Download PDF Motherlines Love Longing and Liberation Patricia Reis 9781631521218 Books

Product details Paperback 360 pages Publisher She Writes Press (October 11, 2016) Language English ISBN-10 1631521217

Motherlines Love Longing and Liberation Patricia Reis 9781631521218 Books Reviews

• I was thinking about Patricia Reis and her new memoir Motherlines Love, Longing, and Liberation when I read cartoonist Grant Snider’s parody of memoirists in the November 20, 2016 edition of The New York Times Book Review. He invites the reader to pick their own multiple-choice memoir, i.e. I was born into a family with old money, new money, or no money. Then came the Invasion, family demons, or English boarding school. You get the idea.
  
  The great thing about Motherlines is that it defies any self-indulgence stereotypes about memoir. It is a deep, humble read about the author — an artist and psychotherapist who survived two illegal abortions, three bad marriages and a very circuitous life-path — and about her 25-year connection with her Aunt Ruth, an unconventional Libertarian nun. The book’s momentum relies largely on their correspondence and Patricia’s journal entries. These twin intimate elements are expertly sewn together by a present-day authorial narrative that thankfully never intrudes on the good read; I almost always felt absolutely in the moment, curious to find out what happens next, whether it is 1978 or 1986.
  
  Yes, this is a memoir about family, and there are drugs involved (maybe). But unlike the suggestion buried in the New York Times cartoon, a memoir this authentic in feeling and tone doesn’t need to change the facts to reveal a greater truth. This one rings entirely true.
  
  In the interest of full disclosure, I know Patricia Reis a little bit — but I suddenly feel like I know her a whole lot better. Also, as a copy editor, I feel there are just a couple of places where a strong editor could have tightened the narrative (and a few more places that could have used a better proofread). But I admire the vision of She Writes Press, a feminist imprint upstart. Patricia Reis is a fine writer, and they did well to publish her.
  
  Yes, I thought about Motherlines all the time, when I was reading it and not — and I’m still thinking about it a week after closing the cover.
  
  Recommended viewing is the book’s trailer, which matches the exquisite spirit of Motherlines [...]
• This was such a good read! I loved the balance between narrative and reflection, particularly because it captures a journey that is so difficult to articulate. I was inspired by the author's own story and by the account of her Aunt Ruth. I also loved the way it dipped into and out of major events and crises in both characters' journeys. It never felt plodding or static.
  
  I reached the end feeling that I had a new way to look at my own relationships with the women in my family. I learned from the author's experiences and from her graceful way of interpreting events and conversations through her emerging perspective on what it means to have a spiritual life. "Spiritual" is such a loaded word, so don't think that means this book is preachy in any way. It's honest, insightful, surprising, and well worth the read.
• In her compelling memoir Patricia Reis takes the reader through some dark and difficult passages in her adult life. Along the way her Aunt Ruth, a Franciscan nun, plays the role of “motherline” spirit guide, providing support and encouragement through a turbulent period of personal change and spiritual exploration.
  
  Ruth and Patricia are both outliers in a large, close American Catholic family, that like all families, has its own particular conflicts and distinctive personalities. Ruth may be a generation older than Patricia, but their connection as kin and kindred spirits, is profound.
  
  We learn Patricia’s story through a rich descriptive narrative that explores past traumas, sexuality, the complicated relationship with her mother, and her life’s purpose. She tells of the painful lessons that lead ultimately to self-knowledge, acceptance and a broader understanding of her spiritual path.
  
  Ruth, a woman with an independent and profound spiritual nature leads her own life within her religious community while she follows her calling to alleviate the ravages of poverty and support the politically oppressed in Latin America. Ruth’s courage, compassion and strength are revealed through her letters as well as in the author’s beautifully rendered descriptions and reflections on the occasional and brief times Ruth and Patricia meet in person.
  
  Over the years of their correspondence, the two women’s outer travels take them from their home ground of the mid-west to the San Francisco Bay Area and Maine as well as Mexico, Nicaragua and Europe. Each setting opens a new and deeper life perspective for Ruth and Patricia as they evolve in their personal and spiritual lives.
  
  Traveling through "Motherlines" with these two fascinating women provides a fine reading experience with much to reflect on and savor.
• I first met Patricia shortly after Daughters of Saturn came out. Then years later we met again through her editing of Spring's issue, Women's Voices. So it was with pleasure I sat down this past weekend to read Motherlines. Following her journey through the sometimes enigmatic letters from her aunt reminded me a bit of Terry Tempest Williams' book When Women Were Birds in the effort to find, to reconnect with the mother, both personal and archetypal. Much food for thought and contemplation. The only thing I wish she had included was pictures of the art she created and described. Altogether a very good read, one which I firmly recommend.
• What a well written saga of a life well lived. We grew up over the same years, and I so admire Patricia Reis' honesty in telling what is such an interesting story. There are so many layers of insight in these pages. Really worth reading.
• Interesting life.. I questioned how the author could remember all those dreams so vividly. However, I do recommend this book!
• Patricia's writing is poetic and inviting. Having traveled much of the same chronology as the author, I was transported back to those powerful decades--the 70s and 80s--and treated to a glimpse of her worldview. Enthralling!