October Book Recommendations

I will have to read fast this month!  I have two new "books" in my Kindle covering domestic violence and breast cancer awareness.  Both are stories of survival and the new road forged by the author following difficult, life threatening situations.  I look forward to reading their stories!    

It's My Life Now: Starting Over After an Abusive Relationship or Domestic Violence by Meg Kennedy Dugan and Roger R. Hock.  This is the Amazon.com product description. 

"Those who have never experienced an abusive or violent relationship often believe that upon finding their way out, victims' difficulties are solved: their life is good, they are safe, and recovery will be swift. However, survivors of abuse know that leaving is not the end of the nightmare; it is the beginning of a difficult journey toward healing and happiness. It's My Life Now offers readers the practical guidance, emotional reassurance, and psychological awareness that survivors of relationship abuse and domestic violence need to help them heal and reclaim their lives after leaving their abusers. Since its publication in 2000, It's My Life Now has been highly successful as a working manual for survivors who are starting their lives over after an abusive relationship, combining guidance on practical and emotional issues with worksheets and self-exploration exercises. In the second edition, Dugan and Hock include updated information and resources while encompassing a wider range of individuals."

Five Lessons I Didn't Learn From Breast Cancer (And One Big One I Did) by Shelley Lewis is my second choice for October.  She had me at "Dear God, WTF...." on the first page.  Again, from the Amazon.com product description:

"An irreverent, funny, compassionate look at what having breast cancer means—and what it doesn’t.  From the pink ribbons to the websites that sell related accessories and stuffed animals, breast cancer has morphed from a disease to an experience. And at every step of the way, society tells women that this experience can teach them profound lessons and maybe even give them a peek at the meaning of life.  But what if it doesn’t?  A wonderful interweaving of the author’s personal story, interviews with breast cancer survivors, and a sharp-eyed journalist’s look at the breast cancer “community,” this book is full of unconventional wisdom, unexpected advice, and hilarious observations about life inside the pink bubble."

And one final recommendation, shared by "Grammygail", one of my new readers.

"Thomas Edward knows first-hand the emotional and physical pain associated with sexual abuse and neglect. He understands what it’s like to suffer in silence with nowhere to turn. And he’s passionate about helping other male survivors heal from the aftermath of their abuse and move from surviving to thriving. Tom wrote "Healing a Man’s Heart", a workbook designed to help Christian men face, admit, and deal with their abuse. He says, “I wrote this workbook for men who are stuck just like I used to be—men whose hearts long to be set free, but fear dampens and steals any ray of hope.” His goal is for men to become comfortable addressing the issues within them and eventually arrive to a point of breaking the silence.  Tom also conducts “Healing Broken Men” workshop retreats, which are great for participants to start or continue their healing in a safe, private, and supportive environment. Workshop sessions include losing the victim status, removing the fear factor, destroying lies and myths, repainting your picture with truth, and reclaiming God’s identity for you.  For more information about Thomas Edward and his work, please visit his website."