Review of It'll Be Alright, Maggie Jiggs

[Creole]

[Following is a volunteer review of "It'll Be Alright, Maggie Jiggs" by Karen Thiel.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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How would you like to be remembered? Have you ever mourned the passing of a loved one? How did you cope? What can we learn from these transitions? Losing a loved one can produce a raft of profound emotions, such as devastation, numbness, emptiness, anger, and regret. Depending on how close you were to the individual, the more extensive the range of emotions.

In It'll Be Alright, Maggie Jiggs, the author Karen Thiel, bares her soul as she shares the heart-wrenching experience of losing her mother, whom she acknowledges as her companion and best friend. She was her mom's caregiver when emphysema intervened. Caring for the sick can be a daunting task, but the writer selflessly and lovingly gave her all. It was downright agonizing when she had to make a gut-wrenching, irreversible decision that would change the trajectory of their lives. Thiel's courage in sharing her story is admirable, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeper level.

Thiel, recognizing her struggle to cope after her mother's passing, turned to writing as a form of healing. 'It'll be alright' was her mother's mantra, a source of comfort and strength. This mantra, repeated throughout the memoir, echoes her mother's belief that, despite challenges and the desired outcomes not always materializing, things will eventually fall into place.

This intense memoir is short, conversational, and easy to read. Its poignancy grabs you and reels you in from the beginning. This stream of consciousness reads more like a letter, complete with subheadings, addressed to Thiel's mother. Through her disjointed thought processes, the author attempts to convey past, present, and future realities and emotions. When grief runs amok in your thoughts and actions, there is no such thing as chronology or logicality. Thus, the memoir deviates from formal syntax and grammar, exhibiting some repetition and a non-linear structure. This structure, however, mirrors the author's emotional journey, where memories and emotions often resurface and intertwine, ultimately serving to immerse readers in the raw reality of the struggles the writer faces.

It'll Be Alright, Maggie Jiggs is a poignant recollection that will resonate with many, evoking memories of loved ones and eliciting both sighs and tears. Yet, juxtaposed with the sorrow is a surprising amount of humor in the form of funny incidents or her mother's witty remarks, demonstrating that heartache and laughter can coexist. The author's feelings are palpable as she converses with her mother, whom she believes is now an angel in heaven.

I give this memoir a rating of five out of five. Despite the writing style, it is evident that some professional editing has been done. There is nothing I dislike about this timely reminder to cherish our loved ones, forgive, and savor every moment, as time is fleeting, and we do not want to be burdened by regrets. Having lost my central mother figure, I found solace in this message. I recommend this heartfelt tribute to a mother's powerful nurturing and direction as a guide for anyone who is grieving or supporting others through the grieving process. Thiel's catharsis through writing is a powerful testament to the transformative power of self-expression. It serves as a reminder that our pain, when acknowledged and shared, can be a catalyst for healing and growth.

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It'll Be Alright, Maggie Jiggs
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[Miriam Abril Villa]

This was such a beautifully written review. I really appreciate how you captured the emotional depth of the memoir without making it feel heavy. Your reflection on grief and healing through writing really hit home—it made me feel like this book could offer comfort to a lot of people going through loss. Thanks for sharing your thoughts so honestly

[Priya Murugesan]

You have written an intriguing review and it shows how much this book affected you. Your review made me want to read the book. Thanks for your amazing review!