Tag: memoirs

Book review: ‘On My Way Back to You’ by Sarah Cart

‘On My Way Back to You: One Couple’s Journey through Catastrophic Illness to Healing and Hope’ by Sarah Cart with Glenn Plaskin. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Sarah Cart was raised and educated in New York and New England. As a freelancer, she wrote for multiple local publications while she and her husband, Ben, raised four sons in northeastern Ohio. Upon becoming empty nesters, the two moved to the Florida Keys. Then in 2017, Ben was diagnosed with a degenerative autoimmune disorder and over time, their relationship evolved to that of patient and caregiver and by the beginning of 2020, Ben was dying. Sarah’s new memoir, “On My Way Back to You,” is a first-hand account of the rollercoaster world of lifesaving transplants and the unimaginable challenges Sarah faced as she struggled to manage her husband Ben’s devastating illness and to save his life, their marriage, and her own sanity. (Amazon, 2024)

Synopsis:
“On My Way Back to You” is the story of Sarah and Ben Cart. For the first 42 years they shared together, Ben was a successful entrepreneur and outdoorsman. Then the unthinkable happens. Not only was he battling an autoimmune disorder, but ten days into the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, his kidneys crash, his heart was failing, and he ends up in the ICU at Cleveland Clinic Weston (FL). In suspenseful and heartbreaking detail, Sarah shares how Ben’s incurable autoimmune condition was manageable and under control one minute and threatening to kill him the next. Thanks to a heart transplant, they now have a future, and, more than ever before, relish time spent with family and friends.

Thrust into the role of nurse and caregiver, Sarah joined the ranks of 39 million Americans who champion and care for an ailing loved one. In addition to confronting doubts, fears, and endless setbacks, aggravations, and red tape, she also had to consent to daunting procedures on Ben’s behalf. She had to endure the months-long Covid-era restrictions on hospital visitations and the post-surgery snafus with home healthcare personnel. The ongoing heartfelt communication with family and friends sustained her through the darkest of days. It is divided into 18 chapters including Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night, The Slippery Slope, and Battle Stations. She includes some of the email updates she sent out and sections such as Ben’s and his sons’ reflections on what was going on at the time.

Review:
Memoirs are windows into the lives of individuals, capturing their experiences, emotions, and reflections. These deeply personal narratives offer insight into the human condition, revealing triumphs, struggles, and moments of self-discovery. By telling her story, Sarah Cart connects with readers on a profound level, inspiring empathy, introspection, and a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the human experience.

It’s easy to say that we would undoubtedly become a caregiver to a loved one, but the reality can be sobering, as she puts it in the first sentence of the Preface: “Life is hard, messy, beautiful, unpredictable…and fragile.” Covid complicated matters because it affected his treatment and because of the restrictions, friends and family couldn’t help her as much as they ordinarily would. Writing this memoir was therapeutic for her because she shares what she went through, including the medical and personal struggles: “Documenting the details of his condition…provided a means of grappling with the fear.” Most importantly, readers can learn the questions to ask, the notes to take, the signs to never overlook, and the importance of self care. Stand out chapters include Chapter 7 when Ben finally gets the transplant and all the after care he requires and Chapter 14 when even after all she was doing to care for him, someone files a complaint with the department of human services about elder abuse.

Overall, “On My Way Back to You” is a profoundly inspirational account of one couple’s medical journey and the patience, determination, and love that ultimately helped them find their way back to one another. The focus is on the care Ben received and how it affected their lives, so it doesn’t come off as depressing or overly personal and heartbreaking. It is easy to read and offers lessons anyone can benefit from, so it is recommended for readers who enjoy medical memoirs and appreciate reading about the details of a patient’s medical treatment. It is also a testament to the importance of organ donation. 

