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No Blanks, No Pauses: A Path to Loving Self and Others
Born the youngest of fifteen siblings in Lakewood, Ohio, Shelly McNamara began writing as a child to explore her inner self and make sense of the world around her. From the grief of losing close friends and family, the pain of estrangement and rejection, and a deep desire to make the world a more respectful, loving, and inclusive place, Shelly wrote poetry and stories of hope and strength. Writing helped her embrace her own identity while she waited for the world to recognize her lifelong commitment to the woman she loves and the family they built together. As the Chief Equality & Inclusion Officer at Procter & Gamble, one of the world's most admired companies, Shelly has used her powerful insights and compassion to elevate the consciousness and connection of people from around the globe. Now, for the first time, Shelly is bringing her poetry and powerful stories to us all. No Blanks, No Pauses is an exploration of one woman's journey to live a full and authentic life that holds lessons for each of us. Shelly has written her way through adversity and heartbreak to discover that dreams are worth pursuing, injustice is worth challenging, and peace and fairness are what matter most. This book's mixture of memoir, poetry, and insightful questions draws us in and gives us confidence that we, too, can heal, connect, and love more expansively than we ever thought possible.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published February 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 3, 2025
No Blanks, No Pauses is a heartfelt and courageous blend of memoir, poetry, and reflective inquiry from Shelly McNamara a leader whose personal journey is as compelling as her professional impact. Born the youngest of fifteen, McNamara transforms early writing into a lifelong tool for understanding identity, grief, love, and belonging.
What sets this book apart is its emotional clarity. McNamara writes with tenderness and conviction about loss, estrangement, and the deep desire to live authentically in a world that often demands silence. Her reflections on embracing her identity, building a family with the woman she loves, and challenging injustice carry both intimacy and universal resonance.
The poetry elevates the narrative, offering moments of stillness and insight that invite readers to reflect on their own lives. The inclusion of thoughtful questions at the end of each section is a powerful touch eminding readers that they, too, can rewrite their stories and broaden their capacity for connection, compassion, and love.
A beautifully written, emotionally intelligent work that encourages healing, courage, and authenticity.
What sets this book apart is its emotional clarity. McNamara writes with tenderness and conviction about loss, estrangement, and the deep desire to live authentically in a world that often demands silence. Her reflections on embracing her identity, building a family with the woman she loves, and challenging injustice carry both intimacy and universal resonance.
The poetry elevates the narrative, offering moments of stillness and insight that invite readers to reflect on their own lives. The inclusion of thoughtful questions at the end of each section is a powerful touch eminding readers that they, too, can rewrite their stories and broaden their capacity for connection, compassion, and love.
A beautifully written, emotionally intelligent work that encourages healing, courage, and authenticity.
January 29, 2021
My Recommendation: What a fascinating glimpse into the life of a high-profile LGBT individual—all I can say is I wish it were longer! I found her personal story incredibly engaging and would absolutely read a full-length memoir from her. There were so many things that felt glossed over in order to connect directly to her career and this read as more of a "Best of . . ." to get to the HR/professional development of the importance of being out than a memoir, but I did thoroughly enjoy it.
My Response: When the publisher reached out to me about this I immediately knew I was going to say yes (even if it took me a few days to get around to telling them).* I'm always interested in LGBT individuals' personal journeys to where they are today and when the subject line was "Chief Equality & Inclusion Officer at Procter & Gamble Publishes Inspiring Memoir on Living an Authentic Life", of course I was in!
I knew nothing about Shelly McNamara and the only thing I knew about P&G, aside from all the random products of theirs I use, is that they have a big neon sign in Boston on a building (I think it's a museum?), so I went in blind which isn't anything new for me.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
*I received a copy of No Blanks, No Pauses from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.
My Response: When the publisher reached out to me about this I immediately knew I was going to say yes (even if it took me a few days to get around to telling them).* I'm always interested in LGBT individuals' personal journeys to where they are today and when the subject line was "Chief Equality & Inclusion Officer at Procter & Gamble Publishes Inspiring Memoir on Living an Authentic Life", of course I was in!
I knew nothing about Shelly McNamara and the only thing I knew about P&G, aside from all the random products of theirs I use, is that they have a big neon sign in Boston on a building (I think it's a museum?), so I went in blind which isn't anything new for me.
Continue reading on my book blog at geoffwhaley.com.
*I received a copy of No Blanks, No Pauses from the publisher in return for my honest opinion. No goods or money were exchanged.
