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Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Book Review of Renee Antonia's I'm not OKAY

Review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto

Let me begin by saying thank you to Nicole at WOW! Women on Writing for the opportunity of participating in this book blog tour.

I'm not OKAY is a story that needed telling and Renee Antonia did a lovely job of pulling me in as a reader. It's safe to say those who have experienced anxiety (in youth or otherwise) will find the character of Alejandra to be well written and easy to relate with. Similarly, Alejandra's feelings are laid out so well that even someone who has no personal experience with anxiety or mental health issues will feel empathy as the story unfolds.

The author herself admitted in her interview with WOW! that she wishes she had hired someone to help edit I'm not OKAY and with that said, I found that the typos and such didn't take away from the story. I commend Renee Antonia for her bravery in telling this story as well as for self-publishing as a 20 year old. I appreciate the opportunity to read this book and I think it is a beneficial read for teens to adults in all walks of life.



About the Book:

When she wakes up in the morning, the first thing that goes through Alejandra's head is whether or not she will be forced into another anxiety inducing situation. The struggles of being a young adult living with an anxiety ridden brain becomes too much for Alejandra to deal with. So, with the help of her friends, she forces herself out of the bubble her anxiety has placed her in. She learns to conquer the fears she once thought would destroy her and learns to rely on herself more than she ever has.

Print Length: 203 pages
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Publisher: BookBaby (June 24, 2017)
ISBN-13: 9781483598062

I'm Not Okay is available as an eBook at Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and Apple iTunes

 

About the Author

Renee Antonia grew up in the Los Angeles area with four siblings and two wonderful parents. Having such a strong support system enabled her to decide who and what she wanted to be. However, this question haunted her for years, because she couldn't quite pinpoint what exactly she saw herself doing for the rest of her life. She began to read a lot, hoping to find inspiration between the pages of a book. It was at this time that  she realized one thing. She loved sharing, reading, and writing. Renee decided that she wanted to be a writer, and since that day, she has taken any steps necessary to achieve that goal.

You can find Renee Antonia at:

Website: www.writingsbyrenee.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/renee_antonia_

Pinterest: Pinterest.com/writingsbyrenee

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16771475.Renee_Antonia 


 Upcoming Blog Tour Dates


April 26th @ Madeline Sharples Blog
Renee Antonia will be a guest writer today at Madeline Sharples' blog and will be talking about mental health, a very timely and important subject.
http://madelinesharples.com/

April 27th @ Lori's Reading Corner
Plant yourself into your reading corner while you read Lori's blog, where you'll have a chance to read another guest post by Renee Antonia.
www.lorisreadingcorner.com

April 28th @ Bookworm Blog
If you can't get enough books, come by Anjanette's bookworm blog to find out Renee Antonia's thoughts on mental health.
http://bookworm66.wordpress.com/

April 29th @ The Page Turner
Kayla over at her blog The Page Turner will be hosting Renee Antonia, who will be sharing her thoughts on short stories.
http://www.thepageturner.org/blog

April 30th @ The Nerdy Bookcase
Come by Molly's blog The Nerdy Bookcase to read her thoughts on Renee Antonia's book I'm Not Okay. 
https://thenerdybookcase.blogspot.com/

May 1st @ Mari's #WriteON!Journaling Blog
Make sure you visit Mari's blog where you can read another guest post by Renee Antonia on the poignant subject of mental health.
http://www.createwritenow.com/journal-writing-blog

May 2nd @ Coffee with Lacey
Drink coffee and read Lacey's blog today where you can catch Renee Antonia's thoughts on the books she is currently reading. You can also find out what Lacey had to say about Renee Antonia’s book, I’m Not Okay.
http://www.coffeewithlacey.wordpress.com/

May 3rd @ Write  Like Crazy
Today's blog post will want to make you read like crazy when you catch Renee Antonia's thoughts on short stories over at Mary Jo's blog.
writelikecrazy.com

May 4th @ Phytallic Blog
May the 4th be with you today when you visit Phytallic's blog and read her opinion on the book I'm Not Okay. 
https://phytallic.wordpress.com/

May 5th @ Bookworm Blog
Can't get enough books? Well come by Anjanette's blog today when she shares her thoughts on the book I'm Not Okay and interviews the author Renee Antonia.
http://bookworm66.wordpress.com/

