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Donna L. (Woodstock, MD)
Left me wanting more...
Beth Geenfield delivers a raw and honest memoir that I enjoyed reading for both its story and style. Similar to the Glass Castle, I feel that the author lets you into places in her life that are so amazingly personal (yet told as a story, not an autobiography) that you can almost feel apart of it. This left me crying at times, but as others have mentioned, wanting more at the end. Her story ended a little early but I don't feel like it takes away from what she gave us.
Mary J. (Scottsdale, AZ)
Painful but so worth it!
Anyone who has lost a loved one will relate to this book. It gives so much important information into the mind of a child dealing with the grief of losing a loved one. Read it and be so much better for it. I couldn't put it down.
RoseMary W. (Boardman, OH)
Ten Minutes from Home
This is a well-written and poignant account of a young girl's struggle dealing with tragedy and personal loss. It was very easy to read but hard not to feel the sadness as we read about Beth's experiences. I believe writing this memoir was therapeutic for Ms. Greenfield and only wish that she and her parents would have sought professional grief counseling as a family to help them deal with this tragedy.
Debbie (Jupiter, FL)
Ten Minutes from Home
Heartbreaking story of profound loss told courageously and honestly.
Through the quality of her writing and willingness to lay bare her deepest thoughts and feelings, Ms. Greenfield allows us to get close enough to truly grasp the pain of the devastating loss that both she and her parents suffered. She shows us how isolating and lonely the grieving process may be - particularly for a child.
Also, I was struck by how the roles of child and parent can become reversed when trying to cope with the aftermath of a tragedy. Throughout the story I was so moved (and sometimes saddened) by the level of maturity she was
…more forced to display and by the insights she provided - about love, loneliness, friendship, grief, hope etc.
While her brother's and best friend's life was cut short prematurely, in so many ways, her own childhood ended at the moment of the impact as well.
Yet in the end, Ms. Greenfield demonstrates that with time and distance (both physical and emotional) one can find peace and forgiveness and hope... (less)Ten Minutes from Home is a very enjoyable read even though the subject matter is tragic. It seems to be very honest and real, which a memoir should feel like. It gives an insightful glimpse into a family dealing with the unthinkable and the very different ways people deal with grief. I looked forward to reading it every chance I had and never once felt like it was an obligation.
Sue J. (Wauwatosa, WI)
Ten Minutes from Home
I enjoyed this book tremendously. Beth Greenfield gives us insights into her family struggling with the loss of a child/brother and best friend killed by a drunk driver. Greenfield shares her anger, sadness and guilt while trying to recover from this tragic event. She searches for normalcy, which eludes her. A well written book, that I would highly recommend.
Darlene C. (Simpsonville, SC)/Bookseller
Ten Minutes from Home
Thank-you Beth for shining a light on a dark corner of our society. When a parent loses a child, they seem to receive an endless amount of support but who is there to support a child who loses a sibling and a best friend, and whose parents are immersed in their own grief. Alone, these children are left to emotionally cope as best they can. Beth must deal with the self-blame, the survivor guilt, the label of "the girl whose brother died" and she recounts her experiences with a brutal honesty that makes the reader cringe. For someone who seldom reads memoirs, I found this one to be compelling.
Donna W. (Wauwatosa, WI)
A Touching Memoir
Beth Greenfield has written a touching memoir dealing mainly with the years surrounding a tragic accident. She uses clear, concise language and a matter of fact recounting of events to tell her story. Although heartbreaking at times, it presents an honest look at the grieving and healing process. Her honesty in telling her story makes for a very good read, and I think it would appeal to all readers!
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