March 25, 2021
First Impressions/Judging a Book by Its Cover
I chose this book on NetGalley (full disclaimer below). The cover caught my interest because the photo of the house has an old-timey blurry feel and the description, a combination of memoir and poetry written by the youngest of 15 children, sounded interesting and unique.
My Opinion
**I received an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley and would like to thank the author and/or publisher for the opportunity to read and honestly review it.**
This was definitely the right book at the right time for me. I don't have a lot of focus or tolerance for suspense at the moment which is why I've been reading a lot of short stories and poetry. This book was a good length with enough depth to keep it interesting but also a touch of "chicken soup for the soul" in how things work out.
There were questions at the end of each story that acted as built-in reminders to stop and sit with the reactions for a minute. It's a book of reflection if you want it to be but it's not forced down your throat if you don't. It also isn't a religious book...she talks about her faith in the scope of her life but not as an end-all, be-all answer to everything.
She made a really interesting point about remaining in the closet. She said staying closeted because you're concerned about their reaction/judgement is also a form of judgement because you're assuming how someone will react without giving them a chance. She doesn't present it in a "Pollyanna" kind of way because we all know the world we live in and there are serious issues that could prevent someone coming out but more as something to think about if the reason is more fear-based than safety-based.
Find all my reviews at: https://readingatrandom.blogspot.com
I chose this book on NetGalley (full disclaimer below). The cover caught my interest because the photo of the house has an old-timey blurry feel and the description, a combination of memoir and poetry written by the youngest of 15 children, sounded interesting and unique.
My Opinion
**I received an electronic copy of this book via NetGalley and would like to thank the author and/or publisher for the opportunity to read and honestly review it.**
This was definitely the right book at the right time for me. I don't have a lot of focus or tolerance for suspense at the moment which is why I've been reading a lot of short stories and poetry. This book was a good length with enough depth to keep it interesting but also a touch of "chicken soup for the soul" in how things work out.
There were questions at the end of each story that acted as built-in reminders to stop and sit with the reactions for a minute. It's a book of reflection if you want it to be but it's not forced down your throat if you don't. It also isn't a religious book...she talks about her faith in the scope of her life but not as an end-all, be-all answer to everything.
She made a really interesting point about remaining in the closet. She said staying closeted because you're concerned about their reaction/judgement is also a form of judgement because you're assuming how someone will react without giving them a chance. She doesn't present it in a "Pollyanna" kind of way because we all know the world we live in and there are serious issues that could prevent someone coming out but more as something to think about if the reason is more fear-based than safety-based.
Find all my reviews at: https://readingatrandom.blogspot.com
December 23, 2020
How frustrating is it to be told by all the different sources the things you must do to be successful in life? This book definitely does NOT do that. It instead takes an empathetic approach and gives bite size approaches and allows you to have kindness and patience with yourself when dealing with life. This is so necessary for everyone to read in life. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 26, 2021
This book is relatable on several dimensions of humanity, thought-provoking with reflection questions at the end of each chapter, and filled with encouragement to love more and judge less. I loved it.
March 19, 2021
Don't miss reading this one!!
Beautiful and heartfelt. So eloquently written and deeply
moving. Without preaching or judging it gives everyone something to think about.
Beautiful and heartfelt. So eloquently written and deeply
moving. Without preaching or judging it gives everyone something to think about.
March 26, 2021
I need some time to process how this book truly impacted me but all I know is that it has impacted me in ways few have before.
January 2, 2024
What a way to start the new year. Thanks Ashely for making it so personal and sharing some details that never thought an American would encounter. Fast read and touches the heart.
December 14, 2021
I didn't like this book. There were parts I enjoyed, like some of the texts about the family dynamics and a few notes about the way the author experienced her lesbianism, but overall? It annoyed me. There are a lot of speeches I disagree with, such as the "to love someone else, you need to love yourself first" which... is just no, and the one about labels limiting people. It felt too black-and-white: I love labels, personally. They bring me comfort and I feel like they free me. The moments I didn't have labels I felt like I needed to look myself up in the dictionary, because I need it, and that's not something I want to change: whenever I feel like that, I just find the label I need; and I know many people who are this way, too.
I'm aware this was probably not the intention, but I've had this same line about labels spoken to me in a condescending manner several times, and painting labels as some kind of villain or antagonist is something that annoys me. I'm a lesbian. I'm transgender. I'm nonbinary. And Brazilian, and genderqueer, and genderfluid, and polyamorous, and a writer. Those are labels too, and I like them, I feel embraced by them. Labels aren't good when they're forced upon you by others, but generalizing this can be harmful. I know it was (and it is!) for me, especially when related to mental illnesses. I've been looking for a diagnosis on a neurodivergence, most likely autism, because I have many traits/symptoms, but I've been told that labels aren't good and my mother and health doctors won't even tell me more about the assessment and all.