May 6th @ Slightly Off the Mark
Stop by Mark Hunter's blog to find out Renee Antonia's thoughts on writing while working full time. Also, Mark interviews the author to tell us more about this incredible writer.
markrhunter.blogspot.com

May 7th @ A New Look on Books
Take a new look today when you stop by Rae's blog A New Look on Books when author Renee Antonia shares her thoughts on short stories.
http://anewlookonbooks.com/

May 8th @ The Page Turner
Kayla over at her blog The Page Turner will be sharing her thoughts on Renee Antonia’s book I’m Not Okay.
http://www.thepageturner.org/blog

May 10th @ Write Like Crazy
You'll want to read today's post over at Mary's blog Write Like Crazy when she shares her thoughts on Renee Antonia's moving young adult fiction book, I'm Not Okay. You can also enter to win a copy of the book too!
writelikecrazy.com

May 11th @ The Faerie Review
Come by Lily's blog at The Faerie Review to find out her thoughts on Renee Antonia's book, I'm Not Okay. 
http://www.thefaeriereview.com/

May 12th @ The Faerie Review
Stop by The Faerie Review again when blogger Lily interviews Renee Antonia about her book. See what this young adult fiction author had to say!
http://www.thefaeriereview.com/

May 18th @ Strength4Spouses
Renee Antonia will be over at Wendi's blog Strength4Spouses and will discuss mental health. Maybe this will give you strength to talk about this subject with those closest to you.
https://strength4spouses.blog/

May 21st @ Strength 4 Spouses
The last stop on the tour is over at Wendi's blog Strength4Spouses when she shares her thoughts on Renee Antonia's book I'm Not Okay. 
https://strength4spouses.blog/

Keep up with more stops on this tour on Twitter @WOWBlogTour




Monday, April 23, 2018

WOW! Book Blog Tour - Cathy Hansen Reviews "Crossing the Line" by Ellen Valladares

About the Book:

Laura, who died thirty years ago, enlists the help of a tenacious high school reporter named Rebecca, who is very much alive. Rebecca, although skeptical and conflicted by her supposed encounters with a spirit, determines to learn the truth about Laura’s tragic death. As the clues unravel and their worlds collide, Rebecca finds herself at a dangerous crossroads.

Laura, now pulled back into everything she left behind when she died—her old high school and memories of her life and death—has been in training for this exact moment. And nothing means more to her than succeeding at her assignment.

It is her one chance to make sure that what happened to her does not happen to anyone else, and especially not to her new friend, Rebecca.

Paperback: 296 pages
Genre: Fiction/Young Adult Novel
Publisher: WiDO (March 2018)
ISBN-10: 1937178994
ISBN-13: 978-1937178994

Crossing the Line is available for purchase in print and as an ebook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IndieBound.



About the Author:

Ellen Wolfson Valladares is an award-winning writer/author, workshop facilitator, community volunteer, and mother. A native Floridian, she grew up in St. Petersburg and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. She has worked as an editor, public relations professional, and freelance writer. Her first book, a children’s novel entitled Jonathan's Journey to Mount Miapu, received several awards, including a Mom’s Choice Gold Award and the 2009 Coalition of Visionary Resources Visionary Awards Book of the Year award. She also has a meditation CD, entitled “Healing and Manifestation with the Archangels.”
Today, Valladares continues to work as a freelance writer. She also enjoys coaching high school students working on their college essays and helping other writers realize their dreams. She has been married to her husband, Manny, for 30 years and they have two sons, Gabriel and Michael, two dogs, Flash and Chili Pepper, and a crazy cat named Zelda. They live in Weston, Fla.

Find Ellen Online:

Website: http://www.ellenvalladares.com

Twitter: @ValladaresEllen

FB: @EllenValladares444

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023698.Ellen_Wolfson_Valladares




-----Book Review by Cathy Hansen


Crossing the Line, by Ellen Wolfson Valladares, was everything I’d hoped for: A suspenseful page-turner that made me wonder what was around the next bend. Mystery and drama. Characters that pulled me in to the point I couldn’t put it down, and when I had to put it down, I couldn’t wait to pick it back up and join these characters back where I left them. Unexpected twists and turns, connections that made me gasp when I understood newly revealed details. Characters I thought about for days after finishing the book.

