More: A Memoir

by Monique Berish

From the rough streets of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, to the wilds of Alaska, Monique Berish wandered with a gnawing emptiness. She learned at an early age that it was better to feel nothing, especially when it came to happiness. Alcohol and sex provided fraudulent, temporary joy, but it wasn’t until she let go of her abusive past and found a new path of faith that she learned that there was so much more.

180 pages, Paperback

Published May 1, 2020

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love conversion narratives. How do people change? Why? Is change really possible? Often, these narratives try to draw a straight line between cause and effect: I was blind, but now I see. This kind of narrative simplicity often comes off as insincere or shallow. Berish’s memoir, on the other hand, is honest about the complicated process of becoming a new person. Her memoir spends most of its time on the “before” of conversion, which may be uncomfortable reading, but it also shows how God was with her then, too, before she even knew she believed. She is honest about her faults, and the faults of other believers, too. Her honesty reads as charity. Her memoir rings with conviction and truth. I loved this book.

[Melias · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love stories where you fall in love with the characters and get to see a happy ending. This memoir is raw and oftentimes uncomfortable as you read about the author’s unbelievable childhood. While our backgrounds were so different, I had known kids who lived similar lives and I found myself rooting for all of them. The author does a great job touching on ways throughout her life where she knew that God was real, just not knowing how to use that knowledge. This memoir helped me understand the author better as a writer and a friend.

[Mindi Jeppson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much! A redemption story of the best kind. I couldn't put it down because I was instantly invested in her story telling. Timeline flows well and the author does a great job of describing events without being graphic, keeping it at a PG-13. Highly recommend!

[Steve Odenthal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monique Berish has written a hard, gritty, and fulfilling memoir on her first time out. Many authors dwell in the vivid colors of victimhood while telling a cold, black and white story of hard times and life challenges. Not so, here. I was swept along as if by her side as she ambled down her formidable and thorny path, making matter-of-fact choices that most of us would not be faced with. The book was a fast read, but a hard one. For me, it reinforced a long-held belief that we don't miss what we don't know. It also laid bare the fact that we can rise above.

For me, the read had to be broken up a few times because I related too strongly to some of the home issues. Without that baggage, I can easily see this being a straight-through read. Hard times and true representations may make this a book that you are careful where you share it, but certainly not for the narrative manner or the wounded heart that tells the story.

My wish would be that Monique share a bit more of the final changes that led her to a happier, and more fulfilled life—it seems to end a bit quickly and without a great deal of detail. That transition may well be the next book, it seems like a story that need telling. That is a different observation for me as usually I feel that these journeys get tied up with a bow too easily. This is true and helps explain to me how situations occur that we might never believe people can fall into.

Great job. I really recommend this memoir for those who can adjust to the hard black and white of cold reality—and especially for those who know that we all can rise above.

[Dale Robbins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Monique, with the strength of her command of language and a memory for the smallest detail, weaves an amazing story that could have so many times ended far differently. I felt pain for her many times having experienced a less than pleasant childhood of my own - she does a very good job of describing parents who loved her, but were battling too many demons of their own to give her a foundation that every child needs/craves.

Like so many, her quest for love took her to places that more often than not end painfully, with a still empty hole in her heart. If she would have never survived to adulthood few would have been surprised. However, in her memoir, even during the dark times there seems to be a foreshadowing there is something much better waiting for her than the hell of a life she was living.

I felt pain in my heart many times as I read the story - but, it wasn't until three pages from the end, that the connection was so strong, and I was so happy for her, that I literally burst into tears. Thank you Monique for having the courage to share your story - I am hoping "More," will be only the start and we will get to read even "more" - you have a talent and story that needs to continue to grow and be shared.

Dale Robbins
Mesa, AZ

[Rebecca Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible story of rising up and finding your spiritual worth. Hard to read in parts, but amazing story of the human spirit striving each day for happiness and love

[Emily Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an amazing book that I couldn’t put it down and was sad that it ended where it did. I wanted to read “more”!! The struggles, the guilt, the longing for happiness and love, are all things to which so many of us can relate. Monique is very brave to tell her story, and I definitely feel like I know her now. I love that she finally found her way to the right church to feel at home and to make peace with herself.

[Walker Family · Rating 5 out of 5]

The memoirs of Monique’s life kept me turning the pages as she shared her raw, candid and vulnerable experiences that eventually led her to discovering the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Atonement of Jesus Christ brought her a sense of peace and joy that cleansed her from the pains of a traumatic past. It’s a beautiful story of how Christ can change us if we exercise faith in Him.

[Valerie Steimle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. This wonderful story is of redemption. A girl living in terrible circumstances from birth through to young adulthood is searching for peace and happiness as we all are. We find out more about her life after she leaves home and follow her story of how difficult her life became as she tried to get on the right path and find her passion for her career. Not for young children or teens as some are adult themed. Wonderful ending.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very engaging book. Really told matter-of-factly without a lot of emotion tied into it, but I think if I had experienced the trauma and hardship Monique had, I probably wouldn't want to delve into the emotional workings and rehash them either. I admire her strength, courage and fortitude. Truly.