Book Review: Mary-Elizabeth Briscoe: The First Signs Of April

The First Signs of April: A Memoir

This may contain spoilers

Author: Mary-Elizabeth Briscoe

Title: The first signs of April

Genre: non-fiction, biography, autobiography, memoir,

I signed up for poetic book tours and l was email off Serena Agusto-Cox about reviewing this book.

First of all I would like to say a big thank you to Mary-Elizabeth Briscoe for sending me this book and giving me the chance to read it. I want to say a big thank you to Serena Agusto-Cox for contacting me and taking the time to email me.

I would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio even if you do not read books like this.

I normally read books of this genre but l also stepped outside my comfort zone. I am so glad l did because l have read so many great books and come across some great authors.

I highly recommend this book.

This book has 256 pages and 32 chapters.

Book Dedication: For aunt Pat and Mugsey, - Infinite love.

For anyone who finds healing in our story.

Poems from the start of every chapters.

We do not heal the past by dwelling there; we heal the past living fully in the present. - Marianne Williamson.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. - Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

Life must be understood backward, but it must be lived forward. - Soren Kierkegaard.

Sometimes our light goes out, but is blown again in to instant flame by an encounter with another human being. - Albert Schweitzer.

Life changes fast. Life changes in an instant you sit down to dinner and life as you know it ends. - Joan Didion.

Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage. - Anais Nin.

Just living is not enough... One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. - Hans Christian Anderson.

The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go and not be questioned. - Maya Angelou.

Sweet is the memory of distant friends. Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart. - Washington Irving.

I go out there so l can look in to myself and when l am there I can see myself standing still and the rest of the world going mad. - Des Lavelle.

It is our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light. - Aristotle Onassis.

There is no grief like the grief that does not speak. - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Sometimes the questions are complex and the answers are simple. - Dr. Seuss.

But that is their image of us, so we stay tense, holding are breath, hoping we won't be found out. - Ebine Yamaji.

That broken thing you keep trying to put together can not even compare with that beautiful thing that's waiting to be built. - Mandy Hale.

Throw your dreams in to space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country. - Anais Nin.

You are off to great places!, today is your day your mountain is waiting, so get on your way. - Dr. Seuss.

I was falling. Falling through time and space and stars and sky and everything in between. - Jess Rothenberg.

Never be bullied in to silence never allow yourself to be a victim. Accept no one's definition of your life, but define yourself. - Harvey Fierstein.

Heavy hearts, like heavy clouds in the sky, are relieved by the letting go of a little water. - Christopher Morley.

Fly free and happy beyond birthdays and across forever and we will meet now and then when we wish, in the midst of the one celebration that can never end. - Richard Bach.

Clouds come floating in to my life. No longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky. - Rabindranath Tagone.

Whatever end finds us, it would not find us separated. - Stephanie Meyer.

The pain is there, when you close one door on it knocks to come in some where else. - Irvin Yalam.

No tragedy of life, no form of death arouses allencompassing and inconsolable grief than does a suicide no other kind of death turns those left behind so fiercely against themselves, no other kind leaves such lasting scars. They need to be able to wonder out loud what they did wrong and go over and over the details in an effort to make sense for themselves out of a senseless act. They suffer most when they must suffer alone with their hurt and humiliation. - from too young

to die, by Francine Klagsburn.

Do not be dismayed by good-byes. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again and meeting again, after moments or lifetimes is certain for those who are friends. - Richard Bach.

While the person who commits suicide dies once, the loved ones left behind may die a thousand deaths wondering why. - Anonymous.

And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. - Anais Nin.

Sometimes what a person needs is not a brilliant mind that speaks, but a patient heart that listens. - Unknown.

Death ends a life, not a relationship. - Robert Benshley.

The truth is, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize the situation is over, you can not move forward. - Steve Maroboli.

I know you are not far away. I feel your presence around me. Our love binds us together always. We two are one eternally. - Unknown.

Only the wounded healer can truly heal. - Irvin Yalom.

Your life is a sacred journey. It is about change, growth, discovery, movement, transformation, continuously expanding your vision of what is possible, stretching your soul, learning to  clearly and deeply, listening to see intuition, taking courageous challenges at every step along the way. You are on the path. Exactly where you are meant to be. Right now. And from here, you can only go forward, shaping your life story in to a magnificent tale of triumph, of healing, of courage, of beauty, of wisdom, of power, of power, of dignity, and of love. - Caroline Adams.

