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/
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