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A Smoke and a Song: A Memoir
January 2021, ten months into the global pandemic, Sherry Sidoti’s mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer—so Sherry prioritizes a trip to Manhattan over long-awaited empty-nesting and her “second chance” with fiancé Jevon. With new life blooming and loss looming, she is beckoned to answer the question that has haunted her since: Is freedom found in “letting go,” as the spiritual teachers (and her mother) insist, or is it found by digging our heels deeper into the earth and holding on to our humanness?
A Smoke and a Song is Sidoti’s story of her quest to find meaning in her memories. Told with tenacity, tenderness, and wry humor, Sidoti stumbles toward self-actualization, spiritual awakening, and, despite it all, love. This is a story steeped in art and spirituality that explores the complexities of transgenerational maternal bonds, attachment, loss, and leaning in to our wounds to find the wisdom.
A Smoke and a Song is Sidoti’s story of her quest to find meaning in her memories. Told with tenacity, tenderness, and wry humor, Sidoti stumbles toward self-actualization, spiritual awakening, and, despite it all, love. This is a story steeped in art and spirituality that explores the complexities of transgenerational maternal bonds, attachment, loss, and leaning in to our wounds to find the wisdom.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
304 pages, Paperback
Published August 1, 2023
12 people are currently reading
2122 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
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May 3, 2023A Smoke and a Song is an incredible read. I was given an advance reader copy from a friend. I highly recommend this book if you want to feel courageous, inspired, connected, and grateful. The author takes you on a journey of vulnerability and growth, as her colorful language paints a place for you in her world. There are parts of this book that really aligned with my own life, and that helped me feel less alone. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. I fell in love with the characters, their flaws and perfections. I am so glad that Sidoti put this compassion out into the world. Get this book, you will not regret it!
July 1, 2023
I’m lucky enough to have received an advance copy of this book and boy, did I devour it! Sherry puts everything on the table in this raw, authentic, and vulnerable look inward at her life experiences. Sherry’s voice comes through clearly through her colorful writing- she will have you laughing out loud with her dry humor one chapter, and the next, mourning a faded cherished relationship. Her story is relatable and honest, weaved together with incredible language and self discovery.
September 10, 2023
"I welcome the grief. I go toward it. There is something famil- iar, refreshing even, in mourning, in allowing the melancholy to deepen me. It is a visit from an old self, the me-who-kneeled-in- my-mother’s-plants self, the me-in-my-mother’s-worried-womb self, perhaps even a past-life self that lives in bones and marrow. It is cleansing, purifying, a returning home to an ancient thread."
What a beautiful emotional read. I found so many threads of my own feelings and emotions during my time reading. While it is hard to rate a memoir, because, how do you rate someone's life? Sherry wrote this so perfectly in my opinion.
And Grandpa Stanley?! What a gem of a man, he sounded like the Grandpa everyone should have. I look forward to looking up his work.
I am so grateful to have been given an advanced e-book copy! Thank you booksparks and Sherry Sidoti!
#ASmokeAndASong #SummerPopUp
What a beautiful emotional read. I found so many threads of my own feelings and emotions during my time reading. While it is hard to rate a memoir, because, how do you rate someone's life? Sherry wrote this so perfectly in my opinion.
And Grandpa Stanley?! What a gem of a man, he sounded like the Grandpa everyone should have. I look forward to looking up his work.
I am so grateful to have been given an advanced e-book copy! Thank you booksparks and Sherry Sidoti!
#ASmokeAndASong #SummerPopUp
November 10, 2023
From the first page until the last page, I was thoroughly engrossed in this moving memoir by Sherry Sidoti.
November 30, 2024
In A Smoke and a Song, Sherry Sidoti offers an intimate and deeply moving memoir that resonates with readers on multiple levels. The narrative, set against the backdrop of the global pandemic and the looming loss of Sidoti’s mother to terminal cancer, explores themes of spirituality, human connection, grief, and self-discovery. Through her journey, Sidoti paints a portrait of a woman grappling with life’s complex questions, particularly the tension between letting go and holding on to what makes us human.
