THEMES: Recovery, addiction, sexuality, childhood, abuse, life, struggle, spirituality, motivational/inspirational, overcoming obstacles, against all odds, etc.
NOTE: A COPY OF THIS BOOK WAS PROVIDED FOR FREE BY REEDSY DISCOVERY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
David P. Wichman, sexual healer, entrepreneur, author and survivor, has written a riveting recovery memoir full of heartache and redemption. Readers are calling it “captivating,” “authentic,” “inspiring,” “beautiful,” and “a masterpiece.” Do yourself a favor and read this memoir. You can purchase the book on the author’s website.
David P. Wichman – author, speaker, sexual healer, and entrepreneur — has written a riveting recovery memoir with co-author Heather Ebert, a life story teeming with deep despair and ultimate triumph. Wichman’s memoir is a gritty and grotesque depiction of the deep wounds a lifetime of abuse and trauma, drug and alcohol addiction, and debilitating life choices can leave on a person.
The memoir hits the ground running with Wichman’s foreboding incarceration, opening a rock-bottom chapter in his life when the laundry list of illegal and destructive acts of his past finally catch up with him. Wichman writes “My life pivoted sharply in September 2005, and after decades of struggle and failure, I found my way to freedom from my addictions, as well as an abiding gratitude for the wonder of my own existence.”
He tells the story of a troubled soul, a lost boy whose life was forever altered by catastrophic events outside his control. He spends decades trapped in desperate situations, most of them initially inflicted by others – but many of them self-inflicted as he grows into a displaced adulthood, physically and emotionally. There are moments when the reader might feel overwhelmed, but Wichman’s experiences and perspectives are well worth exploring until the last page.
The seamless balance of light and dark frees this often-heavy memoir from being potentially morose. The content itself is far from pleasant, but the writing is substantive and beautifully poised. Best of all, the reward for riding this roller coaster is a man’s eventual spiritual discovery, personal and professional enlightenment, and hard-won optimism for life over death. This story is brutal, but it is vital.
NOTE: This book is replete with sensitive topics and events. The descriptions of childhood sexual abuse, adult sex work, and drug use might be overwhelming for some readers.
As of May 8, 2020, I became an official reader/reviewer for a book-discovery website called Reedsy Discovery. My application was approved and now I’m staying busy and entertained reading and reviewing various independent titles, before and after publication. I am so excited to be a member of the site; I can’t wait to discover more independent gems!
The publishing world would be much less interesting without self-publishing formats and indie presses. Not every author wants or needs to go the way of a “traditional” or “mainstream” publisher. Honestly, many of those publishers wouldn’t know a great story if it smacked them in the face. I’ll read just about any book, regardless of the publisher. As long as it’s an interesting story with great proofreading/editing, I’m there!
The first book I discovered on the Reedsy platform was the spiritual recovery memoir “Every Grain of Sand” by sexual-healer, author, and entrepreneur David P. Wichman. I’ve been sharing articles and information about Mr. Wichman’s memoir (published March 10, 2020) to spread the word about his amazing story.
I made contact with Mr. Wichman after signing up to review his book, which launched today on Reedsy. His story is entirely unique and inspiring, and if you’d like to check it out, here’s a link to his website: https://dpwichman.com/ My review of Mr. Wichman’s memoir is/will be all over social (Reedsy Discovery, Goodreads, NetGalley, Litsy, Amazon, etc.) but of course I’ll post it here as well. I’m so excited to share this title with the world and witness Mr. Wichman’s future projects 😉
I’ll be spending a lot of my time reading and reviewing for Reedsy Discovery, but I’ll definitely maintain my presence here on the blog. I’ll be checking in from time to time to post updates and reviews, share links to great titles, authors, and publishers, and posting general bookish goodness. You know, the stuff I try to do every now and then anyway. I have been stumped for unique features for the blog beyond reviews and updates, and for now I think that’s all I’ll have time for anyway!
