Depression Books

"Stepping Out of the Bubble : Reflections On the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy by James P. Krehbiel is an amazing and outstanding book that provides help and direction to the many people that are suffering from problems described in this book.

I was amazed at how many of the problems and challenges, that the author writes about, are problems and challenges I have seen many people suffer with.

The counseling theory and practice information in this book provides a direction for people that have a problem and are willing to go to counseling and risk moving forward in their journey toward finding personal growth and development, and eventually stepping out of the bubble.

Many people have problems and challenges that they never seek help for and they and their loved ones continue to suffer. This book goes a long way in bringing the thought of counseling to people and helping people to better understand the counseling process.

To author James P. Krehbiel thank you for writing your great book. I am convinced your book will help many people and because of your book many more people will step out of the bubble. I recommend this book very highly and also feel it would be a great college text.

After reading Stepping Out of the Bubble a year ago, I went back and read it again for a second time. I was able to pick up even more information this time around that helped me understand and overcome some of my own internal conflicts. This is a book you can read at any point in your life and always find information that pertains to that particular moment. Krehbiel has a way of explaining things that others may consider unexplainable. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or just a guy like me, this book can and will change your life.

For me, "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" was reminiscent of the renowned books of author, M. Scott Peck, in the style of presenting profound insights into sensible, easy-to-understand language and clear ideas an average person can relate to. Practicing Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist and author of "Stepping Out Of The Bubble", James Krehbiel proficiently shares a portion of his expertise, condensing great weight into accessible and workable solutions for a more fulfilling life's plan.

The "bubble" represents our security and comfort zone, but it is also the inner place where we store the pain of our past experiences and the unpleasant reality of that not being made conscious which keeps us bound in unhealthy and self-defeating patterns. Staying within this bubble limits our emotional responsiveness as we numb ourselves to the coexistence even as unresolved issues unconsciously filter forth. To step outside of the bubble is to courageously examine the contents in all honesty and to face life's reality outside of the bubble. Once outside the bubble, one can move forward to experience life in more emotional depth, fullness and passion. "Being a fully functioning individual is about being true to whom you are and letting things be the way they are," explains author, James Krehbiel.

With brilliant and compassionate understanding, Mr. Krehbiel briefly details methods used and pertinent case examples within his therapy practice. "Self-regulation is a goal of therapy. I educate people in the fact that all the answers are ultimately within." "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" strives to do the same, by giving information on how we become trapped in the bubble and how beneficial the making of conscious choices to leave, can be.

Some of the many topics included within this book are: being assertive, characteristics of an "authentic" person, the integration of each of our different personality parts, the difference between true guilt and false guilt, setting boundaries, addictions and addictions to "manic" relationships, awareness (staying in the moment or mindfulness), grounding, honoring one's inner voice, panic attacks, OCD and mood disorders. The section regarding kids and parenting was exceptional, in my opinion, and I found many points about discipline that made much sense. Also appreciated was the section relating to religion (dogma) versus faith (spiritual) as well as what needed to be said about pop culture.

I enjoyed reading "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" and would recommend it to anyone. It is enriching and inspirational.

James P. Krehbiel's Stepping Out of the Bubble was a fascinating read. I found myself underlining various passages. His explanation of how we get stuck in the bubble (comfort zone), and how we find our way out is powerful. It provided me with hope as I move through my own personal journey. I found myself experiencing an emotional reaction to many of the case examples and concepts he explored. He definitely hit some "hot buttons" in my life. But Mr. Krehbiel also provided specific guidelines and tools for stepping out of the bubble. At one point he says, "Courage can be defined by those who live outside the bubble as opposed to those who live in it. I like to compare stepping out of the bubble to wading into the water."

His chapter which includes ideas on multidimensional thinking is appropriate in today's political climate. He indicates that true dialogue takes into consideration the appreciation for differences in opinions. He makes some profound statements about pop culture's affect on the lives of today's children. He also gives parents tools and resources for assisting their children in bettering their behavior. The book ends with a resounding "yes" to life with a hopeful, powerful way of perceiving and reframing life's problems. This was an excellent book!

Stepping Out Of The Bubble by James P. Krehbiel, Is an outstanding book on Counseling Therapy. Krehbiel, is able to put life patterns and fears into perspective so that the lay person can fully understand the mystery that most think is behind counseling. His approach to show that so much of what we seek answers for is within ourselves and with the right counsellor we can become free and step out of the Bubble or Bubbles that a lot of us are in.

This book should be a gift to every teen and their parents, no home should be without it.

Tallulah's life has never been prefect. Her dad leaves her family. Her best friend Maeve disappears, plus her mom has never loved her (at least that's what she thinks.) When Tallulah sets off to find her best friend in Florida she gets stranded in the middle of nowhere with only a suitcase and half dead dog. She is about to give up when someone comes into her life and changes her forever.
Tallulah Falls is one of those books you don't want to put down. It's a book that is full of friendship, love, heartbreak, and fun all put together. I really loved this book because the author makes the characters so easy to relate to! I felt like I was there with Tallulah when she was dealing with the struggles of everyday life. It was so good sometimes I would even forget I was at home reading the book.
I think everyone should read this book. There is so much you can learn just by reading and seeing what other people go trough. But I would especially recommend Tallulah Falls to people who know the value of friendship. Also to anyone who knows how to enjoy a great book!

-Heather E.

Great first novel from a wonderful writer! An excellent choice for mid- to older teenage girls who enjoy books with animals and veterinarians in them, but also want a novel that contains some relevance to some of the issues they may be experiencing (boyfriends, parent issues, bipolar friends...). Very accurate representation of rural veterinary practice also!

"Tallulah Falls" is the story of Tallulah Addy and her spur of the moment trip cross country to help her friend Maeve, whom she knows is in terrible trouble. Tallulah first meets Maeve at a motorcycle convention and is immediately drawn to the charasmatic, free spirited girl. Maeve confides in Tallulah that she is bipolar, and that she has plans to change the world, which she dutifully records in her private notebooks.

One day Maeve just up and disappears and a few days later Tallulah receives an email from her stating that she needs her help. She says she's in Orlando and needs Tallulah to bring her notebooks. No questions asked, Tallulah leaves her home in Oregon and sets out to save her friend.

Tallulah encounters a lot of difficulty that she didn't anticipate. For starters, the guy she was travelling with just up and stranded her in the middle of nowhere, but not before he took all her money from her. Homeless, vehicless, and broke, Tallulah is forced to take a job as a vet tech, in which she not only learns a lot about vetinary science, but about human nature, and most importantly, about herself.

The story is sad, uplifting, real and raw. It's geared for young adults, eighth grade and up, and the feelings that Tallulah struggles with are ones that most young women will find themselves relating to.

Tallulah Falls is a story of Tallulah Addy and her friend Maeve and the touching story of finding out who you are. Tallulah is left behind when Maeve takes off for Florida, but soon gets a message of urgency from her friend wanting her to bring her notebooks. Tallulah being the friend she is she immediately sets out to fine Maeve. Tallulah asks Derek to drive her and everything begins to fall apart, he leaves her with her bag which thankfully still holds the notebooks she is delivering to Maeve. She is broke and left on the side of the road, she is arrested and tries calling Maeve who is not answering.

The local veterinarian's office is her link to help, she has a job at the clinic, she is staying with Ruth the receptionist and has found a romantic spark with Kyle who also works there; all of this coming from her bringing an injured dog in.

Tallulah Falls is beautifully written and I can find no faults with this wonderful story. The story is engaging, entertaining, and a true spectacular read.

I absolutely have fallen in love with this story, and have added a great new author to my favorite's list, I look forward to many more by Christine Fletcher. It has been a honor and a delight reading and reviewing such an excellent story, thank you Christine and please keep them coming.

Perennial screw-up Tallulah might not be the well-behaved little daughter that her mom would like her to be, but nobody can say that she isn't a loyal friend. When she receives a cry for help from her bi-polar best friend Maeve, Tallulah immediately leaves behind her family in Portland and takes off across the country to save her. But on her way to Florida, Tallulah finds herself needing some saving. She's stuck in some small town in Tennessee all because her ex-boyfriend robbed her and just up and left in the middle of their road trip.

Tallulah is wandering aimlessly down the highway, wondering how in the world she is supposed to find her way to Florida. When she stumbles upon a dying dog under a highway underpass, she feels compelled to save it, if only because that's what Maeve would want her to do. After bringing the poor dog to the local vet and begging Dr. Poteet to save the dog, Tallulah somehow ends up with a job assisting the vet.

Tallulah knows nothing about animals, but she's a quick learner and manages to earn her keep at the veterinary office. At the same time, she can't wait for Maeve to come and rescue her. In between phone calls to Florida and saving horses and human babies, Tallulah realizes that she's beginning to grow fond of the odd collection of people that work at Dr. Poteet's office. Maeve does return, but it's not exactly the return that Tallulah was expecting. The ending brings several surprises that will keep you hooked until the last page!

Christine Fletcher does a remarkable job in her first young adult novel, incorporating her experiences as a veterinarian. Animal lovers will particularly enjoy the several scenes focusing on Tallulah's connection with the animals she is working with. TALLULAH FALLS is a very touching story and Tallulah is an easy character for teenagers to identify with; she's brave, stubborn, and just trying to find herself.

Reviewed by: Amber Gibson

When a friend of mine announced that she was pregnant. I shopped through the ParentsDigest book summaries to find one that addressed the moodswings she'd already complained about. This book has been "a God send" she says, exactly what she needed to understand the hormonal, emotional, and psychological changes she's dealing with.

From: www.BasilAndSpice.com
Author & Book Views On A Healthy Life!

Book Review: Understanding Your Moods When You're Expecting by Lucy Puryear, M.D.

Remember living without the words "stressed" and "depressed?" It seems that most of society has now become so aware of the conditions, that even our teenagers complain of being stressed or depressed, rather than "stretched for time" or just plain "sad." According to Lucy Puryear M.D., author of Understanding Your Moods When You're Expecting, and witness for the defense in the trial of Andrea Yates, approximately 19 million Americans experience a depressive episode each year. Women seem to be the most effected by true clinical depression, the number estimated at 12 million yearly. One in four will have a depressive episode during her lifetime, some experiencing postpartum depression.

Though all women experience hormonal changes, an estimated 80% of new mothers feel the "Baby Blues." 10% of those women will continue into postpartum depression. What's the difference?

Baby Blues last a short while, up to two weeks after delivery and it feels like PMS. Whereas women with Baby Blues are tired and sleeping, those with postpartum depression usually cannot sleep. Other signs of postpartum depression are lack of appetite, confusion, and fear of harming the baby or one's self.

Signs of increased risk for a postpartum psychiatric disorder during pregnancy:

Previous time of depression during your life.

Depressive symptoms during the third trimester.

Previous occurrence of postpartum depression. (50%-70% greater risk)

Family history of bipolar disorder.

Severe PMS.

Poor marital support.

The key Dr. Puryear says is to educate yourself before delivery. Understand that the body will experience hormonal upheaval, and baby blues are normal for many women, but know the difference between the stress of a new baby and postpartum depression.

This book offers key insights for pregnant women or those who will become pregnant.

5 Stars

i wish this was required reading for all doctors, especially ob, pediatrics, and family practice. and then they could give a copy to every mother and potential mother, and fathers. it covers a lot of valuable information not found anywhere else in a very readable and understandable form.
it really emphasizes an understanding viewpoint that could help us all-we do not have to try to live up to what we think are others expectations of us. a lot of wisdom here.

This book should be required reading for all expectant mothers! I so wish that I had been able to read it before the birth of my first baby, but now that my 2nd is eight months old, I find that it is EXACTLY what I needed to know. I've struggled with PPD issues after both of my babies, and this book has been the GREATEST help!

Well-written, easy to read and very human. This is a vital read for anyone who suffered from depression before pregnancy (even if you were "cured"); as well as women who are looking for a post-partum resource that deals with how she actually *feels*, as opposed to an extended tome on diaper changing, breast pads and burping, which are ten-a-penny.

Also, a great read for dads-to-be and new dads, who are wondering who took their wife and replaced her with this sad lady?

Instead of buying another book on the merits of "wearing" your baby or the horrors of disposable diapers, which you flip through in your "mommy" pajamas (with flaps) whilst hiding in the closet, crying, at 3am, (been there); get this book and start getting well.

I picked this up as a bargain for my 12-year-old, then finished it myself that day. While some characters fall into stock categories (looks and popularity-obsessed pretty girl, scruffy tomboy, burdened-but-valiant poor girl), they are well-drawn enough to come fully to life and even present a few surprises. The adults are similarly nuanced, flawed but appealing. The special beauty of the story is its realistic and sympathetic handling of the mother's mental illness: the roots of it, the paths to healing, the reactions of family, especially the 13-year-old main character's. Little touches, too, keep this far from formula, such as the father of the poor girl, who in other books would turn out to be an abuser, but here proves to be neither noble nor savage. A tiny quibble: in 1960, no one wore white lipstick (try mid-to-late 60s) or used Dippity-Do (invented in 1965)--nitpicking, I know, but annoying--and there are a couple of other anachronistic details. Here and there, plot twists feel a bit facile. Overall, though, the strengths more than compensate for the few, minor weakensses. An honest, gentle, moving and uplifting book, with a big heart and a family of individuals you grow to love and are sorry to leave.

An amazing book. I am anxiously awaiting Ms.Fritz's next book because this was excellent. The mix of character development, humor, complex and realistic thoughts and beautiful lines make this book a great read.

Every once in a while a book comes along that your have to take the time to recommend to other readers, and this is one of them. The book is set in 1960 in a small southern town, and isn't about social issues, but rather about a trumatic experience in a young girl's life as she is preparing to enter highschool. The above editorial review covers the reasons behind her mother's breakdown, so I wont recap them, but I want to comment on the characters in the story. Buddy - is a rare jewel of a person, who is very open and honest and wise beyond her years. She alternately combines sorrow, confusion and humor without overdoing any and is totally believeable in all aspects. I was captivated by her 22 year old Aunt Sherry, who held the family together in more ways than one. The rest of the family and friends rounded out the story, but Buddy, her mom, and Sherry were what made it one of the best reads I have had in a long time.

Buddy is looking forward to a wonderful summer before she begins high school, but family problems are keeping her from fun. Her older brother, killed two years earlier, still haunts her mother's memory and just before the big summer picnic, her mother suffers a breakdown and enters a rest place for those with emotional problems. Determined to get her mother back from 'that place', Buddy embarks on a campaign which will change her family's life in Waiting To Disappear, a warm story of a family adjusting to emotional upset.

I love an author who can handle "angst" humorously. All the characters in Waiting to Disappear are the kind of people who live across the street or who you meet at the grocery store...real, interesting people. Buddy's determination to get her mom home is so palpable and I found myself rooting for her to succeed, even though I knew it wasn't likely. This book doesn't end with everyone living happily ever after, but there's a lot of hope here. I can't wait to read April Fritz's next book!

'The Warning' is a fast paced suspense novel.

It revolves around Buddy Korda who is a nondescript assistant bank manager in a small town. He is chosen by God as a modern day prophet to warn about a looming economic disaster. After thousands of people start listening to him and taking his financial advice, some financial power players do everything in their power to discredit and attack him.

Mr. Bunn has some very descriptive writing. In describing some of the financial sharks in New York, he writes the following:

"The mountains of Wall Street were home to their own brand of trolls. Only here they were dressed by Valentino, driven by Porsche, fueled by liters of caffeine. They hoarded their gold and guarded it with bloodthirsty vengeance. They substituted handheld faxes and satellite links for broadaxes, but they were trolls just the same. They even had their own language. Sunlight scared them. Fresh air was as alien as a moral code."

As readers of this review can tell, Mr. Bunn certainly has a way with words. His story in interesting, creative, and thought provoking. I recommend this book.

This book is a must read for Christians at this turn of the century. The inspiration to follow God's leading in all that he has for us to do and trust Him to provide the strength is the main theme. The exortation to live within our means and be satisfied with what the Lord has blessed us with is the underlying theme. The writing, as always with Bunn, is gripping, hard to put down. I am ignorant of financial jargon, but Bunn even made this part of the book relatively easy to understand. I am a big fan of T. Davis Bunn and this book was up to his usual high standards.

"The Warning" is a fictitious account of a looming economic disaster. God instructs banker Buddy Korda to warn his people of the coming crisis through a series of dreams. Buddy knows that the economy is strong, and the stock market has never seen such high daily closings (sounds very familiar). Will Buddy overcome his doubts and fears to warn God's people? Read "The Warning" to find out!

This book was riveting with suspense and intrigue. I especially enjoyed the author's knowledge of the financial arena and the spiritual insight into the Bible and how God has worked in the past. I immediately read the follow up book, "The Ultimatum"

My first experience with this author was with the Book of Hours. After thoroughly enjoying that book, I perused the church library for another one of Mr. Bunn's offerings.

The Warning, was possibly one of the best books I have read in quite a while. An average Joe, named Buddy Korda, is chosen by God to spread the word about the eminent collapse of the financial markets.

Who will listen to this assistant bank branch manager? At first, very few. But as the story progresses, we see that the Spirit of GOD gets the message out to His flock. While those that are from the Wall Street elite try to set him up, harm him, and make continued threats.

This book is an awesome story of how God chooses people of humble standing so that the message is the focus and not the messenger. Also, no one can stand against the ultimate will of our Creator.

Mr. Bunn's expertise in international banking is evident throughout the book.

A very good presentation of the social and economic events occurring around the 1929 stock market crash. Klingaman always has an excellent way of organizing various aspects of history during a certain time period. In this book you get a slice of what is occurring in the White House, Hollywood, organized crime and the some of the average person economic happenings. Klingaman presents the before crash event(with all the optimism), what occurs during with all the hopeful speculation, and the afterward follow-up. He highlights the ineffectiveness of Hoover and touches upon the emerging FDR and talks of how Joe Kennedy enjoyed taking others money while people fell poor. This book was a great read about social and economic history of this time. I recommend reading this, along with a "Once in Golconda" by John Brooks.

Had I read this book 10 years ago (it's now 2003), I would have passed it off as an interesting story and a good account of a time long past. When reading it today, I have to constantly look at the title to remind myself that it is referring to 1929 and not 1999!

This was a very readable and interesting account of the events leading up to the great crash. Weaving together the stories of diverse people, from Hollywood to Wall Street, the author gives a vivid picture of this chaotic time and its aftermath.

The many anecdotes are fascinating as well as poignant; Winston Churchill himself was present at the New York stock exchange on that fateful day in October when he came to the U.S. to visit William Randolph Hearst, and had no idea he had lost his own fortune until he returned to England. Churchill watched the commotion on the trading floor below from a balcony, not realizing his own fortune, which was heavily invested in U.S. stocks, was vanishing. A famous, wealthy trader (whose name escapes me), courageously but foolishly walks around to the major trading stations on the floor, expending his own fortune to buy what he thinks are bargain-priced stocks while the other traders cheer in approval. His heroic gesture was fruitless, however, and he was wiped out minutes later. Groucho Marx was an avid trader and continually interrupted the filming of "Duck Soup" to call his stock broker.* Marx lost everything in the crash. A few, such as Will Rogers, pulled their money out in time and saved their fortunes.

Set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1920s with its labor upheavals, gangland activities (the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, which was never proved but attributed to Al Capone, occurred in 1929), and frenetic stock market, as the country enjoyed a fin-de-siecle but soon to vanish prosperity, this book provides an informative, readable, and entertaining account of that fateful year.

*Note: Not sure it was Duck Soup at this point, but anyway, it was whatever movie the Marx brothers were filming at that time.

Had I read this book 10 years ago (it's now 2003), I would have passed it off as an interesting story and a good account of a time long past. When reading it today, I have to constantly look at the title to remind myself that it is referring to 1929 and not 1999!

I read this book because I so enjoyed reading the author's 1941: Our Lives in a World on the Edge, which I finished reading 29 Nov 1997. This book is just as good. This is not academic history, but Klingaman weaves from other books and contemporary sources an account of the time from Election Day in 1928 till mid-1930, and does a superlative job. He does not tell what happens in the future but tells the events as they unfold. The only way that the future is involved is in the selection of the events to be related. And he does not discuss only the stock market, but brings in things such as the St. Valentine's Day massacre on Feb 14, 1929, and the events when Hoover was inaugurated--supposedly Hoover and Coolidge as they rode to the Inauguration said not a word to each other! The book is just filled with interesting items of information. One wonders how different it would be written after the bubble burst of 2000-2001. I have read at least two other books on the Crash of 1929 (The Day America Crashed, by Tom Schactman--read 3 July 1979--and The Day the Bubble Burst, by Gordon Thomas and Max Morgan-Witts--read 25 Mar 2000)and this book is a better book than either of those.

This book offers solid pratical advice on how to deal with depression and make your life more worthwhile and less hopeless.
Highly recommended!

I picked up this book and loved it. Very simple and a solid read. It helped me and I bet it will help you too.

Beating Depression is that rare book that is both easily readable by anyone with interest in this area, and highly accurate from a clinical and research standpoint. It skillfully blends hope, advocacy, practical information, self-help techniques and resource lists into a succinct text. The information and recommendations it contains are based on solid research evidence and current best practices. It stands out as a valuable addition to the books that clinicians can confidently recommend to patients and their families. It is also a book that clinicians with responsibilities for setting policy in health systems can use to help educate a broad range of stakeholders about important aspects of depressive illness.

I have read this clear, practical book from cover to cover. Having been a physician for 22 years, and a psychiatrist for most of that, I have seen a multitude of books, both expert and popular, on mental health.
"Beating Depression" is in a class by itself.
First, the writers have a collective wealth of clinical, academic and research experience that informs their work. Content is current and authoritative. Second, "Beating Depression" is very clear and easy to read. It is well-organized and practical, --and obviously designed to help people and their families get the care they need for depression. I use it, and highly recommend it to friends, colleagues, and patients.

Dr Jackson-Triche has written one of the best consumer-oriented guidebooks on depression. In plain, approachable writing the usually difficult-to-understand clinical definitions of depression are made clear and understandable to a lay person without "dumbing down."

Those who suffer from depression are treated with respect and caring, and are truly given hope along with solid and trustworthy information.

Having spent decades trying to understand and accept my own depression without shame and hopelessness, this book has helped me become proactive in my treatment. The concepts unpacked in this book are now as familiar to me as they are to my doctors and therapists, and I can ask for help in an empowered way. This is the most hopeful news I can pass on to anyone who has suffered from depression.

Highly recommended!

Depression is beatable. "Brain Matters" is Elizabeth Nelson's story of her fighting through her depression over her life time. She fought the severe depression that denied her the very ability to get herself out of bed. She hopes to share her story and her advice to those who offer suffer from the ailment on how they can overcome their depression and resume living their life. With much encouragement and wisdom, "Brain Matters" is highly recommended.

Brain Matters is an excellent book other people with bipolar disorder or severe depression will benefit. It is well written and edited for easy reading. It is written to help others in need. Please order the book and give a review.

BRAIN MATTERS describes what it is like to suffer depression. But the book is hopeful, not depressing, because the author's struggles reveal a woman with courage and character. The book debunks stereotypes and helps show the real human aspects of this disease. As a result, it will help readers to understand, empathize with, and support family members, friends, and colleagues who suffer from depression.

"Brain Matters" by Elizabeth Nelson is a very personal story with broad societal implications. Nelson helps us understand her moving struggle to live with this devastating affliction--and does so beautifully, in touching, yet honest prose.

I heartily recommend this book for anyone who's life is touched by this terrible disease.

"Brain Matters" by Elizabeth Nelson is the poignant journey of one woman's journey with bipolar disease which takes her from accomplished portfolio manager to mother, artist and author. Interspersed with journal entries, Nelson describes available therapy options and pharmaceuticals in easily understood, not-overly technical terms. A great read for those struggling with depression and/or bipolar disease and for those whose life has been touched by someone with the disease.

Now in a new edition edited for young readers in elementary grades and older, Cherry Blossoms in Twilight: Memories of a Japanese Girl is the true-life autobiography of a Japanese girl's life during the Depression, World War II, and the Occupation. Young Yaeko Sugama Weldon's memories of a poor but content childhood were torn apart by the crushing impact of war. "At noon time on August 15, Emperor Hirohito spoke to the people. For the first time in history a Japanese emperor spoke to his people!... He announced on the radio that the war was over - not whether we won or lost, just that the war was over and an agreement was made. I was so happy! Most people in our town were excited and relieved. They cheered and hugged each other. Many people were just glad the war was over. We were all tired of the war." Cherry Blossoms in Twilight tells of the jobs she took to earn a living after the war, her marriage to an American serviceman and move to America, motherhood, and the difficulties involved in adjusting to American culture. A handful of black-and-white photographs, a glossary of Japanese terms, and a couple of Japanese children's songs round out this memoir, highly recommended for children's library collections and personal reading shelves.

Cherry Blossoms in Twilight was a delightful read and I recommend everyone to purchase a copy. I am 60 and read it in the first sitting, but it is very appropriate for a school age child. This book tells a true story, includes an index of Japanese words, several songs and the illustrations - drawn by Yaeko - add visual images for the story.

Who wanted war anyway ? is a message we can share with children (and adults) throughout the world. Purchase several copies to give as Holiday gifts, full of memories from Japan, for everyone, no matter what age on your list. You will not be disappointed...

This book is a touching, engaging read. I read it from start to finish in one sitting, not wanting to put it down. It teaches us how important it is to have loved ones document their lives and share their experiences with others, not just family. You feel transported to another time, and laugh and cry with the authors. It gave me a greater understanding of another time and place, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! This would be great recommended reading for any age.

"Cherry Blossons in Twilight: Memories of a Japanese Girl," by Yaeko Sugama Weldon, with her daughter, Linda E. Austin, is the charming life story of a Japanese-born senior citizen. It is a book for readers of all ages, from young people learning about history and other cultures to older people who lived through World War II.

Yaeko Sugama was born in 1925 in the small town of Tokorozawa, Japan, where she could see Mt. Fuji and the Chichibu mountain range in the distance. The family was poor, and lived in a typical one-story wooden house with a tin roof. Her father's shoemaking shop was in the front. Yaeko adored her father, but somewhat resented her mother's preference for her brother. "Girls are not so good to have because they marry and leave home, but when a son gets married, he stays to take care of his parents." That was the Japanese custom.

The author describes other customs of the time: the nature celebrations, the making of origami birds and kirigami from colorul paper, Yaeko's pet owl, stories from Japanese folklore. The author's charmingly drawn illustrations from a child's life in Japan are an added bonus.

After "Childhood" comes a section on "School," and then "World War II," "After the War," and "A New Life." The book ends with an appendix of Japanese children's songs, photographs of Japan in the 1950's, and a useful glossary and index of Japanese terms.

World War II disrupted peaceful life in Tokorozawa and brought air raids, bomb shelters, and rationing, leading the children to ask, "Who wants war anyway?" While the war took away the young Japanese men she might have married, it gave Yaeko a view of the outside world. She worked for American military families, eventually married an American soldier, and moved to the Chicago area.

Yaeko Sugama Weldon now lives in St.Louis, Missouri, near her daughter Linda, who helped her put her stories together. This book is a good example of the family memories and experiences we all need to share. While Yaeko expresses her regret that she didn't learn English better, her simple, direct prose is charming. That, as well as the story itself, should make this book especially interesting to young readers. However, I couldn't put it down myself.

Reprinted from "Write Your Life!" at http://www.seniormemoirs.blogspot.com

Since many of my Japanese friends married American servicemen, I looked forward to reading Cherry Blossoms in Twilight: Memories of a Japanese Girl by Yaeko Sugama Weldon and her daughter, Linda E. Austin. To my delight, it reminded me of the "Little House" books except that rather than being written about nineteenth century rural America, this book was written about twentieth century Japan, set in a small town near Tokyo with Mt. Fuji in the distance.

This gentle book shows how children entertained themselves before the advent of mass media--playing outside, catching snails and tadpoles, using flowers and seeds for pretend play, daring each other to take scary adventures such as fetching something from the graveyard or icehouse where others hid in order to scare them. Illustrations and photographs by the authors add to the interest, as Weldon and Austin describe holidays and festivals such as Boys' Day, Girls' Day and Tsukimi (Full Moon Viewing in September).

Not all of Yaeko's life was happy. She describes sibling rivalry, hunger during the Depression, and hiding in air-raid shelters during the war, although these events inspire the reader by showing how these struggles helped Yaeko become stronger. After reading this book, I now understand why many Japanese women married American men during the U.S. occupation, since many of the Japanese men had died in the war.

Children studying other cultures could identify with Yaeko as they read about her life and adventures, while the glossary of Japanese terms might motivate them to learn some Japanese conversational language. Also in the appendices are some delightful children's songs in both Japanese and English and photographs of Japan during the 1950s. This is a well-designed and edited little book that will educate and entertain both elementary and middle school students.

by Susan M. Andrus
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

A woman's reflections on life, family and the never-ending pursuit of happiness from a poor dirt farmers perspective of the 1930's and `40's.

Betty Grant Henshaw's story begins in the 1930's dust bowl regions of Oklahoma and concludes in the farming districts of California. Her father was the typical hard working man who did everything possible to keep his large family together. A true icon.

Mrs. Henshaw's stories of growing-up in these times are a keepsake insight as to how life was a colossal struggle and the smallest things were much appreciated by all.
Filled with heart, spirit and compassion.

VERY WELL WRITTEEN. BRING THAT TIME BACK TO LIFE.

A finalist for the Oklahoma Book Award, Children of the Dust: An Okie Family Story is the personal memoir of author Betty Grant Henshaw, who was born into a large family of tenant farmers in Oklahoma during the terrible time of the Dust Bowl. Her father, Bill, worked himself to exhaustion striving to provide for his wife and nine children; eventually his family had to migrate to California, where he worked in the fields in hundred-degree heat. Yet he instilled respect for hard work in his children, and kept family solidarity through trying times. Highly recommended as a powerful and profound story of salt-of-the-earth people proudly doing their best to survive.

This book is a joy to read. It is a story so intimately told that one feels a kindred spirit with the author and her family. Many of us who lived through the great depression and life in the west can share some of her memories, and we can relive many of the experiences in our own childhoods.
I highly recommend this book.
Audrey DeMott

This book really brings to life what it meant to be a young girl growing up in Oklahoma during the dust bowl. The struggles the family goes through and survives as the father tries to make a living as a sharecropper are fascinating. This was a world of real poverty but also great family love. Reading a history of this time through one family's experiences is a great story.