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Three Shoeboxes
Mac Anderson holds life in the palm of his hand. He has a beautiful wife, three loving children, a comfortable home, and a successful career. Everything is perfect―or so it seems. Tragically, Mac is destined to learn that any sense of security can quickly prove false. Because an invisible enemy called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has invaded Mac's fragile mind and it is about to drop him to his knees. He does all he can to conceal his inner chaos, but to no avail. Left to contend with ignorance, an insensitive justice system, and the struggles of an invisible disease, he loses everything―most importantly his family. One shoebox might store an old pair of sneakers. Two shoeboxes might contain a lifetime of photographs. But in Three Shoeboxes, a father's undying love may be just enough to make things right again.
- GenresContemporary
285 pages, Paperback
Published June 12, 2018
8 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
Steven Manchester
41 books272 followersNew England's Storyteller Steven Manchester is the author of the soul-awakening novel, The Menu, as well as the '80s nostalgia-series, Bread Bags & Bullies; Lawn Darts & Lemonade. His other works include #1 bestsellers Twelve Months, The Rockin' Chair, Pressed Pennies and Gooseberry Island; the national bestsellers, Ashes, The Changing Season and Three Shoeboxes; the multi-award winning novels, Dad and Goodnight Brian; and the heartwarming Christmas movie, The Thursday Night Club. His work has appeared on NBC's Today Show and CBS's The Early Show; in Billboard and People Magazines. Three of Steven's short stories were selected "101 Best" for Chicken Soup for the Soul series. He is a multi-produced playwright, as well as the winner of the 2017 Los Angeles Book Festival, 2018 New York Book Festival, 2020 New England Book Festival, and 2021 Paris Book Festival. When not spending time with his beautiful wife, Paula, or their children, this Massachusetts author is promoting his works or writing. Visit: www.StevenManchester.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
May 30, 2018
In a world filled with emotional pressures and personal expectations, one family will fracture as it precariously teeters on the hidden fault line of P.T.S.D. Steven Manchester’s THREE SHOEBOXES is a heart-wrenching rollercoaster ride that is raw, brutally honest and as painfully tender as a gaping wound.
Mac Anderson’s family is strong, dedicated to each other and his marriage is the cornerstone that holds everything meaningful together. He never expected that repressed memories from a horrific event long ago would bring him to his knees just as he has the world in the palm of his hand. As Mac slowly devolves into an insecure, mentally ill shadow of himself, he will lose all that is dear to him, including his three children and his life’s partner.
Before he is legally ripped from his family, the depression, anxiety and panic attacks, will weaken Mac enough to alcohol. But the monster within will not be quieted and society will give him no quarter as he struggles to survive one more day, alone and broken.
His journey will be long, the battle horrendous, but Mac’s love for his family and hopes to be reunited prove to empower him to take each step forward. Will his family be waiting for him? Will the love they all share be enough?
Steven Manchester has taken a compassionate look at PTSD and its victims, while telling a story of faith, hope, love and regaining trust and self-respect. A master storyteller, Mr. Manchester takes us into the heart and soul of one family as it is crushed, founders and is rebuilt anew on a foundation of healing.
From start to finish this tale will have readers caught up in the both the worst and best life has to offer. The struggle is real and through the heartfelt words of Steven Manchester, the struggle comes alive and the characters breathe. Powerful reading with a powerful and eye-opening message!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Fiction Studio Books and Steven Manchester!
Publisher: Fiction Studio Books (June 12, 2018)
Publication Date: June 12, 2018
Genre: Romantic Drama | PTSD
Print Length: 262 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
Mac Anderson’s family is strong, dedicated to each other and his marriage is the cornerstone that holds everything meaningful together. He never expected that repressed memories from a horrific event long ago would bring him to his knees just as he has the world in the palm of his hand. As Mac slowly devolves into an insecure, mentally ill shadow of himself, he will lose all that is dear to him, including his three children and his life’s partner.
Before he is legally ripped from his family, the depression, anxiety and panic attacks, will weaken Mac enough to alcohol. But the monster within will not be quieted and society will give him no quarter as he struggles to survive one more day, alone and broken.
His journey will be long, the battle horrendous, but Mac’s love for his family and hopes to be reunited prove to empower him to take each step forward. Will his family be waiting for him? Will the love they all share be enough?
Steven Manchester has taken a compassionate look at PTSD and its victims, while telling a story of faith, hope, love and regaining trust and self-respect. A master storyteller, Mr. Manchester takes us into the heart and soul of one family as it is crushed, founders and is rebuilt anew on a foundation of healing.
From start to finish this tale will have readers caught up in the both the worst and best life has to offer. The struggle is real and through the heartfelt words of Steven Manchester, the struggle comes alive and the characters breathe. Powerful reading with a powerful and eye-opening message!
I received a complimentary ARC edition from Fiction Studio Books and Steven Manchester!
Publisher: Fiction Studio Books (June 12, 2018)
Publication Date: June 12, 2018
Genre: Romantic Drama | PTSD
Print Length: 262 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble
For Reviews, Giveaways, Fabulous Book News, follow: http://tometender.blogspot.com
July 9, 2018
It’s Mac and Jen Anderson’s fifteenth wedding anniversary. They are blissfully happy with their three beautiful children, until one day they weren’t. Mac is suddenly struck down by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Something nobody saw coming, but quickly destroys all of their lives.
He loses everything that matters to him - his family and even his career. The situation looks hopeless for all involved.
Steven Manchester is an expert at writing poignant novels. This is one of those novels. The story takes you through a mixed bag of emotions. When everything is looking happy, the readers, as well as the characters, are sucker punched with an emotional journey into the Anderson’s story.
It’s a realistic look at how someone can keep their feelings bottled up for years and ultimately cause their family to destruct before their eyes. It’s a story of hope, despair, love and heartbreak.
These are characters readers can truly care about and wonder how they are going to survive this series of realistic events. The characters and story jump right off the pages. It’s a true slice of life. It’s beautifully written as all of Mr. Manchester’s books. I can read his work all the time and never be disappointed.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
He loses everything that matters to him - his family and even his career. The situation looks hopeless for all involved.
Steven Manchester is an expert at writing poignant novels. This is one of those novels. The story takes you through a mixed bag of emotions. When everything is looking happy, the readers, as well as the characters, are sucker punched with an emotional journey into the Anderson’s story.
It’s a realistic look at how someone can keep their feelings bottled up for years and ultimately cause their family to destruct before their eyes. It’s a story of hope, despair, love and heartbreak.
These are characters readers can truly care about and wonder how they are going to survive this series of realistic events. The characters and story jump right off the pages. It’s a true slice of life. It’s beautifully written as all of Mr. Manchester’s books. I can read his work all the time and never be disappointed.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 20, 2018
Every once in a while an author comes along who writes novels that are so powerfully compelling, poignant, and thought-provoking, that they pull at the heartstrings and stir the soul. For me, that author is Steven Manchester and his latest novel, Three Shoeboxes.
Three Shoeboxes is a poignant story about a man struggling with PTSD and the complicated dynamics of family relationships that will simply pull at your emotional heartstrings.
Author Steven Manchester weaves a richly descriptive and complex tale that follows Mac Anderson as a traumatic past event that he has repressed for nearly twenty years suddenly comes to the surface when he comes across an auto accident on his way home from celebrating the fifteenth wedding anniversary with his wife Jen. This repressed event triggers a frightening journey down the rabbit hole, and as Mac's world is suddenly turned upside down, the effects of continuous panic/anxiety attacks lead Mac to feeling broken, alone, depressed, and turning to alcohol that ultimately results in him losing his job as an advertising executive, and more importantly his family. Mac's change in behavior results in a charge of domestic abuse and a one-year restraining order. Mac's family also goes through the trauma of having their lives turned upside down, no one is the winner in this difficult situation. Desperate to get his life back, Mac checks himself into an intensive in-house detox rehab treatment center, and while the road is long and hard, he faces his PTSD and alcoholism diagnosis with the hope to reconnect with his three children: Jillian (13), Bella (8), and Brady (7). Mac's journey is filled with life lessons, animosity, unresolved dysfunctional family issues, regrets, acceptance, hope, and an emotional chance to renew the bonds of family. Three shoeboxes filled with hope and unfailing love for his three children leads Mac to a good place where he strives to gets his life back on track.
The reader will be easily captivated and drawn into Mac's realistic and heartwrenching journey. The author does a wonderful job of intertwining Mac's traumatic past with the difficulties that he faced throughout his journey. You can't help but get swept away and experience the full gamut of emotions as Mac and his family faces a crossroad in their lives as they struggle with an unresolved dysfunctional family dynamic due to PTSD, while considering the intense and difficult choices of how to deal with their current life issues and the unknown future for their family.
Three Shoeboxes is a powerful and compelling story written from the heart. It is a must read that will make you ponder about the effects of mental illness (PTSD), alcoholism, and your own family dynamic. This is the kind of story that will stir your soul, and resonate with you for a very long time.
RATING: 5 STARS
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Providence Book Promotions.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
Three Shoeboxes is a poignant story about a man struggling with PTSD and the complicated dynamics of family relationships that will simply pull at your emotional heartstrings.
Author Steven Manchester weaves a richly descriptive and complex tale that follows Mac Anderson as a traumatic past event that he has repressed for nearly twenty years suddenly comes to the surface when he comes across an auto accident on his way home from celebrating the fifteenth wedding anniversary with his wife Jen. This repressed event triggers a frightening journey down the rabbit hole, and as Mac's world is suddenly turned upside down, the effects of continuous panic/anxiety attacks lead Mac to feeling broken, alone, depressed, and turning to alcohol that ultimately results in him losing his job as an advertising executive, and more importantly his family. Mac's change in behavior results in a charge of domestic abuse and a one-year restraining order. Mac's family also goes through the trauma of having their lives turned upside down, no one is the winner in this difficult situation. Desperate to get his life back, Mac checks himself into an intensive in-house detox rehab treatment center, and while the road is long and hard, he faces his PTSD and alcoholism diagnosis with the hope to reconnect with his three children: Jillian (13), Bella (8), and Brady (7). Mac's journey is filled with life lessons, animosity, unresolved dysfunctional family issues, regrets, acceptance, hope, and an emotional chance to renew the bonds of family. Three shoeboxes filled with hope and unfailing love for his three children leads Mac to a good place where he strives to gets his life back on track.
The reader will be easily captivated and drawn into Mac's realistic and heartwrenching journey. The author does a wonderful job of intertwining Mac's traumatic past with the difficulties that he faced throughout his journey. You can't help but get swept away and experience the full gamut of emotions as Mac and his family faces a crossroad in their lives as they struggle with an unresolved dysfunctional family dynamic due to PTSD, while considering the intense and difficult choices of how to deal with their current life issues and the unknown future for their family.
Three Shoeboxes is a powerful and compelling story written from the heart. It is a must read that will make you ponder about the effects of mental illness (PTSD), alcoholism, and your own family dynamic. This is the kind of story that will stir your soul, and resonate with you for a very long time.
RATING: 5 STARS
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Providence Book Promotions.
https://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspo...
May 26, 2018
I enjoyed Three Showboxes. This was my first book by Steven Manchester and I want to read more books by him. Not knowing much at all about PTSD, he pulled me in and made me believe in this horrific disease. Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary book through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 12, 2018
Title: Three Shoeboxes
Author: Steven Manchester
Publisher: The Story Plant
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Three Shoeboxes" by Steven Manchester
My Thoughts...
This was quite a story about someone experiencing PTSD. It was quite a emotional read of how this author takes the reader through this experience of what this family endured through these panic attacks.
For it had not always been like this...Mac had a sweet wife Jen celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary... with three wonderful children...a perfect world until things quickly change and all hell breaks it all down...life changes so deeply for this family 'as a misunderstanding of something Mac finds at home on the counter and he [Mac] losses it and is charged with domestic assault.' Wow, what had happen to this 'ideal happy life they had once had? What will happen when Mac loses his parental rights? Will he be able to reunite his family? This is definitely one of those reads that you will see from this story one of 'love, sadness, determination, will, anger, hope, love and faith.' Now how will this all come out for Mac? To find out the answers to all of these questions and so much more you will have to pick up "Three Shoeboxes" to find out. Oh, I really liked how the reader is able to understand the title 'Three Shoeboxes' in the way it was so well presented by the end of this extraordinary story. After the read a reader will truly have a lot to ponder over long after the read.
Author: Steven Manchester
Publisher: The Story Plant
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: Five
Review:
"Three Shoeboxes" by Steven Manchester
My Thoughts...
This was quite a story about someone experiencing PTSD. It was quite a emotional read of how this author takes the reader through this experience of what this family endured through these panic attacks.
For it had not always been like this...Mac had a sweet wife Jen celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary... with three wonderful children...a perfect world until things quickly change and all hell breaks it all down...life changes so deeply for this family 'as a misunderstanding of something Mac finds at home on the counter and he [Mac] losses it and is charged with domestic assault.' Wow, what had happen to this 'ideal happy life they had once had? What will happen when Mac loses his parental rights? Will he be able to reunite his family? This is definitely one of those reads that you will see from this story one of 'love, sadness, determination, will, anger, hope, love and faith.' Now how will this all come out for Mac? To find out the answers to all of these questions and so much more you will have to pick up "Three Shoeboxes" to find out. Oh, I really liked how the reader is able to understand the title 'Three Shoeboxes' in the way it was so well presented by the end of this extraordinary story. After the read a reader will truly have a lot to ponder over long after the read.
June 13, 2018
Jen and Mack are celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary, and it’s clear they are still very much in love. They love their three children as well and Mack knows how to be friend but more important mentor to their growing up. On that special day of celebrating their relationship, they see an accident and Mack’s world spins totally out of control. All of a sudden, he finds his chest tightening, his head aching, and feeling unable to catch a breath, along with sweats and a racing heart. He ignores it initially but when it reoccurs several times, he goes to get help at the hospital. There some insensitive nurses confirm behind the screen that he’s having panic attacks; they treat it like no big deal. But it’s a very big, big deal that continues and even escalates.
Mack will eventually get help but not before his personality undergoes a dramatic change borne of fear and he winds up making his wife and children dread to be around him because they fear his drunken and sober rages. Jen realizes she needs to protect her children and so she takes appropriate legal action. Mack is at risk for losing his job. So many losses but Mack finally surrenders and begins the process of healing he so desperately needs through help for his PTSD, alcoholism, and panic attacks.
No more about the plot which readers will find very intense. What is remarkable about this brutally honest story is the expression of support and growth evident in the letters that Mack writes to his children, later to his wife, and those of his wife – all written but not sent until the perfect moment. Manchester’s ability to depict the deepest emotions realistically and poignantly is noteworthy.
One would like to hope this is a rare account but most of us know it’s not. Whether the cause is war or a horrible event one experiences but represses, PTSD is an all too real, horrific state that can make or break a person unless one receives professional help. Faith is easy until one enters an unbelievable state of hell and the road back or forward is wonderfully presented in this memorable, compassionate account. Highly recommended – read it and pass it on to others. Recognizing the symptoms is half of the healing process. Once again, finely crafted, Steven Manchester!
Mack will eventually get help but not before his personality undergoes a dramatic change borne of fear and he winds up making his wife and children dread to be around him because they fear his drunken and sober rages. Jen realizes she needs to protect her children and so she takes appropriate legal action. Mack is at risk for losing his job. So many losses but Mack finally surrenders and begins the process of healing he so desperately needs through help for his PTSD, alcoholism, and panic attacks.
No more about the plot which readers will find very intense. What is remarkable about this brutally honest story is the expression of support and growth evident in the letters that Mack writes to his children, later to his wife, and those of his wife – all written but not sent until the perfect moment. Manchester’s ability to depict the deepest emotions realistically and poignantly is noteworthy.
One would like to hope this is a rare account but most of us know it’s not. Whether the cause is war or a horrible event one experiences but represses, PTSD is an all too real, horrific state that can make or break a person unless one receives professional help. Faith is easy until one enters an unbelievable state of hell and the road back or forward is wonderfully presented in this memorable, compassionate account. Highly recommended – read it and pass it on to others. Recognizing the symptoms is half of the healing process. Once again, finely crafted, Steven Manchester!
