This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
A Schizoid at Smith: How Overparenting Leads to Underachieving by Blair Sorrel is a memoir in which the author divulges to readers her childhood memories, family dynamics, and life with schizoid personality disorder. From the family's move to Belmont and the adjustment to an affluent suburban environment, Sorrel shares the difficulties faced and their impact on her academic journey. Sorrel discusses unconventional learning approaches, a strong connection to nature, and cultural observations, blending each with personal anecdotes, including her reflections on societal shifts during the 1960s. Written in a style that often feels conversational and usually comes across as a stream-of-consciousness narrative, Sorrel opens up and offers a glimpse into her journey of self-discovery, coping mechanisms, and unconventional interactions during a transformative period of her life.
The first word that comes to mind as I comb back over all the things that Blair Sorrell has shared in her raw and honest memoir is 'courageous.' Putting one's experiences out into the public domain takes a great deal of courage, and I cannot help but applaud Sorrel for doing this. This does not mean that the narrative is stiff and stodgy. On the contrary, Sorrel injects large quantities of humor and wit into her work, such as an incident involving a pharmaceutical promotional keychain, which is a testament to her ability to find humor in everyday situations. I absolutely loved all her pop culture references, like being drawn to Dark Shadows as a shared experience with other kids in the neighborhood, which prompted my own sense of nostalgia. Overall, A Schizoid at Smith is a well-written, intelligently candid, and accessible memoir, and I have no doubt it will touch all who read it. Very highly recommended.
