May Book Club Review + Link-Up

Welcome Book Clubbers! I have been so looking forward to this day as I am very curious of what ya'll thought of Bloom! For those of you who are only hearing about The Book Club now, allow me to take a moment and explain. This past month, Kaylee from All things Bright and Beautiful, Aubrey from The Kinch Life as well as myself have come together to host a monthly book club. We announce the book, which had been voted on the month previously, at the beginning of each month - you get the book, read it and then the last Friday of that month, we all come together and share our reviews, thoughts, loves, things you don't quite fancy, etc. by linking up on any of the three host's blogs. (Your post link will show up on all of the three blogs) Then, click on any of the other fellow book clubbers links and read their reviews (also in the comment section), mingle a bit and get to know other bloggers through the common bond of the book of choice! Didn't get to participate this month? No problem, just join right in this June, no one is excluded from this club! And your not a blogger? No problem, leave your comment on any blog to interact!

May's book of the month was "Bloom" by Kelle Hampton and here is my take on it...

If Kelle can have the courage to be so honest, I should too. There were definitely moments I wanted to slam the book closed and shout, "Seriously, Kelle??". But, I am so glad I didn't. A, because it is a beautiful book full of photos of Kelle and her adorable family and I wouldn't want to damage it!! And B, because Kelle's journey is absolutely beautiful. She doesn't spare us any details, the same details that made me want to scream in frustration, mind you. But, I felt it extremely refreshing in the end. Kelle really takes you through her story as if you were actually there. She lets you see her darker days that later allow you to understand the absolute fullness of just how beautiful her blossomed love for her daughter is. It takes a certain level of humility to share as Kelle did and she surely possesses such humility. I'm not so sure I'd be able to open myself up to that degree of vulnerability in a public way. Gosh, even in writing this post I tend to get a little nervous of being mid-understood. She is a woman of intense courage of which I firmly admire.

I am a natural relator. So when I saw that this book received the most votes and the decision was made, I figured it would be a breeze to read and understand seeing as though I have a brother with special needs. However, the first few chapters proved this just was not the case. I honestly got very very sad with Kelle and the feelings she felt in response to her daughter's diagnosis. I thought, "How can you possibly see it this way??" In a sense it almost felt like she was rejecting my brother along with Nella. For me, at such a young age, I recall knowing my brother had some extra care required but it was never a question of whether I would love him like a brother or not. I say this not to make light of her emotions, just to explain why it was hard for me to relate. I realize now that I have been given a gift (much like Lainey and Kelle's step sons now have, thanks to Kelle & her husband's journey) that I can't take for granted. Having a slightly different family member is the norm to me and reading Kelle's process of healing resulted in being incredibly insightful. It gave me a new perspective into how my parents (or other parents of special needs kids) quite possibly felt when they first brought my brother home from Romania and realized he did not function quite the same as the rest of us kids. I can't wait for my mom to finish the book so I can hear her response! (You can read a bit about our journey here in an interview with my mom!)

Kelle's story is her own and it is a powerful one; dark parts and all. And since we learned how big a fan of beer Kelle is in her book, I'd like to make a toast to Kelle and say "Thank you for your courage to share the depth of your journey. Thank you for being bold in showing people your beautiful story of transformation & love. Many will be blessed by your words!"

In conclusion to my conclusion; I really enjoyed the book despite how much it hurt to read parts of it. Challenge is good. Hearing other peoples perspective is good. Seeing healing, restoration and beauty - it's very good! And now, following her blog is really special!

Now, it's your turn! What did you think of the book? I am really really interested to see all the different perspectives and what stood out the most to each person! Share & Link Up below! (If you leave a comment below, check back or subscribe to comments for responses!!) ♥, mK
P.S. Stay tuned for June's Book! We'll announce it June 1st!