“I offer you this story not because you will necessarily be interested in our particular saga but because life is hard and messy and unpredictable, and chances are high that ultimately each of us will face challenges we never imagined…”

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Upcoming new book release: ‘On My Way Back to You’ by Sarah Cart

‘On My Way Back to You: One Couple’s Journey through Catastrophic Illness to Healing and Hope’ by Sarah Cart with Glenn Plaskin. Photo: Amazon

Raised and educated in New York and New England, Sarah Cart, a freelancer, wrote for multiple local publications while she and her husband, Ben, raised four sons in northeastern Ohio. Upon becoming empty nesters, they moved to the Florida Keys, but they returned every summer to the Pennsylvania Poconos. Then came Covid. The pandemic, combined with Ben’s health issues, necessitated their sheltering in place in Florida for the entirety of 2020. In the wake of Ben’s undergoing miraculous lifesaving measures, they have been afforded the unanticipated gift of a future and, more than ever before, relish time spent with family and friends. In her upcoming new memoir, “On My Way Back to You: One Couple’s Journey through Catastrophic Illness to Healing and Hope,” Sarah Cart shares how she became one of 39 million Americans taking care of an ailing loved one. It will be released on April 2 and is available for pre-order through Amazon. (Meryl Moss Media, 2024)

“On My Way Back to You,” – In suspenseful and heart-rending detail, Cart recounts how, beginning with an incurable autoimmune disease, her husband developed one life-threatening condition after another. As each month passed, she felt her best friend, this brilliant businessman, successful entrepreneur, and energetically engaged and organized father to their four sons, slipping away, until eventually they received devastating news: Ben needed a heart transplant. But that was only the tip of the iceberg. Two weeks after the COVID-19 lockdown, they realized Ben’s body was shutting down and his only hope was to get on the list and get that transplant now—in the midst of a pandemic. And that wasn’t even half of what was to come.

Thrust into the role of nurse and caregiver, Cart required a deep well of faith, grit, and grace as she confronted doubts, fears, endless setbacks, aggravations, and red tape while struggling to help Ben regain whatever he could of all that had been lost.

Cart reminds us that “there is certainly no promise that the health we enjoy this evening will be with us in the morning” and provides guidance for others in her shoes. Sooner or later, everyone will either become a caregiver or need one. To help when time comes, she shares the questions to ask, the notes to take, the signs to never overlook, and the self-care necessary for the caregiver.

“On My Way Back to You” is more than a chronicle of Ben’s illness. It’s about love, resiliency, and the power of community: “When Ben was in the hospital, I felt all the people who’d ever loved him shining their light from the far reaches of the universe each time I begged them to do so.” It’s a roadmap through some of life’s greatest challenges and the journey of two people who used the power of love, determination, and endless patience to find their way back to each other.

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Upcoming new book release: ‘The Wandering Pianist’ by Congyu Wang

‘The Wandering Pianist’ will be released December 27, 2023. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Memoirs and biographies can be so inspiring to read because they remind us that achieving a dream takes time, dedication, patience, and most of all, hard work. Indeed, nothing in this world comes easy but it does come with an immense feeling of satisfaction. If you are a music lover and enjoy biographies of artists, today’s upcoming new book release might interest you. “The Wandering Pianist” is the inspiring biography by Congyu Wang about living up to his name, though far from the aspirations his parents had for him. It is a story of resilience, faith, and unbridled passion and ambition.

Congyu Wang is an internationally renowned soloist who has garnered acclaim as a recitalist, accompanist, and chamber musician. Born in Singapore, he started playing the piano at the age of 3 under the tutelage of Sylvia Ng. He was selected for a scholarship that enabled him to attend the prestigious École Normale de Musique de Paris, where he studied with renowned French pianists Jean-Marc Luisada and Odile Cartelin-Delangle. His new book “The Wandering Pianist” is a heartfelt reminder that no dream is too big, and no obstacle is insurmountable if one’s passion is unyielding. This book will leave you inspired and deeply moved, proving that the pursuit of dreams is worth every sacrifice, every tear, and every note played. It will be released December 27, 2023 through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other book sellers. (Congyu Wang, 2023)

“The Wandering Pianist” – He defied his family’s expectations and society’s norms. From the very beginning, Congyu Wang was a true underdog, not a musical prodigy, and even once dismissed the piano as being “for girls.” However, one teacher, one movie, and a new status in his young life will drive him to wanting to become a pianist.

Despite the relentless pressure to conform to traditional education and career paths, Congyu’s heart was set on pursuing this dream. Forced to escape the pressure cooker that he was living in, he embarked on a courageous quest that led him to studying at the prestigious École Normale de Musique de Paris on a scholarship at only sixteen years old. His journey wasn’t a fairy tale in Paris, though; it was daunting and sometimes heart-wrenching.

From being homeless and hungry on the cold streets of Paris to navigating the challenges of pursuing his musical ambitions, Congyu’s story is one of resilience, faith, and an unshakable passion for the piano. His encounters with piano masters who he looks up to are set against the backdrop of adversity, heartache, and rejection.

Through the highs and lows, Congyu’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, passion, luck, and dedication in bringing talent to life. From the depths of despair to finding God’s grace, he emerges not only as a concert pianist but also as a symbol of hope, determination, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.

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Congyu Wang. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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New book release: ‘The In-Between: Life in the Micro’ by Christian Espinosa

‘The In-Between: Life in the Micro’ is the new book by Christian Espinosa. Photo: Christian Espinosa, used with permission.

Regardless of our life experiences, we all have those moments when life starts to make sense. Even then, we should always keep learning and growing as human beings. I like reading biographies and memoirs because the authors share what they have learned in the hopes of inspiring others to improve their lives. In his new memoir, Christian Espinosa shares the journey that transformed him into a compassionate global citizen. In “The In-Between: Life in the Micro,” he explains that some regrets do not hit you all at once. They seep in at the corners of your life, at night or on a long drive, until they become a refrain. Those are the worst regrets of all. Pick up your copy today from Amazon and read all about his fascinating journey. 

Christian Espinosa is an esteemed thought leader and best known as the bestselling author of “The Smartest Person in the Room,” a book that explores the limitations of seeking validation through achievement and the desire to be the brightest intellect in any room. He is also a successful entrepreneur, white hat hacker, captivating speaker, real estate investor, and heavy metal enthusiast. With a deep desire to inspire others to harness their innate wisdom, overcome perceived barriers, and summon the courage to tread new paths, Christian has written his latest book, “The In-Between: Life in the Micro.” This book chronicles his remarkable transformation from a “me against the world” mindset, cultivated during his tumultuous upbringing, to his evolution as a compassionate global citizen committed to uplifting humanity. (Christian Espinosa, 2023)

“The In-Between: Life in the Micro” – Christian Espinosa was living in a bubble, and it burst on May 9, 2022. It was the middle of the afternoon. As he and his partner Vanessa approached a major intersection, a blue car accelerated, ran the red light, and T-boned a black truck directly in front of them.

The blue car’s hood crumbled like an accordion to absorb the impact. Within seconds, its front end was completely smashed and its windows were broken. Then everything went out of focus, except for what he needed to do—assess the scene for safety, check on the drivers of the blue car and black truck, and call 911. Nothing else mattered—he felt a heightened sense of purpose.

He had always focused on one macro moment after another—the next mountain to climb or business to start. He had not spent any time appreciating the micro-moments—life in between the macros. He had been living in a macro-moment bubble.

The accident awakened in him a desire to paint a complete picture of who he wanted to be and how he wanted to approach his life. This is his story of learning how to value the in-between and prioritize consciously living in the micro.

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New book release: ‘Things My Husband Said’ by Jennifer Free

‘Things My Husband Said: The painful reality of covert verbal and emotional abuse in a marriage from the perspective of a wife who got out and the plan that empowered her to leave’ by Jennifer Free. Photo: Jennifer Free, used with permission.

The subject of abuse is all too often taboo but needs to be addressed. Aside from physical abuse, there is also emotional and verbal abuse, which consists of actions that are meant to control, isolate, and frighten you. In romantic relationships, this often includes threats, insults, manipulation, humiliation, intimidation, and other such behaviors. Today’s new book release touches on this issue and is written by a woman who experienced abuse. In “Things My Husband Said,” Jennifer Free shares her journey beginning with how she met her husband, how she got out, and what she told her daughter. If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, let her first hand account inspire you and guide you to get help and live a better life. Don’t wait, get your copy today; it is available on Amazon.

Jennifer Free is an author and advocate for awareness, prevention, and support for victims of covert verbal and emotional abuse perpetrated by spouses. She is a survivor of childhood and marital abuse and writes about her experiences to help others. (Jennifer Free, 2023)

In “Things My Husband Said,” author Jennifer Free outlines the painful reality of covert verbal and emotional abuse in a marriage and the detailed plan she developed over several years that ultimately empowered her to safely leave while maintaining primary physical custody of her daughter without a lengthy legal battle.

In this book, she shines a necessary spotlight on the type of marital abuse that does not leave physical bruises but still causes harm by sharing the ugly covert verbal abuse she endured for years, one raw line at a time. She includes the the detailed plan she developed to safely leave with her daughter. Most importantly, she speaks to and validates the pain of those victims who are still in abusive marriages as well as those who have been able to escape. It serves as necessary required reading in continuing education programs for Family Court professionals and victim advocates.

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Upcoming new book release: ‘Apropos of Running’ by Charles Moore

‘Apropos of Running’ is the new memoir by Charles Moore. Photo: Charles Moore, used with permission.

Memoirs provide an insight into a world that we might not otherwise experience, whether it is from the viewpoint of a celebrity, musician, or athlete. If you are a fan of memoirs, especially sports memoirs, today’s new book release by Charles Moore might interest you. “Apropos of Running” is the story of a world-class marathoner who completed all six of the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Charles Moore brings to light his experiences as a Black man in the world of marathons in this insightful memoir. So if you enjoy these types of books, put this one on your to read list. With a release date of November 5, it will be available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Charles Moore has published work on the subject of contemporary arts and related topics on Artnet, Artsy, and Cultured Magazine, and many other places. Based in New York City, he graduated from Harvard University and is currently a doctoral student at Columbia University. His new book “Apropos of Running” is a timely and unforgettable memoir of long-distance running and an essential testament to the persistence and power of Black marathon runners and how one man transformed his life and the sport of running just by showing up at the starting line time after time. (Charles Moore, 2023)

“Apropos of Running” – Based on Charles Moore’s experience running 24 marathons between 2016- 2023, this memoir is both a celebration of his journey to become a 24-time marathon runner and a candid, deeply personal interrogation of how race and culture are intertwined. The author explores the lack of diversity in marathoning, as he came face to face with the predominant myth that “Black people don’t run marathons.” From international races in major cities across Asia, Europe and the United States, including his native Detroit, he is confronted with not only the racial history of America, but the racialized history of the sport he had devoted his life to. Moore is one of the few to address the Venn diagram of Blackness and long-distance running.

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Book review: ‘The Most Wanted (2004-2005)’ by Maria Angela Leon

‘The Most Wanted (2004-2005)’ is the new book by Maria Angela Leon about living with mental illness. Photo: Amazon

Maria Angela Leon is an author, licensed Aesthetician, and a professional hypnotherapist from HMI. She is the eldest female from a large family of ten and being the eldest female gave her the wisdom and direction to survive all the mental issues she has had to deal with. She uses her diverse experience to curate captivating and powerful stories to impact the lives of millions. She is the soul and heart of her own business in LA. In her new book “The Most Wanted (2004-2005),” she describes more than six decades of her life, during which survival was the only option she had. It also available in Spanish as “La Mas Buscada (FBI 2004-2005). Order your copy today to deepen your understanding of the complex world of mental illness. (Maria Angela Leon, 2023)

“The Most Wanted (2004-2005)” – Mental illness is real. Ignorance and judgmental views have held society back. By raising awareness and conversing openly about this topic, we can begin to heal. Any person, regardless of their religion, nationality, race, or class can be affected by mental illness, and the current societal taboo is brutal. In this country, mental illness is a touchy topic, especially when people who struggle with their mental health exhibit behaviors that fall outside what is socially accepted. People in in-patient facilities are often mistreated, judged, and punished. The author’s goal is to raise awareness of mental health and bring into the open the structural and societal issues that surround it. We cannot hide from or be ashamed of reality, especially if that means attacking, judging, or abandoning people who need help. The emotional and mental health issues in her family has been the engine of her existence; they have both broken her down and built her up. In this book, she shares the lessons she learned and the wisdom that comes with experience. It is divided into 19 chapters including The miracle that saved my life, When reality beats fiction, and The US Legal System. She begins by recounting her traumatic childhood at the hands of her abusive father and ends with her dreams of providing mental health services to the community.

Even though the title of this book is “The Most Wanted,” the main topic is mental health. In 2004, Maria Angela Leon was the FBI’s Most Wanted not because she was a criminal, a member of a cartel, or dangerous in any way. According to the US justice system, she was her sister’s accomplice, who was crazy and fled the country with her two children and her brother in law accused her of having the children, instead of her sister. This was a culmination of years of witnessing her family, including her father, mother, sisters, and brothers, suffer from various mental illnesses including schizophrenia. Her frustration at society’s inability to properly deal with those suffering from mental illness is palpable throughout the pages. The language is clear and easy to understand but it is hard to keep up with all the family member’s stories when she refers to them only as ‘my sister with the heart condition’ and ‘my sister who married a Puerto Rican,’ with the exception of her sister Olga. Highlights include Chapter 8 When reality beats fiction when she fled to the United States when she was 16 and pregnant to escape a forced marriage, and Chapter 13 The US Legal System where she recounts how she ended up as one of the FBI’s Most Wanted. It is heartbreaking to read about how so many members of her family have mental issues and how helpless she feels at being unable to help them. Just wanting to help someone is not enough, because there are so many other issues that come into play, like society’s indifference, healthcare, etc. Overall, “The Most Wanted” is an eye-opening account of one family’s struggle with mental illness and is recommended for readers who are looking to gain knowledge about this issue and are willing to have open conversations about it, including mental health professionals, social services workers, and law enforcement officials. 

“Fear is what destroys the human being, fear is also what builds us and takes us to other dimensions, and sometimes, when we master it, also fulfills our dreams! It’s a double-edged sword….”

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Book of the week: ‘Double Crossed and Unraveled’ by Kelsey Carlee

‘Double Crossed and Unraveled’ is the inspiring memoir by Kelsey Carlee. Photo: Amazon.

Memoirs can be inspiring to read because they help put life’s difficulties in perspective. You realize you are not alone and if others can survive, so can you. If you like memoirs and are looking for an interesting one to read, consider “Double Crossed and Unraveled” by Kelsey Carlee. Let her story and creative musings empower and encourage you to become the person you were always meant to be. It is available on Amazon.

Kelsey Carlee is from the Seattle area and enjoys creating art in her spare time. She has been writing since she was a kid, with her first published work at 14 years old. Hoping to help others, she bravely and unapologetically writes about the trauma she has experienced. Having penned a second Kindle book on Amazon, “The Double Yellow Line,” her third book is expected to be released later this year. Her memoir “Double Crossed and Unraveled” chronicles the author’s unraveling through poetry, letters, and recollection as an outlet to heal her past traumas. (Kelsey Carlee, 2023)

“Double Crossed and Unraveled” – This memoir recounts the relationships that a young Kelsey experienced, including meeting Howie, which turned her whole world upside down. It touches on her complicated relationship with her mother, and how the love she developed for Cole nearly cost her life. The plot circles around from when the author was younger to the adult version of herself, as she grieved the loss of her mother and had to face her past to help her deal with reality. “Double Crossed and Unraveled” is for every survivor of neglect and abuse. The author touches on themes like domestic violence, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), sexual assault, complicated grief, addiction, and recovery. It is easy to get lost in this “riveting” story that is difficult to put down once you begin reading.

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New book release: ‘Bag Girl’ by Tozanee Smith

‘Bag Girl’ is the upcoming new memoir from Tozanee Smith. Photo: Tozanee Smith, used with permission.

