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Sporadic Memories
Sporadic Memories is an easy read. It is written poetically, which gives it justice. It begins the way it ends.Sporadic Memories is a novel about a lifestyle that needs to be read.
236 pages, Paperback
First published June 30, 2008
3 people are currently reading
1146 people want to read
About the author
Ali Marsman
5 books305 followersAli Marsman was born in Nova Scotia in 1978; she spent twenty-five years living there, and now lives in British Columbia. Her first books, 'Heal With Me' and 'Our Journey Goes On' sent her on a journey throughout Canada presenting motivational workshops and speeches, in schools, group homes, shelters, and within various other organizations and societies.
Ali has received many awards for her writing, and has been profiled in magazines, on television programs, and as well as radio.
She is also the author of, Book One: Sporadic Memories, Book Two: Because of Grandfather, and Book Too: Because of Grandmother. A trio of books celebrating life with family and friends!
Her most recent book, 'A Song ... A Dance ... A Play ... A Musical Book For You!' is the first of 3 children's books to be released this year.
Ali is also a successful pianist and teacher who is owner, operator and director of, ALMsHouse Piano Academy. Her academy has launched a publishing division where they will publish the works of students internationally and in several languages.
Ali has received many awards for her writing, and has been profiled in magazines, on television programs, and as well as radio.
She is also the author of, Book One: Sporadic Memories, Book Two: Because of Grandfather, and Book Too: Because of Grandmother. A trio of books celebrating life with family and friends!
Her most recent book, 'A Song ... A Dance ... A Play ... A Musical Book For You!' is the first of 3 children's books to be released this year.
Ali is also a successful pianist and teacher who is owner, operator and director of, ALMsHouse Piano Academy. Her academy has launched a publishing division where they will publish the works of students internationally and in several languages.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 20, 2009
I should have been the first one to rate my novel as I am so very proud of myself and my work!
I hope you enjoy(ed) it!?
Sincerely,
Ali :)
I hope you enjoy(ed) it!?
Sincerely,
Ali :)
January 26, 2019
This book was so moving. I cried a lot, laughed and loved the love between the characters. The recipe book was a great touch and I have tried many of them.
March 26, 2019
“Merry of Your Start”
“The sky is now a vibrant red as I mark against the dawn; it has been a while since the color of the sky was like this. I remember a time when I was inspiring with you: a now sporadic memory flowing through my mind.”
First, I have to say that this book is chock full of all things awesome! It’s not just a story, it’s a little bit of everything, including beautiful illustrations and some amazing recipes. There are plenty of great surprises. I’ve never come across anything like it before and I’m truly impressed by Ms. Marsman’s creativity and brilliance!
A good portion of this book is about love and loss, yet it is not sad and depressing. Rather, love is celebrated in such a way that even though the loved one is gone, they are still present in such incredibly profound ways. It’s as though memory itself gets solidified into reality, cheating death and restoring all it prematurely stripped away.
“It is all these little things we did over and over that keep me alive....”
The words are deep, profound and hauntingly beautiful. Rememberance yields a sort of magic. Through loving memories, the narrator keeps her beloved alive; she brings her dear one back to her life.
But it’s not only love in the romantic sense that’s discussed in this book; there’s the strong bonds of familial love, too. Traditions are kept alive and passed down to new generations.
There’s also the empowerment of women everywhere through heightened self-esteem and confidence.
This is a highly motivational book that will leave readers feeling positive and inspired.
“The sky is now a vibrant red as I mark against the dawn; it has been a while since the color of the sky was like this. I remember a time when I was inspiring with you: a now sporadic memory flowing through my mind.”
First, I have to say that this book is chock full of all things awesome! It’s not just a story, it’s a little bit of everything, including beautiful illustrations and some amazing recipes. There are plenty of great surprises. I’ve never come across anything like it before and I’m truly impressed by Ms. Marsman’s creativity and brilliance!
A good portion of this book is about love and loss, yet it is not sad and depressing. Rather, love is celebrated in such a way that even though the loved one is gone, they are still present in such incredibly profound ways. It’s as though memory itself gets solidified into reality, cheating death and restoring all it prematurely stripped away.
“It is all these little things we did over and over that keep me alive....”
The words are deep, profound and hauntingly beautiful. Rememberance yields a sort of magic. Through loving memories, the narrator keeps her beloved alive; she brings her dear one back to her life.
But it’s not only love in the romantic sense that’s discussed in this book; there’s the strong bonds of familial love, too. Traditions are kept alive and passed down to new generations.
There’s also the empowerment of women everywhere through heightened self-esteem and confidence.
This is a highly motivational book that will leave readers feeling positive and inspired.
February 10, 2009
I agree with my wife, beautifully written. I was a bit sad thinking that I haven't done enough in my life outside of work after reading this book. I think I will retire for sure now!
April 15, 2019
Author Ali Marsman has created a masterpiece of human emotions. As I read her "Sporadic Memories", I was touched on a profound level by the main character’s endearing account of life, love and loss.
There is no abject despondency or deep depression conveyed, however, but barely a tinge of sadness – just enough to add drama to the narration.
The stronger emotion that dominated my psyche as I read was one of hope, since the character seems to draw strength from her memories. Her “Sporadic Memories” keep her loved one alive and makes her strong.
Although she lives on without her lifetime companion, yet he remains with her every minute of every day. I felt his presence as she shared their routines. He was there in the celebrations of birthdays and anniversaries, he was there as she met with friends on occasions, he was alive in the music, he was there as she shared the recipes that they created together. And she still encountered him beneath the apple tree which they planted together. Like the apple tree, he remains alive to her.
This is a thought -provoking work – it will be a good companion for someone facing the loss of a dear loved one.
I’m glad that I purchased the paperback copy as the illustrations are simply exquisite.
It’s 5 wonderful stars from me and I will certainly be re-visiting “Sporadic Memories” from time to time in the future.
There is no abject despondency or deep depression conveyed, however, but barely a tinge of sadness – just enough to add drama to the narration.
The stronger emotion that dominated my psyche as I read was one of hope, since the character seems to draw strength from her memories. Her “Sporadic Memories” keep her loved one alive and makes her strong.
Although she lives on without her lifetime companion, yet he remains with her every minute of every day. I felt his presence as she shared their routines. He was there in the celebrations of birthdays and anniversaries, he was there as she met with friends on occasions, he was alive in the music, he was there as she shared the recipes that they created together. And she still encountered him beneath the apple tree which they planted together. Like the apple tree, he remains alive to her.
This is a thought -provoking work – it will be a good companion for someone facing the loss of a dear loved one.
I’m glad that I purchased the paperback copy as the illustrations are simply exquisite.
It’s 5 wonderful stars from me and I will certainly be re-visiting “Sporadic Memories” from time to time in the future.
August 26, 2009
This is not a novel in the normal sense of the word but a novel of poetry; it is about love and loss and about time and life. The apple on the cover symbolizes ecstasy, fertility, abundance and love, and when an apple tree is planted on pg. 160, it brings with it inspiration. I love the recipes that follow: apple pie, curried apple soup, apple butter and more. I even tried a couple (apple baked pancakes and apple jelly) and both were really good. Honest and engaging, this is a book from the heart.
February 16, 2009
I will admit that this book was hard to read at times. Even though I was prepared for that because of what the back of the book said I still had to put it down sometimes and take a breather. The way the main character feels about her partner is how I feel about my husband and I just kept thinking about how I would feel if he were to pass away.
June 9, 2009
A great read, I recommend to all:)
Read
December 27, 2010My Mom always said, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."
February 28, 2019
Throughout the book, Ali Marsman’s writing invoked almost continuous, intense love and yearning. The person, who I presume passed, was much loved and revered. Some passages are beautifully written and heartfelt. The theme appeared to be apples, which is depicted on her book cover.
Apples have many symbolisms, but I think the symbols in Ali’s book are love, beauty, and remembrance. The apple tree represents immortality; the person will always be alive in their heart. There are several apple recipes in the book.
