Reflections from Women
Reflections from Women
For more information about the books go to:
Publisher website: www.sugatipublications.com
tsnelson
What people are saying about "When One Door Closes"
Some of the comments from our readers and reviewers...
- "The first sentence of each of these essays is a jewel. How can you not be hooked with opening lines such as, "I got the call on a Friday afternoon from a Washington D.C. detective, telling me in a very gentle way that David's body had been found;" "When you get married at 46, you can wear whatever you want;" "Once you've been a mom to six children, there's not a whole lot else;" “I think I have developed feelings for another man;" "A monster is living inside of me;" "She recognized him at once and stilled, mid-sentence, to consider this stranger who exuded a glow of inevitability;" or "By the time news came that Mom had died, she had been dead for years"?Share with good friends and the women you love!"
--Monte Penney (Fireplace) from Amazon.com
- “This book is incredibly inspiring and I have never read anything like it... I see "When One Door Closes" as a platform for women to empower themselves by taking ownership of their voice and their experiences. There are many voices in this book and while I personally have not been in a relationship with a transsexual, gone through a divorce, faced difficult decisions during pregnancy or had to escape from a seriously abusive relationship (although my boyfriend in high school was pretty psycho) I do not feel so disconnected from these women. They make me think about and further appreciate the women in my life."
–Maggie Bertke
“I found "When One Door Closes" powerful. I think it should be required reading for all men. The complexity and depth of the experiences, emotions and wisdom captured in these essays is amazing.”
–Greg Flannery, Editor, Street Vibes
"An inspirational collection of women's stories. What a fabulous collection of stories highlighting the diverse voices and experiences of women. I received this book from a friend in the mail, opened the book and was instantly engaged and inspired. I laughed, I cried, I marveled at the writing talents of the authors and I appreciated the wide range of women's voices and the stories told. I also immediately began thinking, "Who could I give this book to as a gift?" When One Door Closes is supportive of women in so many ways - but it is also a collection of stories of the ways that life shapes who we are and who we become - and as such causes us to think about our own life stories and those experiences that have shaped us - and how to make sense of our own lives and turning points. I loved it and would highly recommend it to both women and men. "
–Deborah, Mt. Vernon, WA
Overall the book is an emotional roller coaster that gives great insight into what it means to be a woman both now and in recent history. Stories like this can tug at our hearts (and they certainly do), but more importantly, they can provide insight into our own lives. By learning from and identifying with these women's stories we are able to better understand similar experiences we've had, as well as our reactions to them. This must-read collection of women's stories... "
--Josh, Washington DC
"All of the stories got me to do two things…the first was while reading it I joined in and felt what the writer was expressing or telling. Some I laughed out loud while reading and others had me close to tears. It also got me to think afterwards. Some of these stories I would chew on for days. I cannot wait to read the others in the series!"
"I literally could not put the book down. It was that good."
-Debbie, Ohio
Feedback on specific essays
The Teen Years: I laughed myself silly. What a great visual this writer offered. I also really appreciated the inner dialog about what the parent wanted to do vs. what course of action they actually chose. Great parenting lesson and a good lesson for everyone to be reminded of.
Paula: Absolutely amazing! You are incredible and your story about your mom and your step mom brought me to tears...Thank you for sharing this very personal story with us and for helping others to understand more about mental illness and the power love.
Black Rock: Wow. Just WOW! It beautifully covers the incident and the writer’s reaction then and now. Also really liked how she tied in her own mother and daughter. So much in so few pages.
Misery Optional: I can tell from the essay that the author is at peace with her faith now and that it is a guiding light for her. Great essay about faith transformed and affirmed.
I'm Here: This writer could make anyone feel the emotions that were swirling through her during these events. I thought how she described the process of someone dying juxtaposed to her internal thoughts was great. What a wonderful understanding of grief and loss.
A New Challenge: To the author: This is such a wonderful story of you and your family's commitment to find a better life. It must have been a very difficult journey to leave your family and friends from your home country. Thank you for sharing your story of courage in coming to America.
Decision Point: Really well written. It’s so rare in life that we can pinpoint a moment that changed us. I love that this writer could and still thinks about it and recognizes the importance of someone else’s influence.
Letter to My Mother: Great visuals. I just loved how her garden mirrored her life lessons. This writer captured how she had to let go of her mother’s views and beliefs (her meticulous garden representing this hyper order view), take time off to find herself (as she let the garden go wild) and then came to understand it’s the wildness of the garden itself that is so amazing and so is she.
Extra Baggage: So many women will identify with her story as I did in my own life. I saw me in this story. The author did a great job describing how truly difficult it is for women to juggle so many roles as spouse, mother, head of household, student, employee and so much more. More importantly, was the recognition about how important it is not to lose yourself in all of these roles!
Oops! It made me laugh. Also an excellent counterpoint to the other stories.
Biology: Loved it! Laughed out loud until the end when I felt the emotional pitter patter in my own heart. Sweet story.
Class Questions: Unexpected, but a beautiful story of love and acceptance. I'm glad it was included in this book to offer another perspective about love and relationships.
David and Mom: Any mother could relate to this story. My heart ached for this mom and for her son.
Transformation: A tragic experience turned into a life transformed. What an insightful and loving story about addiction and recovery. This should be required reading for anyone in alcohol treatment or for their loved ones.
See more comments (and excerpts from the authors' works) on our blog!
From the Authors
This book will help many women. Vicki T.
Such genuine and powerful stories. Linda T.
Just reading the forward brought tears to my eyes. If my story can contribute in any way to a reader who is struggling with communication with her beloved teen then in my own small way, I feel like I am fulfilling my soul's purpose in being of service to making a contribution to mothers on the planet. Mary S.
What a joy - it is beautiful and the forward that you wrote--very touching and inspirational. It means a lot to be a part of this extraordinary project. Kelli T.
The stories are all so heartfelt. I am already half way through...cannot put it down!! Amazing women, amazing stories.... What a wonderful experience I will always cherish. Tamara B.
It is even lovelier than I thought that it would be. What a thrill! Mary Martha C.
This is so very exciting and I am happy to have a small part in this journey. Sandra W.
You exceeded my expectations - this book will become dog-eared from reading over and over again. There is a story for every mood. What a wonderful experience. Lana S.
There was such comfort in knowing that all of these women banded together to share their stories (most of which were probably incredibly tough to share) and those stories will give hope and comfort to many for a very long time. Cara E.
Reading it (my story) today, I am a spectator rather than a victim. I truly believe that this experience played a part in getting me to this better place.
The book is so good. I can't thank you enough. Janice M.
I read Alice Coggin Bailey's story, literally with tears streaming down my face, and felt if I was in that room with her. I'm sure her story was very difficult to share but she wrote and extraordinary piece.
Just got my books and I am THRILLED!!!!!!!!!!! This has been a remarkable journey! Nancy S.
I am so in awe that these great writers are saying such kind things about my essay. This book means more to me than I can ever tell you. Thank you for giving me this incredible opportunity. Alice B.
What an incredible feeling to hold this beautiful book in my hands for the first time!! YOU have done an amazing job putting this book together. I can imagine the heartfelt connections that will happen as women from around the globe read and see themselves in these stories.
Thank you for navigating this project with such integrity. Holding the rich container of women revealing their humanity was done with respect, sensitivity and care.
I will soon be ordering at least one more copy of this gorgeous keepsake for my mother. I just have to tell you again what a wonderful job you have done with this book. Everything is just perfect: The selections you and your committee chose for the book, the artwork, the beautiful, beautiful cover, the text fonts, the ongoing publicity and blog, the frequent and ongoing communication with the authors, the speed with which you shipped copies to the authors... absolutely EVERYTHING is perfect, beautiful and brilliant. Maryellen G
Thanks for including me in what I know is going to be a great source of inspiration for women worldwide! Clara F
I shared the book with a couple co-workers, they cried.......They said they didn't know how much I've been through.
The stories are wonderful and the feedback from my friends and family is a double wonderful. I picked up another book the other day--a collection of essays edited by Katherine Ross of Victoria magazine. It made me realize how timely our book is...how women need and search for community, either in person or through the written word. Thanks again for the opportunity to share a part of my story with others. Tamara B.
A special thank you to all of our authors. When One Door Closes is the treasure that it is because of their contributions!
Copyright 2008-2012. All rights reserved.
For more information, go to the contact us page. Thank you!
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Reflections from Women
For more information about the books go to:
Publisher website: www.sugatipublications.com
tsnelson
