- Title: Gooseberry Island
- Author: Steven Manchester
- Format: Paperback 300 pages
- Publisher: The Story Plant
- Published: 22 January 2015
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction, Spiritual Fiction
- ISBN 10: 1611881803
- ISBN 13: 9781611881806
- Source: Gifted for Review
- Buy: The Book Depository|Amazon|Nook
In an apple core (The Bookworm’s version of a nutshell)
A romantic read that teaches you about the power of love and hope and the seriousness of mental illness.
Summary
They met at the worst possible moment…or maybe it was just in time.
David McClain was about to go to war and Lindsey Wood was there at his going-away party, capturing his heart when falling for a woman was the last thing on his mind. While David was serving his country, he stayed in close contact with Lindsey. But war changes a person, and when he came home very little had the same meaning that it had before — including the romance that had sustained him. Was love truly unconquerable, or would it prove to be just another battlefield casualty? Gooseberry Island is the most nuanced, dramatic, and romantic novel yet from a writer whose ability to plumb the depths of human emotion knows few peers.
My Thoughts
In Gooseberry Island, we meet David, who on the brink of getting shipped off to Afghanistan to serve a tour, realises that the girl he’s with is shallow and not at all the type he’d want to spend the rest of his life with. He’s full of excitement at getting the chance to serve his country and has worked very hard to get to where he is now. On the other side of the Island, we’re introduced to Lindsey, who knows the hardships of having a war veteran for a father. Having been attacked on several occasions during her father’s flashbacks from his time during the war, she knows all too well how PTSD can affect a person as well as the people around them. And that serving your country sometimes comes at a very steep price, not matter how noble the action.
Just before David leaves for his year of servitude, he meets Lindsey on the beach. Their bond is instantaneous and romantic, like two halves of a whole. Their intense chemistry leads them to a year-long series of exchanging mail via both modern technology and traditional letter-writing. This part at least had a very happy tone to it, as David generates thoughts of hope and survival, just so that he can reunite with Lindsey once his term is up.
But all good things must sometimes come to an end. David is faced with some very horrific experiences that he can’t even bring himself to share with Lindsey despite their ever-growing closeness. And over on Gooseberry Island, Lindsey thought that all was peachy and that David would return to her unharmed in any way. Little did she know that history would repeat itself, and that David would have to brave the same demons her father still struggles with.
After the war, David’s entire personality takes a 180 turn from a very easy-going and likeable person to one wracked with guilt and despair. He suffers from depression and PTSD, a serious condition that a lot of people who’ve seen war suffer from. And it is through his love for Lindsey that he finds the courage to wage war on his own battles.
This is Steven Manchester’s genius, by touching on such sensitive subjects in a relatable way. He makes readers feel as if they’re going through what the characters go through. And he brings to light the importance of providing PTSD sufferers with the support they need through this story and its characters. This book is not just for those who have experienced PTSD, be it directly or indirectly, but also for everyone who enjoys a book of substance that speaks of a true life lesson.
Steven Manchester is the published author of the #1 best seller, Twelve Months, as well as A Christmas Wish (the holiday prequel to Goodnight, Brian). He has also written Pressed Pennies, The Unexpected Storm: The Gulf War Legacy and Jacob Evans, as well as several books under the pseudonym, Steven Herberts. His work has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CBS’s The Early Show, CNN’s American Morning and BET’s Nightly News. Recently, three of his short stories were selected “101 Best” for Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
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Read my reviews of Steven’s other books
Disclosure: I was sent the book for review but was not compensated financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.
The weather in countries that experience winter can be very harsh to say the least. We even get pretty extreme temperatures and high humidity in tropical countries. Hydration is such an important thing, both for our bodies and our skin. As our skin is the largest organ of our bodies, it is adamant that we take care of it. And how better than with some super duper moisturising products!
First up is the Always 21 Aloe Vera Moisturise Soothing Mist. At 100ml, it’s not only handbag-handy, it’s also travel-friendly! I keep mine in the office as it can get pretty dry sitting under the air-cond for 9 hours a day. you’d think being outside in the hot hot sun was bad, but it’s not great to be exposed to dry uncirculated air for too long as well. That’s where a spray mist comes in. This product has a very light, lovely scent, is not sticky or oily at all, and softens skin with the help of aloe vera. It’s said to contain 95% of the good stuff, which is always a plus point. And as it’s made in Korea, and we all know that Koreans have great skin, we can now have a little of that too, with this soothing mist!
The GlamGlow Thirstymud Hydrating Treatment Masque is one of the products I’ve been practically dying to try out! Not only is this brand loved by celebrities worldwide, it’s been recommended by almost everyone! That must count for something. This blue GlamGlow focuses on hydration, which goes perfectly with the theme of this post. Even before I opened the safety seal on this baby, I smelt the distinct scent of…coconut! A very coconut-y, santan-y scent at that. Colour-wise, I was surprised to see it resembled the colour of smooth peanut butter, complete with teensy tiny black flecks of something I can’t pick out. Anyway, there are several ways of utilising this product. One: to wash it off after application (I try waiting a good 20 minutes as i don’t want to waste this good stuff). Two: to towel off gently. Or Three: to use it as a leave-on mask when flying! That would make it worth every cent! Due to my sensitive skin, i experienced some tingling using this. However, it was not unpleasant and did not cause any redness or allergies after I washed it off. Am loving this one so far and can’t wait to try the other offerings from this brand!
The Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask was something I was looking forward to trying. As I have mostly dry facial skin, I am in desperate need of a moisture boost. This mask made my skin plumper and soft to the touch. There wasn’t a sticky feeling you sometimes get with masks and doesn’t have a scent to it as well. Good for those who have skin sensitivity towards fragrances and harsh chemicals.
The Nature Republic Snail Solution Hydrogel Mask Sheet is the most unique mask I’ve ever encountered. It comes in two separate parts (do be careful when taking it out of the packet) and the mask sheets are covered by a thin yet sturdy piece of plastic. Call me a mask noob if you want but nope, never seen this before. The top part of the mask was a little small for me, probably due to my giant forehead. Other than that, a pretty perfect fit. You’ll be glad to know it isn’t slimy like its namesake. it is however moisturising! A good little treat at the end of a long week. Keep it chilled, it’ll make you feel invigorated.
Product Info:
Always 21 Aloe Vera Moisturise Soothing Mist (100g) – RM39 at Always 21 outlets
GlamGlow ThirstyMud Hydrating Treatment Masque (50g jar) – RM240 at Sephora outlets
Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Boosting Mask (20ml) – RM10 at muse by Watsons outlets
Nature Republic Snail Solution Hydrogel Mask Sheet (20g) – RM14.60 at Nature Republic outlets & websites
LOADS of thanks to Always 21, GlamGlow, Indeed Labs, and Nature Republic for sponsoring these wonderful new products (to me) for the Beauty Box.
Disclosure: This product was part of the Beauty Box I received for attending The Butterfly Christmas Party. I was not compensated financially or otherwise. Everything mentioned are my own thoughts based on my experience.
