Reina had a hard life. Her relationship with her mother is complicated and she was raised believing she was cursed. By the age of 30, her brother was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. Living with her own private guilt for her role in her brother's crime, she gave up her own life to remain by his side as best she could. So when Carlito dies, Reina is forced to … [Read more...]
Archives for October 2016
5 Chilling True Crime Stories
Halloween is upon us, which means it's time to hide out with some terrifying reads, and what's more terrifying than true life? If reading has taught me anything, it's that the phrase the truth is stranger than fiction can be all too true and the following five true crime stories prove it. Each one terrified me in different ways - from the ability of one man to prey on … [Read more...]
Surviving an Abusive Childhood Leaves One Woman a ‘Girl Unbroken’
A couple of years ago, I read a powerfully moving book titled Etched in Sand. It's the story of Regina Calcaterra and the abuses she and her four siblings endured at the hands of their mother and the utter failures of the foster care system. It's a heartbreaking story that is hard to read but also showcases the power of perseverance. In her book, Calcaterra carefully … [Read more...]
Elizabeth Vargas’ ‘Between Breaths’ a Must-Read Memoir of Addiction
20/20 host Elizabeth Vargas penned a memoir about her battle with alcoholism, beginning with her anxiety as a child and her whirlwind career as a television anchor. Filled with insecurities, Vargas turned to alcohol first to unwind, then to cope with the stresses of life. In this breathtakingly honest memoir, she shares her deepest and darkest moments, including when and how … [Read more...]
How A Spending Fast Will Help You Save Money (Book Review)
Not long ago, I sat down and had a chat with the financial advisor we have access to through work. I've always been wary of financial advisors because they oftentimes give advice based on what will make them money but because ours has a fiduciary responsibility, I decided to see what he had to say. The conversation was a bit worrisome because although I'm on the right track … [Read more...]