I hope everyone is taking care out there, and following their dreams wherever they may lead…even if they lead you *GASP* outside your home! Seriously, get out there and LIVE YOUR ONE PRECIOUS LIFE! And tell me what you’ve been reading, please, because I still need constant book recommendations! You see that sun shining outside? Take your book out there and enjoy it!
First thing we’d climb a tree And maybe then we’d talk Or sit silently And listen to our thoughts With illusions of someday Cast in a golden light No dress rehearsal This is our life
— “Ahead by a Century,” The Tragically Hip
“An Inward Treasure is Born” (Season 1, Episode 4)
In between daily nursings, bottle feedings, nappy changes, fussy time, playtime, and the beloved naptime, I carve out time for a humble little Netflix show called “Anne with an E.” Based on the classic “Green Gables” and “Avonlea” books by L.M. Montgomery — a series I am just now exploring — the show debuted in March 2017, ran for three seasons with promise of a fourth, but was discontinued in November 2019. Fans of the show took to the internet in hopes of saving the show, to no avail. (I didn’t start watching the show until this time, or I certainly would have protested the end of “Anne.”)
According to representatives for the show, the reason for the cancellation was the disintegrating partnership between the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Company) and Netflix. Basically, the CBC didn’t want to partner with Netflix for big-budget series to help further Netflix’s economic security ahead of their own. As usual, it came down to money and self-serving interests. However, like Anne, I have an overactive imagination and I can think of several reasons why the show probably would not have lasted in today’s world. (I’m surprised it made it to three seasons).
“What We Have Been Makes Us What We Are” (Season 2, Episode 16)
“Anne” is too much! She’s too honest, loving, intelligent, bold, dramatic, passionate, etc. a character for most viewers to relate to
We are living in a one-dimensional world, and I see evidence of it everywhere in modern society, especially entertainment. I contend that “Anne” the character, and the show itself, are too intelligent for many – certainly not all — viewers tuning in to platforms like Netflix. Most streaming offerings cater to the masses with bright-colored, flimsy fluff that has little substance. Everything seems too predictable, and most plots are thin and devoid of soul. The few shows like “Anne” that tend toward something a little different, something much deeper and meaningful…well, they tend to crash and burn while still in their prime.
“Anne” the character is certainly intense, but everything about her personality seems to be what is missing from modern entertainment. She’s meant to be exasperatingly funny, dramatic, intelligent, creative, passionate, frustrating, mind-boggling, etc. She’s both unpredictable and a contradiction in terms, with her head in the clouds and her feet firmly planted on the ground. Her soppy enthusiasm for life isn’t as inane as it first appears, in either the book or show, for she’s not boundlessly happy. She has dark and sad moments where she’s utterly hopeless and melancholy. She’s anything but a one-dimensional character, and sadly, I’m afraid she’s just too much for the modern viewer. In reflecting our own natures right back at us, Anne’s intensity might be her downfall.
“Struggling Against the Perception of Facts” (Season 2, Episode 15)
The show addresses serious themes and issues (like abuse, racism, sexism/gender inequality, xenophobia, discrimination based on sexual orientation/differing lifestyles, family/societal pressures, etc.) and it gets heavy often
I am nearing the end of the show, and plan to watch it again in the future. (I am reading the second book “Anne of Avonlea” so I cannot speak for the content of the book series yet.) “Anne” is one of those shows where you have to think and feel and reflect and a lot of people don’t want to do that. Especially during current times, when the stress of everyday can feel overwhelming enough, we don’t want to think about the heavy items in life. But shows like “Anne” force us to, and there are precious few moments of true escape when faced with such serious entertainment.
“Anne” takes place during the late 19th century in the fictional community of Avonlea, on Prince Edward Island, Canada, and finds the feisty redhead fighting for social justice in some capacity almost every episode. Each forty-plus-minute episode (27 total) addresses significant issues facing society, proving that Bob Dylan wasn’t completely accurate; the times haven’t changed as much as we’d like to believe.
Throughout the short-lived series, Anne fights valiantly for many principles and people in her close-knit circle: she works to educate and enlighten Matthew’s hired help Jerry Baynard; she pushes for community acceptance of Cole Mackenzie, a gay classmate, friend, and fellow creative; she campaigns on behalf of the unconventional “schoolmarm” Miss Muriel Stacy; and perhaps fights hardest throughout the trials and tribulations of her friendship with “kindred spirit” Diana Barry. Throughout the show, Anne struggles to come to terms with her past, and the revelations surrounding her parents and her adoption history set up and sustain the show’s overarching drama. There is nothing half-ass about Anne’s fighting spirit, and the themes get heavy, maybe too heavy if one is not in the mood for it.
Racism and xenophobia also play a role in the series, as do themes of gender inequality and family/societal pressures. None of this is easy to digest, in entertainment or the real world. Again, “Anne with an E” provides multi-dimensional perspectives and considerations of these issues, allowing Anne to serve as moral guide and/or conscience. This might feel like emotional and mental “homework” to much of today’s viewers.
“Signs are Small Measurable Things, but Interpretations are Illimitable” (Season 2, Episode 9)
I’m afraid the show, even with its adventures and misadventures, isn’t “riveting” enough for most
“Riveting” means “completely engrossing, compelling,” and as mentioned above, while these themes and issues are exactly that, many people don’t turn to entertainment to indulge in those things, but to escape them; “Anne” does not provide that luxury. Personally, I’m thankful for TV shows that require more than just a basic attention span, making me think and feel. That’s my idea of “riveting,” but I’m strange like that.
For many, “riveting” media includes at least some of the following elements: sex/nudity, action/adventure, violence/gore, shock and awe, various modes of vulgarity, etc. and without those things, many modern shows suffer. (I’m shocked that “Game of Thrones” didn’t air for 18 seasons, considering those elements were available in surplus. I stopped watching “GOT” after a few seasons because I saw that it was just another gimmick.) “Anne” is as far from a gimmick as one can get, and there were enough of us watching who would have loved to continue the “riveting” conversations the show put forth. As usual, these good things must come to an often-premature end.
“What Can Stop the Determined Heart” (Season 3, Episode 20)
Those who haven’t read the books probably aren’t interested
Even though I almost passed on the show because I haven’t read the series yet, I am glad that I took a chance on this one. The script is great, with a wonderful cast, and visualizing the characters while reading adds to the enjoyment for me. Those who have not cracked the cover of the first book are not likely to dive into a wholly unfamiliar show, and 27 episodes is a big commitment for people who haven’t already fallen in love with the likes of Anne, Marilla, Matthew, Mrs. Rachel Lynde, and other various characters.
“The Growing Good of the World” (Season 2, Episode 17)
As a self-described “old soul,” I find it hard to dive deep into today’s media. There’s not much available for people like me who crave shows with heart, intellect, and passion. Forget the sex, violence, drug use, etc. that has come to define most of the entertainment industry; “Anne” is and always will be more my speed, and I’m not going to apologize for that. No accounting for taste, but there’s also no accounting for common sense. What is common sense, really, in a world where “Anne with an E” was cancelled right when it was just getting started?
So, just what was this humble little show accomplishing before it was cruelly struck down, financial bottom line or otherwise?
Bringing critical issues to the forefront of discussion? Check.
Not relying on gratuitous elements to attract an audience? Check.
Bridging the gap between classic literature and modern entertainment? Check.
Showing the modern world that humanity, humility, and grace are still quite possible, despite signs everywhere saying otherwise? Check.
Highlighting the importance of reading, books, and having an imagination? Check.
The wonderful universe of “Anne with an E” is just too much for the world — and probably always will be. Too bad because I relished the idea of season 4. But I’ll move on, for Season 1 Episode 6 is titled “Remorse is the Poison of Life” and isn’t that the truth!
Let me know what you think about this commentary; please share your thoughts!
“Anne with an E” is available on Netflix for your viewing pleasure.
L.M. Montgomery’s classic series is available in several formats, including the convenient Serial Readerapp.
