February 25, 2008
5 Minutes for Books — The Sky Isn’t Visible From Here
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.
Filed under * Feature Columns, 5 Minutes for Books, Books, Contests by Jennifer
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82 Comments on 5 Minutes for Books — The Sky Isn’t Visible From Here »
#1 - FireMom @ 12:57 am
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.
#2 - Cher Klosner Lane @ 1:12 am
I always enjoy a good “fairy tale” read
Thanks for the suggestion, Jennifer!
Cher Klosner Lane
ww.StardustLullaby.com
#3 - Jessica @ 1:13 am
This really is a GREAT book.. definetely read it!
#4 - Noreen @ 3:12 am
love reading
#5 - Jennifer Barr @ 8:01 am
would love to read this
#6 - Carey @ 8:31 am
Count me in!
#7 - Kmommy @ 8:36 am
Memoir is also my favorite genre! This one does sound like a must read!
#8 - Liz @ 9:22 am
Enjoyed reading The Glass Castle - although painful to imagine what those children lived through - and looking forward to a new memoir…
#9 - Timothy Sternberg @ 10:05 am
I always enjoy a good “fairy tale”.
#10 - Michele @ 10:16 am
Please enter me…it sounds like a good read.
#11 - Blessed @ 10:25 am
I enjoy Memoirs - this would be a neat book to read
#12 - TheAngelForever @ 11:44 am
This books looks like a wonderful read.
#13 - Vickie Couturier @ 11:46 am
sounds like really good reading
#14 - Dawn @ 12:03 pm
I really like these type of books, too, and this one sounds very interesting.
#15 - stacy berg @ 12:16 pm
I love to read!!!
#16 - Helen Keeler @ 12:26 pm
Would love to have please enter me.
#17 - Felicia @ 12:30 pm
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
#18 - Lisa @ 1:06 pm
I’m in.
#19 - Jennifer Furtado @ 1:52 pm
Count me in!
#20 - Linda Pinto @ 2:13 pm
I want to read this book.
#21 - Julianna @ 2:57 pm
Sounds really interesting. Count me in!
#22 - Mary @ 3:27 pm
Thanks for the generous giveaway!
#23 - laura @ 3:28 pm
looks like a great read! count me in!
#24 - Valerie Mitchell @ 3:44 pm
fabulous!
#25 - Danielle S @ 4:09 pm
Id love to try this book, sounds fascinating!
dansan826 at yahoo
#26 - Tara @ 4:14 pm
oh yes please. I really want to read this book!
#27 - Kristi @ 4:40 pm
I love to read, please enter me, thanks!
#28 - Heather @ 4:47 pm
I’d love to win Felicia’s book!
#29 - Cindi Hoppes @ 4:48 pm
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
#30 - Bahama Mama @ 4:54 pm
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!
#31 - Tanya M. @ 5:05 pm
Sounds like a great read! I love to read and her story sounds compelling!
#32 - Vickie @ 5:13 pm
Please count me in. I would like to read this book.
#33 - Sarah @ 5:24 pm
Wow…the world needs more memoir.
#34 - Nicole @ 5:30 pm
looks very interesting.
#35 - Carol Harrity @ 5:35 pm
I am a reader and always watching for new, good read.
#36 - Bree @ 5:52 pm
I’d love to read this book!
#37 - Gloria @ 6:15 pm
I would love to check out this book! Please add me to your giveaway
#38 - Pam @ 6:34 pm
This book sounds wonderful. Thank you for the great suggestion!
#39 - Julie Mead @ 6:35 pm
Looks great! Enter me please!
#40 - Cindy Flores @ 7:20 pm
Wow! This sounds like a good read. Please include me in the giveaway.
#41 - Nancy Valdez @ 8:00 pm
Sounds like a fascinating book, please count me in…
#42 - Jill @ 8:50 pm
I absolutely love memoirs. Count me in!
#43 - Nikki Evans @ 8:57 pm
Please Enter ME
#44 - Susanne @ 10:15 pm
Thanks for the entry…I need another to read!
#45 - amydeanne @ 10:38 pm
enter me!
#46 - Shaun Wallner @ 11:07 pm
Sounds like a great read.
#47 - Megan @ 1:14 am
oooh, I really want to read this one!!! Your review makes it sound so captivating!! I love these kinds of books!!
#48 - Carol Ezovski @ 5:01 am
I would love to read this book based on the reviews I’ve read!
#49 - DARIJAVAN @ 8:54 am
I’m trying to read more in 2008
#50 - Patricia Simpkin @ 10:32 am
It sounds like a GOOD book. I’m alway ready for a good book.
#51 - BoSox Mommy @ 2:34 pm
I’d like to read that.
#52 - Kristie Noguera @ 3:15 pm
looks like a good book.
#53 - Linda SS @ 3:35 pm
Sounds like this is a “must read” due to all the positive reviews - thanks for the chance to win:)
#54 - Reluctant Housewife @ 4:27 pm
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!
#55 - Crystal Gleason @ 4:52 pm
Looks fun!
#56 - A Gaggle of Girls » Blog Archive » Great Readers Deserve to Win Great Books @ 5:03 pm
[...] about it in my review. I’m planning to go to a book signing on 3/3 in Cambridge. Leave a comment on this post for an opportunity to win a copy! This is an incredibly intense book, but ultimately very hopeful. [...]
#57 - Kathy Conley @ 6:04 pm
This interests me
#58 - anne @ 7:06 pm
I know that this would be a wonderful book to enjoy. Thanks for this great giveaway.
#59 - ashley @ 8:03 pm
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!
#60 - Donna @ 9:01 pm
This sounds like a good book.
#61 - Suzanne @ 11:01 pm
Sounds like a great read!
#62 - JenO @ 11:55 pm
would love some new reading material, thanks for the contest!
#63 - The Sky Isn’t Visible From Here by Felicia Sullivan - Contests 4 Moms @ 10:20 am
[...] Where: 5 Minutes for Mom [...]
#64 - Idahospud @ 11:14 am
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!
#65 - Dawn @ 6:52 pm
Sounds like an interesting story, I would love to win! thanks for the chance.
#66 - Naghma @ 8:03 pm
thank you.
#67 - L McLendon @ 6:33 am
I love books!
#68 - Mommie @ 12:25 am
This would be great! Thanks
Mommie
http://www.mommieshome.net
#69 - Diana @ 3:27 am
Fabulous giveaway! Please enter me.
#70 - Caryn Bailey @ 12:08 pm
Awesome!
#71 - Mom Of 3 Girls » Blog Archive » Contest round-up #26 @ 1:03 pm
[...] at 5 Minutes For Mom you could win a copy of The Sky Isn’t Visible From Here by Felicia Sullivan, a My First Matching Game and Annie Lee [...]
#72 - Kelly @ 1:17 am
I have heard wonderful things about this book and would love to read it. It’s officially added to my list.
#73 - Taryn @ 10:47 am
great giveaway!
#74 - Michelle Rosborough @ 2:52 pm
thanks
#75 - Elaine Rosser @ 5:31 pm
Sounds like a great read!
#76 - Miss Heidi @ 5:08 pm
I always love a good read. Please count me in. Thanks.
Heidi
sweet_soul_sistermi@yahoo.com
#77 - Edward Durbin @ 8:34 pm
Sounds Great…
Good Luck Everyone…
#78 - Saturday Review of Books: March 1, 2008 at Semicolon @ 11:41 am
[...] Dancer)100. Tarie (Feathers)101. Tarie (The Spiderwick Chronicles)102. Sandy D. (Daniel Boone)103. 5 Min for Books (Sky Isn’t Visible From Here)104. Mary Beth (Kristen Lavransdatter)105. Tasses (A Dangerous Age by Ellen [...]
#79 - bryon shaffer @ 5:03 pm
hope i win.
#80 - Timothy Selig @ 1:13 am
Sure would like to win
God bless our troops
#81 - Jill Rivera @ 6:26 am
I would like to put my hat in to win also.
#82 - John MacDonald @ 9:41 pm
Count me in please!