Fire Diaries

by Rachel Saylor

In the middle of a crisp Appalachian spring night, Rachel Saylor, along with her husband and family dog, escape a home fire with only seconds to spare. Their world turns on end.

Facing trauma takes Rachel and her husband on a journey they’d never expected. From learning to let go of possessions and coming to terms with people’s unexpected reactions, the road ahead of the couple is wide open. Only they can decide what lessons to take from the experience.

Rachel must confront her anger and heartbreak in order to find peace within her life, but finding the bright side of an inferno is hard when you’re shrouded in the ashes.

61 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2020

Reviews

[Kelsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew the content of this memoir would be heavy because it’s about tragedy but I felt like I learned something truly meaningful about the importance of being honest about your emotions with yourself and others. This very raw and real story broke my heart but also showed such great beauty when you lean on others for support when you are going through a traumatic change. I myself have never experienced something like this but I feel like I have a better chance of empathizing with others that have suffered a great lost. I also feel encouraged to be more honest about my own emotions in times or change. 10 out of 10 would recommend.

[Kristin Hooker · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I felt deep empathy for the author of this book, I also read it selfishly- the question that drove me through this book was this - If I had my bags packed one night so I could get up early and fly to off to the UK, then was awakened by a fire that I escape with nothing but my luggage, would I get on the plane? Travel knowing that ALL my worldly possessions are in one case? Travel while mourning loss? If I knew who started the fire, would I ever forgive them?

Those are some of the things I pondered as I read; I kept turning the pages because I wanted to see how the author handled a tragedy that forced her life into a new space for better or worse.

I read it alone, but it would probably be a good book club book. Quick read, lots to discuss.

[Greta Kimel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well-written, moving, and inspiring. Rachel tells her story of losing her home (and nearly her life!) to a fire and how she and her husband Austin have to change and grow through their trauma. She lets us into her thoughts and emotions, and you can feel the raw hurt. This book is not for the faint of heart! But you also get to see how she overcomes and ultimately becomes stronger through her healing. I think anyone who has gone through trauma or loss will be able to relate to Rachel's journey towards healing and feel heard and understood through reading this book.

If you are looking for a story that is gripping, haunting, meaningful, uplifting, and very real, you should check this out!

[Cameron Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read but a very emotional look into the author's loss and trauma and the resulting healing after a fire.

Wonderfully told through a series of vignettes that bring you close to the emotions of the ordeal.

Not my usual read but I am so very glad I picked this up. Certainly a welcoming read during trying times.