Publication Date: September 15, 2014
A freak accident with a tree limb stopped Heidi’s perfect globetrotting life. As her life suffered a domino effect from the dissolution of her marriage to the hurt of betrayal, Heidi hit the bottom and struggled to rise back to the top. When all balls drop, can things ever be right again?
I was given a copy of this memoir in exchange for my review.
Memoirs are often a difficult animal to review. Things that seem implausible can, in fact, happen. The adage, “truth is stranger than fiction” was coined with purpose. Heidi’s run of bad luck defies logic to the point that there’s no doubt it indeed happened. Her struggle reads as unenviable and real and is told without resentment and self-pity that would have been understandable and well earned in light of the tale related. Readers will wonder how Heidi survived the dark cloud that seemed to follow her and then will be inspired by the courage she exhibits in her efforts to rebuild her life and spirit.
Heidi doesn’t glamorize herself or make excuses for anyone in [easyazon_link identifier=”1627871217″ locale=”US” tag=”rabidreaders-20″]When All Balls Drop: The Upside of Losing Everything[/easyazon_link]. Hers is the story of an average woman. An omniscient look into one’s life is one that a person only has when looking in the rear-view. She does indulge in what most people would call “therapy speak.” Given what she’s been through, it’s expected but can translate to readers as somewhat disingenuous and for effect. While I appreciated the difficulty of conveying an experience of this emotional depth to the reader, I didn’t always connect with it. It’s evident, however; how the depths to which the subject falls could inspire those that don’t feel as though they have anywhere to go but up.
Whatever faults [easyazon_link identifier=”1627871217″ locale=”US” tag=”rabidreaders-20″]When All Balls Drop: The Upside of Losing Everything[/easyazon_link] has, are mitigated by the anecdotal style. Two-page average short vignettes make a really quick read that flows in a way that readers can take what they need from this 270-page look at the author’s life. Heidi sees life as a continuing adventure and fittingly so is her memoir with a promised next edition.
While I found [easyazon_link identifier=”1627871217″ locale=”US” tag=”rabidreaders-20″]When All Balls Drop: The Upside of Losing Everything[/easyazon_link] compelling, I won’t be running out to buy the next edition. I wish Heidi happiness and love. If I happen to run across the book on Amazon, I may pick it up but it’s not something that I’d seek out. I think my lack of enthusiasm ties to a thankful lack of having been destroyed to the extent that the author was. My heart broke for her and it was interesting but it never fully drew me in.
If you like stories of destruction and rebuilding and the human struggle, [easyazon_link identifier=”1627871217″ locale=”US” tag=”rabidreaders-20″]When All Balls Drop: The Upside of Losing Everything[/easyazon_link] is for you. Pick it up today.
If When all the Balls Drop: The Upside of Loosing Everything by Heidi Siefkas sounds like a book for you, read an excerpt and buy on
Amazon U.S. • Amazon U.K. • Amazon Canada
For more information about Hiedi Siefkas, visit her website. You can connect with her on Goodreads, Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube and Twitter @HeidiSiefkas.