The Sky Isn’t Visible From Here - Book review
I was really excited to get a chance to read Felicia Sullivan’s memoir, The Sky Isn’t Visible From Here before it had even hit the shelves. I have been corresponding with Felicia for quite some time now, and she’s the one responsible for a great deal of the books I receive for review, so I was eager to read something that she had written herself.
From the time I cracked the book open, I didn’t want to stop reading until it was done. However, despite my desire to read, read, read, I found myself repeatedly having to put the book down. Not because the book was terrible, quite the contrary, it was written in a very compelling way. However, it was also very difficult to read. It wasn’t a fictional novel, it was the story of Felicia’s own life, from the childhood she lived through with a smothering and drug-addicted mother to her adulthood with her own addictions. More than once I would find myself so incredibly shocked by something that had happened to her, particularly as a child, that I had to stop reading for a bit, just to compose myself. Frequently I would put the book down and go hug my own kids.
But don’t let that dissuade you because this isn’t a downer of a book by any means. Rather, it’s a book of hope. As you read along through all the things that Felicia survived and fought against, you will find yourself cheering. It’s a story that shows you that you can overcome anything, not just the people around you but your own issues and demons.
And I’m not going to spill the beans, but the final chapter of the book is by far my favorite.
I love memoirs, so I may be biased a bit, but the book was definitely incredible. It’s a little strange to say that you loved a book about someone’s hard times, it always comes out sounding a little wrong, like you’re saying, “it is just AWESOME that you had such a difficult life, great story!” But honestly, I loved the book for the way the story is told and the uplifting feeling of hope that is never completely hidden no matter what else was going on.
Highly recommended.
February 12th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Oh, Sherry! You made my day!!! I’ve had a tough few days and your review really put a jump in my step this morning. I think you hit the nail on the head with regard to the overall feel of the book, because while it is dark, painful and heartbreaking, it’s also about hope. That one could rise above their surroundings. I grew up in an area with very few opportunities (in addition to being the daughter of a drug addict), and I certainly didn’t let that stand in my way of success!!
Anyway, I’m blathering. Thanks again for the very sweet, caring review.
xoxox, f.