I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Author Judy Haveson steps forward to share the emotional journey of her life, from the author’s childhood to the birth of her son, and how she has come out on the other side through a series of losses and painful experiences in order to keep on living her life to the fullest in the book “Laugh, Cry, Rewind: A Memoir”.
The Synopsis
Growing up in 1970s and 80s suburban Houston, Judy Haveson is funny, sarcastic, and fiercely loyal, especially to her family, friends, and big sister, Celia. When she suffers a series of unimaginable traumatic events, her seemingly idyllic childhood comes to a halt, changing her life forever.
In Laugh Cry Rewind , Judy takes readers on her journey of self-discovery, sharing funny, touching, and heartbreaking stories from her childhood all the way to the birth of her son. Her experiences serve as a reminder that while life is not always fair, ultimately, the choice to surrender or keep on living is ours. Her message to others who have experienced loss or tragedy is this: stop waiting for the other shoe to drop. Let life go on, and good things will be waiting for you on the other side of the pain.
The Review
As an older brother, the first and most important thing that stuck out to me was the deep-seated bond the author shares with her older sister. The emotional pull of their story and how her sister influenced her both in childhood and in the years following the tragedy in her life was haunting yet beautiful at the same time. The hopeful tone the author tries to bring out in their narrative was great to see, as it helped by acting as a guiding light out of the darkness that threatened to consume the author in the wake of this tragedy.
The themes of love, loss, and hope were strong in this book. The way the themes blended into the author’s story and kept shining through in natural ways was remarkable to read about. The balance in the author’s personal story set against the backdrop of the 70s and 80s, as well as the honest and personable way of writing the author utilized, made for a compelling and engaging story that readers won’t be able to get enough of.
The Verdict
Poignant, heartfelt, and emotionally driven, author Judy Haveson’s “Laugh, Cry, Rewind: A Memoir” is a must-read nonfiction book. The sense of history and culture through the author’s own background and the rich setting of her life helped elevate this personal story of growth and hope in the wake of tragedy and kept me as a reader emotionally invested and connected as an older brother to a truly remarkable sister myself. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
Judy Haveson is a proud Texan who will never lose her southern charm or accent and uses both when the situation absolutely calls for it. Her one-time dream of becoming a journalist was shattered when a professor suggested she pick a new major due to her penchant for obsessive conversation. He claimed she’d be an editor’s nightmare because she wrote as she spoke and never stopped talking. This led her to a career in public relations. Judy’s fixation with reading books and stories about other people’s lives inspired her to write her debut memoir. She currently lives in The Hamptons with her husband, Adam, son, Jack, and beloved Yorkie, Toby.
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