June 12, 2018
This is a very emotional book. I felt as though I was inside Mac's marriage and that I was spiraling out of control with him. I WANTED TO SCREAM AT HIM TO TALK TO HIS WIFE. I could feel the tension building in their marriage and I was worried for their children. Jen was a great mother. Her character was bitterly realistic. She was reacting as a mother scorned. As Mac got help I became more and more proud of him. I liked that the author gave him obstacles and he didn't just get everything on the first try. Late in the book I thought it was him, but it couldn't be. There was a restraining order. He would not risk everything he had worked for. Finally the end. I needed tissues. I LOVED the ending. I hope that there is a sequel. The author has a prequel that you can get HERE! I am giving this book a 5/5, I was given a copy, all opinions are my own. This author is one of those authors that I try to get all of his books because each one is amazing.
June 16, 2018
Steven Manchester has done for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder what Lisa Genova has done for Alzheimers Disease.
In “Three Shoeboxes,” the author addresses the effects of PTSD on its victim as well as on his family. As with all diseases, the tendrils of its pain and suffering reach out to all that cross its path... via personally or thru a family member or friend.
It is an insidious disease that rears its ugly head unexpectedly. Any traumatic event can grasp the individual & any trigger can set its symptoms off.
Many of our soldiers return home to face this disease head on. It is horrific to all involved, as you will learn when you read this heart wrenching novel.
This is a novel that is fictional, yet reads as a memoir or biography.
It is a poignant and emotional read. This is who Steve Manchester is... a storyteller that will grasp your attention from the get go and remain with you long after you’ve returned the book to your bookshelf.
I highly recommend this book. Thank you to The Story Plant for providing me with a digital copy.
Don’t hesitate to put this on your TBR list.
In “Three Shoeboxes,” the author addresses the effects of PTSD on its victim as well as on his family. As with all diseases, the tendrils of its pain and suffering reach out to all that cross its path... via personally or thru a family member or friend.
It is an insidious disease that rears its ugly head unexpectedly. Any traumatic event can grasp the individual & any trigger can set its symptoms off.
Many of our soldiers return home to face this disease head on. It is horrific to all involved, as you will learn when you read this heart wrenching novel.
This is a novel that is fictional, yet reads as a memoir or biography.
It is a poignant and emotional read. This is who Steve Manchester is... a storyteller that will grasp your attention from the get go and remain with you long after you’ve returned the book to your bookshelf.
I highly recommend this book. Thank you to The Story Plant for providing me with a digital copy.
Don’t hesitate to put this on your TBR list.
July 30, 2018
Mackenzie Anderson, who goes by Mac, and his wife, Jen, feel that everything in their lives is perfect. They were on their way home from a wedding anniversary dinner, when they saw a serious accident. Mac stepped out of his car to help but then he heard some sirens.
The next day, he was talking to Jen and later she left the room and he suddenly was dizzy, and made for a chair, he was having trouble catching his breath. He could not figure out what was going on. He recovered and later tried to blow up a balloon for his son’s birthday and it happened again. He could not breathe and worried that he may being having a heart attack. That started a series of attacks. He did not know why he was having them and they were not possible to predict when they would happen. He was ashamed to find at the emergency room out that they were panic attacks. Then the nightmares began, he would wake up screaming. This began to dominate his life. He started losing his with his kids. He could not focus on anything that his wife was saying. He started spending less time at work. This problem was taking over his life and he did not know why. He starts to self -medicate with alcohol.
Trapped in a terrible vortex of frightening emotions and he ttried but could not get out. Reading about this situation, I wanted to reach into the book and help him. There were times that I could not stop reading. Mac was experiencing PTSD. He loved his family and they loved him, but he needed professional help to walk him back through his memories and deal with them. The writing is very convincing, and you really feel what Mac was going through. Having experienced PTSD, myself to a much smaller to degree, I am positive that he captured the experience accurately.
I highly recommended for those who have PTSD and their families
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, but that in no way influenced my review. My thoughts are my own.
The next day, he was talking to Jen and later she left the room and he suddenly was dizzy, and made for a chair, he was having trouble catching his breath. He could not figure out what was going on. He recovered and later tried to blow up a balloon for his son’s birthday and it happened again. He could not breathe and worried that he may being having a heart attack. That started a series of attacks. He did not know why he was having them and they were not possible to predict when they would happen. He was ashamed to find at the emergency room out that they were panic attacks. Then the nightmares began, he would wake up screaming. This began to dominate his life. He started losing his with his kids. He could not focus on anything that his wife was saying. He started spending less time at work. This problem was taking over his life and he did not know why. He starts to self -medicate with alcohol.
Trapped in a terrible vortex of frightening emotions and he ttried but could not get out. Reading about this situation, I wanted to reach into the book and help him. There were times that I could not stop reading. Mac was experiencing PTSD. He loved his family and they loved him, but he needed professional help to walk him back through his memories and deal with them. The writing is very convincing, and you really feel what Mac was going through. Having experienced PTSD, myself to a much smaller to degree, I am positive that he captured the experience accurately.
I highly recommended for those who have PTSD and their families
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, but that in no way influenced my review. My thoughts are my own.
June 14, 2018
Steven Manchester has the talent to get right to your heart and soul. Three Shoeboxes tells the story of an amazing husband and father, Mac Anderson, who suddenly changes and becomes not so amazing. He is fighting with everyone including himself, lashing out at people for no reason, and seeing trouble where there isn’t any. I love that his wife doesn’t just throw in the towel and call it quits. She wants to work with him, wants to support him, and wants to continue loving him. Until she can’t. She has to make changes in their lives to protect herself and their children.
Three Shoeboxes had me in tears, full of hope and thankful for this families strength. Anytime PTSD is brought into a story it becomes a tough story. Steven Manchester has the heart, soul, and understanding to tell the story with gentle care and love. He tells the truth, doesn’t cover it up and make it pretty but yet he keeps in real. There are families that suffer from members that have PTSD every day and this story would give them the help, the support, and knowledge that there is help out.
I am adding Three Shoeboxes to my must re-read list.
Three Shoeboxes had me in tears, full of hope and thankful for this families strength. Anytime PTSD is brought into a story it becomes a tough story. Steven Manchester has the heart, soul, and understanding to tell the story with gentle care and love. He tells the truth, doesn’t cover it up and make it pretty but yet he keeps in real. There are families that suffer from members that have PTSD every day and this story would give them the help, the support, and knowledge that there is help out.
I am adding Three Shoeboxes to my must re-read list.
July 14, 2018
This novel is packed with emotion. Mac's love for his family is well portrayed at the beginning. When Mac is hit by PTSD, the emotional aspect of it comes across in a dramatic way. It was so forceful I felt it was a bit over done. I can take only so many violent outbursts.
Manchester has a way with words. Of an overbearing woman he writes, “Diane was often wrong, but never in doubt.” (1206/5769) This novel gave me a fresh understanding of PTSD and what kinds of events can trigger it. I do wish there had been more about the treatment.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy one concentrating on the emotional impact resulting from experiences we have and choices we make.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Providence Book Promotions. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Manchester has a way with words. Of an overbearing woman he writes, “Diane was often wrong, but never in doubt.” (1206/5769) This novel gave me a fresh understanding of PTSD and what kinds of events can trigger it. I do wish there had been more about the treatment.
I recommend this novel to readers who enjoy one concentrating on the emotional impact resulting from experiences we have and choices we make.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Providence Book Promotions. My comments are an independent and honest review.
March 31, 2019
Hated this book.
November 16, 2018
Thanks NetGalley and publishers for a digital copy of this book to review. Unfortunately, this novel did not resonate with me. Although there was potential for a touching story, the narrative did not allow me to connect with the characters, the dialogue felt forced, and the descriptions and details felt oddly "stiff." For me this was very strange for a story that was meant to pull at the readers emotions.
June 12, 2018
‘With all our day-to-day responsibilities, I can’t remember the last time we shared a night like this’
This reviewer became acquainted with the very special novels of Massachusetts author Steven Manchester with his novel `THE UNEXPECTED STORM: The Gulf War Legacy' and many short stories that deal with one man's view of the universe in a lighter tone. That followed with his TWELVE MONTHS, GOODNIGHT, BRIAN, ROCKIN' CHAIR, ASHES, GOOSEBERRY ISLAND, PRESSED PENNIES, THE CHANGING SEASON - each of which allowed entry into his ability to address end of life situations, family relationships as challenged by cancer, by having a child with a critical disease, with death, and with more. The aspect of Manchester's books that is dependable is his ability to introduce delicate subjects without fear and still make the stories flow with a sense of familial love, humanistic views and spiritualism. And yet always there is the gift of his ability to be a fine storyteller in the true sense of the term.
