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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.
John MacDonald says
Count me in please!
Jill Rivera says
I would like to put my hat in to win also.
Timothy Selig says
Sure would like to win
God bless our troops
bryon shaffer says
hope i win.
Edward Durbin says
Sounds Great…
Good Luck Everyone…
Miss Heidi says
I always love a good read. Please count me in. Thanks.
Heidi
[email protected]
Elaine Rosser says
Sounds like a great read!
Michelle Rosborough says
thanks
Taryn says
great giveaway!
Kelly says
I have heard wonderful things about this book and would love to read it. It’s officially added to my list.
Caryn Bailey says
Awesome!
Diana says
Fabulous giveaway! Please enter me.
Mommie says
This would be great! Thanks
Mommie
http://www.mommieshome.net
L McLendon says
I love books!
Naghma says
thank you.
Dawn says
Sounds like an interesting story, I would love to win! thanks for the chance.
Idahospud says
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!
JenO says
would love some new reading material, thanks for the contest!
Suzanne says
Sounds like a great read!
Donna says
This sounds like a good book.
ashley says
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!
anne says
I know that this would be a wonderful book to enjoy. Thanks for this great giveaway.
Kathy Conley says
This interests me
Crystal Gleason says
Looks fun!
Reluctant Housewife says
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!
Linda SS says
Sounds like this is a “must read” due to all the positive reviews – thanks for the chance to win:)
Kristie Noguera says
looks like a good book.
BoSox Mommy says
I’d like to read that.
Patricia Simpkin says
It sounds like a GOOD book. I’m alway ready for a good book.
DARIJAVAN says
I’m trying to read more in 2008
Carol Ezovski says
I would love to read this book based on the reviews I’ve read!
Megan says
oooh, I really want to read this one!!! Your review makes it sound so captivating!! I love these kinds of books!!
Shaun Wallner says
Sounds like a great read.
amydeanne says
enter me!
Susanne says
Thanks for the entry…I need another to read!
Nikki Evans says
Please Enter ME
Jill says
I absolutely love memoirs. Count me in!
Nancy Valdez says
Sounds like a fascinating book, please count me in…
Cindy Flores says
Wow! This sounds like a good read. Please include me in the giveaway.
Julie Mead says
Looks great! Enter me please!
Pam says
This book sounds wonderful. Thank you for the great suggestion!
Gloria says
I would love to check out this book! Please add me to your giveaway 🙂
Bree says
I’d love to read this book!
Carol Harrity says
I am a reader and always watching for new, good read.
Nicole says
looks very interesting.
Sarah says
Wow…the world needs more memoir.
Vickie says
Please count me in. I would like to read this book.
Tanya M. says
Sounds like a great read! I love to read and her story sounds compelling!
Bahama Mama says
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!
Cindi Hoppes says
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
Heather says
I’d love to win Felicia’s book!
Kristi says
I love to read, please enter me, thanks!
Tara says
oh yes please. I really want to read this book!
Danielle S says
Id love to try this book, sounds fascinating!
dansan826 at yahoo
Valerie Mitchell says
fabulous!
laura says
looks like a great read! count me in!
Mary says
Thanks for the generous giveaway!
Julianna says
Sounds really interesting. Count me in!
Linda Pinto says
I want to read this book.
Jennifer Furtado says
Count me in!
Lisa says
I’m in. 🙂
Felicia says
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
Helen Keeler says
Would love to have please enter me.
stacy berg says
I love to read!!!
Dawn says
I really like these type of books, too, and this one sounds very interesting.
Vickie Couturier says
sounds like really good reading
TheAngelForever says
This books looks like a wonderful read.
Blessed says
I enjoy Memoirs – this would be a neat book to read
Michele says
Please enter me…it sounds like a good read.
Timothy Sternberg says
I always enjoy a good “fairy tale”.
Liz says
Enjoyed reading The Glass Castle – although painful to imagine what those children lived through – and looking forward to a new memoir…
Kmommy says
Memoir is also my favorite genre! This one does sound like a must read!
Carey says
Count me in!
Jennifer Barr says
would love to read this 🙂
Noreen says
love reading
Jessica says
This really is a GREAT book.. definetely read it!
Cher Klosner Lane says
I always enjoy a good “fairy tale” read 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion, Jennifer!
Cher Klosner Lane
ww.StardustLullaby.com
FireMom says
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. 🙂