Customer Reviews

The Story That Must Be Told: True Tales of Transformation, Vol. I

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

 

 

I read this book in one afternoon. I could not put it down. each story was more moving than the last. The people were well developed so that you really care about what happens to them and that they have transformed. Each persons story is only a few pages long so I picked up the book expecting to read a story each day. Instead, I READ THE WHOLE THING! When I wandered out of my bedroom it had grown dark and I had missed dinner. But it was worth it. I didn't necessarily like each of the characters but I liked that that had mad a change for the better. After reading this book I felt a renewed belief in the truth that we each have the chance to change our circumstances no matter how unlikely it may seem. I would recommend this book. definitely a FAB choice for reading as the seasons change.
I did receive this book free of charge in order to review it, but I received no further compensation.

The stories in this book allow the reader to develop "real" relationships with the authors during their times of life transformation. Each story builds a foundation that you can relate your own life experience to. You will gain encouragement as well as mental strength for your own life journey while reading these short stories.

Reviewed by Lori Plach for Reader Views (7/07)


Are you looking for some true stories rather than all imaginary stories? Do you need some inspiration in finding out that you aren't the only one who has, or is experiencing, whatever situation you are in? It is possible to face impossible odds and come out better than when you went in. "The Story That Must Be Told: True Tales of Transformation" will give you the help you need.

"The Story That Must Be Told" is a collection of short stories dealing with a wide variety of issues. There are numerous stories on the power of forgiveness, taking personal responsibility, dealing with addictions, learning to love one self and understanding our parents. There are also chapters on listening to another culture, and overcoming disability. Depending on your circumstance, you are bound to find one of these 21 stories to apply to your particular life-change event.

This book would make excellent reading for anyone interested in psychology, as well as anyone dealing with any life-changing events. I found most of these stories inspiring, and see just what some people have endured and triumphed over. "A Snowflake" would be the one story that applied to me the most, as my maternal grandmother had the beginning stages of Alzheimer's when she died in 2004. This is a wonderful book and I look forward to more volumes like this one. Read "The Story Must Be Told" because it just may inspire you, or give you a chance to help someone else with their own.

Book received free of charge.

On the back cover of this book the authors pose these questions:

Are you...
haunted by a past event?
hoping to make a brand new start?
unhappy with how your life turned out?
searching for the secret to full self-esteem?
blocked by unfinished business you can't resolve?
wanting to explore or renew your relationship with God?

Since I answered yes to a few of them, I cracked open the book and started reading. Usually when I read books, I am looking for pure entertainment. I have a hard time reading a book that is too close to home emotionally or drones on and on about trials and tribulations of others. I honestly have enough trials and tribulations in my life so normally those types of books turn me off. So that being said, I loved this book. Yes, True Tales of Transformation has trials and tribulations, but you feel like you know and connect with these people. They are telling their stories not for sympathy, but for enlightenment. It's a book about hope and faith. The authors of each story are from a wide variety of faith and beliefs. I think this is what resonated the most with me. This book is about people. Each person tells a story of how they coped uniquely with the obstacle that was given to them or they created for themselves. Some drew on their faith in God, others turned to their own brand of faith, like shamanism, yoga or a near death experience.

A story that I was really engrossed in was Chapter 2 - Listen To Another Culture: A Call From Africa by Jari Holland Buck. This story follows a Midwest woman's journey to finding the soul of her newly bought property and how her trip to Africa brought peace to herself, a new spiritual awakening and calm to the former inhabitants of her land. It's a very moving story and I found it to be a good lesson for those who struggle with acceptance of other cultures.

Chapter 1 - New Beginnings: Lessons From The Wisdom Within by Peggy M. Fisher is a reminder that we all control our own destinies and that in life we cannot allow other people to make choices for us or be responsible for our happiness. The author found peace in the Eastern practices of meditation and yoga. It helped her over come her down spiraling life and her battle with depression. It is a fantastic story to read because the author's honesty is very refreshing and her determination is inspiring.

One more story I would like to highlight (and that's it, because I don't want to spoil the book) is in Chapter 3- Understanding Our Parents: Closure by Michele VanOrt Cozzens. After losing my grandfather to cancer a few years ago, I can empathize with the heartache of watching a once strong robust person succumb to illness or age. The author finds a comfort in a very simple thing that helps her find closure. This story hit close to home in a very similar way to how I moved past my grandfather's death.

As I said before this book is a great read and if you are looking for some answers to a difficult obstacle in your life, you may find some in this book.

"What one person achieves creates new possibilities for everyone in what it is to be human."

In full disclosure I received this book free of charge to review, but it is well worth it's money. Doesn't change my opinion of the book.