She's Gonna Blow!

Dear Ms. Willman (and other readers/reviewers), It is my habit to check online reviews two or three times a year in hopes of keeping tabs on the thoughts of the reading public. I came across your review and immediately pulled a weather beaten copy of She's Gonna Blow from my office shelf and turned to pages 68 and 70. Indeed, in the first sentence of the third paragraph it reads, "I lived with my two younger sisters..." You, my observant reader, have managed to catch an editorial oversight (also referred to as "an error") which up until this time has managed to slip by the eyes of countless editors and myself. Ms. Willman, the authenticity of my personal character and writing is of utmost importance to me as a writer and woman. My passion for communicating via spoken and written words was, is, and forever will be, built upon a core foundation of authenticity and truth...even when revealing it is personally painful or less than flattering. I want to assure you, as well as the hundreds, even thousands, of men and women who may read these review pages, that the personal stories I reveal in my books are far from "manufactured sad scenarios," being used in a manipulative attempt to prove something. No, Ms. Willman, I have no need to make up stories for my real life is filled to overflowing with twists and turns, losses and gains, heartache and redemption. Rest assured, save for the typographical error you found, the story you call into question was indeed true--as were dozen others. I did lose my older sisters at a very young age. I did watch them leave my foster parents home without me. I did (still do on many occassions) mourn their absence. Their leaving had a profound effect upon my heart. I reveal and peel away these places of my heart and life in order to let other women--other mothers, know that they are not alone. No matter how hard that may be to believe. Please know I have contacted my publishing house and the typographical error will be corrected as soon as possible. I trust you will accept my response with the same measure of grace by which it was offered. Should you wish to contact me, please feel free to email from my web site, juliebarnhill.com. Warmly, Julie Ann Barnhill

Finally, a book that told my story! From page one I could relate to this author. She is candid in the book about her own life and struggles with anger. The book essentially has four parts: what anger looks like (where you find out you are not alone!), what may have caused it, what you can do about it in the long term (real change!) and what strategies you can use in the meantime. The book is Christian based; the author reminds and encourages the reader to turn to our Lord for assistance. She does not preach, reprimand, or lecture. She points out places in the Good Book that will renew your energy and confidence in your own parenting. I did have a hard time with the part about where the anger comes from, since I have not experienced any abuse as a child. I felt a little guilty that I shared such a devestating problem with people who have a much better excuse than me. However, the author is sensitive to this and reminds the reader constantly that all types of reasons could have lead to this issue. The title of this book jumped off the screen for me, because it so fittingly described me. I constantly felt like I was on the verge of "blowing". The short and long term strategies have helped me crawl from that desperate feeling onto more confident ground. I still have a long way to go, but I am eternally grateful for this book's honesty and resourcefulness.

As a mom of toddler twin boys (now preschoolers!) ~~ I can relate to the frustrations of raising two ornery boys and this book offers practical advice for all moms (and me included) in dealing with anger and the guilt of feeling the anger. This is a book I wish I had when they were infants ~~ because then I would know that I am just a normal mom sometimes overwhelmed with the demands of parenting in today's society. This is a humorous book ~~ and written from a Christian perspective. I did not find this book preachy ~~ just inspirational and helpful. It is also a reminder that we are not alone as moms in this world ~~ sometimes we tend to forget that and keep all of our guilt and fear bottled up inside. Society puts pressure on us as women to do it all and we don't dare admit that our children are driving us nuts. Barnhill reminds us that it is ok ~~ we are normal for getting angry. However, she also offers practical suggestions on how to deal with those angry moments so we don't hurt ourselves and our children. She offers practical warning signs of when we're going to blow and how to defuse that lighted fuse. Some of these advice I have already practiced and some are new for me ~~ and they help. I strongly recommend this book to every mom ~~ no matter how old your children are. It is just chock full of practical advice, humorous stories and inspirational ones too. It is a gentle reminder to us moms that it is ok to admit that you need help sometimes and that it's ok to admit that your beloved angels are sometimes just not so angelic. It's a great resourceful book ~~ one that I am glad that I have in my possession today! 7-6-05

This book is wonderful at explaining the anger that mothers often feel towards their kids. The book outlines in detail the causes of anger, like bad childhoods, housework, feeling like you have to be perfect, etc. The book then gives practical suggestions for dealing with anger.The author shares her experiences with the anger that she's felt towards her kids and how she overcame it. The book is written from a Christian perspective, but is not at all preachy like some Christian self-help books. She also adds humor throughout the book.

This book is an honest, open look at what every mother experiences while raising children - anger. She's Gonna Blow will make you laugh, make you cry and make you think about the things you say & do to your children each day. This is real help for dealing with those frustrations. My daughter is grown now, but I only wish I had this book while raising her. There would have been a lot fewer "erruptions" and I'm sure she wishes Mrs. Barnhill had written the book sooner. The author's style of writing makes you feel like you are talking to a dear, trusted friend & is an easy read. You'll really enjoy it!