This is an excellent book. We, as physicians, must always question that the obvious answer may not be correct. Medicine is a career of learning, unlearning, and learning anew as new diseases and cures are discovered. We should never avoid questioning a diagnosis or treatment as was well demonstrated by this book. –Mark Tuttle, MD-Connecticut
“Excellent book! I saw the book posted on a Cushion’s disease group listed on Facebook and had to have it. My daughter gave it to me as a present for Christmas. I am so glad I was able to get a copy. I feel like it help me so much. I walked beside Barbara in this book. I saw everything she saw. The oak tree, I cried. This book helped me accept that nothing I did was my fault. Love to you and thank you.” Rowanna Fry-Australia
The Shattered Oak is amazing. It has helped many women who have walked through the doors of DreamLife Recovery. It is one of my most borrowed books. After our clients read it we spend about an hour together processing its contents. Women speak of similarities in their stories and comment on how it is helping them heal from the trauma of domestic violence that lead to their substance misuse/abuse. This book has become a valuable resource for me. –Amy Rhoades MSW, LSW, BSN, RN, Doctoral Student V.P. of Clinical Services DreamLife Recovery, Pennsylvania
" This book possessed me" I just received the book in the mail, opened it, glanced inside to see how it begins.Did not move until I finished it. Definitely the author's narration is hypnotic. It is taking some time to return to my normal state of mind. This may sound weird but I am describing as best I can what I have just experienced. I have been a psychotherapist for more than 30 years and I have written several self-help books. And I have read many, many more. Sherry Genga's The Shattered Oak is like nothing else I have read with the one exception being the novelist, William Styron. This book is only 120 pages. Regardless of your motivation, I suggest that you read it.-Thom Rutledge, author of Embracing Fear. Tennesee
This is an extremely touching book, shedding light on the whole array of feelings, emotions, and thoughts of a woman who is suffering from parental neglect, domestic abuse, isolation and then physical illness. This arduous journey of such a strong woman reflects the injustices of relationships in this world. Her journey marks the end with positivity, resilience, and compassion. Ms Genga has penned it beautifully. -Hena Jawaid -Australia
What an incredibly powerful and turbulent story about mental illness, abuse, and a mother’s determination to survive. The author gives a compelling narrative, using the poignant metaphor of a strong oak tree that deteriorates along with the main character. The Shattered Oak offers valuable insight to the harsh realities of domestic abuse.-Kelly W. -New york
Rebecca L. Mahan
Intense! Life Changing! A Must Read!
Reviewed in the United States on February 18, 2020
This is a very well written book. The author guides the reader by weaving the thoughts and events that are shared exceptionally well. This book is relatable to victims of domestic violence within their own relationship, to those who are childhood victims of domestic violence, to those who face depression, those who face the thoughts of taking their life, and for those who have faced a diagnosis of mental illness or one who may think they are facing challenges with mental health. The author also gives the reader the ability to see the world from a different perspective that is very positive and encouraging. There are also resources provided so that anyone who is facing these challenges can seek assistance. The book is engaging and if the reader takes the book at a good pace, it can be read in a short period of time with a colorful palette of imagery while absorbing the details and savoring the impact for positive change. ~Rebecca L. Mahan Texas
“I received this book as an ARC and I’m giving an honest review.”
The Shattered Oak is a book which delves deeper into the psychological aspect of an individual’s life. It talks about overcoming domestic abuse and a misdiagnosis of mental illness. Depression, anxiety, panic attacks, abuse, you name it, and the book mentions it. Wait… Here’s the punch line…
It’s based on a true story…
The Shattered Oak was my first Non Fiction read and can I just take a moment to say that it thrilled me and shook me to my core! It was a book that took me some time to finish. Not that it was disinteresting. But because it took a lot in me to flip through the pages. The raw and intense emotions which the author brings through this book is just, flawless. I had to gather up all my courage to go through the chapters. Every word penned by the author made me take a step back and appreciate everything life has given me.
Starting from the Title of the book – The Shattered Oak. Well, I think it is safe to say that the title was as deep as the theme of the book and quite literal as well. The Oak Tree has a symbolic value in this book. Barbara, the protagonist of the novel was moulded in such a way that it was impossible not to empathise with her and respect her at the same time.
The book revolved around how every ‘apparently’ trivial thing matters in the long run. How a single incident from your youth or your childhood can mess up your entire life! A difficult childhood can be the cause for some major psychological disruptions in your life. All my fingers will fall short to count the number of things that this book managed to teach me in a mere 116 pages.
The plot of the book was very cleverly woven in such a way that it makes immediate and lasting impact. I adored the writing style of the author. It made me feel as if Barbara and I are having a cup of coffee and she is narrating the story of her tragic life, in person. The novel is so darn powerful that you could feel your emotions running like wild horses.
By the end of the story, my eyes were brimming with unshed tears. The demons which haunted Barbara all her life, were lying naked in front of my eyes and I couldn’t control my wrenching sobs. One of the most heart touching lines in the book was – “It’s hard to give love if you have never been loved.” This one sentence had me staring into oblivion for a solid 5 minutes. I mean, the truth behind this sentence is heart breaking!
The best and the worst part about the book, was that it was based on a true story. Best, because it made the book even more interesting and real. Worst, because it breaks my heart to know that the story was actually, a catastrophic reality of life for someone. On the whole, the book was so raw and intense that I don’t think any amount of words could do justice to this. Due to the triggering stuff in this book, I would like to recommend it ONLY for children above the age of 16 and all those who are not easily triggered by the themes of suicide, depression and mental health.
So, what are you waiting for? Hurry and order a copy of The Shattered Oak from Amazon, Barnes and Nobles or your nearest bookstores. Grab a cup of coffee, a comforter and keep a box of tissues in handy. For this one novel, is sure to take you on one hell of an emotional ride…
Re-Release! No longer back-listed. Return to the Olde Ways. The hustle and bustle of modern day life has brought many of us to a quick fix attitude.This book is for those of you who are fed up; have looked at your life and your loved ones and realize
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