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Ocean Star: A Memoir
Like a broken starfish that miraculously regenerates in ocean waters, Christina DiMari has experienced triumphant healing from a childhood filled with chaos and pain. Ocean Star is the story of how God found her in the midst of an abusive childhood, became the loving parent she never had, and revealed himself in tangible ways through her amazing life journey. Filled with insightful symbolism, Ocean Star will help Christians and non-Christians find hope, humor, and healing in a powerful true story of a broken life made new.
304 pages, Paperback
First published March 21, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
January 25, 2008
God can turn any personal story of tragedy into a triumph.
August 5, 2008
Although I think she's for real I found myself wondering if she was.
April 14, 2020
What a beautifully written memoir! I can see this on the big screen. Christina's ability to tell her story is a gift in itself. The tragic situations that arise during her childhood and beyond are poignantly revealed so as the reader can grab a hold of her hope-filled heart. No platitude, no over-preaching, just plain storytelling that moves you to a new place of compassion for children who suffer abuse and adults who haven't received healing from their traumas. I said it as I was reading, "I could learn a lot about memoir writing from Christina Dimari!" Well done!
December 26, 2020
I’d give this a 3-3.5. It’s a great memoir of overcoming a rough childhood. I connected with the story in many ways and loved the analogy of the ocean star connected with God working in our lives. I enjoyed reading descriptive language about the ocean as one who deeply connects with the water.
The story flowed well, but the writing is what threw me off. Some of it was a little “extra” and overly detailed-even sometimes a little “cheesy”. Overall-an easy read and good novel.
The story flowed well, but the writing is what threw me off. Some of it was a little “extra” and overly detailed-even sometimes a little “cheesy”. Overall-an easy read and good novel.
July 15, 2018
This is my 4th time reading Ocean Star and each time it ministers to my soul in different ways. I very highly recommend this book!!
February 14, 2023
DNF .. made it to page 90. This book is memoir and s was ok. Just didn’t grab me.
April 11, 2024
Very very encouraging to one who knows people with similar experiences and it helped me learn!
March 27, 2012
This book was given to me by a colleague of my husband's, who is a former colleague of mine as well. One look at it and I thought...UGH. Really, "You Were Designed to Shine?" Soooo not me. But I figured I'd skim it. I couldn't put it down! It is a compelling story, well told. And while I don't connect with her particular semantic message (I'm not really a "shine" or "believe" kind of person), I was pretty shocked that I enjoyed the book so much. She comes from a very honest place, and comes across as an incredibly genuine person. Most impressive to me were the way she was willing to let go of her right to harbor bitterness in order to break the cycle of sin and destruction, and her eagerness to choose what was right and good. I'm really doing a terrible job here of reviewing it, but I do think I would recommend it--I think it is a great read.
March 8, 2008
I thought this was a beautifully moving true memoir. It must have been a very emotional writing process and it is definitely worth reading if you are on a journey of finding faith in God out of tragedy and seemingly hopeless times in life. It also reaches anyone who is struggling with faith and the belief in God. Again BEAUTIFUL!!! I admit I cried..a couple of times :) AND it is also good if you can relate to the spiritual effect the beach and nature in general has on the soul :) READ IT!
January 20, 2009
Well I made it to page 104 and I had to give up on this book. The first part of the book was great. But once she started getting in God, I couldn't stand this woman. She is utterly annoying to me. I can't stand people who are pushy with their religion and don't see other people's ways of not following 'God'. Her writing is nice though, and easy to read. But that's all there is to the book. I would recommend this to ONLY people who are following God.
October 24, 2015
The author of this book survived a horrific childhood of abuse and neglect. She went through years of searching to find love, acceptance and a purpose for her life. It was really well written and I really liked the way the author used the ocean symbolism throughout. A lot of people won’t give this book a second glance because it is the memoir of a woman who finds healing and love through Christ, but it touched me. I thought the book had a good message and was positive and uplifting.
September 23, 2011
This book is a great inspirational book for anyone who has struggles in their life. The girl in the story truly portrays a never give up attitude. Once she becomes a Christian then her eyes and ears are opened to listen to God's calling. A must read for someone who feels like God isn't listening to your troubles.
February 9, 2014
When I first started reading this book I wasn't sure about what the message was, after a couple day of more reading I realized that it was a book that taught you things that you didn't even know about. Even though it was a little deep at times, I could definitely relate to some of the issues in the book. I have to finish it now.
December 11, 2014
This book was truly inspiring! I recommend it for girls all ages. It is a memoir which means it is memories from the author's past. But this book told me that god is real and that he can do these amazing things. This book really touched my heart the most because some of the things that Christina went through was just horable. But I strongly recommend this book.
February 28, 2015
This story was interesting, but I don't know. I feel like this book is just trying to push me into her religion which I of course have nothing against it. I just wish she kind of toned it down with the God thing. And when she count only on God it made me wander about does she even have any self confidence in herself? Sorry if I offend anyone.
July 15, 2015
I always enjoy a book that can illicit emotion from the reader. This book did that for me. At some points that kind where you want to break out into a full cry. I could relate to this woman on different levels and really enjoyed the positive outcome and pieces of life advice that were entwined in the pages of the writing.
December 19, 2013
Great book! A good read for young women searching to heal from difficult childhoods and yearning for God. I am getting ready to teach a companion study book for young women in February. So glad I read this first!
January 16, 2015
This was a great memoir. The journey of her dysfunctional childhood and teen years into marriage, motherhood and friendship showed how she was blessed because she chose to follow God's path for her and not try to fix it on her own. It wasn't all easy and I appreciated her sharing the hard parts.
June 27, 2008
I have never cried so much in my life. This book is really moving.
May 6, 2009
I picked this book up while on Fripp Island. I love memoirs ... although this one wasn't a favorite b/c it got a little too heavy with religion. But still one I would recommend.
December 18, 2009
very good book. Enjoyed her story of survival and breakthrough.
February 28, 2010
Probably one if the most detailed books I've read. Every sentence made me feel her sorrow. This book gives such a strong message.
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August 21, 2011a suggested read from a friend - an interesting story of a girl's life redeemed by the Redeemer. hard to read at times, but so encouraging to see her trials become her stepping stone to ministry.
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December 12, 2012I loved this book!
June 17, 2013
Love!!! Amazing story of hope.
March 16, 2015
I really liked this book. It was very eye opening and helped me see the world from a different perspective.
May 4, 2014
Wow. This book took me by surprise. Did not think it was going to be so good.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews