Laura

Life Changing

Revisado: 11-17-24

I have read many memoirs about eating disorders. Emilee's story is the most memorable. I laughed and I cried. In fact, I stayed up all night to finish this audiobook, something I do rarely. This book captured me from Chapter 1.

This audiobook is special because her parents narrated it, and it includes some of Emilee's own words.

I commend the Mazurs for being open about many difficult topics. I found myself feeling angry at our medical and legal system, as they failed Emilee over and over. I was angry at insurance companies too.

It is clear from Emilee's story that there is much education to be done for society in general.

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Best Trauma Book I've Read

Revisado: 07-30-22

I'm so glad I listened to Shari Botwin's book Thriving After Trauma. I could relate to many of the patient stories Ms. Botwin chose to include. I know many others who could relate as well. This book opened up important conversations with my treatment team.

There is no sugarcoating of trauma recovery in this book. It is difficult and time consuming. Support from the right people is necessary. I believe that Ms. Botwin helped those who have never been to therapy understand the process. The fact that people may need to work with several therapist before finding the right fit was highlighted, as was the possibility that a client may need a higher level of care. I also liked how Ms. Botwin mentioned some clients leave therapy and return at a later date.

This book is so real. Ms. Botwin included personal information regarding her own journey and I trusted what she was saying even more because of that. I imagine it is not easy to share personal details in this format.

I appreciated all the suggestions that someone could choose to do on their own to start their healing journey.

I recommend this book to adults contemplating beginning their journey to healing, as well as those who are in the process of dealing with their own trauma.

I look forward to Ms. Botwin's future books.

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My Favorite Book

Revisado: 04-22-21 El oyente recibió este título gratis

I enjoyed every aspect of All Rise, this fast paced, mystery novel. I was engrossed in the story from the first page to the last. The book was finished (for the first time anyhow!) in less than two days. The personalities of the characters are written in great depth. Each contribute a piece (or pieces) to solving the murder of the Chief Justice, even though their "piece" is not immediately apparent. Additionally, the characters have a wide variety of quirks that kept me laughing. They are so different from each other! Enjoy Dinky Do!

Ms. Aquilina sprinkles different types and levels of humor throughout this latest masterpiece. There were many times that I laughed loudly when reading in a public place.

Because of Ms. Aquilina's style of writing, I experienced many emotions while reading All Rise. An incredibly tense scene was followed with an often random, hilarious comment from a character or a plot twist. Additionally, Ms. Aquilina's writing kept me in constant suspense about characters' motives and if they could be trusted. I continually revised my mental "suspect list," and that is a sign of a seasoned author. The mystery is not solved until the final chapter.

I was able to easily relate to the main character, Judge Nicoletta Kikkra. Like many others, she has "go to" stress relievers, in her case being caffeine and hairspray. She is a compassionate, brilliant, hard working person. She is fiercely loyal to her friends and her love for her family is immeasurable. Judge Kikkra sees the potential in others, both as a Judge and then as the owner of a salon. These traits draw people from varying backgrounds to her and her concern for others leads to a large circle of people eager to help her beat the murder charge.

You will enjoy this book! I highly recommend it!

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Inspiration, Bravery and Candor

Revisado: 04-12-21

After listening to Episode 2 of Warrior Women Speak, I am convinced that Shari Botwin and Rosemarie Aquilina will continue to change the World together.

The second episode is titled “Breaking the Silence After Surviving Abuse.” Judge Aquilina interviewed Ms. Botwin about her experiences with incest.

The fact that Ms. Botwin shared such a personal part of her life shows incredible bravery. I admire her willingness to use her pain and experiences to help others. She spoke with confidence and was candid about the length of her ongoing healing process, as well as the effects incest had on her relationships with family members.

Ms. Botwin stressed again and again that survivors of incest are not to blame. That’s an important message. I also noticed that she took away the name and identity of the person who did this, instead she said “my perpetrator.” That takes away that person’s identity and helps Ms. Botwin get her power back.

Though I am not personally a survivor of incest, Botwin’s account helped me to understand a bit more about this topic.

Thank you for recording this podcast.

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Phenomenal Podcast

Revisado: 04-10-21

The first episode of “Warrior Women Speak” was phenomenally done. Judge Rosemarie Aquilina and Ms. Shari Botwin, LCSW started this podcast to talk about topics that are sometimes difficult, but affect many people.

This week’s episode was about managing triggers. Each of them provided examples of personal triggers, as well as ones they have observed in their professional lives: Ms. Botwin as a Trauma Therapist and Judge Aquilina as a Circuit Court Judge.

Through their discussion, seeking help and/or going to therapy was normalized. Even though it is 2021, seeking out mental health treatment is still stigmatized by some. Judge Aquilina refers to therapists as “secret keepers,” which is a practical and accurate description.

The women provided real world examples of triggers and Ms. Botwin gave suggestions on what to do if someone doesn’t know where to start. For example, she suggested writing down personal triggers encountered for a week.

Judge Aquilina and Ms. Botwin have a unique chemistry, though their life experiences are very different. Both “Warrior Women” have dedicated their lives to helping others.

The women validated that anyone can have triggers and have experienced trauma. Trauma can take many forms from difficult childbirth to abuse to fighting in a war. It is okay to ask for help and the healing journey will not be linear, as was pointed out several times. Additionally, there is no timeline for healing, as everyone’s experiences are unique.

One phrase stood out to me. Judge Aquilina deals with people who commit crimes against others. As Ms. Botwin explained, people who develop eating disorders “commit crimes against themselves.” That description stuck with me.

I would encourage others to listen to this podcast. I truly believe there is a take away for everyone. Thank you to Judge Aquilina and Ms. Botwin for starting “Warrior Women Speak.”

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A Memoir that Can’t Be Missed. Listen Right Away!

Revisado: 12-11-20

Just Watch Me, written by Judge Rosemarie Aquilina is, without a doubt, the most inspiring memoir I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

This audiobook was made infinitely more enjoyable because it is narrated by Judge Aquilina herself. Because of this, and the fact that Her Honor is also the author of three fiction novels, the events of her life seem to come alive. I felt like I was observing her life as her descriptions are incredibly vivid.

The narration itself is so well done, mostly likely because Judge Aquilina holds an English degree and is a Reading Specialist.

I have always been inspired by Judge Aquilina. This book intensified this feeling. By sharing her life experiences openly and honestly, I learned many valuable life lessons. She encourages people to use their voice, as she has spent her entire life being a voice for the “voiceless.”

It was hard to listen to some events from her childhood, especially the bullying she experienced. In “pure Aquilina” style, she became a better person because of this.

Her Honor is a Mom, daughter and sister. Those are the most important roles to her. What people may not realize because she is so humble is that she worked for a state Senator for 10 years, is a tireless advocate for children and families, a lawyer, a Judge, a Veteran, and a Professor at TWO law schools.

Her Honor values family and I enjoyed learning about her private life. I wish I had been blessed with grandparents like hers. Judge Aquilina has been though tough situations that have shaped who she is; the stories usually told with a hint of humor. I am impressed that she talks about difficult life events from her perspective as a child and also as a grown woman.

Judge Aquilina has always demands that she be given the same opportunities as men and that her opinions mean as much as those of men. She provides real world examples by delving into topics that many women can relate to, though some aren’t easy to talk about. Some include her experiences giving birth, difficult people in her life, navigating a marriage that didn’t end up working out, the challenges of being a single parent, getting kids ready for school on a tight schedule in the morning and facing a serious medical issue. “You can’t just leave a hospital!”

Her Honor speaks with great pride about the privilege of serving in the military. It made me even prouder to be an American.

This book reaffirmed for me that my voice matters, that I matter. Her Honor always believes in herself, despite what others say. She inspired me to think that I can be that way too. I was reminded of the importance of family, staying positive and turning even the most challenging times into learning experiences.

I would recommend this book to anyone.

Just Watch Me is truly one of Judge Aquilina’s “magnificent things.”

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