It’s been a while since I immersed myself in the pages of a Christian memoir, so Gary McDougall’s heartfelt and immersive story, “Don’t Tell Me There Ain’t No God,” was the first I have read in a few months. I am glad I picked it up. It is a story of resilience, courage, and finding faith in God in our vulnerabilities. … More “Don’t Tell Me There Ain’t No God” by Gary McDougall
Misty Barber’s collection, “Secrets We Don’t Keep,” is a fantastic examination and exploration of how beauty and adaptation in the name of satisfying another person wreaks havoc and destruction on the self. This work is a sequel to her previous book, “Things We Say in the Night.”
This is a much-deserved and gorgeous follow-up that will provide readers of her previous work with more of her keen insight, lush prose, and heartfelt sentiments. … More “Secrets We Don’t Keep” by Misty Barber
Holistic practitioner and health writer Kathy Arnos takes readers on a contemplative journey that challenges preconceived views about our origin and possible future pathways. “Walking A Friend Home: A Practical Guide to Consciously Living & Dying” studies how to reconnect with our loved ones in new ways once they are no longer physically here, all while exploring birth, life, and death in her book … More “Walking a Friend Home” by Kathy Arnos
Marianne Benz’s memoir, “You Were Still Dancing: An Unforgettable Journey Through Alzheimer’s,” is a heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and the complexities of navigating a loved one’s decline due to Alzheimer’s disease. Benz shares her experiences of having both her mother and grandmother suffer from this insidious disease. She captures the personal moments that she shares with her mother as she traverses the harrowing stages of this heart-wrenching illness. The narrative radiates a sense of urgency and tenderness. It is a compelling read for anyone who is grappling with the challenges of caring for an aging parent, especially if they are experiencing some form of dementia. … More “You Were Still Dancing” by Marianne Benz
When Sharon’s best friend, Thea, is diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer, her world is upended. She cannot fathom a world without her biggest supporter and partner in crime. Despite her sorrow, Sharon realizes that wallowing will not help either of them. With each passing day, Thea grows weaker, and her days are numbered. Sharon vows to be there for her friend every step of the way to help fill her days with positivity and some semblance of normalcy. … More “Time with Thea” by Sharon Farinholt
In “My Mother’s Requiem: A Daughter’s Memoir,” Trish MacEnulty captures the essence of her mother’s life—a gregarious, fearless, and generally happy woman who enjoyed storytelling, jokes, and piano playing at social events. … More “My Mother’s Requiem” by Trish MacEnulty
“Blood Alluvium” by S. Preston Duncan is an emotional collection exploring identity, our purpose in life, and heritage. Divided into three parts, Duncan pulls on folklore and history to create some stunning pieces. In part one Effigy for the Flood some of the most notable poems include We Don’t Have a Grocery Store but We Got Farmer Joe’s and John Prine on a Full Moon in April. The imagery Duncan uses really stands out, creating an image that shows a full photo of Appalachia. … More “Blood Alluvium” by S. Preston Duncan
A moving tribute to the loved ones she’s lost, “Sara My Sara” by Florence Wetzel, is a memoir of her experience with friendship, unexpected loss, and grief. The story begins with Florence moving back to New Jersey to keep Marion, her newly widowed mother, company. Sara is hired as her mother’s housekeeper but soon forms a close bond with her. When Marion is diagnosed with an illness, Florence and Sara forge their own friendship, united in the task of keeping her mother safe and alive. Their connection warms and strengthens even as Marion weakens and fades. … More “Sara My Sara” by Florence Wetzel
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