Allison Barilone [send her mail] writes about the books she and her 8-month-old son read together in the blog Baby Stole My Book. Her first blog is called { pages for breakfast }, formerly Readage. She is passionate about literacy and maintains a rigorous social media presence to stay connected to the bookish world. She daydreams of libraries in between changing nappies. Her motto is: “Don’t look back, you’re not going that way,” unless the library is in that direction, then of course go back.
#SerialSunday: a quick new blog feature where I highlight a recently read selection from Serial Reader. For more information about the Serial Reader app, click here: https://www.serialreader.org
Title: “The Adventure of the Three Students” (Sherlock Holmes Chronicles #27)
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Year: 1904
Genre: Classic British Literature
Format: short story
Read on the Serial Reader app
Rating: 4 / 5 ⭐️
Read: April 17, 2020
Notes: One-sitting reads, new-to-me author, classic literature, digital reads, ebooks
Quick Synopsis: Three students, about to undergo a rigorous exam for a scholarship, are suspected of cheating. Sherlock Holmes uncovers the unlikely culprit.
Comments: I’m pleased to discover how much I enjoy the adventures of Sherlock Holmes. I started reading these stories earlier this year and have now read 4 of them in the app.
I love the rhythm and routine of each story and the OCD-like attention to detail always paid by the sophisticated Sherlock. The narrator-sidekick Watson provides second-fiddle observations (often of Sherlock himself) and a muted humility to Sherlock’s exaggerated bravado. Perfectly exquisite British literature.
Looking forward to reading more Sherlock Holmes stories with an online book group next month!
Just a quick hello and update from Reader Land during Covid-19 statewide lockdown.
This is obviously a deeply unprecedented state of affairs (and of mind) we all find ourselves in these (strange) days. We have so many things to worry about and so many more opportunities to complain and despair. However, let’s try our utmost to rise above. Easier said than done, right?
Perhaps, and while we don’t recognize the world we now live in, let’s try our best to continue lifting up those around us — while safely maintaining social distancing. As much as books and reading inform our identities, we are human beings first and foremost. We can do this. We ARE doing this.
Personally, I’m bouyoed by the love and compassion of those in my beloved reading community. We’re making the best of a truly disastrous situation. Most importantly, although we’re distracted and concerned, we’re doing our best to keep turning pages.
We’re still discussing book plots and character development and generally bonding over the written word on the page. We’re doing this because losing such a huge part of our daily lives would completely devastate most of us avid readers, and we honestly can’t afford to lose this critical function.
It’s probably never been more difficult to concentrate on the book in front of us, but we need the power and comfort of books and reading now more than ever!
Stay safe out there and take this time to reconnect with the simple pleasures of life. As the generally empathetic people we are, we are well equipped to adapt and adjust and get through this hard time together — alone together, through our imaginations and our strong fighting spirits. May books and coffee (or tea) forever be our refuge in the violent seas of life.
Banned Books Week is an annual reading celebration/challenge/event where readers are encouraged to pick up challenged and banned books. Books are still being censored in this country–but we can always do something about it.
Hey Book Lovers 📚❤️
It’s Banned Books Week 2019, an annual reading celebration/challenge/event where readers (and non-readers) everywhere are encouraged to pick up challenged and banned books. What exactly ARE challenged/banned books? I’m so glad you asked!
The American Library Association (ALA) has a lot to say on the subject, and this week is the perfect time to investigate for yourself. Here’s a quick blurb from the official ALA website:
Banned Books Week (September 22-28, 2019) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read. Typically held during the last week of September, it spotlights current and historical attempts to censor books in libraries and schools. It brings together the entire book community — librarians, booksellers, publishers, journalists, teachers, and readers of all types — in shared support of the freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.
The books featured during Banned Books Week have all been targeted for removal or restriction in libraries and schools. By focusing on efforts across the country to remove or restrict access to books, Banned Books Week draws national attention to the harms of censorship.
Click here for a list of recently (within the last few years) challenged or banned books, so you can know exactly which titles to pick up and read!
Now that you know a little more about BBW and the awesome organization behind this great event, you can join the fight against censorship and celebrate the books you love. Even if you decide to read a book precisely because it has been targeted, you are still fighting the good fight to keep our beloved books on the shelves!!
So, tell me…which targeted titles excite you the most? Feel free to comment with your picks for this special week. And, of course, make a habit of reading banned books all year long!!
Hello, long-lost book friends! Long time since I updated 😏 Today felt like a good day to finish a book I’ve been working on forever, so I buckled down and read the last few chapters. It was such a fulfilling read, and a rather long time coming, I decided to hop on the much-neglected blog and do a very quick review.
TITLE: THE COLOR PURPLE // AUTHOR: ALICE WALKER // GENRE(S): CLASSICS, AFRICAN-AMERICAN LITERATURE, WOMEN’S FICTION, EPISTOLARY, etc.
4/5 ⭐️ for the following elements:
1. I feel it reaches beyond African-American literature; it felt “important” in the canon of Western/American literature
2. Despite the difficulty of reading aloud African-American vernacular, the language is downright beautiful
3. The characters of Celie, Nettie and Shug Avery are examples of strong and powerful women, some of the best in literature
4. Beautiful representation of two women characters falling in love and exploring the physicality of said relationship (Celie and Shug)
5. The perseverance of the human spirit is on full display in this novel, rendered convincingly but not without elements of despair and brokenness
6. The only reason I didn’t give it the full 5 ⭐️ is because this novel is told in the epistolary style and I’m just not a huge fan of that technique. That said, it does not detract from the novel in a major way for me. My first Alice Walker and I’m definitely interested in her backlist 😁 Highly recommend!!
BLOGGING & LIFE UPDATE: Finished this classic novel this afternoon. It’s only my 8th completed book of the year, so not very impressive, as far as my reading goals are concerned. My reading hours over the past few months are finally picking up after a VERY sluggish start this year. In addition to getting back into my reading groove, I’m trying to get back into blogging, even though my life will be kicking into SUPER-HIGH gear in the next few weeks. (I’m expecting my first child in September and am on my way to new motherhood!!) That said, I always miss blogging and am trying to come up with new ideas for the blog. I will TRY to be more active, even though life with baby will naturally mean less time for past pursuits. I’m so excited I’m reading regularly again, but of course I’m much more excited to start this new CHAPTER in my life!! Time to TURN THE PAGE 😌
Rory the Raccoon is “Furiously Happy” on the cover of Jenny Lawson’s book
2-minute book review:
How can anyone prepare for their first Jenny Lawson experience?! I thought it would be a “quirky” read. I was so naive! I thought some parts were incredibly obnoxious; the 3 stars are for her straight-from-the-heart words about her extreme mental illness. Those honest “I’m bat-shit crazy” sections were priceless and worth the cost of admission. I’m going to try her first book soon, so don’t worry: I’m not scarred for life! When all else fails, WAVE YOUR CRAZY FLAG! Jenny does–and she makes it kinda funny. Listen on audiobook or you’re REALLY missing out!
3/5 ⭐️ ya’ll
PICK UP THIS BOOK IF: you enjoy laughing at extremely inappropriate life stuff and other peoples’ suffering
AVOID THIS BOOK IF: you don’t like bat-shit crazy rambling nonsense and/or books about severe mental illness…because that’s very much what this book is–which isn’t to say it doesn’t have its redeeming qualities to those who can appreciate the weirdness
Who’s ready for Dewey’s 24-Hour Readathon on Saturday, October 21? I am! This year marks the 10-year anniversary of this wonderful event. Stay tuned for updates. I’ll be blogging and reviving the ol’ book blog (at least for the readathon).
Ready for the biggest reading party of the DECADE? So are we! We’re celebrating 10 years of Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon, and if you’d like to READ during the event, sign up here! Do you have to read the whole 24 hours? NOOOO! Do what ya can. We’d love to have you! We will have…
{ pages for breakfast } 
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