Learning To Fly: A Memoir

by Karmen Berentsen

At a young age, Karmen Berentsen’s free-spirited playfulness was grounded thanks to her father’s expectations of perfection and her mother’s death. With suppressed emotions, intelligence, and resolute drive, Karmen managed to become successful in business while leaving a trail of disastrous relationships. The path to rediscovering and reclaiming her essence became her training ground for learning to fly as a human, a woman, and a business leader. And it is a map for other women (and men) who want to live fully and authentically. This is nothing short of the heroic journey towards living a fully human, fully soulful life.

362 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 18, 2021

Reviews

[Ozma · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Ms. Berentsen's Denver chain of clothing boutiques, A Line Boutique. They have these amazing re-useable tote bags. Many years ago, when I made my first purchase, I received one. It had a beautiful woman's model picture on it. I made a comment about how great the pic was. The salesperson told me it was the boutique owner's mother, from her modeling days. I always liked that, and I have kept their bags over years and years of time and loved using them. I always think of the mom. Now that I have read the story, I realize what a cool person both the mom and daughter (Karmen) are. I was amazed by Karmen's story and all the ups and downs she had been through in life. She is like a star that was always meant to shoot across the sky but also always asking herself is this the right way to shoot across the sky, am I sparkly enough? It seems, by the end, she comes through and realizes her natural sparkle is always there. We know the mom had a lot of sparkle. It took me a while to get through this though, and I was determined to because the A Line shops are truly amazing and amazing customer service. So, out of loyalty, I pushed through. A lot of the pages were a little self-indulgent and maybe trying too hard to me. But, I think that the excellence of Karmen requires some self-indulgence and some major trying. I was stunned and horrified about some v bad experiences Karmen had been through. I was frustrated by the end b/c Karmen shows some grace toward another figure, which I don't think that figure deserves at all. It was really neat to me to read the story behind how A Line Boutique came to be, and I can see why the stores are so amazing. B/c the owner is extremely thoughtful, introspective, and then puts all that into action to make a great product.

[Amy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book and found myself relating to so many parts of it. It was comforting to see someone share similar struggles and a life path that, while different from mine, felt familiar and inspiring. The theme of “try less” really resonated with me and is something I want to carry into my own life. I also love her store, A Line, and wish her continued success. I think it might be time for a little shopping trip!

[Denise Grills · Rating 5 out of 5]

A raw and insightful memoir.

I read the book straight forward in one sitting. I could not imagine the life the author has lived and the strength she had to steer her success in life and business. Well done.