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5 Minutes for Books — The Sky Isn’t Visible From Here

February 25, 2008 by Jennifer Donovan

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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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 sky-isnt.jpgjourney, 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.

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About Jennifer Donovan

Jennifer Donovan has been a part of the 5 Minutes for Mom team since 2007. She writes product reviews, covers events, and manages the 5 Minutes for Books weekly column and website. She lives in Houston and blogs at Snapshot about life with her family.

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82 Comments

  1. John MacDonald says

    March 19, 2008 at 9:41 pm

    Count me in please!

    Reply
  2. Jill Rivera says

    March 14, 2008 at 6:26 am

    I would like to put my hat in to win also.

    Reply
  3. Timothy Selig says

    March 11, 2008 at 1:13 am

    Sure would like to win
    God bless our troops

    Reply
  4. bryon shaffer says

    March 9, 2008 at 5:03 pm

    hope i win.

    Reply
  5. Edward Durbin says

    March 6, 2008 at 8:34 pm

    Sounds Great…

    Good Luck Everyone…

    Reply
  6. Miss Heidi says

    March 5, 2008 at 5:08 pm

    I always love a good read. Please count me in. Thanks.
    Heidi
    [email protected]

    Reply
  7. Elaine Rosser says

    March 2, 2008 at 5:31 pm

    Sounds like a great read!

    Reply
  8. Michelle Rosborough says

    March 2, 2008 at 2:52 pm

    thanks

    Reply
  9. Taryn says

    March 2, 2008 at 10:47 am

    great giveaway!

    Reply
  10. Kelly says

    March 2, 2008 at 1:17 am

    I have heard wonderful things about this book and would love to read it. It’s officially added to my list.

    Reply
  11. Caryn Bailey says

    March 1, 2008 at 12:08 pm

    Awesome!

    Reply
  12. Diana says

    March 1, 2008 at 3:27 am

    Fabulous giveaway! Please enter me.

    Reply
  13. Mommie says

    March 1, 2008 at 12:25 am

    This would be great! Thanks

    Mommie
    http://www.mommieshome.net

    Reply
  14. L McLendon says

    February 29, 2008 at 6:33 am

    I love books!

    Reply
  15. Naghma says

    February 28, 2008 at 8:03 pm

    thank you.

    Reply
  16. Dawn says

    February 27, 2008 at 6:52 pm

    Sounds like an interesting story, I would love to win! thanks for the chance.

    Reply
  17. Idahospud says

    February 27, 2008 at 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!

    Reply
  18. JenO says

    February 26, 2008 at 11:55 pm

    would love some new reading material, thanks for the contest!

    Reply
  19. Suzanne says

    February 26, 2008 at 11:01 pm

    Sounds like a great read!

    Reply
  20. Donna says

    February 26, 2008 at 9:01 pm

    This sounds like a good book.

    Reply
  21. ashley says

    February 26, 2008 at 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!

    Reply
  22. anne says

    February 26, 2008 at 7:06 pm

    I know that this would be a wonderful book to enjoy. Thanks for this great giveaway.

    Reply
  23. Kathy Conley says

    February 26, 2008 at 6:04 pm

    This interests me

    Reply
  24. Crystal Gleason says

    February 26, 2008 at 4:52 pm

    Looks fun!

    Reply
  25. Reluctant Housewife says

    February 26, 2008 at 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!

    Reply
  26. Linda SS says

    February 26, 2008 at 3:35 pm

    Sounds like this is a “must read” due to all the positive reviews – thanks for the chance to win:)

    Reply
  27. Kristie Noguera says

    February 26, 2008 at 3:15 pm

    looks like a good book.

    Reply
  28. BoSox Mommy says

    February 26, 2008 at 2:34 pm

    I’d like to read that.

    Reply
  29. Patricia Simpkin says

    February 26, 2008 at 10:32 am

    It sounds like a GOOD book. I’m alway ready for a good book.

    Reply
  30. DARIJAVAN says

    February 26, 2008 at 8:54 am

    I’m trying to read more in 2008

    Reply
  31. Carol Ezovski says

    February 26, 2008 at 5:01 am

    I would love to read this book based on the reviews I’ve read!

    Reply
  32. Megan says

    February 26, 2008 at 1:14 am

    oooh, I really want to read this one!!! Your review makes it sound so captivating!! I love these kinds of books!!

    Reply
  33. Shaun Wallner says

    February 25, 2008 at 11:07 pm

    Sounds like a great read.

    Reply
  34. amydeanne says

    February 25, 2008 at 10:38 pm

    enter me!

    Reply
  35. Susanne says

    February 25, 2008 at 10:15 pm

    Thanks for the entry…I need another to read!

    Reply
  36. Nikki Evans says

    February 25, 2008 at 8:57 pm

    Please Enter ME

    Reply
  37. Jill says

    February 25, 2008 at 8:50 pm

    I absolutely love memoirs. Count me in!

