Rated of 5
by Linda P. (MEDFORD, WI) A Book to be Savored
Bloom by Kelle Hampton is a wonderful book. Her prose and photos blend into a beautiful life-affirming journey about what really counts. I so enjoyed meeting her family through her words. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Run out and get this title. Enjoy!
Rated of 5
by Mary M. (Beverly Hills, FL) Truly "perfect"
Kelle Hampton's memoir of her second, much anticipated, pregnancy and the birth of her second daughter is a poignant, hilarious, and ultimately enriching story of a journey to perfection. Kelle's beautiful daughter is born with Down Syndrome (not giving anything away here) and she is devastated. She loves her daughter with all her heart and soul, but is heartbroken at what she initially sees as a tragedy for both her girls. The story of her, and her family's journey to the realization that little Nella is absolutely perfect is a story of Kelle's own soul-transforming, personal growth and understanding of the full richness of life. Hampton is a lively writer, the family photos are a welcome and charming addition, and both girls are too, too cute! This book is absolutely worth reading.
Rated of 5
by Alexandra S. (Chicago, IL) Good story, average writing
My husband opened the book when it came in the mail and said, "Don't read it. Please, don't read it. You're going to cry for an entire week." And of course, he was correct. I had to stop reading the book several times because I was in hysterics. There were moments when I was reading this book that right next to the author; I was to feeling her heart break and her pain. Ms. Hampton writes honestly and from her heart; she doesn’t hide her emotions, rather she wears them proudly. I found her outlook on life enchanting and something that more people should follow.
With that being said, there are faults in the book. I do enjoy a memoir that makes me feel like I’m sitting in a conversation with the author. However I felt like this was a little too cozy and unpolished. To me a book is supposed to draw you in, make you feel a part of the characters’ lives, but have words that are sharp and polished. I felt that this booked lacked that finesse.
Rated of 5
by Amber B. (East Sparta, OH) The Story of a Rockstar Mama
I really enjoyed this book - especially the GORGEOUS photography of Kelle's beautiful children! While some of the memoir seems to be just a bit TMI (editing out the skinny-dipping story & endless beer references would have been just fine with me), Kelle writes with authenticity, courage, humor, and love. I was impressed with the incredible people in her support system, and she seems like a person you would want as a friend. There's no question that the world will be better because of Nella - and her Rockstars.
Rated of 5
by Loves to Read Wish I Could Love It
I was so looking forward to reading this book but unfortunately I wasn't wowed by it. The author presents a heart-wrenching story about giving birth to a child with Down Syndrome. Her story kept me interested enough but there was something really missing that I can't put my finger on.
Rated of 5
by Debi B. (Charleston, SC) Bloom - Kelle Hampton
I enjoyed this book. Although I did expect to learn more about the every day experiences the family went through with Nella. I was really impressed with the support that was constantly being given .... very inspiring. I will be periodically checking the blog to see how everyone is doing.
A bold, mesmerizing novel about the woman known as "Typhoid Mary," the first known healthy carrier of typhoid fever in the burgeoning metropolis of early twentieth century New York.
Z, the novel about the life of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald is at points charming and; like another reviewer, I kept thinking of the movie, "Midnight...
read more
Although heavy on the scientific details, which slowed down the story for me (OK, I admit, I was one of those liberal arts majors who skipped out on...
read more
Loved this book. Magical, quirky, enchanting I could go on. All books do not have to be literary fiction, sometimes it is just so comforting to read...
read more
British Parliament asks Amazon to clarify why it pays $9 million in income tax on $23 billion of UK sales.(May 20 2013) Amazon will be called back to give further evidence to members of the British Parliament "to clarify how its activities in the U.K. justify its low corporate...
Full Story