Steven always manages to weave a contemporary conundrum into his stories – topics that offer a fresh look and a significant respect for his courage to introduce controversial topics. In THREE SHOEBOXES he offers a compassionate, accessible portrait of a vitally important topic, PTSD, how it affects the sufferer and the family—and how to find hope and healing.
Steven’s manner of introducing the reader to the depth of meaning of his stories in the opening lines has become a trademark of his. Only as the story unfolds do we appreciate the compassion he offers through a careful examination of interpersonal relationships and faith in humanity. ‘It was their fifteen-year wedding anniversary. Fifteen years, MacKenzie Anderson thought, feeling the weight of the special occasion. I should’ve waited until this year to give Jen the diamond bracelet, he thought, cursing himself for his premature decision the year before. I’m going to be making payments for the next couple of years anyway. In the hopes of being creative or original, MacKenzie—Mac, as most people called him—abandoned his mind and ventured into his heart, where he hoped the answer to his dilemma could be found. It didn’t take long for the only obvious choice to hit him. I got it! he thought. Rather than the usual material token, I’ll give Jen a peek into the future. For our fifteen-year wedding anniversary, I’ll give her a promise. His mind raced for more details. I’ll also fill a box with… He nodded, a smile filling his handsome face. I know exactly what to do. Mac awoke earlier than Jen, as he had for the better part of a decade and a half. Sitting up, he took the few precious moments needed to confirm how much he really loved her. Though he’d memorized it years ago, he studied the soft contours of his wife’s face framed by a full head of chocolate locks. Working his way down, he focused on her full lips. She smiled; it was the slightest grin, but enough to steal away his yawn. He inhaled deeply. Her smell was so sweet, so distinct. I’d recognize it in either heaven or hell, he decided. She stirred once, and again, before struggling to open her eyelids and reveal a pair of light hazel eyes that sparkled with life. Mac never budged; he was inches from her face when her senses registered his presence. “Happy anniversary, beautiful,” he whispered. With a low purr, Jen pulled him to her. They hugged for a long while. “I love you,” she finally breathed into his ear. He squeezed her tighter. After all these years, he thought, she still owns my heart. While she lay in a mountain of warm cotton blankets, he dressed for work. “I’m really sorry I have to work late on our anniversary,” he told her. “Will you stop apologizing,” she said. “I told you, I understand.”
The author’s synopsis of his plot covers the highlights of the story: ‘Mac Anderson holds life in the palm of his hand. He has a beautiful wife, three loving children, a comfortable home and successful career. Everything is perfect—or so it seems. Tragically, Mac is destined to learn that any sense of security can quickly prove false. After a horrific auto accident, an invisible enemy called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.) invades Mac’s fragile mind and drops him to his knees. He does all he can to conceal his inner-chaos, but to no avail. Left to contend with ignorance, an insensitive justice system and the struggles of an invisible disease, his family is taken from him. One shoebox might store an old pair of sneakers. Two shoeboxes could contain a lifetime of photographs. But in Three Shoeboxes, a father’s undying love may be just enough to make things right again.’
Steven is able to deliver difficult messages in a manner that signifies he is wise beyond his years. Each novel grows and with that Steven’s survey of the complete cycle of life. He will be around for a long time if there are more stories like this one to share
This reviewer became acquainted with the very special novels of Massachusetts author Steven Manchester with his novel `THE UNEXPECTED STORM: The Gulf War Legacy' and many short stories that deal with one man's view of the universe in a lighter tone. That followed with his TWELVE MONTHS, GOODNIGHT, BRIAN, ROCKIN' CHAIR, ASHES, GOOSEBERRY ISLAND, PRESSED PENNIES, THE CHANGING SEASON - each of which allowed entry into his ability to address end of life situations, family relationships as challenged by cancer, by having a child with a critical disease, with death, and with more. The aspect of Manchester's books that is dependable is his ability to introduce delicate subjects without fear and still make the stories flow with a sense of familial love, humanistic views and spiritualism. And yet always there is the gift of his ability to be a fine storyteller in the true sense of the term.
Steven always manages to weave a contemporary conundrum into his stories – topics that offer a fresh look and a significant respect for his courage to introduce controversial topics. In THREE SHOEBOXES he offers a compassionate, accessible portrait of a vitally important topic, PTSD, how it affects the sufferer and the family—and how to find hope and healing.
Steven’s manner of introducing the reader to the depth of meaning of his stories in the opening lines has become a trademark of his. Only as the story unfolds do we appreciate the compassion he offers through a careful examination of interpersonal relationships and faith in humanity. ‘It was their fifteen-year wedding anniversary. Fifteen years, MacKenzie Anderson thought, feeling the weight of the special occasion. I should’ve waited until this year to give Jen the diamond bracelet, he thought, cursing himself for his premature decision the year before. I’m going to be making payments for the next couple of years anyway. In the hopes of being creative or original, MacKenzie—Mac, as most people called him—abandoned his mind and ventured into his heart, where he hoped the answer to his dilemma could be found. It didn’t take long for the only obvious choice to hit him. I got it! he thought. Rather than the usual material token, I’ll give Jen a peek into the future. For our fifteen-year wedding anniversary, I’ll give her a promise. His mind raced for more details. I’ll also fill a box with… He nodded, a smile filling his handsome face. I know exactly what to do. Mac awoke earlier than Jen, as he had for the better part of a decade and a half. Sitting up, he took the few precious moments needed to confirm how much he really loved her. Though he’d memorized it years ago, he studied the soft contours of his wife’s face framed by a full head of chocolate locks. Working his way down, he focused on her full lips. She smiled; it was the slightest grin, but enough to steal away his yawn. He inhaled deeply. Her smell was so sweet, so distinct. I’d recognize it in either heaven or hell, he decided. She stirred once, and again, before struggling to open her eyelids and reveal a pair of light hazel eyes that sparkled with life. Mac never budged; he was inches from her face when her senses registered his presence. “Happy anniversary, beautiful,” he whispered. With a low purr, Jen pulled him to her. They hugged for a long while. “I love you,” she finally breathed into his ear. He squeezed her tighter. After all these years, he thought, she still owns my heart. While she lay in a mountain of warm cotton blankets, he dressed for work. “I’m really sorry I have to work late on our anniversary,” he told her. “Will you stop apologizing,” she said. “I told you, I understand.”
The author’s synopsis of his plot covers the highlights of the story: ‘Mac Anderson holds life in the palm of his hand. He has a beautiful wife, three loving children, a comfortable home and successful career. Everything is perfect—or so it seems. Tragically, Mac is destined to learn that any sense of security can quickly prove false. After a horrific auto accident, an invisible enemy called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.) invades Mac’s fragile mind and drops him to his knees. He does all he can to conceal his inner-chaos, but to no avail. Left to contend with ignorance, an insensitive justice system and the struggles of an invisible disease, his family is taken from him. One shoebox might store an old pair of sneakers. Two shoeboxes could contain a lifetime of photographs. But in Three Shoeboxes, a father’s undying love may be just enough to make things right again.’
Steven is able to deliver difficult messages in a manner that signifies he is wise beyond his years. Each novel grows and with that Steven’s survey of the complete cycle of life. He will be around for a long time if there are more stories like this one to share
June 18, 2018
Mac seems to have a PERFECT life...a wonderful wife, three lovely children, and a job that he's not only good at, but enjoys...until one day, he's under attack. The worst part? It's not a physical presence from which he can defend himself with fists or weapons, but a mental and spiritual one he'll need all the help he can get if he is to survive with any semblance of that perfect life still intact.
It was so sad to watch the family's decline...they were so happy, so together, but whatever it was he was going through was stealing it all away one attack at a time. As the story progresses, we uncover the root of this mysterious disease, but not without his seemingly sturdy house of cards falling completely down. They're stomped on, trudged through, and left for scavengers to drag off to the darkest corners...but then we see a ray of hope. We see a man in the lowest of low places reaching up to capture the hand of someone that'll never let us down, never give us more than we can handle, much as he promised his own children. Seizing that ray with all his might, he pulls himself hand over fist, and heart over it all, back to the land of the living, but to what end? Everything he ever worked for, everything he ever built with or for someone...is gone. A devastating blow to someone coming back from the brink...well it might be to someone less dedicated, someone who had truly lost every ounce of what it means to be HUMAN, or the priorities of a truly great Father...but sometimes the hardest of lessons learned make an impact we CAN'T forget, and placing his life in the hands of the one who first gave it, opening himself up to all the lessons around him, may just be the way to his own heaven on earth.
