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Shaking the Tree: Brazen. Short. Memoir (Vol. 2): Things We Don't Talk About
The San Diego Memoir Writers Association is honored to present the second volume of compelling true stories drawn from our annual Memoir Showcase contest. This year’s winning selections address the theme of Things We Don’t Talk About, and our writers bravely answered the call to share the most intimate narratives of their lives. The authors take on bold issues such as hidden racism, physical and sexual abuse, illicit affairs, the tragic loss of a child or parent, secret family members, and the painfully awkward experiences of adolescent first love. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes terrifying or mysterious, the stories within these pages challenge us to check our assumptions, seek out understanding, and connect with the triumphant bravery it takes to shine a light on our secrets. You can’t make this stuff up. IN THIS Elise Kim Prosser PhD • Krisa Bruemmer • Huda Al-Marashi • Laura L. Engel • Lauren Halsted • CJ Elliott • Lenore Greiner • Donna L. Jose • James Roberts • Bill Peters • Nancy “Pants” Johnson • Kimberly Joy • Misha Luz • Amanda Byzak • Katya McLane • Patricia Geist-Martin • Lynn Gahman • Marilyn Woods • Janice Alper • Marijke McCandless • Heather M. Berberet • Sarah Vosburgh • Laura May • Susan F. Keith • Caroline Gilman • Saadia Ali Esmail • MarDestinee C. Perez • John Cunningham • Laura Jaye • Madonna Treadway • Melissa Bloom
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 13, 2019
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14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 31, 2024
When I started reading this book, it felt a bit like Reddit, just more ... justified? However, some of the stories ended up being so much more: confessions of lives and loves lost, of healing and finding peace. The end came rather abruptly - the sudden announcement that I have finished yet another book. I don't think I was ready for it to end ...
Quotes:
There were moments when I lied to myself in my dreams. Like when I closed my eyes and eventually dozed off. In my dream, I suddenly lost my fear and became inexplicably optimistic.
“The peace of knowing that even though I have an illness and all of the complications that go with it, I am still lovable. There will be someone who sees me, rather than my illness.”
I’m sixty-five, and I begin to question if the layers upon layers upon layers of silence is what was best for any of us.
Not talking about things, it turns out, doesn’t make them invisible. One by one, day by day, the secrets made their way to the surface. Laid bare to be trekked through with tears and a well of grief so endless I thought I would never find my way out. And then, relief. And then, a recognition of my insane resilience.
Quotes:
There were moments when I lied to myself in my dreams. Like when I closed my eyes and eventually dozed off. In my dream, I suddenly lost my fear and became inexplicably optimistic.
“The peace of knowing that even though I have an illness and all of the complications that go with it, I am still lovable. There will be someone who sees me, rather than my illness.”
I’m sixty-five, and I begin to question if the layers upon layers upon layers of silence is what was best for any of us.
Not talking about things, it turns out, doesn’t make them invisible. One by one, day by day, the secrets made their way to the surface. Laid bare to be trekked through with tears and a well of grief so endless I thought I would never find my way out. And then, relief. And then, a recognition of my insane resilience.
June 10, 2022
Highlighting yet again the importance of sharing our stories. Thank you to those brave enough to share their personal challenges and life experiences. When we read another's words that are similar to our own narrative we feel less alone and isolated.
May 12, 2023
A thought provoking collection of short memoir pieces from a variety of authors. There were some difficult topics. But I guess that’s the point. The more we talk about the things we don’t talk about, the better we can cope or prevent tragedy.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews