Reviews from

Shaking the Family Tree

Viewing comments for Chapter 5 "Navigating recovery"
Excerpts from addition to recovery.

22 total reviews 
Comment from Dawn Munro
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I'm just dropping in on your book, but I don't think it really matters, because your story is being told so flawlessly, it seems effortless (which I am confident is completely wrong - it must not be at all easy to write). I don't even feel the need to specify why I say that because it's obvious you have all the talent and skill necessary, my friend.

Well done indeed!

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2018


reply by the author on 27-Apr-2018
    Thanks, Dawn. From beginning to publication it took almost 2 years. Was a difficult write. Did it anonymously. Had to obtain all kind of disclaimers from 12 step groups. Thought it was a timely issue and hope it may help some folks.
reply by Dawn Munro on 28-Apr-2018
    I'm sure it will be a huge help/inspiring.
Comment from Harry Smith
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I really like the picture and I really enjoyed the read of this short story that is just full of both imagery and emotions. The reader enjoy reading this author's work

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2018


reply by the author on 27-Apr-2018
    Thanks for following, Harry. About half way there
Comment from karenina
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

It is such a journey to sobriety....andcas many paths ad there are addictions!==looks like the Lone Ranger and Tonto (love that) --teamed up to find their way. Sara was your human GPS!

Karenina

 Comment Written 27-Apr-2018


reply by the author on 27-Apr-2018
    Thank you for reviewing amd following.
reply by karenina on 27-Apr-2018
    welcome.......................
reply by karenina on 27-Apr-2018
    welcome.............................................
Comment from MelB
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Another fantastically written chapter. My family was very critical too. It seems those who have been through abuse have a problem with authority figures.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2018


reply by the author on 27-Apr-2018
    Boy you"ve got that right. someone was always trying to control not only what I did but how I was suppose to think.
Comment from Joan E.
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I again admired your courage to write about this very personal journey. Your "carefully constructed wall" metaphor is very effective. Your rhymed and rhythmic quatrains are compelling and filled with emotion, alliteration plus "flower" and "onion" similes. I am pleased you completed your "tapestry of recovery". Many kudos- Joan

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2018


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2018
    Thanks, Joan for the wonderful words snd the bonus star. I have been focusing on memoir and flash fiction for a change.
Comment from Artasylum
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I am so familiar with everything you've written here... Alcoholism has surrounded me with mates I'm chosen, My father... it was rampant. I identified with this whole piece. thanks for the memories... I forgot to say that that all change when I married my second husband and it is refreshing. yours, diana

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2018


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2018
    Thanks for following. Folks raised with alcohol seem to share many of the same issues.
Comment from Thomas Bowling
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Your character is one of the lucky ones. Along with the twelve steps, they should teach the four steps of failure. I have known some people who were court ordered into treatment. That kind of treatment never works.

At first, the person believes everyone is there to help them and they recite the party line. They believe it's possible to change.

Then, they develop an us against them mentality. They think the councilors are there to punish them.

Next, they see others dropping out and meet people that are there for the third or fourth time.

Finally, they quit the program and wind up worse than they were.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2018


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2018
    Sometimes, you can only plant the seed and hope they return. Its always been my belief that they never stay long enough to get the rewards plus they dont understand that sobriety doesn't happen overnlght. Thanks for the great review and the bonus star.
Comment from Miriam Collins
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Wow wonderful chapter! You have been blessed with an amazing gift of writing. Your words come seamlessly together in a very satisfying way. This line referring to the addiction, "...it was something I needed to determine for myself" is very relatable. People who have addictive habits or qualities will fully relate to this feeling. Sometimes we wait to hit rock bottom before we change, and changing habits before rock bottom comes is something I need to teach myself. You are very honest and real with your audience, and I think that is also key for making a connection with your readers. I also loved the way you said, "allowed me to navigate", this is a very compelling statement, as sometimes in order to find our way we need direction. It is also an amazing blessing God sent you to have a "28 year long" friendship with someone so encouraging. I also loved how you put, " I was in awe of the fact that this kind, gentle, and respected woman could be an alcoholic", I think this also was a huge blessing for you to be sponsored by such a kind spirit since you had trouble trusting women and their motives. Coming from a family of alcoholics, your story is very inspiring and I would love to read your memoir!

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2018


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2018
    Thank you for the outstanding review. The book can be ordered at most book stores, Amazon. Or your library.
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

A very well-written story. When we are taken out of our normal routine and our habits seems to be broken our first reaction is to protest, but as soon as we see the benefits of getting rid of the bad things we start to accept the new routine.

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2018


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2018
    Thank you for following and reviewing.
Comment from Roxanna Andrews
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Another really well written chapter in your life and recovery. You are an excellent writer and so good at getting what you want to say across and making it very understandable as well as making yourself an open book as to your life. I am so glad you are writing this as I know others on hear need to hear it to help them. I just read a poem by a man who knew he had to get help for his alcohol addiction. So many on here really struggle day to day with so many things. This is a very different group then when I first started, so many have such huge struggles. They must make people great writers. I am glad you do this for so many who need to hear it. The Lord bless you. Rox

 Comment Written 26-Apr-2018


reply by the author on 26-Apr-2018
    Thank you so much for the awesome review and the bonus star. My purpose for writing this book was for that exact reason, hoping to help those who may question this insidious disease. It wa published last year.