FULL BOOK TITLE: Belonging Matters: Conversations on Adoption, Family, and Kinship
AUTHOR NAME: Julie Ryan McGue
PUBLISHER NAME: Muse Literary
LINK: https://www.amazon.com/Belonging-Matters-Conversations-Adoption-Kinship/dp/195871481X/
Julie Ryan McGue's anthology, Belonging Matters, offers a narrative where the pursuit of identity intersects with human connection. Through a collection of personal narratives, McGue explores the intricate themes of adoption, familial relationships, and the quest for belonging.
At the core of Belonging Matters lies McGue's own odyssey—a journey fueled by an innate yearning to uncover the essence of her identity. With unwavering honesty, McGue invites readers to embark on this transformative voyage alongside her, where the revelation of one's origins becomes a catalyst for introspection and personal growth.
The book resonates with authenticity, reading almost like a personal diary. It weaves together moments of vulnerability and resilience as McGue navigates the complexities of reuniting with her birth family. While deeply personal, the significance of Belonging Matters transcends its narrative. Through eloquent and empathetic prose, McGue illuminates the threads that bind us—the yearning for connection, the pursuit of meaning, and the power of love.
The anthology intricately portrays childhood experiences where McGue grappled with discomfort in her own skin as an adopted child. She delves into family reunions, Holidays, planting tulips, rejections, and the challenges of navigating through the COVID era. These stories, totaling over 70 "chapters," offer a comprehensive exploration of her life's story. Each chapter stands as a vignette, painting vivid snapshots of poignant moments, humorous anecdotes, and profound reflections. Moreover, McGue shares a poignant story about finding inspiration in an unexpected place—the ladies' room. This small anecdote encapsulates the essence of most of the stories—down-to-earth and seemingly mundane moments that hold profound meaning within the overall tapestry of her life.
In an era where the sense of belonging often feels elusive, McGue's words serve as a reminder that, indeed, belonging matters.
Author Bio:
Julie Ryan McGue was born in Chicago, Illinois. She and her identical twin sister were adopted together. Julie's debut memoir is about the search for birth relatives. She writes about finding out who you are, where you belong, and making sense of it. Her weekly blogs focus on identity, family, and life's quirky moments. If she's not at her computer writing, she's out exploring with her camera, or on the tennis court. She is the mother of four adult children and splits her time between NW Indiana and Sarasota. You can follow her at https://www.juliemcgueauthor.com.
FULL BOOK TITLE: Against All Odds
AUTHOR NAME: Lynda Dodds
PUBLISHER NAME: Lynda Dodds
LINK: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/against-all-odds-lynda-dodds/1144235740
Against All Odds by Lynda Dodds is a poignant memoir that fearlessly tackles the pervasive issue of psychological abuse and its profound repercussions on individuals and families.
Dodds lays bare the harsh reality of this kind of abuse, depicting the relentless cycle of belittlement, manipulation, and control inflicted upon her by her abusive partner, Brodie. Through her candid narrative, she unveils the devastating toll it takes on her self-esteem and her ability to navigate the complexities of her strained relationship.
Despite the darkness that pervades her story, Dodds sprinkles moments of levity and hope throughout. From the heartfelt dedication to her children that opens the book, to the humorous anecdotes from her days in Catholic school and her exploration of sacred comedy, she shares glimpses of her innocence and humility before her turbulent relationship with Brodie unfolded.
The use of chess as a metaphor adds a unique layer of depth to Dodds's journey. By likening life's challenges to the strategic moves of a chess game, she offers readers a fresh perspective on overcoming obstacles, culminating in a powerful final chapter titled "Checkmate." Here, Dodds candidly recounts her experiences of stumbling along broken roads, grappling with uncertainty at every turn. Yet, through perseverance, she prevails, emerging victorious against all odds, inspiring readers to confront abuse and support those who have endured its effects.
Lynda Dodds's writing style is a class in directness and stylistic efficiency. With prose that flows effortlessly, each word has meaning as they paint vivid images and evoke deep emotions in the reader. This easy-to-read approach draws readers in, leaving them eager to uncover the hardships that Dodds has yet to endure.
Against All Odds is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It serves as one woman’s rallying cry against abuse, urging readers to stand in solidarity with survivors and find inspiration in the face of life's greatest challenges.
Author Bio:
Lynda Dodds is a multi-faceted creative powerhouse, with a knack for weaving together unexpected passions into her work. As a dynamic and accomplished author, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and mother, she's constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons. With a deep passion for sports and technology, Lynda brings a unique perspective to everything she does, whether she's writing a page-turning thriller, designing a cutting-edge fashion line, or coaching her children in sports. Her work is infused with a contagious energy and a sense of adventure, making it impossible to put down. So, if you're looking for an author who's not afraid to take risks and break the mold, Lynda Dodds is the one for you. As she likes to say, "Life's too short to be boring!"
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