Customer Reviews

An Abundance of Blessings

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This poignant and tender memoir is a joy to read. Its affirmation of all that is good and kind in the human spirit is inspiring in a quiet and unassuming way. The Pogainis family emerges through the eyes of little Ina as towering giants of inner strength, compassion and love as they overcome obstacles those of us who are not immigrants can only imagine. The challenges of war, separation, unemployment, poverty, and loss are confronted with a graceful resolution and grit that provide true sustenance to those of us starving in a world too often lacking in a sense of the value of hard work and the importance of family and community.

This book is fast, enjoyable reading for all ages. Youngsters can learn about how life was years ago and older people can relate to those "olden days". It tells of real life struggles, relaxed fun and a trust in God to protect them and carry them through the bad times.

This book was very well and lovingly done and was particularly a pleasure for me to read because I knew the author many years ago when I was one of her teachers.

Fragile Truth

I choose these two words to honor the authors choice of treating her family's struggles with care. Ms. Pogainis relates their experiences with childlike innocence thus providing a filter for the reader that does not disguise what actually took place, rather, it softens the blow of what was endured. The transitions from the current telling to the past are amazingly seamless. This book flows so well. The writing is crafted to reach from heart to heart.

The author's selection of the many actual photo's included bring to life the Pogainis family, the journey of places, people and the animals that were fortunate enough to be a part of their lives. The book is well worth the money for the pictures themselves.

An Abundance of Blessings is just that. A fit title for this remarkable memoir of the balance of life. At times all our journeys are precarious. This author teaches us in her magical, lyrical way that faith and trust are not misplaced. Never preachy, yet, still shining a light on what we sometimes do need to be reminded. That all creation is to be respected. That we are all part of the harmony while Someone greater sings the song.

An Abundance of Blessings will open your mind and heart to the possibility of kindness and compassion amidst the beauty of it's pages. A great vacation book - once you pick it up, you will not want to put it down.
A great book to read. A lovely book to share. An "always" book to treasure.