Praise for the first signs of April.

Review by other people.

Reading the first signs of April is like sitting in front of a fire with a old friend: Briscoe starts telling her story and all of a sudden the sun is up and you feel as if you have not blinked once. This book will become that friend who stays with you for life. - Melanie Braveman, author of east justice and red.

The first signs of April is an inspiring story about life, death, and how connected we all remain – but only if we are open to listening to the wisdom waiting for us. Mary-Elizabeth Briscoe shows us the power of friendship, and the ways we can heal by embracing all life has to offer. - Linda Joy Myers, president national association of memoir writers, and author of song of the plains: a memoir of family, secrets, and silence.

By living and writing her truth, Briscoe shares her healing journey of loss and love. A compelling read that grabs your attention and will not let you leave. - Priscilla A. Hutchins, licensed psychologist – doctorate, retired.

Synopsis: shut down and disconnected, Mary-Elizabeth Briscoe has lived her life in silence in order to stay alive, her grief is buried, and shame is the skin that wraps around her bones but then, following the brutal murder of a local teacher, she is forced as a grief counselor to face her lifetime of unresolved sorrow will she finally be able to crack the hard edges of her heart and allow in the light so real healing can occur?.

Review: I found this book really easy to get in to and harder to put down. I was hooked on this book after reading the synopsis. I was sad to read that Mary's auntie Pat had cancer but it was nice of Mary to help her auntie and uncle around the house and Mary sounds like a great niece as not many young people would help their family. I loved all the poems in this book and l love that there was one at the start of every chapter. I can not put in to words how great but heartbreaking at the same time. It did not take me long to finish reading this book. Mary sounds so brave telling Joy how she feels about her. I was sad to read that Joy was abused but glad she told Mary. When l was reading this book I would put some essential oils in my humidifier and put the lights on my humidifier on and chill on my bed and listen to music or something on TV. I sometimes light a candle when l am reading this book. When l am reading this aswell as cuddling my kitten Oreo or one of the other kittens that live with me (there are three not including mine). It is good to chill reading a good book. I also took a picture of this book to share it to my Instagram that l made just for pictures of my books it is called donnareviewsbooks. I write book reviews at my desk in my bedroom that is also my lining room, library and office. Sometimes I sit on my bed writing book reviews I sometimes put earplugs in so l can read or write book reviews in peace. I was sad to read that Joy committed suicide and Mary feels if she told somebody about the gun that Joy would still be alive. I think Mary should not feel like that as Joy would not want her to feel like that and Joy did not want to hurt Mary or her family. Mary sounds like a great family member to have and a great friend to have too. Her family should be so proud of her and I would have loved a friend like Mary when l was younger because there was no kids like Mary when l was younger. When this book review is posted it is my birthday but it does not feel the same without my grandad who passed away two years ago. I feel Mary's pain as l have lost lots of family members my first loss was my sister Shirley. I feel like my grandad and my cat (who passed away a year ago) is still around my grandad was a smoker too and l smell smoke in my bedroom and l do not smoke myself and when l was reading about Mary visiting a psychic to see if anybody had any messages for her my bedroom smelt like somebody was smoking in it I think/feel like my grandad was telling me he was still around. Stuff would fall off my shelves and at the time I had no cats and I would feel a cat jump on my bed and l would wake up and nothing would be there and it still happens and it is not any of the kittens we have now. Sleeping and reading helped me through my grief. I like that Mary become a grief counselor. I was really sad to read about the murder of Melissa Jenkins. I was sad to read that Joy's parents never give Mary Joy's letter I wish Mary had got to read it as she needed to know how much Joy loved and did not want to her. The christmas gift Mary made Joy sounded nice and Joy gift to Mary was perfect for a writer and I would tell people to read this book for themselves to know how great but heartbreaking it really is. I would love to read more from Mary-Elizabeth Briscoe. I am glad this book is on my book shelves I would love to buy some of Mary's other book as l got this one for free. As it is getting colder I read under my quilt reading. Sometimes l can not read as l suffer from migraines or a headache. Reading this book makes me feel like l am not alone with grief and that it is okay to cry for lost loved ones. I love reading memoirs and about people's life and l love the title of this book and my Nan is also called Mary and my mum is also called Pat. I am really in love with this book. I was sad that it finished l wish it did not end or there was a follow on to it. I would happily read this book again and again. I love that Mary and her sister got tattoo's l have five tattoos myself but me and my sister are planning to get matching tattoos. Memoirs are one of my favorite type of books to read and sometimes when l am typing up book reviews one of the kittens watch me from the window or on my knee. I love the book dedication. I was sad to read about all the death in this book. I reviewed this book on amazon UK and US and goodreads and my blog.