I also found the use of ellipsis excessive, which annoyed me as well. And the use of the expression "less than". McNamara uses it several times to describe prejudice, that some people are seen as "less than". That was written so many times it annoyed me, especially because it wasn't necessary. Less than what? And if you're not gonna leave it explicit, there are words for that, such as "inferior".
There's also something about the 'feel' of the book that didn't quite sit well with me. There are a lot of parts about forgiving: McNamara's absent father who left her mother to raise 15 children on her own, her best friend who got distant when she discovered McNamara's a lesbian, her brother, who had some homophobia in his way of thinking... Some did have redemption, some didn't, but Shelly never says she's ANGRY. She's hurt, or she forgives the person, or she just... accepts and loves people in an annoying kind of way. I'm probably being very judgemental, especially since she's a real person, not a character, but while I'm reading this book, she kind of is: I'm reading about the life of a person who isn't me, mostly in a poetic manner. I like books that I can resonate with. I like it when they're visceral, when they show the ugly and the shameful, when my heart's heavy. When it touches the depths of my soul. But this book is just... eh.
Plus, there are a lot of parts about God, Christianity, the church, etc. and I don't like reading about it, as someone who has panic attacks every time I step on a church. So yeah, this book is totally not my thing.
I'm aware this was probably not the intention, but I've had this same line about labels spoken to me in a condescending manner several times, and painting labels as some kind of villain or antagonist is something that annoys me. I'm a lesbian. I'm transgender. I'm nonbinary. And Brazilian, and genderqueer, and genderfluid, and polyamorous, and a writer. Those are labels too, and I like them, I feel embraced by them. Labels aren't good when they're forced upon you by others, but generalizing this can be harmful. I know it was (and it is!) for me, especially when related to mental illnesses. I've been looking for a diagnosis on a neurodivergence, most likely autism, because I have many traits/symptoms, but I've been told that labels aren't good and my mother and health doctors won't even tell me more about the assessment and all.
I also found the use of ellipsis excessive, which annoyed me as well. And the use of the expression "less than". McNamara uses it several times to describe prejudice, that some people are seen as "less than". That was written so many times it annoyed me, especially because it wasn't necessary. Less than what? And if you're not gonna leave it explicit, there are words for that, such as "inferior".
There's also something about the 'feel' of the book that didn't quite sit well with me. There are a lot of parts about forgiving: McNamara's absent father who left her mother to raise 15 children on her own, her best friend who got distant when she discovered McNamara's a lesbian, her brother, who had some homophobia in his way of thinking... Some did have redemption, some didn't, but Shelly never says she's ANGRY. She's hurt, or she forgives the person, or she just... accepts and loves people in an annoying kind of way. I'm probably being very judgemental, especially since she's a real person, not a character, but while I'm reading this book, she kind of is: I'm reading about the life of a person who isn't me, mostly in a poetic manner. I like books that I can resonate with. I like it when they're visceral, when they show the ugly and the shameful, when my heart's heavy. When it touches the depths of my soul. But this book is just... eh.
Plus, there are a lot of parts about God, Christianity, the church, etc. and I don't like reading about it, as someone who has panic attacks every time I step on a church. So yeah, this book is totally not my thing.
November 8, 2021
This book has touched me in ways few have.
I just put this book down after reading it within a matter of hours. My one complaint is this: it should have been longer.
This memoir, a combination of poetry and life stories is arguably one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. Diving into themes of love, grief, family, equality, faith, and so much more, this book gave me a sense of peace that can only be described as "feeling like a hug".
Though it was written by a lesbian, and the themes of being LGBTQ+ are prevalent in this book, I wouldn't limit this book to those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. This book needs to be read by all.
In the matter of hours in which I read this book I only put it down a handful of times, and every time I did I couldn't stop thinking about it.
This is one of those books that is going to stay with me forever.
I just put this book down after reading it within a matter of hours. My one complaint is this: it should have been longer.
This memoir, a combination of poetry and life stories is arguably one of the most beautiful books I've ever read. Diving into themes of love, grief, family, equality, faith, and so much more, this book gave me a sense of peace that can only be described as "feeling like a hug".
Though it was written by a lesbian, and the themes of being LGBTQ+ are prevalent in this book, I wouldn't limit this book to those who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. This book needs to be read by all.
In the matter of hours in which I read this book I only put it down a handful of times, and every time I did I couldn't stop thinking about it.
This is one of those books that is going to stay with me forever.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews