Reviews from

A Leaf on the Wind

Viewing comments for Chapter 54 "Dancing with the Devil"
Autobiography of abuse

14 total reviews 
Comment from medicnate
Excellent
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He killed your cat? That sucks.

This doctor seems even more understanding than the last one. I hope he has all the answers. We shall see. I read on.

~medicnate~

 Comment Written 13-Apr-2009


reply by the author on 13-Apr-2009
    Yes, he was very good and very helpful.
Comment from Seraphim Delphinium
Excellent
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The metaphor of the devil is an excellent one. This chapter brings further insights into Valerie's strength. The doctor's definition of suicide is a memorable one. Excellent writing, Smurph! Smiles, Seraph

 Comment Written 20-Mar-2009


reply by the author on 20-Mar-2009
    Thank you for your kind review. I am pleased you liked this chapter.
Comment from Cranial Thinker
Excellent
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This is a most wonderful detailed write,a medicine to your bones,even a help for me lifting me up showing me that I can and will get to that place were life will be just that in truthfulness a thing to truly enjoy.I've been seeing doctors for over 40 years now,lost my wife and step child because of my disorder many years ago and have been alone since.Your book
truly is helping me coop.Job well done.Cranial Thinker

 Comment Written 19-Mar-2009


reply by the author on 19-Mar-2009
    I am so pleased that you can relate to my book. I often get very upset at societies view of the mentally ill...ignorance breeds stupidity. I know many who have been through similar experiences and felt the need to speak out. There is not a person on the planet that does not suffer some form, whether or not it can be seen or not, of mental illness. It is human nature to be flawed. I am who I am, flaws, warts and all. Again, thank you for your kind words and sincere incouragement.
reply by Cranial Thinker on 19-Mar-2009
    You are very welcome.Cranial Thinker
reply by Cranial Thinker on 19-Mar-2009
    You are very welcomed.Cranial Thinker
Comment from laurelp
Excellent
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This was an intelligently written chapter. Somehow, more than any of the other chapters, I feel you coming through in this one. Before you were in a way an observer. This one you spoke from your soul. Beutifully done.

 Comment Written 19-Mar-2009


reply by the author on 19-Mar-2009
    Thank you for your kind review. Prior to this chapter, in many ways I felt less a participant in my life and more a victim. For obviousl reason, other than reliving the experiences,I have emotionally distanced my self from that portion of my life ehich is probaby why I sometimes appear to be an observer. I appreciate both your comments and opinons. Thank you for your continued interest.
Comment from jodeecee
Excellent
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I didn't find anything to correct! like you said in the prologue, your story does make me feel the rage, especially the denial, of your sisters and mother. also the brazen contempt of your father. Very engaging.

 Comment Written 18-Mar-2009


reply by the author on 18-Mar-2009
    Thank you for your kind review. I know this is a difficult book to read and I appreciate your continued interest.
Comment from adewpearl
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pretty dam quick should be damn
A suicide attempt is not surprising after everything Valerie has gone through - I agree with the doctor that is not the solution, but it is certainly understandable. I'm sure Valerie's temper that comes from the need to defend herself is because nobody else has ever stood up to the plate to defend her - she feels it is her against the world. The part about not being able to feel other people's love even when she knows it is there, like her children's is so sad and you describe it so well. This is another powerful chapter. Brooke

 Comment Written 18-Mar-2009


reply by the author on 18-Mar-2009
    Thank you so much for your kind review. I sincerely appreciate and value your opinion.
Comment from jojosug
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Wow, this is powerful stuff! You put into words feelings that others have, but will never ever be able to explain to either themselves or others. To acknowledge the not being able to feel love, is both brutally honest and brave. I used to wonder why my children loved me, what a thought! If I had six, I would give it to you for this chapter.

Jo

 Comment Written 18-Mar-2009


reply by the author on 18-Mar-2009
    Thank you so very much for you kind and enthusiastic review. I made myself a promise with I decided to write this book. I had to be completely honest, not just about the other characters but most importantly, about myself. I appreciate your high rating.
Comment from LexieMannix
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Hi Smurfgirl. I braved reading this chapter because it always disappoints me not to read and comment on your work, due to the subject matter; very hard for me. I'm glad I did. You have a wonderfully clear way of conveying your story, and I admire you immensely. I relate very strongly to this chapter--the cause and effect of lack of love, and how long it can impact our lives. Not one person told me they loved me until I was twenty years old. By that stage, I felt completely unworthy, and had great difficulty expressing love to others....I'd never been shown how. Such barrenness of an important emotion leads to a disconnection we cannot control without help; though it's hard to explain, and even harder for others to comprehend. I learned how to love through my children, they were my saving grace. I relate to every single word you have written here, and that doctor sounds as though he was a 'miracle' for you. I wish I had met someone like him. I found his statement "Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem" very profound. Turning point material. A wonderful chapter, Smurfgirl, and I'm so glad I read it. All the best. Cheers lovely lady :)

Lexie






 Comment Written 18-Mar-2009


reply by the author on 18-Mar-2009
    Reading your review brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so very much for your kind words. And, yes, my doctor was a miracle....Thank you for taking the time to share this with me.
reply by LexieMannix on 18-Mar-2009
    Shared tears halve problems :)
Comment from chaswriter
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Smurhgirl - Again, you write a very strong character with good dialogue and tell a horrific tale of mental problems and struggles. And I found very little spag problems. Well done.

One comment:
"Yes, I would be very angry(,) but your temper has gotten you in trouble before(,) hasn't it?"

Charlie

 Comment Written 18-Mar-2009


reply by the author on 18-Mar-2009
    Thank you for your very kind words. I sincerely appreciate you pointing out my all too many spags....I seem to miss them no matter how hard I try. Again, thank you very much.
Comment from Firefly54
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Another excellent chapter! There is some very minor SPAG I found, which is below.

"That IS I am who I am." I think you might have a word wrong here.

"be free,but I was wrong" space needed after comma.

"I don't giv a shit" e on give, and space to delete after a.

"if we hadn'twere not related, I" Space to add after hadn't, and one to delete after comma.

The two paragraphs below should be one.
"Dr. L. leaned forward and took my hand. "Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem," he said dramatically.

"Valerie, this may be your last chance. The next time you try to kill yourself you will probably succeed."

 Comment Written 18-Mar-2009


reply by the author on 18-Mar-2009
    Thank you so very much for your kind words and sincerely appreciated help. I value your opinion.