Sidoti’s writing is filled with raw honesty and wry humor, inviting readers into her emotional landscape as she navigates the challenging terrain of loss, love, and healing. She reflects on the deep, sometimes painful, bond she shared with her mother, who was both a spiritual guide and a reminder of the impermanence of life. This personal story unfolds with vulnerability, making it easy for readers to connect to her experience, especially those who have faced loss or struggled with finding meaning in difficult circumstances.
One of the central themes of the book is the question of freedom—whether it lies in the act of letting go, as her mother and many spiritual teachers suggested, or in digging in and holding on to what grounds us. Sidoti explores this philosophical dilemma with a mix of skepticism and openness, revealing her own personal conflict as she faces a pivotal moment in her life. Her journey toward self-actualization is both inspiring and humbling, as she learns to embrace her imperfections and uncover the wisdom hidden within her wounds.
The memoir is not only a story of personal transformation but also an exploration of the complex relationships that shape us. Sidoti’s bond with her mother, as well as the evolving relationship with her fiancé Jevon, offers insight into the deep-rooted connections that define our lives. These emotional threads weave together beautifully, creating a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
Sidoti also deftly incorporates art and spirituality throughout her memoir, connecting the inner world of the soul to the outer expressions of creativity and connection. Her musings on art, love, and the human experience are thought-provoking and invite readers to reflect on their own life journeys. In the face of uncertainty, A Smoke and a Song becomes a source of hope, reminding us that even in our darkest times, there is light to be found in embracing the full spectrum of human experience.
What makes this memoir truly compelling is its universality. Sidoti’s personal struggles, insights, and moments of vulnerability are rendered in such a way that readers from all walks of life will see themselves reflected in her story. She invites us into a shared space of healing and growth, and in doing so, offers a mirror through which we can examine our own lives.
In A Smoke and a Song, Sherry Sidoti reminds us that transformation often comes through embracing our vulnerability, leaning into the darkness, and finding the strength to rise again. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love, making this memoir not just a story to be read, but an experience to be felt. For anyone seeking hope, healing, and the courage to face their own challenges, Sidoti’s memoir offers a poignant and inspiring invitation to reflect on the beauty and complexity of life.
Sidoti’s writing is filled with raw honesty and wry humor, inviting readers into her emotional landscape as she navigates the challenging terrain of loss, love, and healing. She reflects on the deep, sometimes painful, bond she shared with her mother, who was both a spiritual guide and a reminder of the impermanence of life. This personal story unfolds with vulnerability, making it easy for readers to connect to her experience, especially those who have faced loss or struggled with finding meaning in difficult circumstances.
One of the central themes of the book is the question of freedom—whether it lies in the act of letting go, as her mother and many spiritual teachers suggested, or in digging in and holding on to what grounds us. Sidoti explores this philosophical dilemma with a mix of skepticism and openness, revealing her own personal conflict as she faces a pivotal moment in her life. Her journey toward self-actualization is both inspiring and humbling, as she learns to embrace her imperfections and uncover the wisdom hidden within her wounds.
The memoir is not only a story of personal transformation but also an exploration of the complex relationships that shape us. Sidoti’s bond with her mother, as well as the evolving relationship with her fiancé Jevon, offers insight into the deep-rooted connections that define our lives. These emotional threads weave together beautifully, creating a narrative that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.
Sidoti also deftly incorporates art and spirituality throughout her memoir, connecting the inner world of the soul to the outer expressions of creativity and connection. Her musings on art, love, and the human experience are thought-provoking and invite readers to reflect on their own life journeys. In the face of uncertainty, A Smoke and a Song becomes a source of hope, reminding us that even in our darkest times, there is light to be found in embracing the full spectrum of human experience.
What makes this memoir truly compelling is its universality. Sidoti’s personal struggles, insights, and moments of vulnerability are rendered in such a way that readers from all walks of life will see themselves reflected in her story. She invites us into a shared space of healing and growth, and in doing so, offers a mirror through which we can examine our own lives.
