Gardening with Guns
A Memoir
by Amber Wootton
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Nov 23 2018 | Archive Date Apr 21 2019
Talking about this book? Use #GardeningWithGuns #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
AMAZON #1 BESTSELLER and #1 NEW RELEASE
In the prime of her life, AJ seemingly has it all - a successful career, three thriving children and a marriage that spans two decades. Her hard-fought, adult life beams bright and in sharp contrast to the dark, gun-wielding, serial-parent changing, and starkly silent world she grew up in.
On the heels of her father's sudden and tragic death, AJ finds herself questioning the life she has so carefully architected. Estranged from her mother, she seeks comfort in the revival of her relationship with her two brothers, all that remain of her childhood nucleus. The three siblings find themselves in a sad, yet familiar place as they bond in the midst of their loss, and relive together similar times from the turbulent and siloed childhood they shared.
In the months following her father's funeral, AJ's reminiscences compel her to see her current circumstances through a fresh lens. Concerns that her husband is leading a secret life turn from suspicion to fact as the void in their relationship widens, creating a troubling likeness between her marriage and the dysfunctional relationships she witnessed as a child. She struggles with the decision to honor her intuition and end her failing marriage, but the consequences of divorce still loom ominously in her memory. She realizes that she can no longer deny her buried past, nor its implications on her current situation.
This is a fascinating true story of one woman's journey to overcome childhood trauma and to listen to the inner voice that she has been ignoring for years. Written as a novel, her memoir traverses past and present, all the while painting vivid pictures of both her childhood and adult worlds, the similarities of which have become too numerous to ignore.
Advance Praise
On its surface, Gardening with Guns by AJ Wootton is a memoir about the death of a family member, the troubles within a marriage, and a woman’s reconciliation with her traumatic past. In addition to these stories, however, the author offers an insightful look into the nuances of healing from trauma, while simultaneously proving an engaging account of the events that shaped her lifestyle choices and personality. The smooth fluid style draws the reader in immediately, and the events that fill the pages provide a vivid look into the author’s life.I look forward to future writings by this author and would not hesitate to recommend this book to fans of autobiographies and memoirs, and readers looking for an inspirational and moving story with a resilient woman at the center. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Gardening With Guns" by AJ Wootton.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Ebook |
| ISBN | 9781627473156 |
| PRICE | $3.99 (USD) |
Links
Featured Reviews
Janet G, Reviewer
Thriving and Not Just Surviving
This is the memoir of a very emotionally difficult childhood and the exceptional woman who survived it. This is a riveting book. A full gamut of emotions is brought about while reading this book. From rage to despair, the only tears not shed were those of joy. The strength at the core of this woman is evident as she faces serious marital issues after 20+ years in a relationship when she should be thinking of being an empty-nester. Having gone through a divorce in my late 40s after a 25 yr relationship, I can relate to this! I read this book in one sitting. I was totally engrossed. I know that I will read this book again. I received this ARC book for free from Net Galley and this is my honest opinion.
Abby S, Reviewer
Amber Wooten draws us into her life her emotional history her life traumas .Her parents difficult marriage abuse inflicted on her by her mothers boyfriend when she was a young girl.Amber holds nothing
back the horror of her fathers suicide and realizing that her husband her college sweetheart a man she has raised children with had a long lasting marriage .with had been keeping a secret, Amber writes in a conversational style revealing her raw thoughts and emotions .I got so involved in her story her traumas shocking discoveries I could not put this book down.Highly recommend this memoir a life story that will stay with you.#netgalley#booksgosocial.
Denice L, Reviewer
WOW! I know a lot of people who need to read this book! Amber Wootton's story has many highs and lows with few calm periods to try and figure out where her life is going. A very fascinating, yet troubling, story of her adolescence and how she can see echoes of her life then in her present. Her reactions will leave you cheering her on even though she takes the toughest choice. Everyone should read this book and share it with their family and friends.
Ily R, Media/Journalist
Amber Wootton does a great job in her new memoir - Gardening with Guns. The story is about how she overcame her obstacles to become who she is today. Written as a novel, it is intriguing and fascinating. A book I would highly recommend.
Readers who liked this book also liked:
Taiaiake Alfred; Ed. Ann Rogers; Foreword by Pamela Palmater
History, Nonfiction (Adult), Politics & Current Affairs
Nigel Henbest; Simon Brew; Sarah Tomley; Ken Okona-Mensah; Tom Parfitt; Trevor Davies; Chas Newkey-Burden
Entertainment & Pop Culture, Humor & Satire, Nonfiction (Adult)
William W. Johnstone; J.A. Johnstone
General Fiction (Adult), Historical Fiction
