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Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 22 Jul 2020, 03:08
by Kibet Hillary
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "I Know It in My Heart:" by Mary E.Plouffe Ph.D..]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Martha Ann was confident and imaginative and loved making people laugh from a tender age. She was passionate to see a just world, and she devoted her time to this cause. Her daughter, Liamarie, was born when she was forty-three years old. This was after several years of trying and failing, and thus one cannot imagine the joy that the child brought. However, as the author notes that no one decides their fate, Martha was diagnosed with cancer that led to her accepting a bone marrow transplant at Johns Hopkins. The procedure, a phase II clinical study, was designed to see whether a stem cell transplant could increase the survival rates for patients with high-risk primary tumors. Unfortunately, Martha passed on unexpectedly leaving behind her three and a half-year-old daughter.

I Know It in My Heart: Walking Through Grief With a Child was authored by Mary E. Plouffe. The author is a clinical psychologist and this book chronicles her journey with her young niece. The book was published by She Writes Press in 2017 and is approximately 296 pages long. It comprises forty-nine chapters divided into four sections.

The author presents raw truths about the effects of the loss of a loved one and grieving. She had been growing more intimate with her sister during her last few months. She had lost her father at a young age, but her sister’s demise felt different. The loss could not be compared with any other and every message of condolence evoked a series of questions in her mind. Furthermore, she had to support her young niece Liamarie as well. Liamarie’s mourning came in distinct phases and each one brought different reactions and questions. The author had to walk with her every step of the way while also assisting Liamarie’s father, Herb, to know how to help her daughter.

There is nothing I disliked about the book. The language used was straightforward, and editing was professionally done as well. What I liked most is that the author attained her goal of helping the reader understand the evolution of childhood grief and its differences from adult grief. This was attained through the contrast evident in the book and also how she dealt with her grief and that of Liamarie. Her role shifted between allowing Liamarie to express herself through different channels like doll games and also assisting her to understand some realities in life. I was able to appreciate why she had to adopt a specific course of action as she provided sufficient illustrations. Equally, the use of vivid descriptions enabled me to visualize various scenes and also grasp how the author, her family, and other people felt.

I heartily rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to anyone who is walking with a grieving child. The book is also suitable for mental health workers and anyone who desires to understand the evolution of a child's grief. I cannot perfectly and thoroughly describe how I felt while reading and after reading this book. The only reasonable thing to do, therefore, is to invite all suitable readers to follow the author in her journey to not only help a young girl but also handle her own grief. No one will be left in the same state after poring over this book.

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I Know It in My Heart:
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Re: Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 23 Jul 2020, 07:06
by Marion Jepkosgei
Wow! After reading the review, I am itching to read the book. Grief is complex and no one really knows how to deal with it.

Re: Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 23 Jul 2020, 10:01
by Dominik_G
What a heartbreaking concept and important subject. I would love to read I Know It in My Heart. Thank you so much for your review!

Re: Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 23 Jul 2020, 18:24
by FEislandqueen13
I never thought about how children handle the loss of a loved one before reading this review.

Re: Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 24 Jul 2020, 00:09
by Priyanka2304
This is going to be a tough read for me. The books covers a very emotional concept. I really want to see what the author has to say to the readers. Thanks for the amazing review.

Re: Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 25 Jul 2020, 08:47
by thebutterflygirl
This one seems really intriguing . As someone who has struggled in dealing with the grief of losing a loved one, I think I would find it relatable and helpful. Thank you for your beautiful review. :D

Re: Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 25 Jul 2020, 17:09
by baha Ibrahim
Profound. This book is extraordinary and will surely be a lifeline for many. The truth, love, beauty, joy, sorrow and hope written on each page was beyond anything

Thank you for your review

Re: Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 27 Jul 2020, 12:09
by TCG
I'm already feeling the emotive tone of this book. Great review. To handle loss, this book seems relevant.

Re: Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 28 Jul 2020, 07:33
by J_odoyo
A book chronicling the author's journey with her young niece sounds like a nice one. I like it that you enjoyed the book. I believe it's worth reading an impactful book like this one. Great review!

Re: Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 28 Jul 2020, 08:01
by Patrick Maina1
Loss and grief can really get you down.A book that addresses these very emotive issues is worth reading

Re: Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 29 Jul 2020, 09:50
by Reader047
Having read the review, I'm convinced that indeed this is a wonderful book that I must add to my list of favorite books. Thanks for such a great review.

Re: Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 30 Jul 2020, 05:05
by Olabode Joshua
I'm almost teary after reading your review (an exaggeration haha). The loss of a loved one can be devastating. Great review!

Re: Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 30 Jul 2020, 13:27
by Ellylion
Great review! The book is must-read for all dealing with grief and loss.

Re: Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 30 Jul 2020, 18:20
by Teele
The language used was straightforward, and editing was professionally done as well.
Good to know. Thanks for a concise review.

Re: Official Review: I Know It in My Heart:

Posted: 02 Aug 2020, 22:45
by Susmita Biswas
That's a sad story. But loved your review. Great one.