the power of legacy and tradition. Mayor Randall Woodfin embodies that. Son of Birmingham is a love letter to Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik, and I’m honored he accredits inspiration to Outkast.” – Antwan “Big Boi” Patton, Grammy-winning member of Outkast
“A love letter to Birmingham and the resilience of its people. Woodfin combines modern hope with timeless wisdom.” – Geoffrey Canada, President of the Harlem Children’s Zone
“Woodfin’s journey fills my heart with hope. His leadership is a blueprint for justice and inclusion.” – Medaria Arradondo, former Minneapolis Police Chief
“Son of Birmingham captures the story of a city in transformation and the leader guiding its evolution. This memoir is a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of change.” – Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland
“If Alabama has a chance to overcome its past and reach its potential, it will be because of leaders like Randall Woodfin. Son of Birmingham is a moving memoir of perseverance and progress.” – Roy Wood Jr., Comedian and Journalist
‘Jeddah Bride’ is the new memoir by Patricia Bonis. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Memoirs offer a unique and personal perspective on life, drawing readers into the intimate experiences of an individual’s journey. Unlike autobiographies, which often focus on public achievements, memoirs highlight specific moments, emotions, and reflections, making them more relatable and human. Their appeal lies in their authenticity and vulnerability, allowing readers to connect with the author’s struggles, triumphs, and growth. They offer a sense of shared experience and a reminder of our common humanity, sparking empathy and introspection in readers.
“Jeddah Bride” is a new memoir out this month by Patricia Bonis that recounts her experiences with Rahman Abbar, a man from Saudi Arabia.
Patricia Bonis runs her own interior design firm and has designed the homes, offices, and embassies of CEOs, ambassadors, and international financiers for over 30 years. She has an equally long standing and passionate career as an equestrian, actively competing in the World Equestrian Festival, the Hampton Classic, and numerous other horse shows across America. Her first book is “Jeddah Bride,” a memoir about a smart, free-spirited girl who fell in love with Rahman Abbar, son of a wealthy Saudi Arabian family
Synopsis:
“Jeddah Bride” – When Rahman suggested they marry, it was the happiest day of her life. But Patricia was not prepared for life as a Saudi woman-a life spent looking through curtains and veils at the world outside, a life that of necessity was curtailed and protected from the toxic masculinity of the culture, a life that, for an American girl used to sneaking out and hitchhiking, was dangerous and frightening and foreign. She was not prepared to give up all her freedom: freedom to drive herself, to go where she wanted when she wanted, to read books and listen to music she wanted, even to give up making a career for herself. (Meryl Moss Media, 2024)
After years in Jeddah, Patricia and Rahman moved to America, where Patricia gave birth to two children and started her own successful career. She thought their family was complete and that they would stay in America to raise their children in freedom and security.
Until Rahman starts talking about leaving America and moving back into the jet-set lifestyle-regardless of Patricia’s needs and wishes. After previous disappointments, Patricia is ready to divorce him and strike out on her own. But she is not ready for her children to be kidnapped.
Review:
The story begins in 2002 as Patricia is reuniting with Karim, her oldest son, after fourteen harrowing years of looking for him. He was just a boy when their father took him and his sister Sultana out of the United States during a court appointed visitation. She tracks down Karim and introduces herself to a grown man and proceeds to attempt to get back into his and Sultana’s life.
From there, it goes back to the 70s when a young Patricia meets Rahman while out partying one night. She is instantly drawn to his magnetic personality and exotic good looks and finds it impossible to resist the fast life filled with parties, money, and connections. But not everything that shines is gold, and when she makes a trip to Jeddah to meet his family, she is introduced to a world that she had only heard about. Despite the culture shock, she continues the relationship but the years ahead will alter her life in ways she could have never seen coming.
In “Jeddah Bride,” Patricia Bonis offers a deeply personal and poignant memoir that chronicles her life as an American woman married to a Saudi man. The book captures her journey of navigating cultural divides, familial expectations, and her evolving identity while living in Saudi Arabia.