I admit, I LOVE THIS AUTHOR'S WORK....you know, in case you haven't already seen my multiple reviews in days gone by. Grant it, I adored the past releases more than a few of the current "best sellers", but this one is a semi-return to those "days of glory". Mr. Manchester is known for writing heart warming stories with a great deal of heart wrenching along the way, but he never leaves his characters unfinished, or in utter despair. True, he follows the "take the bad with the good", but he always manages to bring them back from the brink, a more complete version of themselves, while shining a golden light on those lessons that are often hardest to learn. He celebrates family, faith, and the simple things in life, while managing to not write a fairy tale version of it all. Take this one...the first half of the book is quite literally Mac's decline into his own personal h*ll. It shows how while some men are taught to be stalwart and strong, sharing only the barest portions of what they consider weakness to their friends and family, we were meant to SHARE our journeys as well as our burdens to make it through this life one step at a time. Had he done just that, his path wouldn't have been smooth by any means, but it may not have spiraled so completely into despair that the only outcome he could see was darkness with no one at the wheel to guide it otherwise.
All in all, it's a story that isn't pretty in the classical sense, but it speaks to the masses just the same. Sometimes we DO have to take the good with the bad, but it doesn't mean there isn't an easier way out of the trenches, or a guiding presence that never leaves our side. Even in our darkest hour, there's always someone we can turn to who's never more than a heartbeat away, and asking for help is never a weakness, but a strength. Being able to recognize we need someone else to lean on shows courage, and wisdom, not dependency or cowardice, so long as we put the work in as well to get us where we need to be. My only critique would be the length of time Mac's spiral takes, or rather how much of the book it occupies (quite literally around 50%). I understand it wasn't something that happened overnight exactly, but personally I feel that portion could have been halved while still achieving the overall fantastic results. Recommended for fans of this author's work, as well as Contemporary Fiction readers from late teens to adult.
**ecopy received for review
It was so sad to watch the family's decline...they were so happy, so together, but whatever it was he was going through was stealing it all away one attack at a time. As the story progresses, we uncover the root of this mysterious disease, but not without his seemingly sturdy house of cards falling completely down. They're stomped on, trudged through, and left for scavengers to drag off to the darkest corners...but then we see a ray of hope. We see a man in the lowest of low places reaching up to capture the hand of someone that'll never let us down, never give us more than we can handle, much as he promised his own children. Seizing that ray with all his might, he pulls himself hand over fist, and heart over it all, back to the land of the living, but to what end? Everything he ever worked for, everything he ever built with or for someone...is gone. A devastating blow to someone coming back from the brink...well it might be to someone less dedicated, someone who had truly lost every ounce of what it means to be HUMAN, or the priorities of a truly great Father...but sometimes the hardest of lessons learned make an impact we CAN'T forget, and placing his life in the hands of the one who first gave it, opening himself up to all the lessons around him, may just be the way to his own heaven on earth.
I admit, I LOVE THIS AUTHOR'S WORK....you know, in case you haven't already seen my multiple reviews in days gone by. Grant it, I adored the past releases more than a few of the current "best sellers", but this one is a semi-return to those "days of glory". Mr. Manchester is known for writing heart warming stories with a great deal of heart wrenching along the way, but he never leaves his characters unfinished, or in utter despair. True, he follows the "take the bad with the good", but he always manages to bring them back from the brink, a more complete version of themselves, while shining a golden light on those lessons that are often hardest to learn. He celebrates family, faith, and the simple things in life, while managing to not write a fairy tale version of it all. Take this one...the first half of the book is quite literally Mac's decline into his own personal h*ll. It shows how while some men are taught to be stalwart and strong, sharing only the barest portions of what they consider weakness to their friends and family, we were meant to SHARE our journeys as well as our burdens to make it through this life one step at a time. Had he done just that, his path wouldn't have been smooth by any means, but it may not have spiraled so completely into despair that the only outcome he could see was darkness with no one at the wheel to guide it otherwise.
All in all, it's a story that isn't pretty in the classical sense, but it speaks to the masses just the same. Sometimes we DO have to take the good with the bad, but it doesn't mean there isn't an easier way out of the trenches, or a guiding presence that never leaves our side. Even in our darkest hour, there's always someone we can turn to who's never more than a heartbeat away, and asking for help is never a weakness, but a strength. Being able to recognize we need someone else to lean on shows courage, and wisdom, not dependency or cowardice, so long as we put the work in as well to get us where we need to be. My only critique would be the length of time Mac's spiral takes, or rather how much of the book it occupies (quite literally around 50%). I understand it wasn't something that happened overnight exactly, but personally I feel that portion could have been halved while still achieving the overall fantastic results. Recommended for fans of this author's work, as well as Contemporary Fiction readers from late teens to adult.
**ecopy received for review
June 22, 2018
I've been a huge fan of Steven Manchester's novel since I read my first one. I guess what draws me to continue to read anything he writes is his ability to cut to the core of what we all feel deep down inside ourselves. Those are often places we hope we never have to visit in our lifetime and being exposed to them from a safe place allows us to see things from different perspectives and wonder if we were in the same situation, how might we deal with what the characters face.
In his latest novel, Three Shoeboxes, Mac Anderson, is living the dream. He has a successful career as an ad executive, a wonderful home, loving wife, three wonderful children and the support of those in his community. Yet he would never have expected that the one night as he was driving home from an anniversary dinner with his wife, that this would be the catalyst that would change everything and strip it away piece by piece.
As he begins to experience what can only be described as panic attacks, Mac refuses to let anyone into what he is dealing with. Perhaps that is that manly pride that as the head of the house, one needs to hold it all together at all times. Even though his wife Jen can clearly see he is dealing with issues, he continues to keep her at bay. As each of these attacks grows more frequent and out of control, Mac finally relents to getting some personal help. Yet even the therapist can seem to grasp the sudden turn around in his life and be able to help him deal with things.
So Mac gives up and tries to resolve the issues on his own, becoming more and more hostile, argumentative and even resorting to alcohol to put this attacks to rest. Only it just drives a deeper and widening gap between his family until he loses control one night and from then out out, even is family no longer wants anything to do with him and now he faces the loss of his job, the support of family and friends and now living on the street he faces his demons alone. Is it all lost? Can he find his way back home? Or is he just one bullet shy from ending it all? You'll have to find out by picking up this novel.
I received Three Shoeboxes by Steven Manchester compliments of The Story Plant. This is an emotional story that could face anyone at anytime, and makes us all understand how precious moments are in life and how quickly it can all change. It makes the reader reassess what it the most valuable things in your life and how you might face the challenges Mac faces. Does he have the faith in himself to fight his way back to the man he used to be? I'll let you decide when you pick this one up. For me, again a stellar 5 star novel in my opinion.
In his latest novel, Three Shoeboxes, Mac Anderson, is living the dream. He has a successful career as an ad executive, a wonderful home, loving wife, three wonderful children and the support of those in his community. Yet he would never have expected that the one night as he was driving home from an anniversary dinner with his wife, that this would be the catalyst that would change everything and strip it away piece by piece.
As he begins to experience what can only be described as panic attacks, Mac refuses to let anyone into what he is dealing with. Perhaps that is that manly pride that as the head of the house, one needs to hold it all together at all times. Even though his wife Jen can clearly see he is dealing with issues, he continues to keep her at bay. As each of these attacks grows more frequent and out of control, Mac finally relents to getting some personal help. Yet even the therapist can seem to grasp the sudden turn around in his life and be able to help him deal with things.
So Mac gives up and tries to resolve the issues on his own, becoming more and more hostile, argumentative and even resorting to alcohol to put this attacks to rest. Only it just drives a deeper and widening gap between his family until he loses control one night and from then out out, even is family no longer wants anything to do with him and now he faces the loss of his job, the support of family and friends and now living on the street he faces his demons alone. Is it all lost? Can he find his way back home? Or is he just one bullet shy from ending it all? You'll have to find out by picking up this novel.
