Customer Reviews

Becoming Auma: a novel inspired by true events

5 star:		(53)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A lovely, fun, thought-provoking story of one amazing woman's life and her wonderful friendships. It reminds me of "The Five People You Meet in Heaven", in that the choices Auma made throughout her life affected others' lives. It is an inspirational story and has many "ah ha" moments where you think to yourself "that's how I feel, if only I could put it into words!" I love the incredible spirit of sisterhood, friendship and joy these women have and how they love and support each other through difficult times as well as day to day and month to month when they gather to play Bunko. It was wonderful to remember each stage of my own life through Auma's life. I laughed, I cried and was so happy that Auma's life was so rich and full and that I could experience it myself and feel a part of it by reading her wonderful, touching life story. I feel this book changed how I think about my own life and recommend it wholeheartedly!

Reading this novel from a young adult's perspective, I was very inspired! I loved reading about all of Auma's friends, especially Lynn and all her adventures! I really hope that I have friends like that in my lifetime. I feel like I have come to know all of Auma's family and her children. Elizabeth's incident with the permanent marker was hilarious! Reading about the beanbag episode was so descriptive that I felt it was something I could have done myself as a child! This book is great for anyone that wants a good laugh, cry, or both at the same time! Auma's positive perspective throughout her life was amazing and a reminder to always see the cup half full.

We are born to this world with vast and limitless potential. The first few years are filled with delight, without the capacity to think ahead we simply feel the tremendous joy in all of lives "small gifts". Somewhere along the way we are accosted with life's trauma. It may start out with the realities of dysfunction within your family, or if you are lucky, your first trauma may be as "wonderful" as your first teen breakup. Of course, at the time we don't realize how truly splendid the feeling of that moment will become.
I thank "AUMA" for helping me relive so many of my own life's gifts, happy and sad. BECOMING AUMA is a delightful, well written book and I will never forget her or her story. As I read this book in record time.. 2 days..I felt the emotion come from the pages. When AUMA was thrilled - I was thrilled, when Auma had a tough decision to make - I worried right along with her, and when Auma faced the cancer which would ultimately change her perspective on life - I was dizzy with worry. As a woman, someone's best friend, and a proud mother of one of Auma's "Special kids", I was unable to put this book down. I could relate to AUMA and her words, and isn't that what a book is supposed to do?
Thank you AUMA for reminding me how precious every single moment is! And thank you Melinda for sharing you talent as an amazing author, your friendship and support, and for loving my child!
I highly recommend "BECOMING AUMA" and I am anxious to read the next book that you delight us with!!

I received your book in the mail yesterday and just finished reading it. It's an incredible read, helping me reminisce my own stages of life to this point. Balance is what we all need to find and reading your book reminds me of that. Auma and I have a lot in common with thoughts of things happen for us to learn from and it's all in God's hands. We need to have faith and with faith we will undoubtedly find our balance.

I'm proud to say you have been a part of my balance in your work with my son. Thank you.

Michelle :)
Becoming Auma: a novel inspired by true events

Becoming Auma brought back so many memories. It is wonderfully written and I am privileged to be one of the "Society of Sisters" and call Melinda my friend. -Noelle

Becoming Auma is a wonderful story that will touch your heart. You will laugh when Auma shares her crazy adventures and cry when Auma struggles with having cancer or is faced with sending her son to Iraq. Auma's message encourages the reader to believe in yourself no matter what obstacles come your way. She welcomes you into her circle of amazing friends while sharing the power that women's friendships can have as they help each other through every aspect of their life's experience. I hope that in my life, I too can share as many wonderful friendships as Auma has had. Her story has inspired my life and I thank her for helping me believe in myself.

I was pleased to receive Becoming Auma in just 6 days and began reading immediately. Even though I knew some of what was going to happen in the book (I am her mother's cousin) I still found it very absorbing , touching , and totally amazing. That so many young women could be friends, good friends, for so long is actually mind boggling! If only that were possible in this world of turmoil! I laughed and cried along with these young women whose lives were so intertwined. What a marvelous experience to share so much with so many.

The anecdotes Melinda Josiah Geaumont has captured in "Becoming Auma" reveal many of life's treasured and not-so-treasured moments. Her inspiring words show that even those not-so-treasured moments, when shared with friends, can become uplifting and powerful. Life is all about balance, and as Auma says "balance is the breath of contentment". Reading "Becoming Auma" will bring hours of contentment.

This is by far the best, most spirited, inspirational book I have ever read. It held my interest like no other book has. When I received the book I immediately read a few pages, anxious for evening to come so I could continue reading. I picked it up in the evening and read half way through, having a very hard time to put it down. The next evening I finished "Becoming Auma". This was a wonderful book, surely written by a great, courageous lady. I would say that everyone should read this wholesome, inspiring book. I have recently sent for more of these books to give as gifts to my friends.

I received my package from Amazon yesterday, started reaing "Becoming Auma" by Melinda Josiah Geaumont and couldn't put it down! This is a true story of the power of women friendships and the amazing need they fulfill in our lives. This book will make you laugh and make you cry as the author takes you through the trials and tribulations of her life & will also encourage your own self-reflection of priorities. As the author says there is never enough dancing in our lives, yet this group of amazing women find the time to dance through the despair and the blessings (metaphorically and literally, of course!). Searching for the balance in life is a juggling act for young mothers that carries us through all the stages of our lives and brings us full cycle as our children grow into adults and we face the aging stages of our parents. The poignant story is a must-read and a powerful affirmation of the spirit of women and friendships as the "Ya-Ya Sisterhood" was before. "Beming Auma" increases the circle to motivate women to press on despite adversity and to enjoy the ride along the way. As a first novel, this work is incredible and I'm sure there will be more to come from Melinda Josiah Geaumont!