Swimming in Circles is Better Than Drowning
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In Swimming in Circles Is Better Than Drowning, you will follow the story of a little girl born into a privileged all- American 1950's family. As you become her willing companion, she will take you on a journey through her tragicomic transformation from a young girl to adolescence with "The Train Station, "Fitting In," and "My 15 Minutes of Fame," about part of her quest for a career on the stage. Marriage and family life is portrayed in "None Other Than Motherhood," whereas a look at her career in healthcare is seen with "The Other Side of the Waiting Room." Then begins a the growing progression of the decline of spirit and health through substance abuse and we see intense, deeply emotional writing through "The Bottom" and "Circling the Drain. " She passionately relates a painful, but necessary and amazingly supported journey to renewed happiness and hence, her works, "Celebration" and "Increasing Fits of Happiness." In the final pieces, Lee writes shows her light wit with some observations on American suburban life in "The Virgin Commute." Her "Longevity" and "The Obit" encourage you to close the cover with a smile. Lee does this all in an impaginative memoir style with essays and poetry, which will engage you from beginning to end. As Lee says, "I dogpaddled throught the deep end of life, but I now know style doesn't matter. I finally made it to shore and I am on sold ground---most of the time!
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About the Book
Swiimming in Circles Is Better Than Drowning chronicles the story of a less-than graceful, tragicomic transformation from privileged daughter of her "perfect" 1950's family to middle-aged wife, mother and daughter. This book will engage you from the beginning by revealing rmemories. from childhood and adolescence,wriitten about in "Fitting In," "My 15 Minutes of Fame" and "The Train Station." The author's marriage and family life is portrayed in "None Other Than Motherhood" and "The Other Side of the Waiting Room". Midlife substance abuse interrupts the good life where the works turn intense and deeply emotional with "Circling the Drain" and "To and Fro." Our heroine begins her recomvery from her desolation with a lot of help, hence the poem, "Celebration." More of her humerous side is shown in a witty, tongue-in-cheek observation, "The Virgin Commute." Regained spirit and hope are evident in final chapters with "Increasing Fits of Happiness" and her ending, "My Obit." This book can offer solace and hope to some who have suffered or are still suffering from alcohol abuse and/or depression. Anyone who has lived with or has known the pain of watching one who lives an abusive lifestyle will relate to this story. They may also gain a better understanding of how we think and survive by planning every move around our addictions. In an imaginative memoir style, the mingling of light and serious essays along with a few poems provokes reflections, a few chuckles and maybe a few fond memories for the reader. Lee says, " I have dogpaddled through the deep end of life, but now I know it doesn't matter if don't get points for style. I am happy I am able to keep finally swim to shore and remain on solid ground--most of the time!"
About the Author
Lee is a "Jersey Girl," born, raised and educated in New Jersey. A passion for literature, classical music, dance and musical theater directed her activities throughout high school. She graduated from Rider University. She then took a 30-year sabbatical experiencing real life, raising a family and having a career in healthcare. She began taking college courses in writing and began a renewed love of writing. Personal struggles and a long journey towards healing motivated Lee to write her first book, a memoir. It is written with a unique composition and contrast to the normal narrative memoir. Her story is told in essays and a few poems, some reflective, some emotionally wrenching, some light and humorous, with lots of tongue-in-cheek observation of American society. There are two disctinct personalities evident in all of Lee's work. Some are deeply reflective, dark and intensely emotional. Her lighter poetry and humorous essays, reveal bright, tongue-in-cheek observations of life in American suburban society. Her Limericks, usually targeting a specific friend or relative, are usually very enthusiastically received by all! Lee still resides in Northern New Jersey with her husband of 42 years and their friend, Sophie the cat. She has had a rewarding career as a medical secretary while raising two wonderful daughters. They are now in-laws to two terrific young men and grandparents to five simply adorable, highly intelligent, extremely personable grandchildren. Looking towards retirement, her hope is to continue writing essays, limericks and poetry.