Ten years ago I celebrated my 35th wedding anniversary with my husband, Don, sons Darryl and Ross, and daughter-in-law, Kendi. At the time, I was a loving wife, caring mother, and successful writer. But something was missing from my life, and I pondered whether it was time to research my roots.
by Rachel Koestler-Grack
Appeared in StoryMonstersInk from Five Star Publications, January 2015 issue
“You know what happens when people read your book?” asked Libby Atwater’s cousin after reading her memoir What Lies Within. “They fall in love with you.”
It’s no surprise that readers become enamored with Libby, a child who triumphs amid adversity. As the world around her suddenly unravels, she finds a way to remain true to herself and become the woman she was meant to be. (more…)
As December approached, I could not contain myself, anticipating the arrival of my unknown uncle. I moved my clothes and books into my sister Blanche’s room, where I carved out a corner.
Blanche was living at Roosevelt State Hospital in Menlo Park in December 1959. She had been committed there in September. My Saturdays that fall were filled with trips to the hospital near Princeton, while my friends played and went to movies. I hated visiting her there. (more…)
An excerpt from ‘What Lies Within’:
After dinner at Lindy’s in New York City, my uncle and I browsed the stores in the theater district. My uncle discovered a record store and said, “My favorite pastimes are to read and listen to my records. I have about 1,000 albums back in California. I love the tenors, especially Caruso. When I play his recordings, I turn the volume up on my HiFi until my trailer shakes.”
This wonderful review was posted by Denis Ledoux on Amazon.com – http://amzn.com/B00FVXF5JC
I am humbled by your kind words, Denis.
“Libby Atwater has written a book that is rich in the culture of the times she grew up in (and as such an interesting read in this regard), but it is also a story of a hero’s journey who is facing trials seemingly beyond her abilities to overcome.
Orphaned by the time she was in her mid-teens, shunted from relative to relative, Atwater taps “What Lies Within” to fashion in time a life she could live. Coming from a stable home, I can only imagine the emotional difficulties Libby Atwater faced in her pursuit of an adult life that would be happy, fulfilling, and contributory.
My hat is off to her! If you are looking for an uplifting story, this one will inspire you.”