Review, Giveaway
& Author Interview
Details
Book Title: Dying to Belong: How I Accidentally Found Myself by Diane Mullins
Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+), 178 pages
Genre: Memoir
Publisher: Funshine Publishing
Release date: March 2020
Content Rating: PG-13 due to a few cuss words
Description
As a very shy, meek, and insecure little girl, Diane Mullins grew up the
youngest of seven children in an abusive family. Never shown or taught how to love or be loved, Diane grew up with no self-confidence or self-esteem. Who knew that it would take a near-fatal accident to help her find her way to self-love and spiritual freedom?
In Dying to Belong, Diane shares her story that begins at the scene of a body- and spirit-crushing ATV accident. Forced to ride out of the wilderness area herself, she arrived at the hospital to discover broken bones, ruptured organs, and a punctured lung. She was literally on the doorstep of death. During the excruciating process of physical healing, Diane began exploring a spiritual journey that led to loving, accepting, and respecting herself.
Diane learned the empowering lesson that by changing her thoughts and feelings, she has been able to live a life of freedom from negativity and pain.
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My Thoughts
This is a memoir that skillfully intermingles a terrible ATV accident with backstory and interesting self-discoveries.
Diane Mullins quickly piqued my interest with her first two sentences:
“ARE YOU OKAY?” HE ASKED.
“No,” I replied.
As I continued reading, I found it harder and harder to find a stopping place. Self-reflection and information regarding Diane managed to weave
their way throughout the account of the accident. Not to the point of distraction, but rather as insightful. But I needed to continue reading. What were her injuries? Just one more page . . .
As she began to heal, she had more time to reflect and analyze. Some feelings weren’t necessarily positive, yet others caused her to look toward paths that would bring her more happiness. There was lots of exploration of programs and books that might help her become the person she craved to be.
Though triggered by an accident, this story felt more uplifting and inspirational than anything else.
What Concerned Me
For one split second, I thought the story was going to turn into an advertisement of certain programs. But, not so. The last of the book only shares the things she found helpful. I welcomed the ideas and books that she shared. If these things brought her a sense of peace and well-being, I was more than willing to explore them for myself or others.
What I Liked Best
I found the writing to be interesting and felt there was much in this story that many would be eager to learn about. The accident was brutal. However, Mullins was able to use this as a tool to become a better person and eventually to share with others.
I highly recommend this well-written story.
My thanks to #iReadBookTours and the author for a copy of this book and the ability to freely post my opinion.
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Meet the Author
Author Interview
What inspired you to write a book?
While recovering from a near fatal ATV accident I learned how to love and respect myself for the first time in my life. I believe this self-love builds self-confidence, so I wanted to share my story with others in hopes of helping them build self-confidence and self-respect, especially women.
Do you have another profession besides writing?
I have a few other professions besides writing, I am a Dental Hygiene Clinic Coordinator as well as a life coach, speaker, and network marketer.
How do you come up with the title?
After reading the book, I reached out to my sister and mentor to see what she gathered out of my story. We started putting words on a white board and came up with the title. My life has not been fruitful or full of life by any means hence the tree without leaves. As a little girl, I wanted to “belong” to someone or something. Since the accident was almost fatal that is where the word “dying” comes from. When you look at that picture, I am the sad, lonely little girl standing by herself by what appears to be a “dead” tree “Dying to Belong”.
Where did you typically write?
I wrote the majority of my book sitting on my couch by the fire while drinking coffee.
In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written parts of your book on paper?
I started out writing my book on paper. I felt a little uncomfortable transferring all my writing over to a word document but once I got going, I was relieved I decided to use my laptop.
Do you plan on writing another book and if so, will it also be a memoir?
Yes, I do plan on writing another book and it may not be a memoir, but it will be a self-help.
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