    Reply
  38. Nancy Valdez says

    February 25, 2008 at 8:00 pm

    Sounds like a fascinating book, please count me in…

    Reply
  39. Cindy Flores says

    February 25, 2008 at 7:20 pm

    Wow! This sounds like a good read. Please include me in the giveaway.

    Reply
  40. Julie Mead says

    February 25, 2008 at 6:35 pm

    Looks great! Enter me please!

    Reply
  41. Pam says

    February 25, 2008 at 6:34 pm

    This book sounds wonderful. Thank you for the great suggestion!

    Reply
  42. Gloria says

    February 25, 2008 at 6:15 pm

    I would love to check out this book! Please add me to your giveaway 🙂

    Reply
  43. Bree says

    February 25, 2008 at 5:52 pm

    I’d love to read this book!

    Reply
  44. Carol Harrity says

    February 25, 2008 at 5:35 pm

    I am a reader and always watching for new, good read.

    Reply
  45. Nicole says

    February 25, 2008 at 5:30 pm

    looks very interesting.

    Reply
  46. Sarah says

    February 25, 2008 at 5:24 pm

    Wow…the world needs more memoir.

    Reply
  47. Vickie says

    February 25, 2008 at 5:13 pm

    Please count me in. I would like to read this book.

    Reply
  48. Tanya M. says

    February 25, 2008 at 5:05 pm

    Sounds like a great read! I love to read and her story sounds compelling!

    Reply
  49. Bahama Mama says

    February 25, 2008 at 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!

    Reply
  50. Cindi Hoppes says

    February 25, 2008 at 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

    Reply
  51. Heather says

    February 25, 2008 at 4:47 pm

    I’d love to win Felicia’s book!

    Reply
  52. Kristi says

    February 25, 2008 at 4:40 pm

    I love to read, please enter me, thanks!

    Reply
  53. Tara says

    February 25, 2008 at 4:14 pm

    oh yes please. I really want to read this book!

    Reply
  54. Danielle S says

    February 25, 2008 at 4:09 pm

    Id love to try this book, sounds fascinating!
    dansan826 at yahoo

    Reply
  55. Valerie Mitchell says

    February 25, 2008 at 3:44 pm

    fabulous!

    Reply
  56. laura says

    February 25, 2008 at 3:28 pm

    looks like a great read! count me in!

    Reply
  57. Mary says

    February 25, 2008 at 3:27 pm

    Thanks for the generous giveaway!

    Reply
  58. Julianna says

    February 25, 2008 at 2:57 pm

    Sounds really interesting. Count me in!

    Reply
  59. Linda Pinto says

    February 25, 2008 at 2:13 pm

    I want to read this book.

    Reply
  60. Jennifer Furtado says

    February 25, 2008 at 1:52 pm

    Count me in!

    Reply
  61. Lisa says

    February 25, 2008 at 1:06 pm

    I’m in. 🙂

    Reply
  62. Felicia says

    February 25, 2008 at 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

    Reply
  63. Helen Keeler says

    February 25, 2008 at 12:26 pm

    Would love to have please enter me.

    Reply
  64. stacy berg says

    February 25, 2008 at 12:16 pm

    I love to read!!!

    Reply
  65. Dawn says

    February 25, 2008 at 12:03 pm

    I really like these type of books, too, and this one sounds very interesting.

    Reply
  66. Vickie Couturier says

    February 25, 2008 at 11:46 am

    sounds like really good reading

    Reply
  67. TheAngelForever says

    February 25, 2008 at 11:44 am

    This books looks like a wonderful read.

    Reply
  68. Blessed says

    February 25, 2008 at 10:25 am

    I enjoy Memoirs – this would be a neat book to read

    Reply
  69. Michele says

    February 25, 2008 at 10:16 am

    Please enter me…it sounds like a good read.

    Reply
  70. Timothy Sternberg says

    February 25, 2008 at 10:05 am

    I always enjoy a good “fairy tale”.

    Reply
  71. Liz says

    February 25, 2008 at 9:22 am

    Enjoyed reading The Glass Castle – although painful to imagine what those children lived through – and looking forward to a new memoir…

    Reply
  72. Kmommy says

    February 25, 2008 at 8:36 am

    Memoir is also my favorite genre! This one does sound like a must read!

    Reply
  73. Carey says

    February 25, 2008 at 8:31 am

    Count me in!

    Reply
  74. Jennifer Barr says

    February 25, 2008 at 8:01 am

    would love to read this 🙂

    Reply
  75. Noreen says

    February 25, 2008 at 3:12 am

    love reading

    Reply
  76. Jessica says

    February 25, 2008 at 1:13 am

    This really is a GREAT book.. definetely read it!

    Reply
  77. Cher Klosner Lane says

    February 25, 2008 at 1:12 am

    I always enjoy a good “fairy tale” read 🙂 Thanks for the suggestion, Jennifer!

    Cher Klosner Lane
    ww.StardustLullaby.com

    Reply
  78. FireMom says

    February 25, 2008 at 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. 🙂

    Reply

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