In A Smoke and a Song, Sherry Sidoti reminds us that transformation often comes through embracing our vulnerability, leaning into the darkness, and finding the strength to rise again. Her story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love, making this memoir not just a story to be read, but an experience to be felt. For anyone seeking hope, healing, and the courage to face their own challenges, Sidoti’s memoir offers a poignant and inspiring invitation to reflect on the beauty and complexity of life.
June 24, 2023
In January of 2021, Sherry Sidoti’s mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer and she has one last chance to make amends with her past. Her father left when she was a year old, leaving her mother, Babette, to raise three girls on her own. Babette often worked three jobs to make ends meet and was not always emotionally available to her children.
“I read once that busyness is a coping response – a strategy some people take on to disassociate from whatever pain they are avoiding inside … it makes me curious. What is my mother always running from?”
It’s a contentious household; fights between her mother and older sister often turn physical. Sherry, the youngest and peacemaker, finds solace in her Grandmother Elise, an artist and poet who is married to her third husband, Poet Laureate Stanley Kunitz. Sherry escapes her dysfunctional home life by spending time in her grandmother Elise’s studio. Grandfather Stanley provides a level of stability as well … a male figure to respect and admire who stands in for her father who is absent from her life.
Her mother had a markedly different experience as Elise’s daughter. Elise was emotionally distant from Babette, and often, psychologically abusive. Babette struggled through years of mental illness and various diagnoses. When Sherry learns of her mother’s experience, she wonders how she can continue in relationship with Elise.
“What you heard today is my story – don’t make it yours … Family is family. We forgive. We let things go. Now I use my past to help other survivors. This is what we do to heal. We find a way to use our hardships and give it back.”
Sidoti is the founder of FLY Yoga School. She’s a certified yoga teacher, labor doula, addiction recovery coach, and somatic therapist. These skills come in handy as she faces her childhood trauma and makes amends with her family. Her writing is luminous and transparent. Ultimately, she finds a way to make amends with her past through her training as a yogi. A Smoke and a Song is the story of generational trauma, resilience, and the healing power of art. Highly recommended for fans of Glennon Doyle, Brene’ Brown, and Dani Shapiro.
This is Lin Salisbury with Superior Reviews. Listen to my author interviews and read all my reviews at www.wtip.org and on www.superiorreads.com.
“I read once that busyness is a coping response – a strategy some people take on to disassociate from whatever pain they are avoiding inside … it makes me curious. What is my mother always running from?”
It’s a contentious household; fights between her mother and older sister often turn physical. Sherry, the youngest and peacemaker, finds solace in her Grandmother Elise, an artist and poet who is married to her third husband, Poet Laureate Stanley Kunitz. Sherry escapes her dysfunctional home life by spending time in her grandmother Elise’s studio. Grandfather Stanley provides a level of stability as well … a male figure to respect and admire who stands in for her father who is absent from her life.
Her mother had a markedly different experience as Elise’s daughter. Elise was emotionally distant from Babette, and often, psychologically abusive. Babette struggled through years of mental illness and various diagnoses. When Sherry learns of her mother’s experience, she wonders how she can continue in relationship with Elise.
“What you heard today is my story – don’t make it yours … Family is family. We forgive. We let things go. Now I use my past to help other survivors. This is what we do to heal. We find a way to use our hardships and give it back.”
Sidoti is the founder of FLY Yoga School. She’s a certified yoga teacher, labor doula, addiction recovery coach, and somatic therapist. These skills come in handy as she faces her childhood trauma and makes amends with her family. Her writing is luminous and transparent. Ultimately, she finds a way to make amends with her past through her training as a yogi. A Smoke and a Song is the story of generational trauma, resilience, and the healing power of art. Highly recommended for fans of Glennon Doyle, Brene’ Brown, and Dani Shapiro.
This is Lin Salisbury with Superior Reviews. Listen to my author interviews and read all my reviews at www.wtip.org and on www.superiorreads.com.
September 12, 2023
I met Sherry Sidoti when I worked for/with and became friends with her ex-husband , co-parenting partner Robert though Broga. She offered content as part of our yoga teacher training programs. It was great because I could sit back and be the student on the days she visited our trainings. It was in the early years of my divorce process and her psoais workshop physically released so much trauma I was storing. Her dharma talk provided great healing perspective in another instance. I was very lucky that the universe presented these two to me in the aftermath of their own divorce to help me heal from mine. I’m grateful she and I have remained friendly, she’s quick to respond to support a fellow teacher when I’ve had questions and few mentors to turn to.
Sherry has just released her memoir “ a smoke and a song”. I finished it Sunday with tears streaming down my face after devouring it in 2 days . I can sincerely say it’s great. A book that deserves to be discovered at the level of other engaging spiritual journey memoirs like “ Eat, Pray, Love”.
The book resonated with me on so many levels. Growing up Gen X with a love of all music and impromptu dance parties with family. The freedom we had as kids and teenagers and the lessons that came with those adventures . Her love of and time in Mexico. If I were to ever write my own memoir that charismatic yogi surfer from California she married and share a son they both love so much would play ( albeit a very different role) in my memoir too. It did sometimes feel intrusive at times to read about people you know, care about , perspectives of them you agree with and others you see differently. The role yoga plays in the lives of those who are lucky to be called to it in this lifetime as well as the family patterns , dynamic, “ layers “ we all experience sherry’s experience and insight has taught me again and left me with plenty to reflect upon.
I loved this book. I will likely gift it to some who resist this recommendation to get it ( lol). It’s available everywhere. She’s even done the audible herself.
“Live with love, not for love “ one of my favorite gems from a book rich with them.
Sherry has just released her memoir “ a smoke and a song”. I finished it Sunday with tears streaming down my face after devouring it in 2 days . I can sincerely say it’s great. A book that deserves to be discovered at the level of other engaging spiritual journey memoirs like “ Eat, Pray, Love”.
The book resonated with me on so many levels. Growing up Gen X with a love of all music and impromptu dance parties with family. The freedom we had as kids and teenagers and the lessons that came with those adventures . Her love of and time in Mexico. If I were to ever write my own memoir that charismatic yogi surfer from California she married and share a son they both love so much would play ( albeit a very different role) in my memoir too. It did sometimes feel intrusive at times to read about people you know, care about , perspectives of them you agree with and others you see differently. The role yoga plays in the lives of those who are lucky to be called to it in this lifetime as well as the family patterns , dynamic, “ layers “ we all experience sherry’s experience and insight has taught me again and left me with plenty to reflect upon.
I loved this book. I will likely gift it to some who resist this recommendation to get it ( lol). It’s available everywhere. She’s even done the audible herself.
“Live with love, not for love “ one of my favorite gems from a book rich with them.
February 2, 2024
As I write this review, I am re-immersing myself in "A Smoke and a Song" by Sherry Sidoti, a book that vividly captures the memories and healing residing in her body. Her yoga and exotic travel narrative resonates with me deeply, making it a highly relatable experience. My decision to listen to this book comes right before attending a workshop titled “Our Way Home: Arriving and Healing” at Light And Space in Ojai, California. This workshop, alongside the insights shared by Sidoti on her writing process, enhances my connection to the book.
In the days that follow the workshop, I continue to re-listen to "A Smoke and a Song," finding myself laughing and crying with the author. The emotional journey is profound, as Sidoti's stories and reflections strike a chord. Additionally, I explore the music Sidoti mentions throughout the book, allowing me to delve deeper into the layers of her story. I also engage with poetry, further enriching my appreciation for her work.
This book, along with the workshop and the exploration of music and poetry that accompanies it, offers a transformative experience. It's not just a reading or listening journey; it's an invitation to connect with one's own stories and emotions. "A Smoke and a Song" is more than a book; it's a companion on a journey of self-discovery and healing. I feel open hearted.
In the days that follow the workshop, I continue to re-listen to "A Smoke and a Song," finding myself laughing and crying with the author. The emotional journey is profound, as Sidoti's stories and reflections strike a chord. Additionally, I explore the music Sidoti mentions throughout the book, allowing me to delve deeper into the layers of her story. I also engage with poetry, further enriching my appreciation for her work.
This book, along with the workshop and the exploration of music and poetry that accompanies it, offers a transformative experience. It's not just a reading or listening journey; it's an invitation to connect with one's own stories and emotions. "A Smoke and a Song" is more than a book; it's a companion on a journey of self-discovery and healing. I feel open hearted.
May 12, 2023
I received an advance copy of A Smoke and a Song and devoured it in two days! This gripping memoir is beautifully woven with gut wrenching honesty, humor and deep insight into family trauma, the complexities of relationships and what we can only hope to heal. I laughed out loud, then paused, deep breath, and then gulp, hit with a revealing event that many women have survived but rarely have the capacity to explore. Sidoti does it for us. She gives us permission to own our truth as she continues to share hers. Sidoti takes us on her healing journey and doesn't sugar coat her side of things. She is as ruthless about herself as she is the other players in her story. The eye opening truth about what is handed down from generation to generation, from grandmother, to mother, to daughters, helps to humanize all those we wish had done a better job. This whirlwind journey towards wholeness is not filled with neatly tied bows and happy endings, but more a glance at the on going pursuit to understand what it's all about anyway. As Sidoti's poet grandfather writes, "I am not done with my changes." And thankfully neither is Sidoti.
August 4, 2023
Thank you, Partners @BookSparks and @sherrysidoti for my #giftedbook and spot on the tour!
PUB DATE: 08.01.23 - Available Now!
MY THOUGHTS
This book resonated with me on many levels and I found myself turning the pages because I connected so deeply with Sherry's story. This book offers a deep exploration of many of life's biggest struggles - generational trauma, family dynamics, career, aging, forgiveness, and finding peace within our own skin.
I've spent a lot of my adult life in therapy and this book reminds me of the importance of staying on top of our "stuff". I'm convinced no one gets through life unscathed and we never know what those we encounter are carrying with them. Because of this empathy is a necessity yet is often mocked. I'm still thinking about this one!
I appreciate the author's honesty and transparency, writing a book like this isn't easy. Yet the book beautifully weaves together family trauma, the complexities of our relationships while showing us how to heal and move forward.
PUB DATE: 08.01.23 - Available Now!
MY THOUGHTS
This book resonated with me on many levels and I found myself turning the pages because I connected so deeply with Sherry's story. This book offers a deep exploration of many of life's biggest struggles - generational trauma, family dynamics, career, aging, forgiveness, and finding peace within our own skin.
I've spent a lot of my adult life in therapy and this book reminds me of the importance of staying on top of our "stuff". I'm convinced no one gets through life unscathed and we never know what those we encounter are carrying with them. Because of this empathy is a necessity yet is often mocked. I'm still thinking about this one!
I appreciate the author's honesty and transparency, writing a book like this isn't easy. Yet the book beautifully weaves together family trauma, the complexities of our relationships while showing us how to heal and move forward.
August 5, 2023
𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘨!💜
http://donasbooks.blogspot.com/2023/0...
Thank you to the author Sherry Sidoti, publishers She Writes Press, as well as BookSparks, for an advance physical copy of ᴀ sᴍᴏᴋᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ sᴏɴɢ. All opinions are mine.
...
I'm so impressed with how delicately Sidoti balances style with respecting the privacy of certain individuals who shared her life, but requested not to share the page.
This is one of the better memoirs I've read this year. Stylish and fascinating, not to mention inspiring for this reader.
Rating: 🧘♀️🧘♀️🧘♀️🧘♀️.5 / 5 yogis
Recommend? Yes, for sure!
