written and illustrated by Norma Sawyers-Kurz ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 1, 2014
Spread too thin to achieve its goal.
Christian-based self-help for parents coping with the death of a child.
Sawyers-Kurz (50 Ways to Cope with the Loss of Your Child, 2009, etc.) speaks from experience when asserting that the loss of a child is the most “horrible ordeal a parent can suffer”: Her teenage daughter was killed in a motorcycle accident in 1982. In her introductory and closing chapters, Sawyers-Kurz relates the events of the tragedy and conveys the depth of her grief, even 32 years later, with sincerity and compassion. She also describes stumbling upon the religious writings of C.S. Lewis and, through his influence, accepting “Christ as my Lord and Savior” shortly after her daughter’s death. In the main chapters, Sawyers-Kurz shifts from personal narrative to matter-of-fact guidebook providing parents with “appropriate ways for coping with grief.” Drawing roughly (and not explicitly) on Kubler-Ross’ five stages of grief, Sawyers-Kurz offers advice on denial, emotional suffering, isolation, depression, panic, guilt, anger, physical aspects of grief and various forms of acceptance. This is vast terrain to cover in a 133-page book—perhaps too vast. The tone in these chapters tends to be formal, often stilted, and the advice leans toward being general: “A way to combat the melancholy nature of memories is to make a positive experience out of your recollections”; “Your health can be adversely affected if you neglect to have dental and physical check-ups when needed.” Sawyers-Kurz seems more at ease when discussing faith. Indeed, she concludes each chapter by reiterating the reprieve she found in God and suggesting that other parents might find the same. At times, these elements read as tangential, slipped in so as not to override nonreligious advice in the book or appear too preachy. But Christianity is clearly the author’s passion, and she raises, albeit briefly, important points about a possible crisis and renewal of faith following the death of a loved one. These glimpses into more weighty subject matter—as well as Sawyers-Kurz’s skill with memoir—suggest the book might work best as a personal exploration of faith and grieving.
Spread too thin to achieve its goal.Pub Date: July 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-0963003164
Page Count: 134
Publisher: Dogwood Publishing
Review Posted Online: Sept. 4, 2014
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
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by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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