The narrative is introspective and engaging, providing readers with a window into the complexities of cross-cultural marriage and the challenges of living in a society with strict cultural norms. She contrasts the freedom of her American upbringing with the constraints of Saudi society, particularly as she experiences the difficulties of life in Jeddah. Her honesty about the emotional and personal sacrifices required to integrate into her husband’s world is compelling, yet she never shies away from addressing the difficulties and moments of isolation she faced.
The language is down to earth and even though there are some tense moments, the tone doesn’t get too dark and depressing. Since the focus is on her early experiences, the chapters on her divorce and custody battles are brief and towards the end.
Overall, “Jeddah Bride” is an honest portrayal of marriage and culture clash as well as an exploration of identity and belonging. It’san insightful and heartfelt memoir that will resonate with readers intrested in the complexities of cross-cultural relationships, making it a thought-provoking read for those curious about the nuances of love, tradition, and change. A fast and easy read, it is recommended for fans of women’s memoirs.
“Never wavering in my efforts to reach my children in Saudi, I did attempt to rebuild my life. I had no choice. Fourteen years is a very long time and I needed to soothe the ever present pain in my heart.”
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘A Journey into Motherhood’ is an intimate look into the mind of a mother. Photo: Amazon
“A Journey Into Motherhood” navigates the journey of becoming a mother with sensitivity and insight. Monica Goodman became a single mother by taking in a baby that her friend did not want. She was young and unprepared for the challenge but remained strong and persistent knowing she was doing the right thing. Through a series of personal anecdotes, Goodman weaves a narrative that resonates deeply with anyone who has embarked on this life changing path.
The book explores the emotional highs and lows of motherhood, offering a candid portrayal of the challenges and joys that come along with it. Goodman’s writing is refreshingly honest, capturing the raw vulnerability of adjusting to a new identity while navigating the complexities of relationships and self-discovery.
Chapters include: Chapter 1: My Plans Chapter 2: Surrender Chapter 3: Learning Love Chapter 4: First Three Months Chapter 5: My Tribe Chapter 6: Beautifully Broken Chapter 7: Woman in the Mirror Chapter 8: Fear and Anxiety Chapter 9: Divine Providence Chapter 10: Forgotten and Redemption Chapter 11: Conclusion
It blends personal storytelling with universal themes of family, faith, and redemption, making it a compelling read for those reflecting on their own experiences. Goodman’s prose is poignant yet accessible, inviting readers to connect with her journey on a profound level. She finds strength in her faith and begins each chapter with a bible verse and includes prayers that have brought her comfort during her most difficult struggles.
Overall, “A Journey into Motherhood” is a heartfelt exploration of the power of motherhood, offering solace and wisdom to those navigating similar paths. It’s a short read and briefly touches on each subject, but it’s a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the emotional landscape of becoming a mother.
*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Stress Test’ is the new memoir from Kay White Drew. Photo: Amazon
Kay White Drew is a retired physician and lifelong writer. Her essays, poems, and short stories are found in several journals including Hektoen International, The Intima, Bay to Ocean Journal, and Loch Raven Review, where one of her essays was nominated for a Pushcart Prize in 2022. Her new book “Stress Test” is a love letter to women in medicine and the feminist causes of the 1970s and the present day. (Amazon/Mindbuck Media Book Publicity, 2024)
“Stress Test” – The story covers a five-year ordeal, from the first day of medical school through the last day of pediatric internship. Unveiling the cadaver in the anatomy lab while her mother lay dying on an oncology ward; the excitement of making difficult diagnoses and the terror and tragedy of disastrous mistakes; the joy of connecting with patients and the heartbreak of losing them—it’s all here. Women made up less than a fifth of the author’s medical school class and as a white woman in the largely Black urban environment of West Baltimore, barely a decade after the Civil Rights movement and long before Black Lives Matter, she bore witness throughout her training to the human cost of racism.
The author navigated personal struggles as well: her mother’s death; several ill-starred romantic relationships, including an interracial love affair with a professor; a roommate’s suicide; and her own suicidality, depression, and experiences in therapy.
“Stress Test” joins a growing body of work by women physicians. This memoir takes place at a time when women were still years away from comprising half—or more—of medical school students, and when the second wave of feminism was surging; but many of the fears, griefs, and struggles that women in medicine face today are the same ones the author grappled with decades earlier.
SA Examiner 