About this item
Highlights
- Just Add Water: A Memoir tells the story of an Italian American woman growing up in the Catholic Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Author(s): Jesumarie
- 128 Pages
- Biography + Autobiography, Personal Memoirs
Description
Book Synopsis
Just Add Water: A Memoir tells the story of an Italian American woman growing up in the Catholic Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. JesuMarie presents her recollections, framing them with a list of ingredients for Zuppa Maritata, a flavorful Italian soup. One simply adds water to the ingredients to bring the soup to life. In a similar way, JesuMarie finds that adding water, symbolizing a rich and resilient spirituality flowing from the lessons she learned from nuns in grade school, makes the ingredients of her life come together. Just as recipes bring the tastes of regional palettes to life through the choice of specific ingredients, Just Add Water brings the author's childhood to life by immersing itself in her history specific details. She recalls at one point: "I transformed into the Flash, running very fast out the back door, under and through the laundry, pulling some of it down to the cement ground as I ran with superhuman speed. I looked back on the rest of the laundry swinging in the warm breeze as I made my escape around to the convent with the nuns. I could hear the Italian Madman cursing and screaming all our family's dirty laundry out loud for all the neighbors to hear." Just Add Water: A Memoir does not shy away from the uncomfortable details of the author's life, but rather, it immerses them in the waters of spiritual insight, transforming them into a hearty soup.
Review Quotes
Having been a victim of domestic abuse, I could totally relate to this book. I was quickly enthralled with becoming the little girl's eyes, ears and mouth for every aspect of this book. Another attractive feature was that it was a quick read from front to back. I finished it in less than a day. Thank you for this book.
-Jean H.
This book is reminiscent of a way of life that I shared with the author. It displays the ability to find and use tools which take one beyond the limitations of culture. There were some hilarious moments and there were some truly sad moments. It is really a kaleidoscope from a tumultuous childhood through the beginning of a challenging adulthood. It a broad sense, the author gives a larger perspective of a life ever-changing. It just reflects the journey of a woman through a culture, and in a larger sense reflects the journey of every person through their life.
-Joan D.
Just Add Water depicts how hope can triumph over much childhood adversity. This strong heroine shows how life choices can take a positive successful turn away from emotional trauma.
-Corrinne C.
I could not put this book down until I finished it and was sad when I did! What a beautiful way of taking a most painful childhood, adding some humor and a bunch of inspiration. I feel blessed to have read this book! Just Add Water takes a deep look into the imperfections of life and how to overcome them. Just brilliant!
-Jan D.
Just Add Water is an engaging memoir about growing up in an abusive household. Seen through the eyes of a young girl, her struggle is told with candor and humor. The author is proof that one can not only survive dysfunctional family dynamics and trauma, but with resilience and determination overcome and survive.
-Jackie Y.