Official Review: Water Oak: The Happiness of Longing

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Water Oak: The Happiness of Longing" by Sue Frederick.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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Water Oak: The Happiness of Longing-A Memoir by Sue Frederick is the author's transparently honest journey to make peace with her past while embracing the life she is living.

Sue Frederick is a successful magazine editor who was raised in the South by a loving father and an emotionally distant mother. Her fondest memories revolve around family vacations spent in Long Beach, Mississippi and the ever-present water oak tree where she sought solace as a child. After being widowed at twenty-nine, she still grieves the loss of her husband, Paul. Against her better judgment, she becomes entangled with Christopher, a married work colleague. When the destructive relationship finally ends, she fears she will never be loved or have children, as she desires. Desiring to make peace with the sorrows from her past, she embarks upon a spiritual journey. Throughout the book, she reminisces about simpler times, and the water oak tree from her childhood becomes an emotional touchstone for her.

What I loved most about this book was the author's skillful use of imagery. Her professional background is evident by her gift for conjuring haunting visual scenes. When Sue is in pain, the reader feels her despair. On the other hand, she possesses an amazing ability to soothe with her words. Reliving her memories, I felt cocooned by her beloved water oak. I also appreciated the author's brutally honest portrayal of her thoughts, emotions, and faults. I believe this type of transparency empowers others to be true to themselves.

What I liked least about the book was the inherent indoctrination. I respect other beliefs, but I feel the religious content should have been noted in the book's synopsis. For example, readers who don't believe in the Bible wouldn't appreciate a book preaching Christian tenets. On the same note, as a Christian, I was unprepared for the overt Hinduism taught in the book. Also, it's rife with related vocabulary, which the author assumes the reader will understand. I was unfamiliar with words such as "samsara," "Shakti," and "Guru Gita," as other readers may be.

Since the author worked as a professional editor, I was surprised by her tendency to write paragraph-long sentences punctuated by the use of multiple semicolons. I concluded that this practice was intentional, as I didn't note any other grammatical errors. However, in each instance, the wordy run-on sentences required rereading, which I found quite distracting. The errors above resulted in the deduction of a star, so I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.

I recommend this book to those who enjoy emotionally engaging memoirs and stories that empower women. Readers who practice Hinduism or New Age beliefs will appreciate the many religious references. Bible-believing Christians may prefer to skip this one.

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Water Oak: The Happiness of Longing
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Like Cecilia_L's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Ruba Abu Ali]

I appreciate an empowering story and an emotionally engaging memoir. I will add this one to my reading list. Your review is captivating and enlightening, as always. Thanks heaps!

[kandscreeley]

I kind of agree with you on the spiritual aspects. There isn't anything wrong with writing a book geared towards Christians or Hindus (?). However, I think you need to know that ahead of time. Since I'm a Christian as well, it doesn't sound like a book I'd enjoy. Thanks for the review.

[AmySmiles]

I'm getting tired of memoirs, it's just a personal preference. Plus I'm Christian so I think I'll take your advice and skip this one. Thanks for the honest, thorough review.

[Cecilia_L]

I appreciate an empowering story and an emotionally engaging memoir. I will add this one to my reading list. Your review is captivating and enlightening, as always. Thanks heaps!

Thank you, Ruba. I hope you enjoy the book!

[Cecilia_L]

I kind of agree with you on the spiritual aspects. There isn't anything wrong with writing a book geared towards Christians or Hindus (?). However, I think you need to know that ahead of time. Since I'm a Christian as well, it doesn't sound like a book I'd enjoy. Thanks for the review.

Thank you for stopping by and for your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

I'm getting tired of memoirs, it's just a personal preference. Plus I'm Christian so I think I'll take your advice and skip this one. Thanks for the honest, thorough review.

I understand. Thanks for your comment, Amy.

[cpru68]

I actually went back and forth when trying to find a book to read. I try to read as much as I can before I make the commitment, so I was glad to see your review detailing the religious aspect of the book. I can read about other's beliefs as long as it doesn't feel too 'overpowering', and like you, I don't know what those terms are either. Sounds like I will be skipping this one. Thank you for the details so I could make an informed decision.

[stacie k]

I started getting excited about this book when you mentioned the author's skillful use of imagery. However, the overt Hinduism made me reconsider. Thanks so much for this informative review!

[Cecilia_L]

I actually went back and forth when trying to find a book to read. I try to read as much as I can before I make the commitment, so I was glad to see your review detailing the religious aspect of the book. I can read about other's beliefs as long as it doesn't feel too 'overpowering', and like you, I don't know what those terms are either. Sounds like I will be skipping this one. Thank you for the details so I could make an informed decision.

Thank you for stopping by and for your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

I started getting excited about this book when you mentioned the author's skillful use of imagery. However, the overt Hinduism made me reconsider. Thanks so much for this informative review!

I understand. You're welcome. Thanks for your comment.

[Quinto]

Thanks for your honest views. I also feel for the author as she reminiscences about her past. I am glad it has an empowering message to women.

[Cecilia_L]

Thanks for your honest views. I also feel for the author as she reminiscences about her past. I am glad it has an empowering message to women.

Thank you for your comment.

[crediblereading2]

I am so sorry that the author encountered so many sorrows in her past relationships. I hope that she was able to find happiness again. I am so sorry about the run-on sentences. Thank you for a very honest review of this book.

[Cecilia_L]

I am so sorry that the author encountered so many sorrows in her past relationships. I hope that she was able to find happiness again. I am so sorry about the run-on sentences. Thank you for a very honest review of this book.

Thank you for stopping by and for your comment.