I received Three Shoeboxes by Steven Manchester compliments of The Story Plant. This is an emotional story that could face anyone at anytime, and makes us all understand how precious moments are in life and how quickly it can all change. It makes the reader reassess what it the most valuable things in your life and how you might face the challenges Mac faces. Does he have the faith in himself to fight his way back to the man he used to be? I'll let you decide when you pick this one up. For me, again a stellar 5 star novel in my opinion.
June 16, 2018
A brilliant story of being buried by a PTSD avalanche of emotional mental turmoil and clawing a way out to light again.
Three Shoeboxes
By Steven Manchester
Mac Anderson isn’t & never has been in the military. Yet he suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. As Three Shoeboxes details beautifully, PTSD can affect anyone. Especially anyone who seemingly has it all. Three Shoeboxes is a story that breaks that misconception that only our military personnel suffer from PTSD. Trauma can happen to anyone. PTSD can happen to anyone.
After an amazing 15th anniversary dinner, Mac & his wife Diane pass a bloody car accident on the way home. The next morning as Mac blows up balloons for his son’s birthday party the heart attack mimicking symptoms rear their ugly head.
This is just a few snowflakes at the summit that will become Mac’s personal hell. As days begin to pass he loses sleep, the anxiety increases and he finds relief at the bottom of a bottle. Mac lashes out in uncontrollable angry outbursts at his wife, at his children, at his friends & boss.
When the metaphorical avalanche fully rumbles down on top of him, he is so entombed by his fractious emotions he won’t admit he needs professional help. That is until everything he holds dear is taken away.
Luckily Mac isn’t the type of person to let even the severity of PTSD keep him from his family. The road back home is long and arduous. The only way out is to dig through to the heart of what triggered Mac in the first place, the cause of his PTSD.
Steven Manchester writes this story pulling no punches. It truly is emotionally raw. One minute the reader is condemning Mac for his cruelty, then empathizing when the real reason comes out. You could say Mac is on a hero’s journey, one straight through a personal hell of mental illness. This novel lays bare the invisible illness of PTSD. It highlights how society judges and downplays anxiety panic attacks. It shows how a well-intentioned justice system can cause more harm to families when mental illness is the root of the problem.
Three Shoeboxes is definitely a “must read”! It is the beginning of a discussion we should all be having.
FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title via Netgalley and The Story Plant Publishing for review purposes only. No other compensation was awarded.
Three Shoeboxes
By Steven Manchester
Mac Anderson isn’t & never has been in the military. Yet he suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. As Three Shoeboxes details beautifully, PTSD can affect anyone. Especially anyone who seemingly has it all. Three Shoeboxes is a story that breaks that misconception that only our military personnel suffer from PTSD. Trauma can happen to anyone. PTSD can happen to anyone.
After an amazing 15th anniversary dinner, Mac & his wife Diane pass a bloody car accident on the way home. The next morning as Mac blows up balloons for his son’s birthday party the heart attack mimicking symptoms rear their ugly head.
This is just a few snowflakes at the summit that will become Mac’s personal hell. As days begin to pass he loses sleep, the anxiety increases and he finds relief at the bottom of a bottle. Mac lashes out in uncontrollable angry outbursts at his wife, at his children, at his friends & boss.
When the metaphorical avalanche fully rumbles down on top of him, he is so entombed by his fractious emotions he won’t admit he needs professional help. That is until everything he holds dear is taken away.
Luckily Mac isn’t the type of person to let even the severity of PTSD keep him from his family. The road back home is long and arduous. The only way out is to dig through to the heart of what triggered Mac in the first place, the cause of his PTSD.
Steven Manchester writes this story pulling no punches. It truly is emotionally raw. One minute the reader is condemning Mac for his cruelty, then empathizing when the real reason comes out. You could say Mac is on a hero’s journey, one straight through a personal hell of mental illness. This novel lays bare the invisible illness of PTSD. It highlights how society judges and downplays anxiety panic attacks. It shows how a well-intentioned justice system can cause more harm to families when mental illness is the root of the problem.
Three Shoeboxes is definitely a “must read”! It is the beginning of a discussion we should all be having.
FTC Disclaimer: I was given an ARC of this title via Netgalley and The Story Plant Publishing for review purposes only. No other compensation was awarded.
June 8, 2018
Three Shoeboxes
By Steven Manchester
2018
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars
“It was their fifteen–year wedding anniversary.”
Thus begins the story of Mac and Jen Anderson that will capture the hearts of readers. The occasion has Mac pondering what special gift to give Jen.
“In the hopes of being creative or original … Mac …abandoned his mind and ventured into his heart” for gift ideas.
On the day, fifteen long stemmed roses arrived for Jen while Mac was at work with a card that said, “Thank you for fifteen great years, three beautiful children and one incredible life.” When Mac gets home he announces the children will be staying at Jen’s sister’s house, they have dinner reservations, and most importantly, “all night” just for the two of them, a rarity in their busy household with three children.
The night progresses beautifully as Mac had planned, with only one disruption on their way home when they witness a two car accident.
“The windshield of one of the cars has been shattered, half of it now covered in crimson red. That’s a lot of blood, he thought, his own blood turning cold.”
The story builds from this beginning to a place Mac and Jen never could have imaged they arrive. Anxiety attacks mimicking physical distress with the accompanying sense of impending death begin to torture Mac. Then the symptoms disappear, only to recur again and again, stronger and stronger each time they rear their head.
The author brings readers into this uncomfortable and unfamiliar world where Mac, Jen, and their children suffer the consequences of post-traumatic stress disorder. Written realistically, this is a portrayal of the inner conflicts, outward expressions, and terrifying confusion within a loving family torn by the unseen demons of PTSD. The author uses fiction to shatter the stigma of mental illness which keeps Mac and Jen trapped and spiraling into unknown territory. Readers will care about this family, remaining engaged through it all by the author’s writing style, until the satisfying, hopeful conclusion.
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. http://www.angiemangino.com
By Steven Manchester
2018
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars
“It was their fifteen–year wedding anniversary.”
Thus begins the story of Mac and Jen Anderson that will capture the hearts of readers. The occasion has Mac pondering what special gift to give Jen.
“In the hopes of being creative or original … Mac …abandoned his mind and ventured into his heart” for gift ideas.
On the day, fifteen long stemmed roses arrived for Jen while Mac was at work with a card that said, “Thank you for fifteen great years, three beautiful children and one incredible life.” When Mac gets home he announces the children will be staying at Jen’s sister’s house, they have dinner reservations, and most importantly, “all night” just for the two of them, a rarity in their busy household with three children.
The night progresses beautifully as Mac had planned, with only one disruption on their way home when they witness a two car accident.
“The windshield of one of the cars has been shattered, half of it now covered in crimson red. That’s a lot of blood, he thought, his own blood turning cold.”
The story builds from this beginning to a place Mac and Jen never could have imaged they arrive. Anxiety attacks mimicking physical distress with the accompanying sense of impending death begin to torture Mac. Then the symptoms disappear, only to recur again and again, stronger and stronger each time they rear their head.
The author brings readers into this uncomfortable and unfamiliar world where Mac, Jen, and their children suffer the consequences of post-traumatic stress disorder. Written realistically, this is a portrayal of the inner conflicts, outward expressions, and terrifying confusion within a loving family torn by the unseen demons of PTSD. The author uses fiction to shatter the stigma of mental illness which keeps Mac and Jen trapped and spiraling into unknown territory. Readers will care about this family, remaining engaged through it all by the author’s writing style, until the satisfying, hopeful conclusion.
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. http://www.angiemangino.com
July 9, 2018
Once again the author gets right into the heart of family life with this sensitive portrayal of the impact of living with someone who is traumatized by the effects of PTSD.
Mac Anderson has everything he could possibly wish for, a beautiful wife, three healthy children and a prosperous lifestyle; all that is good in life seems to be his for the taking. However, this starts to change when he unexpectedly experiences violent panic attacks which distort his perception and make his and his family’s, life intolerable. What then follows is a story of how an ordered and peaceful life can suddenly change so much, and as Mac spirals into chaos, life for his wife and his children, will never be the same again.
The author writes about family life so thoughtfully that there is never a moment when the whole thing doesn't feel absolutely authentic. The wider effect, that of coping with PTSD, is handled sensitively and well, and yet, at the same time it allows a glimpse into the dreadful ramifications that this debilitating disorder can have on family life and structure. Mac's terror and bewilderment is palpable and as he struggles to make sense of what's happening to him so his family sink into utter despair as they too struggle to cope with his irascible mood swings.
