The Paris Wife and the complications of life

Today I finally finished "The Paris Wife" by Paula McLain. I asked for the book our last Christmas together and bought it for myself after the separation. Knowing Ernest Hemingway's history, I knew Hadley was his first wife - first of many. My heart would not allow my head to finish the story...to see it through because I have a personal connection.

I cried myself through the last 5 chapters, re-reading emotions. The underlying message that Hadley told herself...the same message I tell myself. "What is done, is done. No one knows what tomorrow will bring but you must be present."

Yesterday I watched a childhood friend marry. I saw the love, happiness and desire in her pink cheeks and bright blue eyes. I wept tears of joy for her; and tears of sorrow for myself. Selfish? Definitely. Stupid? Probably. But completely honest with myself? Yes.

Life is complicated with moments of happiness and moments of sadness.

Quote from the book...Hadley to Ernest:

"We'll always be friends - delicate friends, and I'll love you 'til I die, you know."

He gave me this our first Christmas together. I gave it back months ago. Memories hurt but are nessecary at times.














This post is dedicated to Hadley Richardson, Ernest Hemingway and Thomas. 

Review: Daring Greatly by Brené Brown

After devouring "Daring Greatly" by Brené Brown I was amazed at how much of a role vulnerability and shame play in my life. From her opening excerpt of Theodore Roosevelt's thunderous speech "Citizenship in a Republic" to her personal experiences with shame and vulnerability Brené shoves the mirror in your own face and makes you take a hard look at who you are and how you react to situations.

Dr. Brené Brown has spent over a decade researching/interviewing and experiencing all types of shame and vulnerability that keep us from getting into the arena and daring greatly.


I was very thankful to receive this book...as some of you know I suffer from depression and anxiety. We all have personal demons or "gremlins" as she calls them. So many passages had me shaking my head to agree and are now highlighted as references when I start to hear my "gremlins" telling me "Your idea is stupid" or "No one loves you" she calls this "Vulnerability Resilience".

She provides excerpts from other professionals/artists/writers who are daring greatly and makes every day references (everything from Harry Potter to Leonard Cohen) I can honestly say I had my doubts at first, I was worried I wouldn't be able to follow along, but when I say it's an easy read...I mean you will understand the information she is providing to help you.

No matter what situation you find yourself in or what bothers you deep down, this book is a great reminder that the human spirit is so much more than the toxic words we tell ourselves and unfortunately (sometimes) tell others.

I highly recommend this book to everyone - men, women and teens alike. I've already taken my first step into the arena and am daring greatly...when will you?

*This is a paid review for BlogHer Book Club but the opinions expressed are my own.

If you would like to join the discussion, head over to the BlogHer Book Club and share with the community!  

Review: The First Husband By Laura Dave

 There comes a time in your life (or possibly several times) you stand on the edge of choice. Not the choice of what's for breakfast this morning - but a life changing, oh shit this is real; choice. Annie Adams is faced with this type of choice early on in The First Husband by Laura Dave. Nick (her rising-to-fame director boyfriend) thinks the grass is greener on the other side. Annie - at the advice of her best friend is determined to be the opposite of herself. Perfect timing (just like a Hollywood movie) she meets Griffin. Mr. Top Chef who makes amazing scrambled eggs with lobster and Gruyère at 3 in the morning. 

You follow Annie and her choices. Sometimes cheering her on and other times yelling at her for not turning around. It made me realize just how much we can relate. Not just between romance and careers...but finding ourselves along the way by the choices we have made. It might not have made sense at the time, but it's not suppose to. We become who we are by the choices we make. 

The First Husband is a great read. Between the dialog, inner monologue and general context I was laughing, gasping and shaking my head in disbelief.  

Now my question to you: Could you do it? Could you be your opposite and follow through with it to a possible better life? It's an exciting scenario to consider. 

*I was compensated for this BlogHer Book Club review but all opinions expressed are my own.

If you would like to join the discussion, head over to the BlogHer Book Club and share with the community!

Review: The Pathos of Rowan Jun by Tamara Henson (Coffey)

I am blessed...there is no denying it. I have amazing friends, a wonderful family and you my beautiful readers! I was lucky enough to be one of the first to get their hands on Volume One of my very dear friend Tamara Henson (Coffey)'s book: The Pathos of Rowan Jun. As soon as it was available for Kindle I purchased and began my journey. I know a lot of you are thinking "She only likes it because it's written by her friend" not the case! I am by no means afraid of telling a friend their work is not the best quality. I know some that can vouch for this! I honestly enjoyed loved the story. I hope I was successful in expressing an accurate review that others can benefit from.

My review:

The blurb for The Pathos of Rowan Jun sums up the story and yet intrigues you even more. "Bury your human soul in the heart of a warrior" As an avid reader over many genres (Fantasy, Historical Fiction, and Non Fiction) I was excited to dive in, curious of the world Tamara Henson created of Unata and this so-called warrior Rowan Jun.

With no warning I found myself smack dab in the middle of action from the start. Some enjoy this type of beginning; others prefer an intro or prologue. But considering the author explains previous events in full detail all while keeping the action packed story moving swiftly along – a prologue would be of no use here. Written in third person I felt I was walking along side Rowan Jun cheering him on every step of the way. I felt his pain, his sorrow and his joy. I became the warrior myself.  

With 12 original illustrations shuffled in the 234 pages it made character connection all the more realistic. As with many Fantasy/Epic novels the writing style is informal. I think this was done intentionally. Dialogue between characters is clear and at times humorous – such as real life. My favorite excerpt, “Darkness hides in us all, Rowan Jun. But so does greatness!” 

From the opening sentence to the very last period; this story not only held my attention, but threw me head first in a very strange world. Even if you are not a fan of Fantasy writing I suggest you give The Pathos of Rowan Jun an honest chance. You won’t be disappointed.

Now the countdown is on to the next volume in the series!

Places to find Tamara/The Pathos of Rowan Jun:

• Tamara Henson Studios
• Blog
• Facebook 
• Twitter

Paperback/E reader Editions available here:

• Amazon 
• Smashwords
• CreateSpace
• Barns & Nobles 

Have you read The Pathos of Rowan Jun? Have plans to read it? Inquiring minds want to know (aka me)