I feel and hear your pain, Sir.

I feel and hear your pain, Sir.

I’ve never been one to toot my own horn, mostly because I could never get any of those blow-hard instruments to make a sound that wouldn’t make dogs howl or send first responders looking for the wounded rodent.

But when you are an author, especially a first-timer, you have to put yourself out there.

I kind of thought I already did that in my memoir. I mean, did you read the thing? Even I was surprised by things I read in there.

Yup. I did that. But did I really publish that I did that?

Yup. I did that. But did I really publish that I did that?

But now I have to put my book out there. That’s not easy for me. Wanna know why? Well, I’ll tell you anyway. Because I’m shy when it comes to anything that seems like boasting or self-promoting. Yup. I’m shy. Oh, stop laughing.

The only way that I can post about all the good stuff being said about my book is because I believe that this memoir can do something that I can no longer do: make a positive difference in people’s lives because of my words told my way.

I used to feel as if I contributed in a tangible and affirmative way to society every day when I was a college professor. What I did mattered, so I mattered. That feeling vanished when I had to retire due to the dizzies (Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome). I felt like I vanished, too.

Um. No. Not like this. She looks very visible to me. I felt invisible in that, um, can't see me kind of way.

Um. No. Not like this. She looks very visible to me. I felt invisible in that, um, can’t see me kind of way.

I wrote this book the way I did so that I could, once again, hopefully impact people in that tangible, affirmative way–not through teaching, but through writing about my life challenges and how I chose not to be victimized by them. Maybe people reading my book:

* will be inspired to examine their lives with a new, more positive outlook

*might feel less alone as they face their personal challenges

* just laugh more, which is therapeutic in and of itself

* will be inspired to examine their lives with a new, more positive outlook

Then I will feel that what I I do now (write books) matters. so I still matter.

That’s why I can shove my self-promotion hang-ups aside and share these lovely things readers said about my memoir.

From our pal, Al: “How was I supposed to know this book would be so engrossing? In her wry, yet brutally honest appraisal of a life lived with enough harrowing obstacles for several lifetimes, Lorna takes her talent for humor and gift of expression to new heights. From unexpected hilarity in trying to stuff a down comforter or surviving an embarrassing moment in church, to the pathos of losing a devoted pet, to the soul-sapping years of illnesses and a difficult marriage, Lorna spares no details in telling her story. But her narrative of a long-hidden family tragedy will grip you above all. Get ready to use up your entire gamut of emotions.

From Sylvia, who has delightful several books of her own: “Lorna captures the turbulence of her life in a candid, no-holds-barred story that reads like a novel, except the heroine in this particular story is a real person complete with a myriad of human flaws as well as a multitude of strengths and attributes that make her unique. Lorna’s voice is witty, self-deprecating, wry and brutally honest, and she uses this wonderful tool to adeptly set the tone for the entire memoir. Throughout the entire book the author never pretends to be anything other than what she is–a human being with a compelling story to share with the world, and as a reader who hated for the book to end, I can attest to the fact that hers is a story worth reading.”

From Dr. Garcia-Notario, a professor teaching a class on childhood trauma and authenticity: “Lorna Lee’s memoir is compelling evidence which adds to the research on child trauma. It reminds us that child mourning is real, profound, and effecting. “How was I supposed to know?” is one of those books that you can’t put down, delightfully written, very funny and a great source of inspiration for teachers, social workers, psychologists and anybody brave enough to look back at his-her childhood and find ideas for self-healing.”

From Christoph, who conducted an interview with me a few weeks ago. Check it out. “This memoir is in parts sad and melancholic but it is also hugely inspirational and cathartic. Hit by actual lightning twice and by proverbial lightning all through her life Lorna Lee has to brave many storms before learning the lessons life has to teach her. I found the book beautifully written; emotional enough to make me feel her pain but also very witty, analytical and insightful, which makes it distinguishable from the rest. The narrative flows easily and each chapter is introduced with a appropriate picture, often with a great sense of irony. The honesty and the ability to rationalise and summarise her feelings and those of the people around her make this a very rich and educational read.”

From Paulette, whose amazing novel is a must-read, the all profits going to animal rescue: “Lorna Lee’s How Was I Supposed to Know is a remarkable read. There is so much talent in the writing and way the story of the author’s life is woven together that it was hard to put the book down. There were so many wonderful, poignant, heartbreaking, funny, delightful and sexy parts that take the reader into what it is to be human, without pretense; the raw open honest authentic facing of all that one is, is brilliantly expressed. We read her story and care; feel she is our sister, our mother, our Professor, our friend, our very own broken heart and soul as well as the phoenix from the ashes. Around the time when you think you know where everything is going, this woman’s story, her life, take twists and turns of one unexpected surprise after another, as good as any mystery read or love story. This is a love story at its core, the finding of and accepting of self and all that one goes through to gain that to a most wonderful unexpected ending and outcome. I fell in love with this story, with her dogs, cats, bird, self-reflection, raw open honest emotional communication that most dare to only think, yet never utter. It is the courage of the outpouring and leaving nothing unsaid that makes this a compelling read.”

I'll share more reviews as they come in. That's assuming more come in. I keep looking for them.

I’ll share more reviews as they come in. That’s assuming more come in. I keep looking for them.