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| Category: Memoir |
(requires Adobe Reader)
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| About the Book | |
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Picture this, the story unfolds in 1963, amidst the backdrop of racial strife and personal tragedy. Born into a tumultuous world, a young girl finds herself orphaned at a tender age, navigating the harsh realities of loss and abandonment. Raised in a fractured environment, she grapples with the truth of her existence, seeking solace in substances. In this book you will discover the transformative power of resilience, diversity, and unconditional love. Join the central character on a quest for authenticity and belonging, as she navigates the complexities of identity and forges her own path to greatness. Through her extraordinary journey she finds hope, inspiration, and the courage to embrace love. The central character’s mother welcomed her eleventh child into the world, a beautiful and healthy baby girl. Each pregnancy presented its own set of complications. Despite being warned by doctors about the dangers of further pregnancies, two years later, she gave birth to her twelfth child. Tragically, she passed away shortly after childbirth. Left orphaned at the age of two, the girl found herself living with older siblings. The man her mother had chosen as a partner was an absentee father, consumed by alcoholism and devoid of support. Fast forward to 1978, she was 15 years old, orphaned, fractured, and living from pillar to post. Enduring pain and trauma for a number of years she chose to cloak herself in substances to hide the pain of her existence. Amidst her turmoil, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of an unexpected ally – Dr. Susan A Wheelan, an Irish, lesbian, psychologist with a heart of gold. Through her unwavering support and mentorship, the young girl embarks on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Graduating high school against all odds, she finds refuge and belonging in a new home, defying societal expectations and claiming her sense of identity. As she adapts to her newfound environment, the young girl confronts the complexities of diversity and inclusion. Encountering prejudice and resistance, she learns invaluable lessons about acceptance, compassion, and unconditional love. Together with her adoptive mother, they navigate the challenges of interracial adoption, forging a bond built on mutual respect and understanding. Through perseverance and determination, the young girl emerges as a beacon of inspiration, transcending the confines of her past to embrace a future filled with limitless possibilities. Armed with the wisdom imparted by her mother, she embarks on a journey of self-realization, harnessing her innate potential to uplift others and effect positive change in the world.
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| Reviews | |
“This writing is direct, honest, timely, and unique. This book will be important to girls who were brought up with a similar background but will also touch a much broader audience, certainly including many teenagers, sociologists, therapists, and anyone else interested in human challenges, struggles, and character development.” “A must read for women who have experienced trauma and don't see a way to the other side. Dr. Renaya shares her honest truth of triumph after despair. She gives the reader a step-by-step guide for overcoming the hurts in their lives. You will laugh, cry, and cheer her on the whole time.” “An inspirational story of transformation and redemption, Dr. Renaya takes us on her journey of healing, from self-rejection to self-acceptance to self-love. As she discovers and lets her strengths and brilliance shine, she brings us along and invites us to travel our own path of healing. You may not have the same, or even similar, life circumstances or hurdles, and yet she tells a very relatable story where we can all learn the lessons of overcoming.”
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| About the Author | |
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Dr. Renaya Furtick Wheelan is a motivator, professor, author, entrepreneur, and inventor. She provides equity centered trauma informed care training for non-profit and for-profit agencies. She empowers her clients using a holistic approach. She holds a Ph.D. in Psychoeducational Processes with a concentration in Adult Group & Organizational Development. |