Book Details:

Author: Rebecca Butt
Release Date: June 30, 2023
Series:
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 276 pages
Publisher: Bowker
Blurb:
Candid and poignant, humorous and heart-wrenching, in nomadic fashion, the directionless Butt Family chaotically relocated throughout the city of Laconia, New Hampshire, like a ship, adrift and lost at sea without a captain.
Encumbered by night terrors, hauntings, and scraps of memories that spoke to a cruelty beyond her mother, Becky sneakily devoured her way into young adulthood and developed a crippling, yet all too comforting, binge-eating disorder.
Morbidly obese, visited often by a seething presence, and drowning under the smothering symptoms of childhood trauma, Becky is sure she’s the defective link in her broken family-until her ghost relative provides her a life jacket of hope that may just keep her afloat.

Review

Rebecca Butt’s “Lipstick on a Pig” is one of those rare memoirs that grabbed me by the heart and refused to let go. It’s a story told with such raw honesty and sprinkles of humour that I found myself laughing one moment and reaching for tissues the next. The chaotic journey of the Butt family through Laconia, New Hampshire, is portrayed with such vividness that I felt like I was right there with them, navigating their turbulent life.

The core of this memoir is Becky’s own battle with a binge-eating disorder and the haunting shadows of her childhood. Reading about her struggles and the way she bared her soul was both heart-wrenching and inspiring. It’s not just the story of her challenges but also about finding small joys and laughter in the darkest of times. Becky’s journey from a confused, troubled child to a young woman grappling with her demons resonated deeply with me.

This book isn’t just a recounting of a difficult past; it’s a story of survival, of finding light in the darkness, and of the incredible strength of the human spirit. “Lipstick on a Pig” isn’t just a memoir; it’s a journey of pain, laughter, and, most importantly, hope.

You can also read this review on:

Book Details:

Author: Jack Lucci
Release Date: March 28, 2023
Series:
Genre: Memoir, Non-Fiction
Format: E-book 
Pages: 92 pages
Publisher: Koehler Books
Blurb:
The first installment of Jack Lucci’s living memoir, Loving & Leaving spans five years, touching on themes of gratefulness and regret and stories of love for people, places, narcotics, and the effort it takes to sustain that love. Far from stable and rather turbulent, Lucci chronicles his life as he oscillates between hero and anti-hero, sharing lessons learned in the Italian countryside, mistakes made in America’s Second City, the angst and constriction of southeastern Washington, and observations on the miserable Oregon coast. Whether you find yourself rooting for or against him, Loving & Leaving is the result of bleeding over the keyboard.

Review

Jack Lucci’s “Loving & Leaving” is a raw and candid reflection on a life lived at the extremes. This first installment of Lucci’s living memoir takes readers on a tumultuous journey through love, regret, and self-discovery. Lucci’s narrative is as captivating as it is unsettling, chronicling his experiences with unflinching honesty and a profound sense of introspection.

The memoir spans five eventful years of Lucci’s life, touching on themes that resonate deeply with the human experience. His stories of love – for people, places, and even narcotics – are told with a visceral intensity that draws the reader into his world. Lucci has a unique ability to capture the essence of his experiences, whether they’re set in the rustic Italian countryside, the bustling streets of Chicago, the oppressive atmosphere of southeastern Washington, or the bleakness of the Oregon coast.

What makes “Loving & Leaving” stand out is Lucci’s portrayal of himself as both the hero and anti-hero of his story. His journey is riddled with contradictions and conflicts, making him a complex and relatable character. The book is a rollercoaster of emotions, from moments of deep gratefulness to intense regret. Lucci’s writing style is engaging, his prose bleeding with emotion, making it feel as though every word is a piece of his soul laid bare on the page.

In essence, “Loving & Leaving” is not just a memoir; it’s an exploration of the human condition. Lucci’s ability to share his life lessons and mistakes in such a raw and honest manner is both brave and commendable. This book is a compelling read, sure to evoke a range of emotions in its readers. Whether you end up rooting for Lucci or not, one thing is certain – his story will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

You can also read this review on: