I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Nancy King takes readers on an emotional and painful yet therapeutic journey into her traumatic childhood and the memories that have remained buried in the recesses of her mind in her book, “Breaking the Silence”.
The Synopsis
Secrets. Lies. Silences. Stories told by parents and their families to protect themselves. A father who defends his wife despite her damage to their daughter’s health and welfare. A mother, shielded by her husband, who perpetuates murderous acts of violence against the daughter, and keeps secret her husband’s sexual “play” with the young girl.
And yet … Nancy King, determined to learn the truth of her childhood and the heartbreaking effects it has had on her adult life, uncovers the secrets. Sees through the lies. Breaks the silence.
Empowered by the stories she told herself as a child, she learns to use stories as part of her work as a university professor teaching theater, drama, world literature, and creative expression. Gradually, with the help of body work and therapy, she finds her voice. Says no to abuse and abusers. Reclaims herself and life. Writes a memoir.
She climbs mountains. Weaves tapestries. Writes books. Makes friends. Creates a meaningful life.
This is her story.
The Review
What a moving, honest, and powerful read. Author Nancy King finds an engaging way of addressing a very sensitive and important subject without delving fully into the darkness this subject naturally brings and instead focused on the powerful journey of healing and overcoming that darkness through confronting the hidden memories of her past head-on. The descriptive nature of the author’s writing really allows the reader to feel transported to these snapshots of the author’s life, as each chapter is written in a way to highlight individual memories that showcase the overall atmosphere and tone of the author’s life.
The theme of toxic family dynamics and the need to fight back against those who would take our light in life was felt so profoundly in this book. The imagery and emotions the author poured into this memoir really allowed the reader to not only witness these traumatic moments but see the strength the author found to face these moments and find the will to not let these moments define herself. In addition to this moving memoir, the initial introduction of the main theme and narrative of her life through a fictional story (something of a specialty in the author’s background), allowed the reader to feel a sense of world-building in the memoir that follows.
The Verdict
A remarkable, emotional, and enlightening memoir, author Nancy King’s “Breaking the Silence” is a must-read book. While featuring some heartbreaking and possible triggering memories that the author shares, the feeling of strength and hope that the author’s journey conveys to readers is inspiring to read, and highlights how the power of compassion and love can be the most powerful feeling of overcoming trauma a person can find in their life. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
Purchase your copy now available on Amazon. Make sure to add it to your GoodReads reading list too.
About the Author
I was born in Brooklyn, NYC. From the time I was 8 years old, until I left for college at 17, I traveled by myself into Manhattan to take a dance, theatre, or music lesson. After class I was free to wander about the City until I had to leave for home at 4:30. I ate in small Mom & Pop ethnic restaurants, savoring food I could neither spell nor pronounce. Theatre and dance tickets in the balconies were cheap and museums were free. All I needed were two nickels for the train rides, a nickel in case I had to make a phone call, and a quarter for lunch. The City was mine to explore. These years made an indelible impression on me in many ways: I enjoyed being with a diverse group of people, attending a variety of arts performances, and making my way in unfamiliar worlds with confidence and curiosity.
Early experiences with abuse both at home and school led me to becoming a teacher, writer, playwright, and essayist, always focusing on issues of empowerment. I have taught creative writing, storymaking, drama, and literacy workshops in schools, universities, professional development programs, prisons, Head Start, mental hospitals, recreational centers, programs for children and adults with learning differences, and older adult programs in the US and abroad.
In 1985 I was diagnosed with a rare and anomalous form of leukemia. When treatment allowed me to think in terms of years rather than months, and ten years after becoming a full professor at the University of Delaware, I received my PhD, in multi-disciplinary studies focusing on literature, psychology, and philosophy.
As an award-winning author of seven books of nonfiction, my focus has always been on developing creative expression, arts-based approaches to learning, and student-centered learning. I have also written five novels, one of which, The Stones Speak, has been optioned for a movie. The focus in all of my writing and teaching has always been on empowerment. My newest book, a memoir, Breaking the Silence, is about the healing power of stories.
Follow the author online on her website.
— Blog Tour Calendar
November 29th @ The Muffin
Join us at The Muffin for an author interview, giveaway, and blog tour launch post for Nancy King’s Memoir “Breaking the Silence”
https://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/
November 30th @ Mindy McGinnis
Mindy McGinnis interviews Nancy King about her recently published memoir “Breaking the Silence”. Don’t miss this engaging interview!
https://www.mindymcginnis.com/blog
December 8th @ Lost Wisp of Cosmic Dust
Sreevarsha Sreejith shares her review of Nancy King’s memoir “Breaking the Silence”. Stop by Instagram to learn more!
https://www.instagram.com/lostwispofcosmicdust/
December 9th @ KnottyNeedle Creative
Judy reviews and shares her thoughts after reading “Breaking the Silence” by Nancy King. Find out what she thinks about this recently released memoir.
https://bootsshoesandfashion.com/
December 10th @ Madeline Sharples Choices
Fellow memoirist Madeline Sharples spotlights Nancy King’s “Breaking the Silence” on her blog today. Readers will be inspired by this newly released memoir!
December 13th @ Lisa Haselton Reviews and Interviews
Lisa Haselton reviews memoirist Nancy King about her recently released “Breaking the Silence”. Readers won’t want to miss this opportunity to be inspired!
https://lisahaselton.com/blog/
December 16th @ Word Magic: All About Books
Today’s book spotlight at Word Magic is Nancy King’s memoir “Breaking the Silence”. Readers will also hear from Wisconsin student Carmen Otto as she shares her thoughts after reading this insightful story.
http://fionaingramauthor.blogspot.com/
December 17th @ Bring on Lemons with Crystal Otto
WOW!’s very own Crystal Otto shares her insight into the beautiful and inspiring memoir, “Breaking the Silence” by Nancy King.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
December 20th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Author Anthony Avina spotlight’s the newly released memoir “Breaking the Silence” by Nancy King. Find out more about this moving memoir and it’s inspiring author today!
December 24th @ The Faerie Review
Lily at the Faerie Review shares her book review of “Breaking the Silence” by Nancy King. This is a memoir about a mountain climbing author who has inspired many (despite all odds)!
https://www.thefaeriereview.com/
December 26th @ Author Anthony Avina’s Blog
Author Anthony Avina reviews “Breaking the Silence” by Nancy King. Find out more about this moving memoir and Anthony’s thoughts after reading it!
December 27th @ Christy Flutterby
Fellow author Christy O’Callaghan reviews Nancy King’s “Breaking the Silence” and shares her thoughts with readers on her blog. Find out more about this moving memoir and it’s resilient author!
December 28th @ Bring on Lemons with Michelle DelPonte
Wisconsin mother and healthcare worker Michelle DelPonte couldn’t wait to get her hands on Nancy King’s memoir “Breaking the Silence”. Today Michelle will share her review of this touching memoir. Stop at Bring on Lemons to learn more!
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/
January 1st @ Boots Shoes and Fashion
Readers at Boots Shoes and Fashion will be enlightened as Linda interviews Nancy King about her newly released memoir “Breaking the Silence”. Don’t miss an opportunity to learn from someone who has overcome the odds!
https://bootsshoesandfashion.com/
January 2nd @ Linda Appleman Shapiro
Fellow memoirist Linda Appleman Shapiro hosts Nancy King and “Breaking the Silence” as today’s feature book on her blog!
Author Anthony Avina's Blog 