Last month I introduced one of my favorite genres of reading–the memoir–by reviewing Trail of Crumbs. Along with Kim Sunee’s journey of personal discovery, that book also focused on food and travel. The Sky Isn’t Visible From Here by Felicia Sullivan is a memoir in its true sense.
In her review of The Glass Castle, New York Times Book Reviewer Francine Prose described memoir as our modern-day fairy tales. Reading that description helped me put my finger on why I relish these stories that are so often filled with such tragedy and heartbreak. The Sky Isn’t Visible From Here leaves me dumbfounded that a person survived the types of things that life threw Sullivan. The fairy tale is that the heroine does survive, does overcome the arch enemy, and does teach the reader something about the world in which we live. In the end, a well-told memoir is not only about a person’s 
journey, but the lessons that she learned as a result of it.
Felicia Sullivan recalls a childhood with a mother who is an addict. While there are certainly instances of clear neglect that make the reader’s heart break for the poor little girl, it is not all black and white. There are moments when the mother does fulfill they typical roles of protector, lunch-maker, and parental guide. As Sullivan grows up, she chooses to distance herself from the emotional pain that a relationship with her mother causes her. Unfortunately, she doesn’t completely avoid the problems that her drug-addicted mother suffered. Instead, as is so often the case, she ventures down that same road herself. The second half of her story focuses on her own addiction and recovery.
In spite of the heavy nature of the subjects addressed, this is essentially a story of survival, choices, and hope. One reader can win a copy of The Sky Isn’t Visible From Here by leaving a comment. We’ll announce the winner next week.
The winners of Rattled: Surviving Your Baby’s First Year Without Losing Your Cool, from last week’s column are #81 Tina, and #14 Deb Piper. You should have received an email from me. If not, please contact us with your address.
Count me in please!
I would like to put my hat in to win also.
Sure would like to win
God bless our troops
hope i win.
Sounds Great…
Good Luck Everyone…
I always love a good read. Please count me in. Thanks.
Heidi
sweet_soul_sistermi@yahoo.com
Sounds like a great read!
thanks
great giveaway!
I have heard wonderful things about this book and would love to read it. It’s officially added to my list.
Awesome!
Fabulous giveaway! Please enter me.
This would be great! Thanks
Mommie
http://www.mommieshome.net
I love books!
thank you.
Sounds like an interesting story, I would love to win! thanks for the chance.
I need another book like I need (another) hole in my head, but that’s never stopped me before! I would love to win this book!
would love some new reading material, thanks for the contest!
Sounds like a great read!
This sounds like a good book.
Sounds like a great true to life read. Wish I could find more time to read with a toddler, and not stay up till after midnight reading a book I don’t want to put down!
I know that this would be a wonderful book to enjoy. Thanks for this great giveaway.
This interests me
Looks fun!
I’ve read Glass Castle, but haven’t picked up The Sky Isn’t Visible From Here. I’d love to read it. Thanks for the review!
Sounds like this is a “must read” due to all the positive reviews – thanks for the chance to win:)
looks like a good book.
I’d like to read that.
It sounds like a GOOD book. I’m alway ready for a good book.
I’m trying to read more in 2008
I would love to read this book based on the reviews I’ve read!
oooh, I really want to read this one!!! Your review makes it sound so captivating!! I love these kinds of books!!
Sounds like a great read.
enter me!
Thanks for the entry…I need another to read!
Please Enter ME
I absolutely love memoirs. Count me in!
Sounds like a fascinating book, please count me in…
Wow! This sounds like a good read. Please include me in the giveaway.
Looks great! Enter me please!
This book sounds wonderful. Thank you for the great suggestion!
I would love to check out this book! Please add me to your giveaway 🙂
I’d love to read this book!
I am a reader and always watching for new, good read.
looks very interesting.
Wow…the world needs more memoir.
Please count me in. I would like to read this book.
Sounds like a great read! I love to read and her story sounds compelling!
It sounds as though tons of folks loved this book. I am a huge reader and always looking for a good read, please enter me to win one!
Hi, Even though, this book sounds sad, I love the way she evolves well at the end of her book. Please enter me in your drawing. I appreciate it…..Cindi
I’d love to win Felicia’s book!
I love to read, please enter me, thanks!
oh yes please. I really want to read this book!
Id love to try this book, sounds fascinating!
dansan826 at yahoo
fabulous!
looks like a great read! count me in!
Thanks for the generous giveaway!
Sounds really interesting. Count me in!
I want to read this book.
Count me in!
I’m in. 🙂
Jennifer,
Thank you so kindly for the lovely review! What an honor to be compared to The Glass Castle – a memoir I found heartbreaking and wonderful and difficult (in a good way) all at once. And I’m glad you emphasized that this story, while dark, is one of hope. That one can overcome a difficult childhood and come out fighting, happy and healthy.
Firemom- Thanks for the sweet words. You rock!!!
Warmly, Felicia
Would love to have please enter me.
I love to read!!!
I really like these type of books, too, and this one sounds very interesting.
sounds like really good reading
This books looks like a wonderful read.
I enjoy Memoirs – this would be a neat book to read
Please enter me…it sounds like a good read.
I always enjoy a good “fairy taleâ€.
Enjoyed reading The Glass Castle – although painful to imagine what those children lived through – and looking forward to a new memoir…
Memoir is also my favorite genre! This one does sound like a must read!
Count me in!
would love to read this 🙂
love reading
This really is a GREAT book.. definetely read it!
I always enjoy a good “fairy tale” read 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion, Jennifer!
Cher Klosner Lane
ww.StardustLullaby.com
If I win, just pass it on to the next random winner but I just have to say: this book is AMAZING. A MUST read. 🙂