About the author: Mary-Elizabeth Briscoe, LCMHC, CCTP is a licensed mental health counselor currently on sabbatical from her private psychotherapy practice in northeastern vermont. After spending a year living on the dingle peninsula, Ireland working on her next memoir she is currently splitting her time between cape cod, vermont and Ireland. Mary-Elizabeth has a masters degree in clinical mental health counseling from Lesley university and is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and certified clinical trauma professional. In addition, she has worked as a lecturer at springfield college school of professional and continuing studies St. Johnsbury, vt. Campus. She is a regular contributor to cape women online and sweatpants and coffee magazines. Mary-Elizabeth loves riding her motorcycle and spending as much time as possible with her dog Fergus.

About the book: I love the book cover and the branches with the changing colours. I love that the writing is in white because it makes the writing stand out more.

Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars.

I wish l could rate this book more then five stars because it is worth more than the five stars l rated it.

Book Review: John Murray And Sharon Murray: Code Name: Papa My Extraordinary Life While Hiding In Plain Sight

Code Name: Papa: My Extraordinary Life while Hiding in Plain Sight

This may contain spoilers

Author: John Murray & Sharon Murray.

Title: Code Name: Papa My Extraordinary Life while hiding in plain sight.

Genre: biography, political, history, military history, political history, politicians, society, politics & philosophy, government & politics, warfare & defense, autobiography, memoir,.

I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review. The author or somebody on behalf of the author contracted my sister though her book reviewing blog asking her to review this book and she said she would pass it on to her sister to read and review it aswell.

Book Dedication: we dedicate this book to all the wonderful people who have worked so hard to make this world a better and safer place... and especially to the many who have given their lives or their good health while doing it.

First of all l would like to say a big thank you to John and Sharon Murray for sending me this book and giving me a chance to read it. I want to say a big thank you to the person who contacted my sister and thank you for taking the time to email her.

I would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio even if you do not read books like this.

I normally read books of this genre but l also stepped outside my comfort zone with authors and genres I am so glad l did because l have read so many great books and come across some great authors.

I highly recommend this book.

This book has 328 pages and 45 chapters in it.

Synopsis: who'd have thought a bright, but fairly ordinary young man from middle class america who got just above average grades, dated the same girl throughout high school and went to church most Sundays, would grow up to eventually head a very secretive band of brave individuals – both men and women – who regularly put their lives on the line because they wanted to protect the rest of you. Yet that's what we did, often sacrificing our personal lives ( Four marriages for me, all in the book) and our health ( courtless broken bones, major surgeries, even death) to do it. Meanwhile you're just going to have to call me “Papa” like everyone else around the globe has through most of those wildly unpredictable and dangerous years.

