Laugh Cry Reflect 2 from Amy Laundrie

 

Laugh, Cry, Reflect, Book 2
Amy Laundrie
Henschel Haus publisher, 200 pp
April 19, 2023

Print $16.95
Ebook $8.99
 
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About the Book: 

This compilation of heartfelt vignettes, capturing the joys and sorrows of life, invites readers to share the author's experiences. Each has an underlying message, providing a chance for reflection.

My Review

Laundrie’s second collection of favorite newspaper columns continue to shine a positive and wholesome light on community and family. The stories about animals in her life, siblings, health, and faith are often thought-provoking, highly entertaining, and guaranteed to provide a chuckle or a challenge to readers of any age.

Divided into distinctive sections, Feathered and Furry Friends, Home Fires, Memories, Wanderlust, Nature, Wanderlust, and Grab Bag, Laundrie’s unmistakably enthusiastic style shines through. Tales of Gertie the duck are some of my favorites, invoking memories of childhood pets. I think of Cousin Vic often when I visit cemeteries, and relive the awe of splendor of natural sites such as Mammoth Cave with Laundrie. Walking with her through a health crisis is an educational experience.

Laugh, Cry, Reflect 2 is more than a collection of stories. Introducing the set is a list and a reason of some of her favorite influential books. Rounding out the collection is advice for a long, happy life. Have a purpose and forgive yourself are expanded upon with lovingkindness.

Enjoyable, delightful. Highly recommended little bites of adventures from a gifted storyteller.

 About the Author:

A retired fourth-grade teacher, Amy Laundrie began writing personal essays because of a desire to share some of her favorite stories and connect with others. Readers have called her stories poignant, humorous, and heartfelt testimonials to a woman’s life. They have universal truths and emotions that speak to a wide reading audience.

She enjoys playing tennis, pickleball, and having adventures with family, friends, and her dog Josie.

Amy also loves conducting workshops, presenting, and hearing from her readers. Contact her at laundrie@live.com or visit her online at www.Laundrie.com.

Wonderful memoir from Amy Laundrie

Laugh, Cry, Reflect: Stories From a Joyful Heart

Amy Laundrie

HenschelHAUS publishing

June 1, 2018

200 pages

$9.98 Ebook

$14.95 Print

Buy on Amazon

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IndieBound

About the Book

Laugh, Cry, Reflect: Stories From a Joyful Heart is a collection of short yet powerful personal stories. Some will make you laugh—like when you find out why the author’s 12-year-old daughter requested a home pregnancy test. Other stories may tug at your heartstrings—like when you learn what item was placed on a beloved relative’s casket. Many of these poignant essays will prompt you to reflect on moments from your own life. All are offerings of hope, wonder, and joy.

My Review

When an author begins her memoir with an apology to a police officer, you know you’re in for a treat.

Written mostly as essays and pieces for her local central Wisconsin newspapers, Laundrie’s reflections from a lifetime of being married, of teaching public elementary school, and being a parent emphasize finding moments of joy and memories to treasure and pass on.

These poignant and humorous vignettes range from finally accepting one’s attributes to exploring how to grow wings with her grandchildren. Laundrie offers an outlook on how to interpret the dizzying lifestyle changes across generations as well as shares precious lessons in lists garnered from her patience with fourth-graders, from raising ducks, and from sitting quietly for fifteen minutes outside on a beautiful morning.

“Who cares about matching outfits,” she says of marriage, “when you find a mate who knows where your stressed muscles need massaging, or just the right words to lift your spirits.”

Who else but an intensely curious soul would wonder if her dust rag held asteroid or mummy particles? And then shake them loose outside to resettle elsewhere? Or why you should bite the tail of the minnow?

These simple but powerful imaginative, heart-warming bits of life are warmly accompanied by photographs illustrating many of the pieces. When is the right time to write a memoir? When you have something to say. Laundrie’s memoir will help you seek and find the joy in those important, quiet moments between breaths.

If you possess even a single sentimental skin cell, you’ll want a tissue box handy as you read this memoir. Better yet, buy one for a friend.

About the Author

A retired fourth-grade teacher, Amy Laundrie began writing personal essays because of a desire share some of her favorite stories and connect with others. Readers have called her stories poignant, humorous, and heartfelt testimonials to a woman's life. They have universal truths and emotions that speak to a wide reading audience. She considers herself a goal setter and is proud of finishing a half-marathon, surviving two wilderness backpack trips, and earning a black belt. She enjoys playing tennis, cross country skiing, hiking with her dog Josie, and raising pet ducks.
to 

Amy continues to write a weekly column for her hometown newspaper, The Dells Events, and work on various children's books.