Valladares brilliantly pulls the reader in with teenage Laura discovering her own death, back in 1983, then shifts back and forth between Laura and Rebecca, a teen much like Laura, living in 2013. Laura the spirit attends an ‘academy’ in the spirit world where she has been assigned her first client: Rebecca, a teen growing up in her own home town. Laura must make contact with Rebecca, watch out for her, and get Rebecca to trust her and listen to her, all while not knowing exactly what her end task will be. She must also do all of this without becoming emotional or ‘crossing the line.’ into the physical world.

Remaining emotionally detached proves difficult for Laura, as connections to her own past keep popping up as she works with Rebecca. By the time a second client, Teresa, is added to her caseload, Laura, Rebecca, and Teresa are all in real danger, and Laura starts to understand why she was selected for the case. Crossing the Line is full of suspense and excitement to the very end.





I would give this book to a friend to read...





----------Upcoming Blog Tour Dates




Tuesday, April 24th @ Finished Pages
Today, at Finished Pages, readers have an opportunity to learn more about Crossing the Line the latest novel by Ellen Valladares. Don't miss Renee's review of this YA Novel!
http://finishedpages.com/


Thursday, April 26th @ Digging with the Worms
Eric Trant reviews the latest novel by Ellen Valladares. See what Eric thinks of Crossing the Line and find out more about this great book and accomplished author.
http://diggingwiththeworms.blogspot.com/

Thursday, April 26th @ Phy Tallic
Phy reviews the delightful YA Novel Crossing the Line by Ellen Valladares.
https://phytallic.wordpress.com/

Friday, April 27th @ Write Happy
Today at Write Happy, Catherine Brown will be interviewing Ellen Valladares about her latest novel Crossing the Line. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about this YA Novel as well as hear some tips from the accomplished journalist and author Ellen Valladares.
https://www.writehappy.net/blog

Monday, April 30th @ Ellen Valladares
Crystal J. Casavant-Otto from WOW! Women on Writing reviews Crossing the Line by Ellen Valladares and shares her thoughts with readers at Valladares blog.
http://ellenvalladares.com/ellens-blog/

Tuesday, May 1st @ I Just Want to Finish My…
Brittany shares her thoughts after reading Crossing the Line by Ellen Valladares. Don't miss this insightful blog stop for this delightful Young Adult Novel!
http://www.ijustwannafinishmy.com/

Wednesday, May 2nd @ Hott Books
Don't miss today's guest post at Hott Books! Distinguished author Ellen Valladares shares her post titled: 'The Inspiration Behind Crossing the Line'. You'll want to learn more about this delightful YA Novel!
http://www.hottbooks.com/

Friday, May 4th @ Frasers Fun House
Melanie at Frasers Fun House reviews Crossing the Line by Ellen Valladares.
https://frasersfunhouse.com/

Monday, May 7th @ Word Nerd Media
Elizabeth at Word Nerd reviews the latest novel by Ellen Valladares. You won't want to miss a minute of this captivating YA Novel Crossing the Line.
https://www.wordnerdmedia.com/

Friday, May 11th @ BookWorm
Anjanette Potter delights readers at Bookworm with her review of the YA Novel Crossing the Line by Ellen Valladares.
https://bookworm66.wordpress.com/

*****ABOUT TODAY'S REVIEWER*****


Cathy Hansen is a wife, mom, teacher, independent
beauty consultant, and small business owner. She and her husband operate SeedsNBeans, a local nature store, in Two Rivers, Wisconsin.

Friday, April 20, 2018

Carmen Otto Reviews YA Novel "Crossing the Line" by Ellen Wolfson Valladares

About the Book:

Laura, who died thirty years ago, enlists the help of a tenacious high school reporter named Rebecca, who is very much alive. Rebecca, although skeptical and conflicted by her supposed encounters with a spirit, determines to learn the truth about Laura’s tragic death. As the clues unravel and their worlds collide, Rebecca finds herself at a dangerous crossroads.

Laura, now pulled back into everything she left behind when she died—her old high school and memories of her life and death—has been in training for this exact moment. And nothing means more to her than succeeding at her assignment.

It is her one chance to make sure that what happened to her does not happen to anyone else, and especially not to her new friend, Rebecca.

Paperback: 296 pages
Genre: Fiction/Young Adult Novel
Publisher: WiDO (March 2018)
ISBN-10: 1937178994
ISBN-13: 978-1937178994

Crossing the Line is available for purchase in print and as an ebook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IndieBound.



About the Author:

Ellen Wolfson Valladares is an award-winning writer/author, workshop facilitator, community volunteer, and mother. A native Floridian, she grew up in St. Petersburg and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. She has worked as an editor, public relations professional, and freelance writer. Her first book, a children’s novel entitled Jonathan's Journey to Mount Miapu, received several awards, including a Mom’s Choice Gold Award and the 2009 Coalition of Visionary Resources Visionary Awards Book of the Year award. She also has a meditation CD, entitled “Healing and Manifestation with the Archangels.”
Today, Valladares continues to work as a freelance writer. She also enjoys coaching high school students working on their college essays and helping other writers realize their dreams. She has been married to her husband, Manny, for 30 years and they have two sons, Gabriel and Michael, two dogs, Flash and Chili Pepper, and a crazy cat named Zelda. They live in Weston, Fla.

Find Ellen Online:

Website: http://www.ellenvalladares.com

Twitter: @ValladaresEllen

FB: @EllenValladares444

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023698.Ellen_Wolfson_Valladares


Note from mom here: I was reading Crossing the Line as part of my job with WOW! Women on Writing and as usual, I was talking to my children about what I was reading. All our children love to read, but my 11 year old daughter asked if she could read it on her tablet. I agreed, and she absolutely loved the book. It sparked some great mother/daughter conversations too - a total win/win!

-----Book Review by Carmen Jeanne Otto 


I would give this book to a friend to read...

I like how the author told the story from each persons point of view. It didn't take me long to read Crossing the Line. I was confused at first about how everyone fit together but my mom helped me make notes so I could understand. I didn't know what a Ouija board was until reading this book and I don't think I'd play with one.

I related to the characters and topics like friendship and bullying, and boys. I would read more books by this author and I would give this book to a friend to read too. My mom wasn't too sure I was old enough, but I think this is an ok book for someone my age.



----------Upcoming Blog Tour Dates


Saturday, April 21st @ Spark the Wizard
Brandi at Spark the Wizard shares her thoughts in a review of Ellen Valladares novel Crossing the Line.
http://sparkthewizarduprising.com/

Monday, April 23rd @ Bring on Lemons with Cathy Hansen
Wisconsin entrepreneur and school teacher reviews the latest novel by Ellen Valladares. Don't miss this opportunity to find out more about the YA Novel Crossing the Line.
http://bringonlemons.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, April 24th @ Finished Pages
Today, at Finished Pages, readers have an opportunity to learn more about Crossing the Line the latest novel by Ellen Valladares. Don't miss Renee's review of this YA Novel!
http://finishedpages.com/


Thursday, April 26th @ Digging with the Worms
Eric Trant reviews the latest novel by Ellen Valladares. See what Eric thinks of Crossing the Line and find out more about this great book and accomplished author.
http://diggingwiththeworms.blogspot.com/

Thursday, April 26th @ Phy Tallic
Phy reviews the delightful YA Novel Crossing the Line by Ellen Valladares.
https://phytallic.wordpress.com/

Friday, April 27th @ Write Happy
Today at Write Happy, Catherine Brown will be interviewing Ellen Valladares about her latest novel Crossing the Line. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about this YA Novel as well as hear some tips from the accomplished journalist and author Ellen Valladares.
https://www.writehappy.net/blog

Monday, April 30th @ Ellen Valladares
Crystal J. Casavant-Otto from WOW! Women on Writing reviews Crossing the Line by Ellen Valladares and shares her thoughts with readers at Valladares blog.
http://ellenvalladares.com/ellens-blog/

Tuesday, May 1st @ I Just Want to Finish My…
Brittany shares her thoughts after reading Crossing the Line by Ellen Valladares. Don't miss this insightful blog stop for this delightful Young Adult Novel!
http://www.ijustwannafinishmy.com/

Wednesday, May 2nd @ Hott Books
Don't miss today's guest post at Hott Books! Distinguished author Ellen Valladares shares her post titled: 'The Inspiration Behind Crossing the Line'. You'll want to learn more about this delightful YA Novel!
http://www.hottbooks.com/

Friday, May 4th @ Frasers Fun House
Melanie at Frasers Fun House reviews Crossing the Line by Ellen Valladares.
https://frasersfunhouse.com/

Monday, May 7th @ Word Nerd Media
Elizabeth at Word Nerd reviews the latest novel by Ellen Valladares. You won't want to miss a minute of this captivating YA Novel Crossing the Line.
https://www.wordnerdmedia.com/


*****ABOUT TODAY'S REVIEWER*****

Carmen is 11 years old and lives on a dairy farm in Central Wisconsin. She is one of six children and enjoys swimming, playing french horn, singing, milking cows with her dad, playing with her siblings, reading books, and playing horses (not necessarily in that order). Carmen wants to be a large animal vet when she grows up! 

You see Carmen to the left pictured wearing her Valders Dolphins Swimteam Hoodie spending time with her friend Kathy's sheep. It's likely there's a book in her sweatshirt pocket too (and she dislikes having her picture taken) - but she's certainly beautiful <3 b="">

Thursday, April 19, 2018

What's in a Name?

I get asked all the time about our children's names - so for the sake of posterity and my children's future sanity, here's the scoop!

I'm a total name junkie and always said I'd name my first born after my father. So, long story short - since my first born was a girl, her name became Leah (after Grandpa Lee). Now, for the rest of the alphabet gang (there's a huge age gap between #1 and #'s 2-6, and the younger children's names were chosen this way:)

A - Andre Nicholas (Andre after my father and Nicholas after a gone too soon friend) - name meaning Andre = man/warrier and  Nicholas = victory of the people. Andre may be small in stature (like his grandfather), but he is not short on intellect or determination. He is quite certainly a strong-willed warrier who is going to change the world around him one small victory at a time!
B - Breccan Leland - Breccan derived from the Irish Saint of the Isle of Aran - name means freckled or speckled and Leland = wood/clearing/meadow and since we live on a beautiful piece of speckled with trees, streams, rocks, hills, and fields we thought it appropriate to name this little lad Breccan Leland. It just so happens that Leland is also the name of a tractor - so quite appropriate for this farming family. Breccan has a gentle spirit and like the wind can be soft and sweet or if necessary a force to be reckoned with.
C - Carmen Jeanne (Jeanne after great grandma) - name meaning Carmen = garden and Jeanne = God is gracious. These names are very appropriate for the young lady we nearly lost at 19 weeks gestation. God graciously provided us with this strong-willed young lady who tends to those around her to ensure her garden is filled with hope and love.
D - Delphine Elizabeth (Elizabeth after grandma) - name meaning Delphine = after the City of Delphi and the Oracle of Apollo (the Oracle if you remember gave guidance and Delphi was the said to be the center or womb of the earth), and Elizabeth = God is satisfaction. Delphine has a warmth that can melt the hearts of many and she can calm a storm with her gentle voice and tender smile. She is usually the center of attention quite organically because of her sparkling personality.
E - Eudora Naomi (Naomi after great grandma) name meaning Eudora = good gift and Naomi = pleasantness. Eudora is a gift to her family, but especially to her siblings who can't get enough of her large smile and she is by far the most pleasant child most have ever met - she's always smiling and very content to talk to anyone who takes time to make eye contact.

Friday, April 6, 2018

5 Stars for Sebastian Slovin's "Ashes in the Ocean"

Thank you  to WOW! Women on Writing for the opportunity to participate in the book blog tour of Ashes in the Ocean by Sebastian Slovin! You may have caught yesterday's review of this same book - but today Crystal has a little different take on things.


Review by Crystal J. Casavant-Otto: 

First of all, I don't think you can read a memoir like this without thanking the author for their bravery. Human nature sometimes allows us to believe that some rocks are best left buried and some skeletons are best left in closets. Sometimes we just need to remember that it's the truth that sets us free and unearthing those rocks to look beneath them or letting those skeletons out so the closet has room for something new can be a very freeing opportunity. Like any labor of love - there will be labor pains. Ashes in the Ocean is filled with the pain of loss, but yet Sebastian doesn't allow himself to be consumed by the sorrow of his father's death.