Review: I found this book really easy to get in to and harder to put down once l started reading it. I can not put in to words how great this book really is l would tell people tp read it for themselves to know how great it really is. I was happy Billy, Jake and now who called Papa survived the army. I was sad to read that Jake's father and the first Papa died of cancer. The first Papa picked the new Papa before he passed away. He wanted the three friends to carry on his lifes work after he was gone. But the three friends would never forget the first Papa. When l was reading this book I would put some essential oils in my humidifier and put the lights on my humidifier on and chill on my bed listening to magic, spotify or something on television or netflix. I sometimes light a candle when l am reading this book. I was sad that Billy was shot but glad he survived. I was really sad to read that man, women and children was all murdered and their bodies was burnt. Billy, Jake, Nancy and Papa knew the people who was murdered because they had helped them. I was sad that Jake lost a bit of his finger in a gun battle with the people who killed all the people who lived in the town where they was. I wondered who is after them and why they sent in two women. I understand that they had to be killed because they was a threat and they could tell all the secrets that first Papa (Jake's father) worked so hard to build. It was sad that all the women had to have hysterectomies so they would not have periods so they would not slow them down or miss missions because of their periods. Nancy had to have one but she knew she did not want any more children she was happy with her son and she told her husband it was for medical reason why she had to have a hysterectomy. In away she was doing it to save her life and so she did not leave anything behind or slow down Bill, Jake and the two new guys and Papa. I like how bill, Jake and Papa stay friends through out the years. The three friends sounds like great guys and they sound like they loved the first Papa very much and was sad that he passed away. Papa would be so proud of them and that they had suck together and are still carrying out his lifes work even though he is not here to see his dream live on. I was really sad to read that women that they were trying to save was murdered not long before they entered the building. I was really sad to read that all the women was kidnapped when they was younger and used as sex slaves. I was happy to read that Papa was reunited with a guy who saved him when he was injured in the war but little did he know that the ship he was fetched home on belonged to Papa (Jake's father). I was sad to read that brownie was shot and was sad that Papa was shot in the arm. It was good that Nancy treated brownie's wounds and helped stop Papa bleeding from his arm. I was sad that bill got power burns on his face. Brownie lost one of his kidney and had some nerve damage in his leg. Papa lost use of his left arm but he had several operations to regain use of it. Bill had a bit of damage to his right eye but they had all survived. I was sad to read Jake's wife had died from ovarian cancer. I was sad that Jake's son Adam was in a terrible car accident. I was sad that a tumor was found in Julia's stomach I was really sad to read how much pain Julia was in. Julia had chemo I was really sad that Julia passed away. I was sad that Bill took his own life. I was sad that Bill's wife told Papa and Jake not to to come back to bill's final resting place. I was really sad to read that Nancy had passed away and she was cremated when she wanted to be buried. I was sad that Jake was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer. Papa promised to look after Adam if anything happened to Jake. Papa and Jake wanted to find who killed Nancy. I was sad to read that Jake had passed away and was cremated I think he should have been buried. I was happy Papa got married again but it ended in divorce and Papa was now power of attorney of everything and Jake's beloved and only son Adam. I was sad to read that gangrene had set in both limbs and he knew Adam would not survive amputation. Papa knew it was time to let Adam go because the poor lad was only being kept alive by the machines and Adam was cremated. Out of all his friends Papa was the only one left alive but he will always remember his second family.

About the author: John Murray is a Vietnam veteran who spent most of his adult life working as an undercover agent for the united states, Canada, and various european governments he lives with his wife in a small, rural western town, but he remains haunted by the visions of what he saw, tried to prevent or rectify.

Sharon Murray is a retired business executive who lived in the united states and abroad. After helping John write his memoirs, she convinced him thay they were worth sharing with the world.

Abby Jones is the author of several books and has written for numerous magazines. She lives on the west coast and has traveled extensively.

About the book: I really like this book cover it is perfectly fitting for the story and l like the colours used and I like that two different colours are used for the writing.

Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars.

I wish I could rate this book more than five stars because it is worth more then the five stars l rated it. 

Book Review: M.J Trow: The Wigwam Murder

The Wigwam Murder

This may contain spoilers

Author: M.J Trow.

Title: The Wigwam Murder.

Genre: biography & true accounts, true crime, criminals, biography, true accounts, murder and mayhem,murder, mayhem,

I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I got this book from T Squared Books.

First of all l would like to say a big thank you to M.J Trow for sending me this book and giving me a chance to read it. I would also like to say a big thank you to T Squared Books for letting me be apart of their book reviewing team.

I would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio even if you do not read books like this.

I normally read books of this genre but l also stepped outside my comfort zone I am so glad l did because l have read so many great books and come across some great authors.

I highly recommend this book.

Book Dedication: to Mam, with thanks for her reminiscenes of the war ( and for teaching me to write!).

This book has 220 and 12 chapters.

Acknowledgements: my thanks to all who have contributed to this book.

To those who lived in the thursley area in 1942. - ex – pc a W. Bundy, Miss P.J Dummer, Mr A.E Gale.

To those who knew Joan Wolfe. - Mrs R. Durrant, Mrs Betty Holliday and others.

To 'the Canadians'. - Carl Goodard, Carol White of the personnel records centre, national archives of Canada and Mrs Helen McKay of the battleford branch library.

To Linda Findlay of the surrey police headquarters press office.

To Michael Page of the archivist's department, surrey country council.

To Joan Charman, librarian of the goldalming trust.

To G.R Cpllyer, editor of the surrey advertiser.

To all authors and publishers from whose works l have quoted.

To my wife, Carol, for all her hours of labour ate the keyboard and her continued help and support.