Three Shoeboxes makes for emotional reading. The strength of the writing and the author’s obvious comprehensive research into PTSD comes across in the sensitive way he describes Mac’s decline. That the writing doesn’t shy away from showing just how devastating an effect this has on family life is to the writer’s credit. And yet, in the midst of chaos come hope and Three Shoeboxes demonstrates just how important is the love of good a family and supportive friends.
I’ve read several novels by this talented author and I think that Three Shoeboxes is the strongest of his stories to date.
Mac Anderson has everything he could possibly wish for, a beautiful wife, three healthy children and a prosperous lifestyle; all that is good in life seems to be his for the taking. However, this starts to change when he unexpectedly experiences violent panic attacks which distort his perception and make his and his family’s, life intolerable. What then follows is a story of how an ordered and peaceful life can suddenly change so much, and as Mac spirals into chaos, life for his wife and his children, will never be the same again.
The author writes about family life so thoughtfully that there is never a moment when the whole thing doesn't feel absolutely authentic. The wider effect, that of coping with PTSD, is handled sensitively and well, and yet, at the same time it allows a glimpse into the dreadful ramifications that this debilitating disorder can have on family life and structure. Mac's terror and bewilderment is palpable and as he struggles to make sense of what's happening to him so his family sink into utter despair as they too struggle to cope with his irascible mood swings.
Three Shoeboxes makes for emotional reading. The strength of the writing and the author’s obvious comprehensive research into PTSD comes across in the sensitive way he describes Mac’s decline. That the writing doesn’t shy away from showing just how devastating an effect this has on family life is to the writer’s credit. And yet, in the midst of chaos come hope and Three Shoeboxes demonstrates just how important is the love of good a family and supportive friends.
I’ve read several novels by this talented author and I think that Three Shoeboxes is the strongest of his stories to date.
March 28, 2018
He has done it again! Steven Manchester, as I have said in the past, is the master storyteller in matters of the heart. But this time, he raised the bar even higher.
THREE SHOEBOXES is a raw and emotional read, of a family that is dealing with P.T.S.D, depression, anxiety and severe panic attacks, and how it not only affects the person afflicted but those that love and care for him. A realistic look at the struggle and the power to overcome.
Mac Anderson, husband and father of 3, starts having intense episodes of anxiety but not sure why. These episodes begin to increase not only in severity but also in frequency until they are totally consuming him. As he turns inward, he starts to self-medicate, which results in angry outbursts, alienating his wife and children and jeopardizing his job. And to the lowest point of being arrested for domestic assault.
A story that will have you so frustrated with Mac one minute and rooting for him the next. A somber realism of the effects of mental illness that still holds a stigma today.
What's in those THREE SHOEBOXES? You will have to read this exceptional novel to find out. But a warning, have the tissues close by.
An intense and compelling read of a serious disease and the triumph of faith, will, determination and love.
Having read many of Steven Manchester's books, I truly believe his writing is like a fine wine. It only gets better with age.
Steven Manchester brings home the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for THREE SHOEBOXES.
I can't stress enough what an extraordinary and powerful book this is!!!!!! Highly recommend!!!!
THREE SHOEBOXES is a raw and emotional read, of a family that is dealing with P.T.S.D, depression, anxiety and severe panic attacks, and how it not only affects the person afflicted but those that love and care for him. A realistic look at the struggle and the power to overcome.
Mac Anderson, husband and father of 3, starts having intense episodes of anxiety but not sure why. These episodes begin to increase not only in severity but also in frequency until they are totally consuming him. As he turns inward, he starts to self-medicate, which results in angry outbursts, alienating his wife and children and jeopardizing his job. And to the lowest point of being arrested for domestic assault.
A story that will have you so frustrated with Mac one minute and rooting for him the next. A somber realism of the effects of mental illness that still holds a stigma today.
What's in those THREE SHOEBOXES? You will have to read this exceptional novel to find out. But a warning, have the tissues close by.
An intense and compelling read of a serious disease and the triumph of faith, will, determination and love.
Having read many of Steven Manchester's books, I truly believe his writing is like a fine wine. It only gets better with age.
Steven Manchester brings home the Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for THREE SHOEBOXES.
I can't stress enough what an extraordinary and powerful book this is!!!!!! Highly recommend!!!!
December 9, 2018
Mac had everything - a beautiful wife, three amazing children, a fantastic job, and a wonderful home. Then one small incident triggers Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Not knowing how to deal with his PTSD or even knowing that was his problem, Mac spirals down until his life is out of control and he loses everything, including his family. His struggle back is long and difficult and requires perseverance and patience, which proves to be very difficult for Mac. To help his recovery, he focuses on the love he has for his children. He saves three shoeboxes and inside each he pours the love he has for them.
Steven Manchester knows how to touch your heart and your soul. Three Shoeboxes will do just that. Unable to help himself or even to understand what is wrong with him, Mac takes one too many wrong turns. His wife has no choice but to take drastic steps to protect herself and their children. Mac must take equally as drastic steps if he is to recover. As the story masterfully unfolds, you will not be able to put down the novel as it will capture you and not let go. You will find yourself crying with Mac and rejoicing with him as he improves. The steps he takes will tug at your emotions. Another story not to be missed, Steven Manchester and Three Shoeboxes moves to my keeper shelf.
Steven Manchester knows how to touch your heart and your soul. Three Shoeboxes will do just that. Unable to help himself or even to understand what is wrong with him, Mac takes one too many wrong turns. His wife has no choice but to take drastic steps to protect herself and their children. Mac must take equally as drastic steps if he is to recover. As the story masterfully unfolds, you will not be able to put down the novel as it will capture you and not let go. You will find yourself crying with Mac and rejoicing with him as he improves. The steps he takes will tug at your emotions. Another story not to be missed, Steven Manchester and Three Shoeboxes moves to my keeper shelf.
July 13, 2018
Deeply emotional and quite gritty. This book is so realistic it will pull out all your emotions. Heart-wrenching. It starts out profiling a couple who has made it- survived fifteen years of getting to know each other, sacrifice and make changes to raise a family. They seem normal and the kids are fairly well adjusted. Life looks promising.
Then, without warning - everything changes.
Of course Mac, the first one affected, goes through all the stages, beginning with denial and grief.
Life seems to spiral quickly downhill from there. Even when he thinks he is getting help, life is not getting better. We know he is a good man. We know he loves his family. We feel how out of control he feels. This is a very difficult section to read. One sentence stood out and made me very angry, because it was so real. It dealt with an "official" response without understanding or compassion, and an unbelievable, yet true to life, timeline imposed. At that moment I had to walk away and take a break.
There are many ups and downs before the book ends and the future looks brighter.
This is dedicated to the resilience and power of love that gets tested.
Then, without warning - everything changes.
Of course Mac, the first one affected, goes through all the stages, beginning with denial and grief.
Life seems to spiral quickly downhill from there. Even when he thinks he is getting help, life is not getting better. We know he is a good man. We know he loves his family. We feel how out of control he feels. This is a very difficult section to read. One sentence stood out and made me very angry, because it was so real. It dealt with an "official" response without understanding or compassion, and an unbelievable, yet true to life, timeline imposed. At that moment I had to walk away and take a break.
There are many ups and downs before the book ends and the future looks brighter.
This is dedicated to the resilience and power of love that gets tested.
August 29, 2018
I have always enjoyed novels by Stephen Manchester. This one was no exception. His books are a great standalone read, which is another reason I like them.
This novel is a family drama, centred around the main character of Mac; Husband and Father. It deals very sensitively with the subject of mental health, with Mac going from being very family orientated and all of a sudden having panic attacks without knowing why or what the underlying reason is.
I felt the author handled this subject with great care, as it's a subject that has touched many lives. It was hard to read how this was affecting a normal functioning and successful businessman, and how it crept in to every aspect of his life. I really immersed myself into the book and was willing Mac along. It made me put myself in his shoes and wonder how I would cope, put in the same situation. I don't want to say too much without giving away any spoilers.
Despite the subject matter, it was far from a depressive read, and it drew me in and kept me hooked, wanting to see where Mac's journey was going to take him. It's a recommended read from me.
