by
Carolyn West Reaves
It can be easy to forget our past and what we’ve been through in today’s fast-paced society. However, it’s important to remember that our memories shape our present and future. Carolyn West Reaves has written a heartfelt memoir, preserving her family’s history for future generations. Through her book, she hopes to share her experiences, good and bad, with her loved ones and inspire others to do the same. She believes that by sharing our stories, we can all learn from each other’s struggles and triumphs and appreciate the beauty in life.
“Who’s the Girl in the Mirror?” is a poignant novel that explores the author’s life and personal growth. This book is a collection of stories, poems, pictures, and reflections that chronicle Reaves’ childhood to adulthood, offering insights into her joys and pains.
Reaves brings us back in time, painting a picture of the rural neighborhood where the family lived—the lifestyle and beliefs of the people of that era, including their fears, hopes, and traditions. The book covers various topics with honesty and vulnerability, including difficult ones such as grief, loss, suicide, conflicts, and diseases.
Her straightforward writing and personal anecdotes allow readers to connect with her experiences easily, all while imparting wisdom. Additionally, Reaves’ faith is consistent in her writing, and she encourages readers to seek peace and contentment through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Her use of scripture at the end of each story invites readers to consider the spiritual dimensions of the human experience.
My favorite part is how she highlights the importance of forgiveness and how it can heal one’s heart. And with the issues of our modern world, this message resonates now more than ever.
“Who’s the Girl in the Mirror?” reminds us that the challenges faced by their family are not so different from the ones we have today. It takes us on a journey through the author’s life—showing us the remarkable resilience of the human spirit and how people can overcome even the most formidable obstacles. No matter how dark our pathway seems, there is light at the end of the tunnel. So, whether you want to reconnect with your family or seek guidance on forgiveness and faith, this book will touch your heart and leave you with a newfound regard for the power of love.
– The Moving Words Review
Official Entry: The Most Moving Book Award, Jan. 3, 2024
