Official Review: I am Enough by Cheryl Miguel

[Heidi M Simone]

[Following is the official OnlineBookClub.org review of "I am Enough" by Cheryl Miguel.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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“Life is too short.” How many times have you said or thought this? How many times do you get caught up on small problems in life and forget to look at the bigger picture? Reading Cheryl Miguel's memoir, I am Enough, has helped remind me to appreciate even the smallest things in life.

In this heart-wrenching novel, Cheryl describes her seemingly endless struggles. She is betrayed by a man she thought loved her, has been diagnosed with lupus that is deteriorating her body, and has lost so many loved ones that she is left devastated and damaged. In her loneliness and contempt, Cheryl tries to achieve the near-impossible. She attempts to bring forth the positives and ultimately heal herself: physically, mentally, and emotionally through the means of self-help books and spiritual guidance. Themes of love, forgiving, overcoming weaknesses, and the will to survive are all portrayed in this memoir.

Miguel's powerful words throughout her book shows the reader what she is feeling. For instance, when she describes the day her dog, Frankie, was euthanized due to his failing body, I felt Cheryl's pain in making that big decision and watching it happen. Tears began to fill my eyes. This heartbreaking example of how she vividly describes this scene is only a fraction of what Miguel is capable of doing through her writing.

The most relatable aspect of the novel are Cheryl's relationships, which were affected due to her disease. These include her daughters, siblings, friendships, and even the men in her life. Focusing on the men in her life, sometimes one can feel that he/she has dug so deep into a relationship that there doesn't seem to be a way out. One personal example is my deceased sister. No matter how many people told her to leave the man she was with, it just seemed like she couldn't. Cheryl and my sister's lives are obviously different, but I can now better understand why it was so hard for my sister to leave him.

The one aspect of the book that I bring to the readers' attention is the switching from the present to past memories. While reading, there are no physical breaks in the book when the author recalls a memory, which can be confusing at times. There was once or twice that I had to remind myself the passage I was reading was focusing on the past. This did not, on the other hand, deter my enjoyment of reading this memoir.

Therefore, without a doubt, I give I am Enough a 4 out of 4 star rating. When an author can touch your heart with his/her well-written story, then the book deserves a top score. I highly recommend this read to adults who enjoy reading nonfiction text about someone overcoming their life struggles and to those who are seeking a book that can touch your heart.

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I am Enough
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[gali]

Sounds like a touching book. Thank you for the great review!

[Heidi M Simone]

Thank you, gali! It definitely was. I appreciate the author sharing her story.

[Shelle]

Great review! I really like memoirs and stories about overcoming hardships, so I'd probably enjoy this book. Although I know that, like you, I too will cry when she talks about her dog dying.

[Heidi M Simone]

Thank you, Shelle! This is one of my favorite genres. However, I need to read something lighter in between heavier, more emotional books. That part of the book was so sad, but it seemed like the right decision since he was suffering so much, but it doesn't make it easier. But, Cheryl made sure that he had the best last day, so it makes it a little better.

[bookowlie]

What a great review for what sounds like a wonderful book. I enjoy reading memoirs and this one looks interesting. I applaud the author for trying to focus on the positives.

[Heidi M Simone]

Thank you for your kind words, bookowlie! It is a wonderful read. Yes, I think it took a lot of courage and determination for the author to try to focus on the positives, especially after all that she's been through.

[bookowlie]

The story does seem to full of very weighty topics. I can see how you would want to read something lighter afterward.

[Heidi M Simone]

Yes, it definitely is not a light read. It's easy enough to understand and I was hooked right from the beginning, but pretty emotional and depressing at times.

[Amheiser]

You give a good description of how the author portrayed her feelings in writing. It seems like it could be an inspirational read to help with how to deal with problems people might have. Even if the problems aren't the same as the author's, just reading this book seems like it could help give some ideas on how to cope. It does sound a little depressing at times, but going through depression can make the good stuff seem better. Very nice review.

[Heidi M Simone]

Thank you for your kind words, Amheiser! I agree, this book was a little depressing, but like you said going through depression can make the good in life even better. That's a very good point.

[bluemel4]

I really enjoy all of your reviews. You have an eloquent way of highlighting the best of a book and favoring us with your responses to certain moments. Fantastic job on this moving and insightful review.

[Heidi M Simone]

Thank you, bluemel4, for your kind words. I really appreciate it.

[e-tasana-williams]

Great, in-depth review. And thank you for sharing how you were able to relate the book to your own relationship with your sister. Don't you love how sometimes a book is an escape, and sometimes it is therapy? And sometimes both!

[Heidi M Simone]

Thank you so much, Eatsleaves, for your kind words! Also, thank you for acknowledging my comment about my sister. This part of the book meant a lot to me, but I can see other people's feelings might be different than mine, that's why I felt I should mention it.

I agree! I do love a book that can be therapeutic and an escape sometimes!