This novel is a family drama, centred around the main character of Mac; Husband and Father. It deals very sensitively with the subject of mental health, with Mac going from being very family orientated and all of a sudden having panic attacks without knowing why or what the underlying reason is.
I felt the author handled this subject with great care, as it's a subject that has touched many lives. It was hard to read how this was affecting a normal functioning and successful businessman, and how it crept in to every aspect of his life. I really immersed myself into the book and was willing Mac along. It made me put myself in his shoes and wonder how I would cope, put in the same situation. I don't want to say too much without giving away any spoilers.
Despite the subject matter, it was far from a depressive read, and it drew me in and kept me hooked, wanting to see where Mac's journey was going to take him. It's a recommended read from me.
May 11, 2018
PTSD and family life
Mac and Jen are blissfully happily married. They adore their children, Mac's job is going a bit easier and Jen is thinking of going back to work. All is perfect until Mac's panic attacks start.
As Mac finds his world crumbling around him, so he turns inwards. Failing to get the help he needs, things continue getting worse. Can Mac conquer these attacks, and win back everything he is losing?
This is the first book by this author that I have read. I found the themes - panic attacks, PTSD and knock on effects - disturbing to read about, but certainly involving. It was an eye-opener as to how a traumatic event in someone's past can come back to haunt them with such devastating consequences.
3*s from me, as though a very well written book with strong themes, I found the book a bit too short! I would have liked more detail about treatment and long term outcomes etc. Perhaps I went into the book with incorrect expectations. However, I have already lined up another book by this author to read!
Mac and Jen are blissfully happily married. They adore their children, Mac's job is going a bit easier and Jen is thinking of going back to work. All is perfect until Mac's panic attacks start.
As Mac finds his world crumbling around him, so he turns inwards. Failing to get the help he needs, things continue getting worse. Can Mac conquer these attacks, and win back everything he is losing?
This is the first book by this author that I have read. I found the themes - panic attacks, PTSD and knock on effects - disturbing to read about, but certainly involving. It was an eye-opener as to how a traumatic event in someone's past can come back to haunt them with such devastating consequences.
3*s from me, as though a very well written book with strong themes, I found the book a bit too short! I would have liked more detail about treatment and long term outcomes etc. Perhaps I went into the book with incorrect expectations. However, I have already lined up another book by this author to read!
July 23, 2018
Three Shoeboxes tells the poignant story of how PTSD affects not only the psyche but how the ripple effects hit all aspects of one’s life—work, friends, and, above all, family. Mac Anderson has a great life: a successful career, three great kids, and a loving relationship with his wife. All this starts to crumble when witnessing an accident triggers a repressed tragic memory and the slow burn of PTSD takes hold. Mac quickly loses control of his well-organized and harmonious life. Discord reigns as his relationships with his wife, family, and coworkers degrade through a series of careless acts, misunderstandings, and raging emotions.
When the pain becomes almost too much to bear and there are no other options left, Mac finally seeks the help he needs to put his life back in order. Nothing comes easy, and he must confront demons that he has been suppressing for many years.
Steve Manchester’s writing talent shows through in that one doesn’t simply read this book—you will LIVE this story. It is so real and such a powerful read!
When the pain becomes almost too much to bear and there are no other options left, Mac finally seeks the help he needs to put his life back in order. Nothing comes easy, and he must confront demons that he has been suppressing for many years.
Steve Manchester’s writing talent shows through in that one doesn’t simply read this book—you will LIVE this story. It is so real and such a powerful read!
June 12, 2018
My Review: I received this book via Netgalley and the author, the following is my honest review. I am a big fan of Steven Manchester and never turn down an opportunity to read his books. They are always guaranteed to hit you hard with emotions, and this one was no different. With that said it was also a tough one to read, I really related to the situation the Anderson family faced in this story as I have seen it in real life and it played out in much the same way. Manchester certainly did not pull any punches with portrayal of a family being torn apart by the result of untreated mental disorders and alcohol abuse. Even through all that darkness, there is still that glimmer of hope and faith that keep you reading and the characters pushing forward. This is definitely a story many readers will relate with and it will be quite an emotional journey but one with hope.
Trigger warning: domestic abuse, self harm, alcoholism
Trigger warning: domestic abuse, self harm, alcoholism
July 6, 2018
This book is a story about how lack of communication can destroy a very happy family. It’s a heart rending book at how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lay dormant for years until an event suddenly triggers it.
I thought that I had figured out the source of Mac’s PTSD, but I hadn’t. His life became a complete shamble. He lost his job, his family and himself. Finally, help arrived shortly after he was fired.
It was a long process, but Mac was determined to get his life back, especially his relationship with his children.
Oh, you want to know about those three shoeboxes? I’m not going to tell you. You’ll have to read the book to find out what’s in them. Just know you’re going to need a box of tissues for this book.
Once again Steven Manchester has given us another great book. His skills as an author are outstanding. Thank you, Mr. Manchester, for becoming an author.
***Book provided without charge by the author.***
I thought that I had figured out the source of Mac’s PTSD, but I hadn’t. His life became a complete shamble. He lost his job, his family and himself. Finally, help arrived shortly after he was fired.
It was a long process, but Mac was determined to get his life back, especially his relationship with his children.
Oh, you want to know about those three shoeboxes? I’m not going to tell you. You’ll have to read the book to find out what’s in them. Just know you’re going to need a box of tissues for this book.
Once again Steven Manchester has given us another great book. His skills as an author are outstanding. Thank you, Mr. Manchester, for becoming an author.
***Book provided without charge by the author.***
June 17, 2018
This is probably the first time where I didn't really like a book from Mr. Manchester. I am usually a fan of his work. There is so much life infused into the characters that makes the stories that much better. In fact, I have grown close to some of the characters that I have cried. Yet, I struggled to find myself connecting to Mac. The fact that he was struggling with PTSD is sad; which should have allowed me to get closer to him. However, I couldn't.
For this reason I found myself having a hard time reading this book. I would read only a chapter or two and have to stop. This stop and go method was not ideal. After finding myself finally getting a little more than a third of the way into the book, I had lost all interest in wanting to finish. I am really hoping that the next book is a hit with me again.
For this reason I found myself having a hard time reading this book. I would read only a chapter or two and have to stop. This stop and go method was not ideal. After finding myself finally getting a little more than a third of the way into the book, I had lost all interest in wanting to finish. I am really hoping that the next book is a hit with me again.
April 4, 2018
"Hope has always been the only escape."
I recommend this book for everyone. It will bring you to your knees to say Thank You for all you have, and help you to pursue all you may wish for.
Mac has three great children,a wonderful wife, job and home. All is perfect in the world.
Then, he begins having personality changes, anxiety and paranoia, nearly destroying himself and his family.
When he loses all parental rights, his only thoughts and hopes are that he will one day reunite with his family.
Will he get better and be able to resume any semblance of his life with his children? Will they even remember him after so many months?
This is a beautiful, novel of love, sadness, anger and love.
One not to be forgotten!
I recommend this book for everyone. It will bring you to your knees to say Thank You for all you have, and help you to pursue all you may wish for.
Mac has three great children,a wonderful wife, job and home. All is perfect in the world.
Then, he begins having personality changes, anxiety and paranoia, nearly destroying himself and his family.
When he loses all parental rights, his only thoughts and hopes are that he will one day reunite with his family.
Will he get better and be able to resume any semblance of his life with his children? Will they even remember him after so many months?
This is a beautiful, novel of love, sadness, anger and love.
One not to be forgotten!
April 11, 2018
This book really helped the reader see inside the mind of someone experiencing PTSD. In addition, you get a glimpse of what life is like for the family of that individual.
While it was not initially obvious what caused the panic attacks, once it comes to light, you understand how this could cause such a stress-related reaction. The author does a great job of allowing you to see and experience the anxiety for all of the family members.
I even think I like the fact that the book ends the way it does...and I won't spoil it for you! A lot of issues are covered and dealt with in a reasonable way.
I would definitely recommend this book.
While it was not initially obvious what caused the panic attacks, once it comes to light, you understand how this could cause such a stress-related reaction. The author does a great job of allowing you to see and experience the anxiety for all of the family members.
I even think I like the fact that the book ends the way it does...and I won't spoil it for you! A lot of issues are covered and dealt with in a reasonable way.
I would definitely recommend this book.
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