Sebastian honors his father by learning more about his life instead of dwelling on simply the death and sorrow brought along with suicide. Ashes in the Ocean may be about how as a 6 year old Sebastian lost his father to suicide, but it is so much more. This is a memoir about the strength we all have within us. The strength to search for answers, move through grief, find our tribe, recognize our gifts, and go out into the world to share a story of empowerment instead of a story of simple sorrow. The thing about grief and sadness is that it can sometimes consume us. Sebastian visits a raw and sorrowful time in his life but he doesn't live there - he is not consumed by his father's suicide. He is instead propelled forward to share his story with the masses.

Ashes in the Ocean is a story of love and strength. Of a man who is using his time and talents to help others. This is a beautifully written and well-edited book that I would recommend and would absolutely give 5 stars!


About the Book:

A son's story of living through and learning from his father's suicide.

Vernon Slovin was a legend. He was one of the best swimmers in his home country of South Africa, and for a time in the world. He prided himself on being the best. The best in sports, business, and life. He had it all, a big home, athletic prestige, fancy clothes and cars, and a beautiful wife and family. Everything was going his way until it all came tumbling down. He lost everything, including his own life. In the wake of his suicide he left his wife and two young children.

In this riveting memoir, Vernon’s son, Sebastian Slovin chronicles his experience of living in the shadow of a suicide, and his journey out of the darkness and into the light. Slovin shares his quest to uncover why his father took his own life. A pilgrimage that led him around the world and eventually back to himself.

Ashes in the Ocean is a powerful story about facing one’s fears and choosing a different path.

Paperback: 222 pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Nature Unplugged (March 2018)
ISBN-10: 978-0-692-05119-1
ISBN-13: 978-0692051191


Ashes in the Ocean: Book Trailer from Nature Unplugged on Vimeo.


Ashes in the Ocean: A Son's Story of Living Through and Learning From His Father's Suicide is available in print and as an ebook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IndieBound.


About Sebastian Slovin:
Since he can remember, nature has been a central part of Sebastian’s life. He was fortunate to grow up in the beach community of La Jolla, California, and spent his childhood mixing it up in the ocean. As a young boy, he lost his father to suicide, which would later deeply inspire his path in life. As a young adult, he had the opportunity to travel extensively and experience many of the world’s great surf spots as a professional bodyboarder. Through his travel, Sebastian developed a deep love and appreciation for our natural world, and at the same time was drawn to the practice of yoga.

His love for yoga led him to study at Prana Yoga Center in La Jolla, California, and his passion for nature eventually led him to pursue a BA in Environment and Natural Resource Conservation at San Diego State University. He also holds an MA in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego.

He lives with his wife Sonya in Encinitas, California. He and Sonya have a business called Nature Unplugged, which focuses on cultivating wellness through healthier relationships with technology and a deeper connection to nature. When he is not writing or working on Nature Unplugged, Sebastian enjoys swimming, bodysurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddling (pretty much all things) in the wild Pacific Ocean.

Find Sebastian Online:

Website: www.sebastianslovin.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SebastianSlovinAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sebastianslovin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebastianslovin/



Upcoming Blog Tour Dates:
Monday, April 9th @ Finished Pages with Renee Roberson
Fellow author Renee Roberson reviews Sebastian Slovin’s memoior Ashes in the Ocean: A son's story of living through and learning from his father's suicide.
http://finishedpages.com/


Wednesday, April 11th @ Write Happy with Catherine Brown
Catherine Brown reviews Sebastian Slovin's touching and empowering memoir for readers at Write Happy. Don't miss this opportunity learn more about Ashes in the Ocean: A son's story of living through and learning from his father's suicide.
https://www.writehappy.net/blog

Thursday, April 12th @ Ingenious Opinion
Varnika Jain reviews Sebastian Slovin's Memoir Ashes in the Ocean for readers at Ingenious Opinion. Don't miss this blog stop!
https://ingeniousopinion.wordpress.com/category/all-things-books/

Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Michelle DelPonte Reviews "Ashes in the Ocean" by Sebastian Slovin

Thank you for Michelle for being today's guest reviewer and thank you to WOW! Women on Writing for the opportunity to participate in the book blog tour of Ashes in the Ocean by Sebastian Slovin!


