OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Motherhood: Lost and Found" by Ann Campanella.]

I have had the pleasure of reading a wonderful memoir written by Ann Campanella. It is called Motherhood: Lost and Found. This account of the author's experiences and personal struggles will keep you intrigued, and it will possibly hit close to home for some readers.

The book is about the author's combined struggle with infertility and her own mother's descent into Alzheimer's disease. Campanella has always loved horses, and she begins the book by describing her life at 33 years old, when she and her husband Joel were living in her childhood home of North Carolina. This is where they had decided to run a horse farm, and Ann was a horse riding teacher. Ann and Joel had been wanting a child, but she struggles with several miscarriages. At the same time, her aging parents are beginning to need care, especially her mother who is losing her memory. The book takes the reader through the entire journey from that point forward.

I was very intrigued by the story, and felt strong emotions about the experiences the author was describing. She has a very descriptive way of describing the atmosphere, her feelings, her surroundings, and everything that comes together to make readers really feel like they are where the story is taking place. It will make you reach into your own storage of memories and life events and possibly make a connection to some of the feelings she is describing, whether you have had the same experiences or not.

At times, Ann described how riding horses and caring for them temporarily relieved her of the problems she was facing. She did an excellent job of portraying how there is always that source of comfort that can help a person escape and recharge in times of stress.

I also enjoyed reading about Ann's different relationships between family members and how the trials she faced put strain on, yet many times helped those connections grow stronger over time. Her relationship with Joel was distant at times because of the large burden on her, yet you could still see stronger understandings and emotions growing between them because of all they faced. I particularly was intrigued to read about Ann's brother, Nate. Nate had a mental illness from childhood, and it was interesting to see how the relationship developed between Nate and his siblings while their parents were in such a low state of health.

The book was well-edited. I don't have any negative thoughts about this story. It is definitely a book everyone should read, especially mothers and those who have struggled with infertility, parents with Alzheimer's, or both.

I am rating this book 4 out of 4 stars. I hope everyone has a chance to read this beautiful memoir.

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Motherhood: Lost and Found
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This sounds really interesting! I enjoy stories with horses but the title about Motherhood really caught my attention. I’m a first time mom and very close to my mom so this book sounds appealing to me. Although it the author went through different struggles than I have experienced I am inspired by stories like this and enjoy books that draw out your emotions. This sounds like a great read. Thanks for the well-written review!

I really enjoyed this review.I have read quite a few memoirs recently and I would love to add this book to the lis t. Thanks for sharing.

This sounds like a moving, heartwarming story. Thank you so much for an insightful review!

I like how the author looks at motherhood from the different angles of her life experiences. You review is intriguing and moving. This looks amazing. Thanks for the recommendation!

I'm very glad you enjoyed this. Dealing with a parent falling to Alzheimer's is difficult enough but it seems the author had much more to deal with than that. This is surely a profile of strength and resilience on her part.

i appreciate the author's vulnerability. She has been through some trying times, and I agree with you that others will relate to the emotions she has gone experienced. Thanks for your very sensitive review.

Mothers, horses, and difficult family situations, oh my! Maybe a little too close to home for me, right now, but something to read in the future. I enjoyed reading your review.

This sounds like a tough read emotionally, but one of those that is worth it in the end. I might just add this one to my to-read list. Thank you for reviewing!

Thanks for the review and details. I think I'd find this little heavy right now, but it's a book that I'm sure I'd appreciate. Also, I'm from NC like the author.

I agree with you this is a beautifully narrated memoir. The author has selflessly educated her readers on some ailments that can become personal and rob one of the joy of life. Thanks for the wonderful review.

Dealing with only one of the issues would be taxing enough. I'm interested to read the author's journey as she details experiencing both- thus her love of horses. Thank you for a lovely review!

Dealing with only one of the issues would be taxing enough. I'm interested to read the author's journey as she details experiencing both- thus her love of horses. Thank you for a lovely review!

This looks like exactly the kind of book I would love. I can connect with the main character on multiple levels. Thanks for your review that highlights the book's strengths well!