Synopsis: The wigwam murder – as the case against August Sangret came to be known – was one of most brilliant pieces of detection and forensic science then on record Drs Keith Simpsons, Eric Gardner and Gerald Roche Lynch worked together to present a comprehensive body of work that convinced and shocked the jury. It was the first time that a human skull had been produced in a British court room. It belonged to Joan Pearl Wolfe, a nineteen-year-old runaway and vagrant who hung around Canadian army camps, particularly in the hankley common, Surrey, area. The man who went to the gallows in April 1943 for the capital crime of murder was August Sangret, a french – Canada metis Indian despite the amazing forensic work, the evidence against him was purely circumstantial 'no, sir, I never killed that girl, somebody did it and I guess I will have to take the rap,' he said. In this compassionate re – telling of the short and tragic relationship between the two young misfits, M.J Trow builds on his reputation as a chronicler of human failings and bringer of the light of day in to the cold pragmantism of the courtroom with a foreword and afterword to give the 21^st century reader some additional insight in to both the time of the murder and the time of the original research of twenty years ago, this book is a gripping and at times heartrending tale of two lost people in a world torn by war.

Review: I found this book really easy to get in to and hard to put down once l started reading it. I was hooked on this book after reading the first page. I can not put in to words how great this book is l would tell people to read it for themselves to know how great this book really is. This book is really a great read and it did not take me long to finish this book. I reviewed this book on goodreads, amazon UK and US and on my blog. I got this book in paperback but it is available in kindle edition. I was sad to read about Joan Pearl Wolfe murder I hope the police catch who murdered her I would love to read more from this storyline and more from the author I wish this book would not finish. This book is truly gripping it will leave you wanting more. I hate how a person can take a life of another person. I am glad this book is on my bookshelf. I was really sad to finish this book. I was sad that Joan did not get to turn 20 years old and her baby never got a chance to live outside the womb. Joan sounded like a sweet girl. I wish she had got to go home to see her family again. I feel for Joan's mother no mother should have to bury their children I wish Joan's mother had got to see her daughter become a mother and she got to see her grandchild. I was sad to read that Joan's father gassed himself I wish they knew why he committed suicide I think Joan would have been different if her father was still alive to help. Her mother tried everything to get her beloved daughter to come home but nothing made Joan want to come home which l thought Joan would want to be around her family at the time so she would not be alone while she was pregnant. When I was reading this book I would put some essential oils in my humidifier and put the lights on my humidifier and chill on my bed and listen to magic or something on spotify or something on TV or netflix l also put on my christmas lights on that are on my christmas tree. I sometimes light a candle when l was reading this book. I really enjoyed reading this book. I could not get enough of this book. I do not understand if August did not murder Joan why would he take the blame like August Sangret did if was me l would not take the blame for something l never did. I was wondering if Joan's skull was buried with the rest of her body after reading that it was shown in court l hope it was and she has a nice spot in the graveyard where her family can go and remember their beloved family and her unborn baby and put flowers on the grave. I was sad that Joan's life was cut short and in a violent way and it was upsetting that she was not discovered for a few weeks and that maggots and rats had been eating away at her so they could not tell if she was pregnant because her womb had been eaten. I loved this book I would happily read this book again because l really enjoyed it. Sometimes it is good just to chill reading a good book when you are not well or in pain like l am with arthritis. I also took a picture of this book to share it to my Instagram that l made just for pictures of my books it is called donnareviewsbooks.

Afterword: Since the writing of the Wigwam murder, the world has turned, but nothing new has emerged in this particular case. The aftermath of let him have it, Chris was astonishing not only was the murder conviction against Derek Bentley overturned, but the laws that made it possible, that of joint felonious enterprise, has been repealed the Bentley decision, the hanging of an educationally subnormal boy for a murder he did not commit, was controversial from day one. The Wigwam case was not there was a war on, newsprint itself was in scarce supply and the jury was sufficiently swayed by the evidence to find August Sangret guilty. Despite their recommendation to mercy, no mercy was extended to the outsider, the loner without any real friends in the book you have just read, I find the evidence against Sangret circumstantial and the verdict unsafe, but l concede I may be in a minority of one. Thames television, as they then were, contacted soon after publication. The story of an Indian living in a Wigwam in rural surrey intrigued them (though I suspect they may have had their wires crossed with grey owl, Archibald belaney, 1888 – 1938) and l 're-enacted' the murder on location, swinging a birch branch towards the camera lens and scrabbling through the undergrowth since this was a local news 'feature', there was no fee and l am not even sure if it was ever shown very belatedly, l was contacted by a member of the Sangret family who expected payment because l had 'used' his forebear in a book l decided not to reply to tell him that. That was not how publishing worked! Years later still, I was asked by the historical society at Scotland yard to talk to them on the case. The evening was well attended, I showed my power. Point presentation and l hope a good time was had by all. The famous 'black museum' which I have now visited twice, thanks to the metropolitan police's good offices, could not help with the Sangret case because it came under the jurisdiction of the surrey police at the time the most bizarre follow up to the Wigwam murder was a letter out of the blue from a man who claimed to be August Sangret's son, he could not understand how l could have got my facts so wrong because his mother had told him that Sangret was his father and he had not been born until 1950. since this was some seven years after the metis execution, I could not understand that either welcome to the world of true crime!

