Q1 Book – 5 Tail Wags!

Unexpected Awakening:
22 Days at a Buddhist Monastery Freed Me from Abuse 
by Laurie S. Jacobson 

Reads and Recovery Book Review

While this book tells a story, it is a testimony of resilience of the human spirit. There is a beautiful series of synchronicities throughout the book that inspire the reader to look beyond what’s in front of you to the hope we can cultivate within ourselves in our darkest seasons.

I was able to relate to the main character on so many levels, from quietly enduring emotional abuse to the restitution of her identity she found at the monastery. I, as a grateful recovering alcoholic and stroke survivor, recognized the deeply familiar feeling of detoxing from the chaos and finding that I’d not yet given up on myself. The mercy and silence at the beginning of a structured recovery journey is uncomfortable but necessary to start rebuilding one’s self-worth.

The psychological toll of emotional abuse is a self-constructed prison, and the author nails articulating her inner battle, fears, and the journey of her awakening. Her journey is not ordinary, in fact, it leaves the reader inspired that there is more going on in this life than what we see with our eyes. The story shows us how small choices and inner dialogue can lead us to freedom, just as it has in my recovery. Noticing, staying, and feeling the hard stuff is the imperfectly human pathway to living a new beautiful life.

This book is a MUST read for anyone who’s ever stayed too long in something that was breaking you.

And that ending? I wasn’t prepared for it, and it absolutely undid me.

Here’s a view of our Recovery Readometer scale for your reference:

1 Bark – Not really engaging, but had a couple of interesting moments.

2 Wags – A pleasant read with some enjoyable parts.

3 Woofs – Engaging and enjoyable, a solid read.

4 Paws – Really loved this book; it was hard to put down.

5 Tail Wags – An all-time favorite, resonated deeply on a personal level.

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Welcome to Reads and Recovery, a unique and enriching segment of the podcast where literature meets personal growth. Here’s how you can join this transformative experience:

1. Join the Discussion: After you’ve listened to or read the book of the month, join the discussion. Share your insights, reflections, and how the book’s themes relate to your own experiences at rachel@recoverydailypodcast.com or submit your comments here on the contact page.
2. Monthly Book Selection: Each month, we choose a book that resonates with themes of recovery, self-discovery, and personal resilience. These carefully selected reads aim to inspire, challenge, and accompany you on your journey of healing and self-growth.
3. Interactive Sessions: Look out for our monthly interactive posts on social media. These can include guided group reflections. These sessions are designed to deepen your understanding of the book and its relevance to your personal journey.
4. Contribute to the Reading List: Feel inspired? Submit your suggestion for book of the month. Selected contributions will be featured on our Reads and Recovery segment.
5. Stay Updated: Don’t miss out! Make sure you’re connected on social media. To connect with me, find me on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Better yet, listen to our Recovery Daily Podcast to stay appraised of what’s happening.

Reads and Recovery is more than just a book club; it’s a journey of collective healing and sharing through the power of literature. I’m excited to have you join me in this enriching experience where every page turned is a step forward in our journey of recovery.