Rainer Maria Rilke

"Live a while in these books, learn from them what seems to you worth learning, but above all love them. This love will be repaid you a thousand and a thousand times, and however your life may turn,-it will, I am certain of it, run through the fabric of your growth as one of the most important threads among all the threads of your experiences, disappointments, and joys."--Rainer Maia Rilke


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Monday, March 5, 2012

It Had Me At "Hello"

Moonlight on Linoleum: A Daughter's Memoir by Terry Helwig
(Adult Memoir)

To over use a trite phrase, this book had me at "Hello".  To be honest about it, it had me at the "Foreword" (but that doesn't sound nearly so good).  As soon as I started reading this book, it pulled me in and smothered me and just wouldn't let me go until I read every blessed word.o
Terry tells the story of her life--being the daughter of a mother who is mentally ill and struggles with substance abuse.  Ultimately, it is the story of a child balancing adulthood and childhood and being the parent to a patent.  I'd love to give it more of a summary, but that is best part--boiled down to the truest substance.

It is hauntingly and beautifully written.  This is the book of a true master, weaving her story like a spider and pulling the reader in, line by gossamer line.  It is a story of sadness and tragedy; but, more importantly, it is also a story of hope and enduring love.  It calls to mind a favorite quote of mine by Jan Karon, "Everything that is loved cost a price."  To know that one can survive such heartache as is depicted and then look back on it unflinchingly is a thing to be marveled at.  I don't know how to say more--it's like trying to give words to a beautiful sunrise.  It just is.......beautiful.

(Note:  I received a free copy of this book from Howard Books, for my honest review.  The opinions expressed here are my own.)

1 comment:

  1. CC--Thanks for this glowing review of my memoir. I'm glad you liked it. I also like your metaphor of a spider weaving.

    Best,
    Terry Helwig,Author
    Moonlight on Linoleum

    ReplyDelete