I received a digital copy of this book for free. This review is done voluntarily.
Memoirs are not normally my thing, but something about Voices Carry called to me. Reading about everything Raven has achieved, survived, and struggled with made me feel like I was looking at a version of myself in another timeline. My dream was to be a teacher, and the fact that I never had the opportunity or the right timing to make that happen has always been a significant source of sadness in my life. I also deal with chronic pain and mental health issues.
As I read about the frustrations and difficulties Raven faced while teaching, it had a healing effect on me. I do not doubt that if things had been different and I had become a teacher, my path would have been very similar. However, I don’t think I would have lasted as long in the profession. I have never experienced a book, especially non-fiction, that felt more like it was put into the universe for me to discover. So many of the things I currently struggle with or have in the past have their own chapters in Voices Carry. From issues surrounding body image to accepting yourself (and even just figuring out who that is), it's all here.
Raven’s unsent letters to people made me feel so seen. I find myself doing this all the time as I hate confrontation with others. I have done this since I was a child but have always thought it was probably just another “weird” thing I do. One quote that particularly resonated with me was after Raven described an event with her father. Her words, "Once you go into hiding, you tend to stay there. It’s easier. It’s safer," hit me like a freight train.
Raven’s journey is a powerful exploration of resilience and self-acceptance. Her story is not just about her struggles but also about the universal quest for self-identity and voice. I highly recommend Voices Carry to anyone dealing with chronic pain, mental health struggles, or anyone who feels their dreams have been deferred. Raven’s story offers solace and inspiration.
I know this review is a bit messy. This book left me with so many emotions, and I don’t know how to put it all into words. The most basic way I can express it is that I think I really needed this book. Raven Oak mentioned that she wanted to write this book as a way to gain back her voice. In doing so, she is going to help many others find their way to do the same. After reading Voices Carry, I felt more at peace with my own journey's progress.
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
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