Review by Michelle DelPonte: 

As a wife, and mother of two boys, who struggles with chronic depression, I knew I had to read this book. I work full time night shift, come home to get less than two hours of sleep, and must function for my sons. My youngest is 3 and neuro-typical, while my 5-year-old is gifted with an autistic brain. I can honestly say in my 38 years of life, I have gone through a few to many stages where I just wanted life to be over. Thankfully, I have always been blessed with a reason to go on. When my dear friend Crystal posted about Sebastian’s book, I was at one of those low points. I knew I needed to make a change or my kids would possibly grow up without me. It is funny in an ironic way. It is sad to see that we will do just about anything for our kids, but not for ourselves.

Reading Sebastian’s life story and about the stigma of suicide really was eye opening. I wonder, if his father knew what harm his suicide would do to them? Sebastian and his mother shared this heartache privately and alone, yet together. Why can people not talk about suicide? Who are the outsiders that will judge? Sebastian’s father was a legend. He accomplished things many of us on Earth could only dream of with his swimming. Part of me truly believes he was part superhuman, with that lung capacity any swimmer would die for.

Hearing this story about Sebastian’s struggles and about his own destiny was heart retching. How could he have to pay such a high price because of his father’s choice? How could he truly feel that he had to follow in his footsteps? Sebastian eloquently discusses his feelings, fears, and anxieties about his father’s death and how it impacted his entire life. Finding courage in his fear, Sebastian embarks on a journey to find the answers he needs to believe in himself and life. He finds a way to connect with his mother on a level he was unable to I while growing up. Sebastian learns to forgive and let go. This book truly shows the real victims of suicide, those left behind.

Thank you, Sebastian, for sharing this tragedy with the world. I know in my heart it will help people on similar paths. Mental health and suicide should never be taboo.


About the Book:

A son's story of living through and learning from his father's suicide.

Vernon Slovin was a legend. He was one of the best swimmers in his home country of South Africa, and for a time in the world. He prided himself on being the best. The best in sports, business, and life. He had it all, a big home, athletic prestige, fancy clothes and cars, and a beautiful wife and family. Everything was going his way until it all came tumbling down. He lost everything, including his own life. In the wake of his suicide he left his wife and two young children.

In this riveting memoir, Vernon’s son, Sebastian Slovin chronicles his experience of living in the shadow of a suicide, and his journey out of the darkness and into the light. Slovin shares his quest to uncover why his father took his own life. A pilgrimage that led him around the world and eventually back to himself.

Ashes in the Ocean is a powerful story about facing one’s fears and choosing a different path.

Paperback: 222 pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Nature Unplugged (March 2018)
ISBN-10: 978-0-692-05119-1
ISBN-13: 978-0692051191


Ashes in the Ocean: Book Trailer from Nature Unplugged on Vimeo.


Ashes in the Ocean: A Son's Story of Living Through and Learning From His Father's Suicide is available in print and as an ebook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and IndieBound.


About Sebastian Slovin:
Since he can remember, nature has been a central part of Sebastian’s life. He was fortunate to grow up in the beach community of La Jolla, California, and spent his childhood mixing it up in the ocean. As a young boy, he lost his father to suicide, which would later deeply inspire his path in life. As a young adult, he had the opportunity to travel extensively and experience many of the world’s great surf spots as a professional bodyboarder. Through his travel, Sebastian developed a deep love and appreciation for our natural world, and at the same time was drawn to the practice of yoga.

His love for yoga led him to study at Prana Yoga Center in La Jolla, California, and his passion for nature eventually led him to pursue a BA in Environment and Natural Resource Conservation at San Diego State University. He also holds an MA in Leadership Studies from the University of San Diego.

He lives with his wife Sonya in Encinitas, California. He and Sonya have a business called Nature Unplugged, which focuses on cultivating wellness through healthier relationships with technology and a deeper connection to nature. When he is not writing or working on Nature Unplugged, Sebastian enjoys swimming, bodysurfing, surfing, and stand-up paddling (pretty much all things) in the wild Pacific Ocean.

Find Sebastian Online:

Website: www.sebastianslovin.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SebastianSlovinAuthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sebastianslovin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sebastianslovin/



About Today's Reviewer:

Michelle DelPonte is a busy mom and health care worker. Her two sons are the focus of her life and she works diligently to raise awareness about autism in the community. She loves reading, anything to do with history and geocaching just to name a few of her many hobbies. Michelle, her husband Ben and their two sons Sebastian and Asher live in Manitowoc, WI on the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan where they enjoy walking and biking on the Mariner’s Trail and spending time at the Library.