If you like biographies and memoirs of strong women who survived a tough childhood against all odds, this upcoming new release is just for you. “Bag Girl” by Tozanee Smith will be released on Kindle on September 22, but don’t worry, it’s available for pre-order through Amazon. Reserve your copy today! 

Tozanee Smith is a teacher, a mother, a nurse, and a cook (at heart). She loves spending time at home on the couch with a good romance book with the occasional glass of wine. From time to time, she likes to spend quality time with close personal friends. She lives in Martinsburg, WV and enjoys going to the movies and long road trips. Her new book “Bag Girl: Memoir: Home Is Where The Bag Is” is a memoir of strength, courage, survival, and resilience. It will be released on September 22, 2023. (Tozanee Smith, 2023)

“Bag Girl” – Trying to survive the chaotic world of being the eldest of my family comes with its own baggage. On top of being diagnosed with diabetes and PCOS at a young age, dealing with a bipolar sex crazed mother who cared more about men then her own children was a whole different fight. Having being taught to stay in a child’s place and that my feelings did not matter, nor did I have a say in anything, I knew I was brought into this world for one thing and one thing only. To mother, not be mothered. Battling my own personal demons along with my anxiety and depression was enough for my mother to keep me grounded, that alone came with its side of verbal abuse and humiliation.

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Book review: ‘Daddy’s Girl’ by Michael Schnabel

‘Daddy’s Girl’ by Michael Schnabel is a memoir about the challenges and struggles of parenting. Photo: Amazon

Michael Schnabel is an author and a graduate of Northern State University. Michael developed his passion for writing and storytelling during his thirty-year career at Bristol-Myers Squibb. He lives in Overland Park, Kansas with his wife, and when not spending time with family, you can find him tending to his 26-acre tree farm. His first book, “Daddy’s Girl,” is a memoir about the challenges and struggles of parenting through a medical crisis. (Amazon, 2023)

“Daddy’s Girl” – How does a young mother overcome an 8% chance of living to raise her newborn son? She becomes a warrior and provides hope for others. This is the story of a father, his daughter, and the deadly battle she won. In each person’s life there are events that forever change their course. Twenty-seven year old Stephanie experienced two of these events in fourteen days; the birth of her only child and the discovery that she might now live long enough to raise him. She is haunted by the thought that this baby will only know her through pictures, until she makes that thought her motivation to survive. Michael Schnabel, Stephanie’s father, tells the story of survival and how three generations of a family respond to crisis. It begins with the happy news that Stephanie is pregnant but well into her second trimester, she starts feeling sick. The narrative switches back and forth between the present, Stephanie’s ordeal, and the past, as Michael shares parenting stories and the lessons he learned along the way. Some of the chapters contain ‘life lessons’ like “The obstacles people face in life do not define them, but the way they deal with them might.” In the Epilogue, he shares what they as a family learned to do during a medical challenge, including the importance of having a team mentality, seeking out medical experts according to the disease you are fighting, taking it one day at a time, and celebrating victories, no matter how small.

As the English poet John Donne famously wrote, ‘No man is an island, entire of itself,’ so it is when facing a major medical diagnosis. In Stephanie’s case, the joy she and her husband experienced with the birth of their son Caden came with a cancer diagnosis. Family and friends surrounded them with the love and support necessary to see this challenge through. Told through the point of view of her father Michael, it also chronicles a parent’s difficult journey as he watches their daughter struggle on. The language is simple enough to make this an easy read but it comes with a trigger warning: some of the material is somber and difficult to get through but readers are rewarded with a happy ending. Even though the subject of religion comes up, it does not come across as preachy and instead, Michael focuses on a ‘higher power’ and the importance of surrounding yourself with loving people, doing good for others, and being at peace. “Daddy’s Girl” is the story one woman’s difficult journey and contains a wide range of emotions while reinforcing the validity of family, hope, miracles, and faith. It is recommended for fans of memoirs, survival biographies, and the Chicken Soup for the Soul series of books.

*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 3 out of 5.