Finished: August 3 2023
Format: Paperback, Advance copy
Read this if you like:
👤 Memoirs
🌎 International travel
👨👩👧👧 Family dynamics
🍵 Alternative medicine
http://donasbooks.blogspot.com/2023/0...
Thank you to the author Sherry Sidoti, publishers She Writes Press, as well as BookSparks, for an advance physical copy of ᴀ sᴍᴏᴋᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴀ sᴏɴɢ. All opinions are mine.
...
I'm so impressed with how delicately Sidoti balances style with respecting the privacy of certain individuals who shared her life, but requested not to share the page.
This is one of the better memoirs I've read this year. Stylish and fascinating, not to mention inspiring for this reader.
Rating: 🧘♀️🧘♀️🧘♀️🧘♀️.5 / 5 yogis
Recommend? Yes, for sure!
Finished: August 3 2023
Format: Paperback, Advance copy
Read this if you like:
👤 Memoirs
🌎 International travel
👨👩👧👧 Family dynamics
🍵 Alternative medicine
October 8, 2023
Sidoti’s memoir is beautifully written chronicling her search for understanding and healing from her childhood and the inter generational revelations that she uncovers. Reading her story is akin to walking alongside and experiencing her life: her childhood in NYC raised by her mom alongside her older sisters, her attentive & influential grandmother, and the many subsequent experiences as an adult along her journey that provoked in Sidoti a desire to “go deep” (vs flow through). She gorgeously chronicles her spiritual healing that she embarks upon to understand the emotional & physical impact each experience had on who she is today. This is a remarkable story of self-healing, self-love and the importance of self-exploration to fully arrive in one’s life.
August 19, 2024
Memoirs are one of my favorite genres. Needless to say I’ve read quite a few of them. This memoir sticks out in my top five favorites. Reminiscent of a cross between Gwendolyn Doyle with frank presentation and wisdom gleaned from the difficult topics that we’re hesitant to discuss are frankly presented in Sidoti’s memoir. There’s also a hint of Mary Karr in presentation of family relationships. Sidotoi’s strong relationship with her grandparents, especially her grandmother was frank and enduring. Her parental relationships and sibling relationships were also covered. All of the characters were three dimensional to me. She did an excellent job with conveying her spousal relationships. And I enjoyed the metaphysical and yogi wisdom as well. Definitely recommend.
December 5, 2024
In this book, I felt treated to an excellent narrative where the author masterfully intertwines her personal story with profound spiritual and emotional insights. Her skillful storytelling not only engaged me as a reader but also facilitated a deeper connection with my own spirituality and emotions. The book is a delightful journey, offering both learning and enjoyment. As a reader, I found the experience enriching and insightful, appreciating the depth and authenticity embedded in the storytelling. This book stands as a testament to the author's writing prowess and her capacity to create a meaningful and enjoyable read.
June 8, 2023
I was kindly given an advanced copy of A Smoke And A Song from a friend who had just finished and shared her exuberance about the book. I want to thank you Sherry for your truth and transparency in sifting through your memories and life’s lessons. We never know what someone else has lived through, or the healing that can come from sharing it. Talk about living in the layers! I am inspired to lift up the rug of my own herstory to see what traumas I have swept underneath that are holding me back from living more peacefully and authentically in my own skin.
August 8, 2023
Memoirs are hard to review because it's a book about someone's life. With that being said, this memoir was beautiful, heartbreaking, emotional, raw, and vulnerable. Sidoti takes us through her life, her choices, and experiences that have shaped her into the person she is today. Every experience we have in our lives, good and bad, shape us and helps us grow. She talks about really digging into her wounds and trauma and letting go so she can live a peaceful life. And she talks about how liberating it is to own our truth. So beautifully written.
August 18, 2023
A brave introspection of complex family dynamics and how they shape us, pull us, color and form us. The author reveals vulnerability and strength in one breath, turns her lens toward and away from mothers, lovers, sisters...and lovingly shares how an atypical family system can sometimes harm while simultaneously plant wisdom, magic and song within us. Sidoti brings her full self to every page, messy, mystical, maternal, sexy, adventurous, loyal, rough and tough...bared open. Kinda made me want to smoke again.
