"I couldn't put this book down! In Unexpected Awakening, Laurie S. Jacobson chronicles her brave journey in a silent retreat at a Buddhist monastery where she arrived as a sincere seeker, heartbroken and desperate. With the honesty and humility of her beginner's mind, Laurie invites us to witness the mysterious workings of the Dharma that help her awaken into a new life of freedom and love."

—Trudy Goodman, PhD, Founding Teacher InsightLA

Over the years of teaching meditation, I have witnessed the extraordinary power of long-term silent retreat to change lives. This book is a rare opportunity to peek inside a retreat to witness a remarkable journey. Most importantly, we witness the power of insight and compassion that helps to free the author from an abusive relationship. If you were ever curious about what happens on a long retreat, this book is a gem.

— Diana Winston, Director of UCLA Mindful, and author of The Little Book of Being and Fully Present

"Unexpected Awakening is a testament to the power of compassion and the vast potential we each hold for healing and forgiveness." —Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Life

This is a beautifully written inspirational memoir of a woman’s triumph over adversity in a most unlikely place. I was immersed in Laurie’s transformative journey, experiencing every emotional high and low right beside her. I couldn’t wait to read what surprises were coming next.
Women of all ages as well as sincere spiritual seekers would benefit from reading this memoir of self-discovery, courage, and determination. Overall, a wonderful, fascinating, and enlightening read.

I was moved by Laurie Jacobson’s Unexpected Awakening. This deeply personal account captures both the pain and soul-crushing stagnation inflicted by marital abuse and the lightness and joy felt when the spirit is finally set free. Jacobson was transformed through her experience at a Buddhist monastery, which began as a six-day retreat and was extended by a paralyzing snowstorm and subsequent visit. Through the hard work of intense meditation, the miracle of synchronicity, and the gift of nonjudgmental compassion, she rediscovered joy, laughter, resiliency, and the strength to change her life. Her journey is truly inspiring.

A compelling read--a Buddhist monastery in West Virginia? Who knew? Laurie's encounter there is a story you will find inspiring and forceful. A great read for discussion groups whether it be a book club or women's group. This memoir is a page-turner, her writing style keeps you eagerly anticipating the continuing saga of how she pierces through a canopy of abuse that bruised her psyche and soul. It's a quick read because the writing style is so clean, every word counts.

Laurie's outstanding story is one of perseverance, determination, and affirmation that is both relatable and powerful. To be certain, it is a page-turner and an exceedingly well-written and intimate book. Yet it's more than that, as all great books are. There is a clear spiritual element to this story that informs and resonates without preaching or lecturing. And, most importantly, it inspires with its honesty and courage, it entertains with its wit and humor, and it enlightens with its transformative center. I'd strongly recommend this book to anyone searching for answers, especially those who have the courage to actively seek them.

I was so unexpectedly surprised, in a good way, to find out about this memoir and have a chance to read and enjoy it. I initially wanted to read it because I had considered becoming a Buddhist when I was exposed to this religion while attending college. I figured since I had some knowledge I would find this memoir worthwhile. The author also spent years of her life with a verbally and emotionally abusive spouse, as did I.

When Ms Jacobson impulsively attends a retreat at a Monastery in West Virginia, she realizes that her current life was being wasted while staying with her bitter spouse in her ramshackle country home in PA. She meditates & prays—and considers her life to be indefinitely stalled—until she finds herself filled with soothing visions while visiting a shrine statue on the property. Her unexpected thoughts and visions at first confuse her, but also give her the peace she was seeking, and the strength to turn her life around.

Ms Jacobson shares here her deepest, private thoughts and experiences of her 43rd year and it makes for compelling reading. I enjoyed the camaraderie with the monks and the other retreat members and live-in staff. She didn’t sugarcoat it when remembering her interactions with the community there, during her 2 retreat visits. Everyone there was flawed in some way because even the monks themselves had quirks and habits; despite their honorary titles, they were human.

This is a compelling memoir that sometimes reads like fiction, and grabbed my attention right away. One doesn’t have to be interested in religion to enjoy this, and you will come away with knowledge of how Buddhist retreats are organized, and follow one woman’s quest for understanding life and how to live it to the fullest. Recommended.