The Reading Bud

Book Blog by Heena Rathore-Pardeshi

Book Review: Not Nicholson: The Story of a First Daughter, An Adoption Search and Reunion Memoir by Ann M. Haralambie 

Book Details:

Author: Ann M. Haralambie 
Release Date: July 28, 2023
Series:
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 364 pages
Publisher:
Blurb:
This is a story about family, adoption, heritage, and identity. It is also about place and people. Haralambie invites you to accompany her on her search for her biological roots, the hurdles and misdirections, and what happens when she finally finds out who her biological family members are. Every adoption search and reunion are different. The results, and how each adoptee deals with them, are also different. But everyone who has been touched by adoption—whether directly or through friends, professional clients, or patients—can learn from others’ experiences. Haralambie’s journey will intrigue readers and may make them laugh and cry. It will surely get them thinking about their own identity and heritage. Her message for readers is to approach the quest with kindness and understanding.

Review

Rating: 4 out of 5.

In “Not Nicholson,” Ann M. Haralambie crafts a poignant and deeply personal narrative about her quest to uncover her biological roots. The memoir is more than just an adoption story; it’s a profound exploration of identity, heritage, and the intricate bonds of family. Haralambie’s heartfelt recounting of her journey, filled with its challenges and revelations, is both riveting and emotionally charged.

What stands out in Haralambie’s memoir is her genuine and raw portrayal of the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany such a profound personal quest. Her experiences, ranging from moments of elation to heart-wrenching obstacles, provide a candid look into the complexities of adoption searches. This journey, while unique to Haralambie, serves as a beacon of understanding for anyone touched by adoption.

As readers navigate through Haralambie’s experiences, they’re prompted to reflect on their own sense of identity and heritage. The narrative, while evoking a spectrum of emotions, consistently carries a message of kindness and empathy. “Not Nicholson” is not just a memoir but a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for self-understanding. It’s a deeply moving read, one that resonates long after the final page is turned.


You can also read this review on:

Goodreads


Amazon


I love reading your comments, so please go ahead…

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

I’m Heena

Welcome to The Reading Bud, my cosy corner of the internet dedicated to all things books and authors. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of discovering under-represented books, independent and small press authors, and all things book with a touch of love and loud purrs. Let’s get Reading!

October 2023
M T W T F S S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  

Reading is like breathing to me.

Recent Posts

  • Author Spotlight: Tom Lysaght 

    Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring author Tom Lysaght for his latest release, THE FATIMA FILE: The Case of the Missing Millennium. About The Author Tom Lysaght Raised Irish-Catholic in Brooklyn, Harvard graduate…

  • Book Review: KOSTYA: Inspired by a True Story by Scott Zimmerman

    Book Details: Author: Scott Zimmerman Release Date: 20 April 2026Series: Genre: Historical Fiction, ThrillerFormat: E-book Pages: 371 pagesPublisher: Kostya PublishingBlurb:He survived genocide. Nazis. Stalin. Now he’s being hunted.Kostya is a Ukrainian boy who endures brutal Nazi forced labor, Allied…

  • Book Review: Extropia by Jae Darcy

    Book Details: Author: Jae Darcy Release Date: 1 May 2026Series: Genre: Young-Adult, Science-Fiction, Dystopia, CyberpunkFormat: E-book Pages: 407 pagesPublisher: Pomegranate Seed PressBlurb:In 2164, reality is something you can buy. The wealthy live online in a gleaming virtual world wired…

  • Book Review: At Least I’m Trying by Tara Hodgson

    Book Details: Author: Tara HodgsonRelease Date: 15 October 2025Series: Genre: Young-Adult, Psychological ThrillerFormat: E-book Pages: 366 pagesPublisher: http://www.tarahodgson.caBlurb:When the volleyball hits the floor mere inches from Reese’s hands, her dreams of playingcollege ball shatter.After consecutive failures on the…

  • Book Spotlight: KOSTYA by Scott Zimmerman

    Welcome to the TRB Lounge. Today, we are featuring Scott Zimmerman for their latest release, KOSTYA. Book: KOSTYA: Inspired by a True StoryAuthor: Scott ZimmermanPublication Date: 20 April 2026Publisher: Kostya PublishingPages: 371Genre: Historical Fiction/ThrillerAvailable Formats: ebook, paperback,…