July 25, 2024
“When do we get to be the person we are inside, in the outside world?” This was truly the heart and soul of Sherry’s beautiful memoir to me. I ached to listen to the playlist of music she references as I read. It’s as much a character as anyone else mentioned. I couldn’t put it down and learned so much about myself through her story. Sherry gives us all permission to tell and own our life experiences that are but ours alone while having an understanding that it is also connected to all. Beautifully written, engaging, and takes you on a wonderful ride.
Read
June 13, 2023"A Fresh Meditation on Life"
Sherry Sidoti's memoir offers a rich exploration of life's biggest issues: family, career, aging, forgiveness and finding home.
Sidoti's writing is engaging and insightful. I tabbed well over thirty pages--my favorite scene might be Mom's atypical 80th birthday party! I teach writing and will be sharing excerpts from this powerful memoir during classes for years to come.
I was fortunate to read an advance copy.
Sherry Sidoti's memoir offers a rich exploration of life's biggest issues: family, career, aging, forgiveness and finding home.
Sidoti's writing is engaging and insightful. I tabbed well over thirty pages--my favorite scene might be Mom's atypical 80th birthday party! I teach writing and will be sharing excerpts from this powerful memoir during classes for years to come.
I was fortunate to read an advance copy.
August 23, 2024
Beautifully written and the author’s heartfelt truth is effectively communicated so as to inspire empathy and celebration from the reader. Some readers may feel less relatability because the author has access to resources that many women lack- but it is a memoir, not a self-help book. There is still a connection and sense of community with the struggles the author faces although we all have different tools and paths in our journeys. 🙏🏻
June 8, 2023
Loved reading this book! I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced readers copy of A Smoke and a Song last month and dove right in. This book is a both intimate and highly accessible journey. Sherry Sidoti paints a picture of her world that jumps off the page with profound personal discoveries that speak to the human experience at large. A deeply honest and satisfying read.
June 8, 2023
Beautifully written book of compelling stories and well defined characters of friend and family. Sherry takes you along on her life journey in colorful and often funny language and engaging storytelling.
June 8, 2023
Another memoir with prose and lyrical writing that captures the reader until the end. I have to say that although this is a wonderful nonfiction story I think that not every reader will enjoy this one. However, if this is what you are looking for then it will fully give you what you expect.
September 6, 2024
This was such a splendid surprise of a book. It was at the house that my fam is renting, never heard of it and devoured it. It was so beautifully written and all encapsulating of growing up and j tryna navigate life, familial struggles, and figuring out what you want in life. Loved it
September 27, 2024
Wow! Thanks, sherry for writing such a beautiful book. Your language and writing was captivating and so was the story of family dynamics and your own journey. I especially liked the parts about yoga and spirituality. Thanks for your bravery.
July 23, 2025
thank you Sherry!
Beautifully written, funny and relatable. You should make a shared playlist for your book. Thank you for letting us in on the past and present. Keep the future a mystery. Stay blessed.
Beautifully written, funny and relatable. You should make a shared playlist for your book. Thank you for letting us in on the past and present. Keep the future a mystery. Stay blessed.
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July 6, 2023A Smoke and a Song: A Memoir is an inspiring and reflective journey of self-discovery, heartbreak, and self-actualization. This story is steeped in healing tools without being pushy or prescriptive.
July 26, 2023
Brilliant and beautiful, this is gorgeous memoir.
August 5, 2023
I liked this book. It was a little slow and hard to get into. I don't read too many memoirs. It wouldn't have been one I would have chosen but I was picked for an early read I'm glad I was.
September 7, 2023
A captivating meditation on family, relationships, and particularly the mother-daughter bond, told through the lens of gained spiritual wisdom. Honest and lyrical throughout, a delight to read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews