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There are currently 39 member reviews
for Rise
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Carole C. (Frisco, TX)
Very Inspirational!
This was a very inspirational story that was a quick read. It really made the reader feel like you should never doubt yourself and you can overcome adversity. Cara's story makes you realize the strength women have cannot be broken, especially when protecting their family. It was interesting learning about the home building processes well. The strong family bond they have is touching.
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Beth T. (Savannah, GA)
A Great New Year's Read
I find it interesting that this book is publishing in January, the traditional month for new beginnings, because that's exactly what it describes. The author and her children were victims of abuse, and she managed not only to get them out of the bad situation and into a safe one, but also cemented them as a strong, viable family unit by building their home together -- with no previous construction experience! It's all pretty amazing, but overall her story is extremely empowering. No, it's not great literature - but it's a fast, enjoyable, enlightening read that book groups in particular will love.
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Shari H. (Penfield, NY)
How a house built a family
I used the words from the cover of the book because that is what the main theme of the book is. It is a story about a bruised, broken and scared family. They have suffered the horror of having a family member that not only is mentally ill but dangerous, not once, but twice. The story of how the family built their dream home of safety and comfort. The family pulled together and discovered the joys of family and accomplishment as well as depending on each other. It was a very heartfelt drama unfolding and I felt pulled into the story. I could relate somewhat to what Cara went through and the steps she did to protect her children. I really enjoyed the book.
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Elizabeth L. (Bellbrook, OH)
Rise is uplifting
It's hard to believe this is a true story but it is. Following along as this mom and her resilient kids rebuild their lives as they build their own home is a fascinating experience. My only criticism and it's a mild one, is the flashback scenes to her marriages sometimes interrupted the flow of the narrative and made it feel choppy. Otherwise, this was an uplifting and highly enjoyable read.
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Claire M. (New York, NY)
Rise-A family made house
An inspirational story of a woman who finally has the courage to break away from her schizophrenic, abusive husband, Cara Brookins and her four young children grow individually as well as a family through building a house. Cara sits down one night and talks about building a house. Her son Drew pipes up with rooms and where they belong. Cara obtains a lot and the building begins. Talk became life and a game changer. You want to read this story: it's real life in the making.
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Louise E. (Ocean View, DE)
Uplifting story
The story of Cara Brookins and her 4 children was an enjoyable, easy read. She alternates her chapters between Rise (during house building) and Fall (prior to house building) However after a few chapters I decided to read the Rise chapters first because I was more interested in how they built their house and the flow was being interrupted by the Fall chapters. It's amazing how they were able to learn enough on Utube to build a house with some outside help. I was also surprised she was allowed to do her own plumbing.
The Fall chapters showed us how the family was living before building their dream home. These chapters were insightful but disjointed, missed big parts of their life with 2 different abusive husbands and Cara's parents. I learned the affects an abusive person can have on their spouse and children. It seems this family has made great strides in healing and living fulfilling lives.
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Arlene M. (White Oak, PA)
Rise by Cara Brookins
Cara Brookins has certainly written a memoir that is inspiring and heartbreaking. Reading this book made me want to join the family in their endeavor to build a house and solidify their love for each other. Their step-by-step process and the knowledge gained from YouTube is a wonder in itself and gives a new meaning to determination.
Cara and her children have shown through their spunkiness, optimism and strength that even though there were many obstacles in the way they could eventually overcome them.
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