About The Author: M.J Trow (the 'M' as most people know stands for Meirion, a welsh name few can manage, so he writes as M.J, is known by all and sundry as Mei, rhyming with 'My') has been writing for many years, with his first book – the adventures of inspector Lestrade – being published in 1984 by Macmillan. More Lestrades followed and then some true crime and somehow it all snowballed so now he has many historical biographies and three other crime series (Maxwell, Marlowe and Grand and Batchelor, the latter two written with his wife, writing as Maryanne Coleman, though her name is Carol, actually!) to his credit. He claims to be retired, but that is just from teaching. In fact he has never been busier and is sought after 'ghost' these days as well as historian and novelist, with many different subjects' stories having been told through him. He has recently started collaborating on fiction projects ( with someone other than his wife, that is) and finds it a really exciting and pleasurable experience. To relax he... actually, that's a bit tricky, as he does not really ever relax. He has been know to garden, he is a keen cook and artist and likes to travel. This is rather easier these days as he is a popular speaker on cruise ships – in fact his profile picture was taken on a very gusty day in cape town, setting off on a long voyage home to southampton through some of the scariest seas he and his wife have had the pleasure to meet! It really was the calm before the storm, despite being a force 9 just leaving the bay. Family is important and he is very proud of his wife, Carol ( aka Maryanne Coleman) for her own books and also the ones they write together, the Kit Marlowe series. His son, Taliesin, know as Tali, is a writer who has written a biography of the tudor explorer Martin Frobisher as well as collaborating with Mei on several biographies. An exciting series is in the melting pot at the moment and will hopefully be appearing soon; remember where you heard it first. Tali is also a musician, playing various instruments with some acclaimed bands; Gemma Hayes, the coal porters, circulus and currently acid-folk ensemble the lords of thyme. He also records and tour-manages. His crystal vocals enhance everything he does and it is just as well someone in the family can sing, as it is the first thing anyone asks a welshman!.

About The Book: I really like the bookcover and the colours used on the cover are really nice they are not too bright and not too dark. I really like that some of the writing is in grey and some is in white as it makes it stand out more.

Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars.

I wish l could rate this book more than five stars because it is worth more than the five stars l rated it.

Book Review: C.D Lane: Living To Die / Dying To Live: 29 Years Surviving HIV

Living to Die/Dying to Live: 29 Years Surviving HIV

Author: C.D Lane

Title: Living To Die / Dying To Live: 29 Years Surviving HIV.

Genre: Biography and Autobiography, Personal Memoir, Biography, Personal, Autobiography, Memoir,

I got this book for free in exchange for an honest review. I got this book from bostick communications.

First of all l would like to say a big thank you to C.D Lane for sending me his book and giving me a chance to read it. I also want to say a big thank you to bostick communications for letting me be apart of their book reviewing team.

I would tell people that you should step outside your comfort zone with books because it is good to add more authors and genres to your reading portfolio. Even if you do not read books like this.

I normally read books of this genre but l also stepped outside my comfort zone. I am so glad l did because l have read so many great books and come across some great authors.

This book has 258 pages and 42 chapters in it.

I highly recommend this book.

Synopsis: On February the 10^th 1987, I was told I would be dead in a year. This is a book of lies exposing the truth. This is my story from my point of view with harsh revelations and very pleasant realities. Nothing will be hidden from the world when the pages are all turned. This will be a shock to some, a joy to very few and there are friends and family who may never speak to me again once the truths are no longer hidden. It has been oft adopted out of context and it is my turn now. “ and you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free”, (gospel of John Ch.8.VS.32) I am not speaking of the truth of knowing Jesus. I am speaking of the truth of knowing me. If the truth sets me free from relationships that can not handle the truth. I am truly sorry.

