Giveaway & Excerpt
Nonfiction/Memoir
To Be Published: September 28, 2022
Publisher: J Press Books
Growing up in 1970s and 80s suburban Houston, Judy Haveson is funny,
sarcastic, and fiercely loyal, especially to her family, friends, and big
sister, Celia. When she suffers a series of unimaginable traumatic events,
her seemingly idyllic childhood comes to a halt, changing her life forever.
In Laugh Cry Rewind, Judy takes readers on her journey of self-discovery, sharing funny, touching, and heartbreaking stories from her childhood all the way to the birth of her son. Her experiences serve as a reminder that while life is not always fair, ultimately, the choice to surrender or keep on living is ours. Her message to others who have experienced loss or tragedy is this: stop waiting for the other shoe to drop. Let life go on, and good things will be waiting for you on the other side of the pain.
Editorial Reviews
“Judy Haveson shares her life story with a sublime balance of heartbreak and humor. Laugh Cry Rewind is intimate and mesmerizing thanks to Haveson’s conversational style and wit; her struggles and triumphs are palpable, and even her ordinary stories dazzle.”
Self-Publishing Review, ★★★★½
“A wonderfully written memoir that will truly have its readers laughing and crying. Haveson does an exemplary job of taking her readers through the worst and best times of her life, from her beautiful sister’s untimely death to her dating horror stories leading up to meeting her amazing husband. The passion and perseverance Haveson has is commendable.”
–Kristi Elizabeth, Manhattan Book Review
Short Excerpt/Teaser
We didn’t spend every summer taking long road trips. Some summer vacations we spent closer to home. The following year, in 1977, my dad had another business trip to Oklahoma. This time he took my mom, and they left us at home.
“Celia is in charge of you while we’re gone,” my mother told me. “You need to listen to her and behave yourself.”
We’d never been left alone like this before; we had always stayed with my grandfather in Wharton.
“I will,” I promised my mother.
My connection with Celia would soon become even deeper that summer when I experienced an unthinkable trauma. And as scared as I was from this episode, having Celia by my side made me stronger, helped me survive, and allowed me to move forward with my life, never looking back.
My Thoughts
This lovely memoir shares the growing relationship between two sisters and much more. It’s well-written and felt honest and heartfelt.
As I read the first few pages I wondered if the story was going to interest me. But I quickly realized that the first few chapters were necessary and set the foundation for the story.
The deeper I got into the book the more I was drawn to Judy and her life’s journey. The title is entirely fitting. Not only was Judy’s life filled with laughter and tears, but as her story unfolds, if you’re like me, you too will share those emotions.
I recommend this to anyone who likes reading interesting, inspirational, memoirs.
My thanks to RABT Tours, the publisher and author for an ebook to review.
About the Author
Judy Haveson is a proud Texan who will never lose her southern charm or accent and uses both when the situation absolutely calls for it. Her one-time dream of becoming a journalist was shattered when a professor suggested she pick a new major due to her penchant for obsessive conversation. He claimed she’d be an editor’s nightmare because she wrote as she spoke and never stopped talking. This led her to a career in public relations. Judy’s fixation with reading books and stories
about other people’s lives inspired her to write her debut memoir. She currently lives in The Hamptons with her husband, Adam, son, Jack, and beloved Yorkie, Toby.
Contact Links
Twitter: @judyhaveson
Purchase Links
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