Ali is a playwright; snippets of a play were interwoven throughout the book. This should have been omitted. Other than that, I enjoyed Sporadic Memories.
Although considered a novel, I think this is a book of poetry.
I completed Book One of Sporadic Memories in 2019. The book concerns the eternal love, at times written poetically between an artist (writer) and pianist (musician). The musician passes away and the writer's world changes. She yearns for his source of comfort, unconditional love, and physical intimacy. Special days are remembered; here she talks with wonder about their love and, surprisingly, it is not a minefield of grief, but only her everlasting love, even as she ages. I thought there should be a time to mourn, yet go on living. But there are no rules about how you should feel, nor right or wrong way to mourn. Apples, mentioned through out the book are symbolic of immortality.
Apples have many symbolisms, but I think the symbols in Ali’s book are love, beauty, and remembrance. The apple tree represents immortality; the person will always be alive in their heart. There are several apple recipes in the book.
Ali is a playwright; snippets of a play were interwoven throughout the book. This should have been omitted. Other than that, I enjoyed Sporadic Memories.
Although considered a novel, I think this is a book of poetry.
I completed Book One of Sporadic Memories in 2019. The book concerns the eternal love, at times written poetically between an artist (writer) and pianist (musician). The musician passes away and the writer's world changes. She yearns for his source of comfort, unconditional love, and physical intimacy. Special days are remembered; here she talks with wonder about their love and, surprisingly, it is not a minefield of grief, but only her everlasting love, even as she ages. I thought there should be a time to mourn, yet go on living. But there are no rules about how you should feel, nor right or wrong way to mourn. Apples, mentioned through out the book are symbolic of immortality.
February 16, 2009
i have known ali for a long time and this book i love so much that i couldnt put it down and when i was done reading it the first i had to read it again. he work is so great that it touches me keep up the great work ali my sista love ya
February 21, 2009
I throughly enjoyed the book, yes it was not your normal read but I loved the recipes and the women empowerment. It certainly reflecs the title and you just may sporadically read it! I can't wait for the next edition!!!
March 5, 2009
This is an amazing read. I recommend you read it, I can't wait for the next one to come out..............
January 9, 2009
I had an appreciation for life, but since reading this novel, even more so.
Beautifully written/inspiring and by a Canadian author!
Beautifully written/inspiring and by a Canadian author!
May 26, 2009
This is an amazing book!! I recommend it to all! I know once you pick it up, you wont be able to put it down, magical words Ali, Keep the books coming! LOVE IT!!!!!!
July 8, 2009
I met the author. Such a creative soul!
January 14, 2010
I received this book from First Reads giveaway.
I thought this was a mediocre book. There were a few touching parts, but sometimes it seemed slightly amateur.
I thought this was a mediocre book. There were a few touching parts, but sometimes it seemed slightly amateur.
March 1, 2019
It was a wonderful, unique read! It was thought-evoking and made me think about my life and my relationship. It was hard to put down and the emotions really came through. Looking forward to other books from Ali.
September 29, 2019
I love the love
October 21, 2025
A heartfelt story that reflects deep emotion and appreciation for family, love, and memory. I admire Ali’s dedication to telling stories that celebrate connection and legacy. 🌿
December 9, 2009
So, this book was not what I was expecting at all. And I have to admit that after reading the back cover, I was really not excited. That was the worst back cover writing I think I've ever read!
Now, the book itself read more like a poem. A very, very long poem. In some ways I liked this as it was unique and felt very melodious and peaceful, tranquil and soft, serene and soulful... However, the book/poem was truly about 100 pages too long. And I got a little tired of reading kind of the same thing over and over and over again. The recipes sounded delicious though. ;)
Now, the book itself read more like a poem. A very, very long poem. In some ways I liked this as it was unique and felt very melodious and peaceful, tranquil and soft, serene and soulful... However, the book/poem was truly about 100 pages too long. And I got a little tired of reading kind of the same thing over and over and over again. The recipes sounded delicious though. ;)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews