Customer Reviews

This Ain't Shakespeare...But It Sure Is Real: A Collection of Memories

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4 star:		(3)
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I've read a lot of nonfiction 'poetry/memoir' books and most make me want to gag, but Debra's book made me smile and nod my head in agreement. So many of the subjects she writes about are so real that more than likely we've all gone through them. She really knows how to get to the heart of things and make it all real again. I look forward to reading her next novel. If it's as good as this one, I'll be shelling out the bucks for it!

Denise Sawtell, author

Reading this book was like reading about a friend. It was so real. This Ain't Shakespeare..., absolutely captures the essence of the everyday woman. A juggling act of real life events. Debra Conklin has included stories from her childhood as well as her adult life. She has written how a washing machine can turn our day upside down by simply not working right to lost love and how to move on from it. There are uplifting words about her children, her family and nature. Her writing lets us visualize the beauty of a sunrise and how a flower garden, that finally blooms, can make the day seem just a little brighter. Debra knows about real life and describes it with finesse and wit. This book took my emotions on a roller coaster ride and I loved every minute of it. Ms. Conklin is a astute and observant writer and here's hoping we see more from this new talent.

Debra Conklin is a self-employed mother of three from Maine who has felt more than her share of the pains of youth and growing older. In "This Ain't Shakespeare," her first collection of poems and essays, Conklin shares her memories of younger days and shows her readers how to turn life into a continued learning experience.

Debra Conklin has included items in this collection to which any reader may relate during their life's experiences. Along with stories about child rearing and love of family, she takes an introspective look back at learning some of the wrong things from her father, and explains how she copes with the loss of a brother. She also relates humorous tales about her ongoing battle with an old washing machine, and reflects upon the excitement of not being as fat as she expected.

Then Conklin's strong imagery and perspective take readers right along with her as she paints beautiful pictures of life's often overlooked simple pleasures, like a walk through the woods and the dawning of a new day.

This collection is thoughtful, inspirational, and often amusing, and it is a credit to anyone who, like the author, maintains an undying drive to succeed. You really want to buy this book. It may not be Shakespeare, but this volume is an extremely worthwhile addition to anyone's bookshelf by a truly gifted new artist.

Debbie's book is full of real life adventure, laughter, tears. It would be wonderful if all women could read it and unbelievable if all men would read it and absorb some of what a woman's life is really like. Thanks Deb for your honesty!!!

This memoir so was inspirational to me....

You constantly found yourself saying....oh yeah, that's me!

It is an eclectic combination of poems, thoughts and short stories on family, friends, motherhood and more.

We all have these stories in us....we can all relate.

This is a must have in every woman's library to share with your mother, your sister, your friends and someday your daughters.

I look forward to future writings from the author...Debra Conklin.

I recently received my copy of this book and I could relate to many of the stories. By sharing her memories with us, the common bond of recognition is developed. Debra has written a thoughtful and revealing book that easily touches all of us.

Susan M. Burns, a home healthcare provider, January 20, 2005,

I read and finished this book the same day I recieved it and it was awesome! It really makes you sit back and think about where you are in life and the meaning of everything you've learned. Once you read this it will truly make you love life, never take a sunrise for granted or your baby's first steps, in the blink of an eye, it will dissapear never to re-appear again. The losses and gains in life and love are overwhelming at times, but this book helps put things in better perspective.