Review of My Journey To Somewhere

[Justin Christensen]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "My Journey To Somewhere" by Kimberly Anne Conway.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

My Journey to Somewhere by Kimberly Anne Conway could be described as a primarily autobiographical contemplation of life, abuse, and mental illness. I say “could be” because even after reading it, I’m not convinced that this book should be nailed to a single genre. Conway frames it as "ramblings from a chaotic mind," and I admittedly don’t know the author so I can't really argue that their mind is not chaotic. I will argue vehemently, however, that this book is definitely not filled with ramblings. Rather, it is filled with thoughts and memories. These may not always seem to flow nicely into one another in a neat little line, but they do paint a very poignant picture of the person writing them down.

One of the things I loved the most about this book was how it began with a brief commentary on who the author is now (or at least, at the time it was written). A lot of autobiographical-type books start way back in history, which sounds very logical. It is somehow much more gripping to begin with an introduction to the current version of the person telling their story—to have something of a jumping-off point before heading into their past. This is the beginning of the non-linear narrative that I found myself falling in love with as I read Conway’s story. Oh sure, she does give context from her beginnings early on, but this book does not progress ploddingly through her life one decade at a time. It is more dynamic than that—spinning the reader through Conway’s emotions and memories as she weaves together the threads of a heartbreaking, beautiful, vibrant life.

This book is not a light read. The early chapters are heavy with traumatic memories and experiences and explanations of how those events contributed to a lifelong struggle with fear, anxiety, and depression. The later chapters are heavy with emotion. It was hard, at first, to understand why I was crying three quarters of the way through the book, reading a two-page chapter entitled “The Knot” where the author simply describes feeling happy about their progress. This book did that to me a lot, though. Conway’s positivity and optimism, in defiance of her struggles, are extremely moving. Be sure you have tissues with you while you read.

It sounds like this is the first book Conway has finished and published, and there are some signs of that visible in the editing. Nothing major, and not nearly enough to distract me from my overwhelming emotional response. In writing My Journey to Somewhere, Conway has bared her soul. I simply refuse to rate such a courageous act as anything less than perfect, and I would not have her change a thing. I give this book five out of five stars. It is inspiring, and I think it would be particularly useful for would-be authors and anyone who has ever struggled with depression or other mental health challenges.

******
My Journey To Somewhere
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Timo Evari]

"I think it's a good book on mental disorders. In some cases, too much focus and stress can lead to mental health issues, and such books can help relax a person and gradually improve their well-being.

[Louis Donald]

The way the author’s emotions come through so strongly makes this sound like an incredibly raw and powerful read. I don’t usually go for heavy, emotional books, but the non-linear storytelling and personal depth have me curious.

[Pearl Flourish]

Kimberly Anne Conway’s “My Journey to Somewhere” offers a raw and heartfelt exploration of mental illness, fear, anxiety, and depression. Her candid storytelling provides a profound insight into the complexities of living with mental health challenges, making it a compelling read for anyone seeking to understand or relate to these experiences.