It has been said, beauty is in the eye of the beholder but l can see nothing in my past that is truly beautiful. The words will show the complications and dirtiness that is life. Some will read these words and swear l will burn in hell. Perhaps, but “ judge not, that ye be judged, for with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you” - ( Matthew . CH. 7. Vs. 1-3). so be careful. If there is a hell. You may h=join me there. The truth can also get twisted as I have done to protect the not so innocent. I will say this is my story. It is very graphic at times, hurtful of individuals at time ( not intentional) and quite possibly something you may not want your children to know about. This is not something I want my mother to read.

With regard to the form of prose. This book is written with no manual of style, with no consideration for grammar and a complete disregard for what spell check does not catch. The words are here solely to illustrate the broken truth that is life … my life.

Review: I found this book really easy to get in to and hard to put down once I started reading it. I was hooked on this book after reading the first page. I wish this book would not finish I was sad to finish reading this book. I wish there was a follow on to this book I would happily read this book again. I sometimes cuddle up with my cat reading this book or listening to magic. I am addicted to this book. I love reading memoirs and I love reading about other people stories sometimes they make me cry. I can not put in to words how great this book is I would tell people to read it for themselves to know how great it really is. Sometimes when it is too hot to sleep I would just read this book. This book is a must read l am so glad l have read this book. This book is a must have on any bookshelf. I wish I could rate this book more then five stars because it is worth more then the five stars l rated it. I reviewed this book on goodreads, amazon UK and us and on my blog. I got this book in hardback. I also share pictures on  my Instagram  donnareviewsbooks that l made to share pictures of my beautiful books. Some of the songs the author picked for his memorial are great. Wiz Khalifa see you again was played at my Grandad's funeral it was also the first song l heard after my Grandad passed away. It is so fitting for any memorial/funeral. I was sad to read about the loss of C.D Land and Amy's baby daughter Dianna Dee Lane. It is really hard to lose a loved one. I do not judge the author. I could not get enough of this book. I would love to read more from C.D Lane. This is a good but also sad book. I would happily read this book again. But I would tell people not to judge the book or author. It really is a great book. I was sad to read that so many people had sadly passed away. It was nice to read that the author was still best friends with his ex-wife. I liked that they had a daughter together. I was sad to read that lisa had passed away. I would like to say rest in peace to all the people that sadly passed away and to the families of them all sorry for your loss. It sounds like Amanda has great parents. I would chill out on my bed reading this book and listening to magic. I loved reading about the authors life and I think he is very brave telling his story. I was really sad to read that his brother passed away. It is nice that all the wedding gifts C.D Lane and Lisa got are being given to their daughter when she is ready to take them. It was nice to read that Amanda father's boyfriend and her mother's husband are going to be there for her when the time comes when her beloved father passes away. All the money from this book sale will go to Amanda after the author ( her father) passes away so please buy this book.

About The Author: Dee Lane grew up in Birch river, West Virginia, a very small, no stop light town. Lane's youthful habits may have been typical, but where mistakes that would shape who he is now in spite of the fact he was attempting to cover up who he was then. His promiscuity bordered an predatory and his seductions were numerous. On reflection most guys would simply say “ boys will be boys” while others would say he was his parent's worse nightmare. It is a semantic argument whether history proves this out, or if it was simply youthful exuberance.

Mr. Lane has always been outspoken, and often his words escape his mouth with little or no filter. Leaving home as soon as he could at just barely 18, he was off to make his own way and survive the evils of the world, the life and times of Dee Lane is not a pretty story but then life is not all daffodils and sunshine. Lies upon lies were stacked up like cord wood to hide the truth that he feared would hurt others. But this in itself was a lie to himself. Dee was diagnosed   HIV positive on February 10^th, 1987. there after accepting every illness as possibly bringing his last breathe. After a life of mistake after mistake, living like a rock star, at times on the budget of a vagrant. Sleeping with many women and men and loving a few. Spending 10 years in the navy on some wonderfully clandestine still classified missions and moonlighting in restaurants all over the world. He then marriaged his best friend with whom he had a daughter and become part owner of a restaurant. By order of his doctors. Dee Lane is now retired and writing full time.

About The Book: I really like this book cover. I like the picture on this book cover. I love the colours on this book cover. I love that the picture is a waterfall.

Star Rating: Five Out Of Five Stars.