Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Noland’s overall intentions are initially ambiguous, although they become more straightforward as the work progresses. Readers may be left uncertain as to the writing’s purpose, leaving it feeling somewhere between a memoir and self-help guide.
Prose: Noland writes eloquently, particularly in some of the more emotionally painful sections. Her prose is direct and accessible, with expressive metaphors sprinkled throughout.
Originality: Noland’s work is unique in its combination of memoir and focus on personal growth, but beyond those characteristics it stays within the parameters of the expected.
Character Development/Execution: Noland struggles with missing structure in the beginning, but this improves as the work progresses. Eventually she shares concrete steps for readers to utilize, alongside integral information that will be advantageous for relevant audiences.
Date Submitted: November 25, 2021
The Day My Heart Turned Blue: Healing Afer the Loss of My Mother, Karla J Noland, Reveal Heal Thrive - Wrought from her mother's passing, Noland recounts the poignant moments of life. It recounts experience in dealing with the bureaucratic side of health, financial difficulties, and death that are often unknown unless experienced. Delivered through a collection of handwritten journal entries, the book provides light and levity, while acknowledging the value of family and friends during a time of struggle. Scriptures scattered throughout the story provided a solid spiritual foundation for embracing the emotional impact and self-care while grieving and carrying on the legacy of a loved one.
The Day My Heart Turned Blue: Healing After the Loss of My Mother by Karla J Noland is a 2022 Montaigne Medal Finalist!
The Montaigne Medal is part of the prestigious Eric Hoffer Award for independent books.
The Montaigne Medal is awarded to the most thought-provoking books, given in honor of the great French philosopher Michel de Montaigne, who influenced people such as William Shakespeare, René Descartes, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Eric Hoffer.
The Day My Heart Turned Blue, Karla J Noland, Reveal Heal Thrive
The Eric Hoffer Book Award honors the memory of the great American philosopher and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, Eric Hoffer, by highlighting salient writing, as well as the independent spirit of small publishers. Since its inception, the Hoffer has become one of the largest international book awards for small, academic, and independent presses.
The Eric Hoffer Book Award honors the memory of the great American philosopher Eric Hoffer by highlighting salient writing, as well as the independent spirit of small publishers. Since its inception, the Hoffer has become one of the largest international book awards for small, academic, and independent presses.
The Eric Hoffer Book Award was founded at the start of the 21st century (with permission from the Eric Hoffer Estate) to honor freethinking writers and independent books of exceptional merit.
The Day My Heart Turned Blue: Healing After the Loss of My Mother by Karla J Noland - Reveal Heal Thrive (Publisher)
First Horizon Award Finalist
Each year, the Eric Hoffer Award presents the First Horizon Award for superior work by debut authors (i.e. the first published book of any type by the author). This is an additional distinction beneath the Eric Hoffer Award umbrella.
