Official Review: My Cries and My Triumphs by Lisa Bedbak

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kdstrack
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Official Review: My Cries and My Triumphs by Lisa Bedbak

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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "My Cries and My Triumphs" by Lisa Bedbak.]
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3 out of 4 stars
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Lisa Bedbak tells her story in My Cries and My Triumphs, from her earliest memory until she was old enough to leave home. Her memories of a violent and unstable home environment produced confusion and made her doubt her self-worth. Would she achieve her desire to live in a stable family? When vexing emotions overwhelmed her, she turned to her journal and poetry as an outlet to express her feelings.

Lisa grew up in India. She recounted her first memories, her experiences at school, and vacations spent with her grandparents. She struggled with her conflicting feelings about her parents. Was she normal if she loved the person who abused her? Lisa's problems at home caused her to feel unloved. With wisdom beyond her years, she realized that everyone's deepest desire is to be loved.

I enjoyed the chronological trajectory of the book. Readers follow Lisa through her school years and observe how different people and experiences affected her physical, mental, and psychological growth. She described how some family members and a few teachers brought healing and balm to her wounded spirit. Lisa Bedbak's nonfiction story read like a novel due to the vibrant conversations and vivid descriptions of people and places. Readers who have experienced a traumatic childhood might become emotional when reading about Lisa's experiences. At the same time, Lisa's experiences teach us that it only takes a few loving and supportive adults to make a difference in a child's emotional and psychological development.

Lisa's daily life in India included interactions with the nannies and cleaners her mother hired. I enjoyed reading about many of the typical foods, clothing, wedding and funeral traditions, and national holidays. At a young age, Lisa realized the power of words. She kept a journal and included one of her poems in the book.

I did find several grammatical errors in the book. These were some misspelled words and oddly worded phrases. One example is on page 18, "Your father did a mistake." A map showing the location and the distance between the different cities would familiarize readers with this part of India.

I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. Lisa portrayed her childhood in a compelling and captivating manner. She successfully transports readers through her passionate cries and carries them to the heights of her glorious triumphs. Sadly, the number of errors I found in the book obligated me to lower the score. Readers who enjoy memoirs could immerse themselves in Lisa's story. I would also recommend Lisa's story to anyone who works with children as it highlights how one loving adult in a child's life can be the catalyst for change and hope.

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My Cries and My Triumphs
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Becca Olsson
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Post by Becca Olsson »

This sounds so fascinating. I think people often forget how they can influence people around them without even knowing ans that everyone has their own trauma growing up that affects them differently. Thanks for the great review!
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Post by Sakura5 »

This seems an interesting book; I studied Indian culture so I am fascinated by their costumes and practices. It is sad though that this is tied with a negative experience of the author. Thanks for this review!
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Post by MarveeAman »

she brought up in India so reader can explore the Indian culture through the novel. looking forward to read this, thanks for an honest review.
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Yvonne Monique
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Post by Yvonne Monique »

This book will probably give an interesting reflection of Indian family life.
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Marcel Cantu
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Post by Marcel Cantu »

This sounds like a very interesting read, I like that the book explored her whole life, it is too bad the book is not better edited. Thank you for your review!
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Post by Raluca_Mihaila »

Lisa's story is very informative about India, and it can help a lot of people struggling with the same issues. It seems like an interesting memoir. Great review!
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Post by kdstrack »

Booklover Becca wrote: 12 Apr 2021, 08:55 This sounds so fascinating. I think people often forget how they can influence people around them without even knowing ans that everyone has their own trauma growing up that affects them differently. Thanks for the great review!
The author tells a powerful story. It is amazing to read about people's experiences and how they faced and triumphed over them. Thanks for commenting!
kdstrack
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Post by kdstrack »

Sakura5 wrote: 12 Apr 2021, 09:03 This seems an interesting book; I studied Indian culture so I am fascinated by their costumes and practices. It is sad though that this is tied with a negative experience of the author. Thanks for this review!
The author gives many vivid descriptions of so many different aspects of the culture. I admired the way she saw beauty in many aspects of life, in spite of her struggles at home. I hope you have a chance to read her story. Thanks for stopping by!
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Post by TheMazeRunner »

Influence is such a great tool. People should know how to use it. I love your review!
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Post by kdstrack »

TheMazeRunner wrote: 20 Apr 2021, 13:15 Influence is such a great tool. People should know how to use it. I love your review!
Lisa tells an amazing story that inspires you to never give up. I hope you will have an opportunity to read about her triumphs! Thanks so much for the kind words. :-)
kdstrack
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Post by kdstrack »

raluca_mihaila wrote: 15 Apr 2021, 05:16 Lisa's story is very informative about India, and it can help a lot of people struggling with the same issues. It seems like an interesting memoir. Great review!
It is a captivating story with many valuable lessons. I hope you will enjoy it, too. Thanks for stopping by!
kdstrack
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Post by kdstrack »

Marcel Cantu wrote: 13 Apr 2021, 14:20 This sounds like a very interesting read, I like that the book explored her whole life, it is too bad the book is not better edited. Thank you for your review!
It was interesting to read about Lisa's experiences and her struggles. There were many situations when her reactions and strength surprised me. Thanks for reading and commenting!
kdstrack
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Post by kdstrack »

Yvonne Monique wrote: 12 Apr 2021, 14:35 This book will probably give an interesting reflection of Indian family life.
The author has included many detailed descriptions of the food, the holidays, school life, and family life. The vivid details put the reader into the culture and help you form images in your mind! I hope you will have a chance to read her descriptions for yourself. Thanks for stopping by!
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Post by Mtibza eM »

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful review with us.
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