Confronting Power and Chaos: The Uncharted Kaleidoscope of My Life by Christine Skarbek | Book Review | #Memoir #5-Stars
Book Details
Confronting Power and Chaos is a dramatic memoir by Christine Skarbek. Her life story is gripping, powerful, and a testament to the strength of humans…especially mothers.
Confronting Power and Chaos by Christine Skarbek
Published by Austin Macauley Publishers LLC on 08/18/2023
Genres: Non-fiction, Memoir
Format: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 286
“That one event, that one ten-minute car ride, radically bowled over my life’s kaleidoscope.”
What’s in a name?
Her trailblazer of a distant cousin forged a solitary, singular path during and after WWII. Unassuming and somewhat clueless, Christine eventually finds she has to do pretty much the same. A teen fully expecting her Midwestern life would be drab and ho-hum, she meets in Germany an elderly man who offered her a ride – and insight into a legacy she was going to rely on throughout her entire life.
Marrying the wrong guy, divorced, isolated, and responsible for four chronically ill children, she charged forward, brooking no fools to get her children the healthcare and education they richly deserved, even if that meant blackmailing the governor of Iowa. She took on the powers that be (including spooks invading her home for six months), while always striving for the career she pined for.
Throughout all the decades of financial and personal setbacks and the chaos that swirled around her, Christine’s legacy constantly beckoned her: to be worthy of that distant cousin, WWII’s most decorated courier, and of a timeless love story she witnessed.
Christine’s life journey, including her 12 years in Poland (her other homeland), is a stirring testament to determination, imagination, and the power of perseverance.
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Purchase Links for Confronting Power and Chaos
Amazon-OneLink for all countries BookShop/IndieBound
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My Thoughts on Confronting Power and Chaos
I recently finished the memoir by Christine Skarbek, “Confronting Power and Chaos: The Uncharted Kaleidoscope of My Life.” Let me tell you, it’s not your typical life story – it kicks off with a ten-minute car ride in Germany that completely flips Christine’s kaleidoscope of a life.
Her cousin and namesake was a real trailblazer during and after WWII. This sets the stage for Christine’s own unique journey. Picture this Midwestern gal, clueless about the twists life had in store. Fast forward to marrying the wrong guy, dealing with a messy divorce, and handling four kids with chronic illnesses – Christine doesn’t mess around. She even blackmailed the governor of Iowa for her kids’ healthcare and education. Talk about bold moves!
Amidst financial setbacks, spooks invading her home, and personal chaos, Christine’s life echoes her cousin’s legacy. Her 12-year stint in Poland … just another layer to her wild journey, showcasing determination, imagination, and a truckload of perseverance.
I usually expect to skim through some parts of a memoir because I’m always in a hurry to get to the “good stuff”, but not with this one. Christine had me hooked from the get-go. This woman’s been through it all – from single motherhood struggles to being homeless in Poland. I laughed, cried, and felt things I can’t even put into words.
You know it’s a killer book when you’re yelling, “No, I need more!” at the end. I’m convinced Christine could write a book for every adventure she’s had, and we’d still be hungry for more.
We need more people like her in our lives, shouting, “Up the rebels!”
A solid 5 out of 5 stars – Christine Skarbek, you’re a legend!
I may have received a digital copy of the book from the author, publisher, or tour company. Otherwise, it is from my personal library or Kindle Unlimited.
This review is my honest, unbiased opinion.
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I love to read books through my Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscription.
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About Christine Skarbek
With an MA in journalism from the University of Iowa, Christine Skarbek has worked as a foreign student exchange coordinator, written op-eds for several newspapers—including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution—and co-authored three screenplays. Besides continuing her public relations promotion of D.W. Rettinger’s novels, she has published articles in online journals.
She’s currently enjoying her semi-retirement in Silver Spring, MD.
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Purchase Confronting Power and Chaos online from your local bookstore.
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Easy Amazon Links
Amazon-OneLink for all countries
If the above link does not take you to your country, here are a few more:
Please send me a note if your country isn’t listed and you would like to purchase using my links. Using my link does not change the price you pay. Amazon pays me a minimal amount out of their share.
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I want to thank you ever so much for your review of my memoir and I hope folks let me know how they like it (although I must say, I can’t image anyone but you calling me a legend!) That continues to blow me away!!! Happy 2024, Gina!!!
I am a legend??????? WHOA! awesome review! I am agog! Nobody’s ever called me a legend! Heavens to Betsy!!!!
Thank you, Gina!