Wind over Tide

Known for her novels Traveling With An Eggplant, The Final Alice, and Alices Army, Alycia Ripley brings her sensitivity and eye for detail to this unique memoir. Written in the form of letters, one each week over the course of a year, it captures her grief following the sudden death of her mothers thirty year companion, the man who raised Ripley since childhood. Theletters shed light on the special relationship between author and stepfather and translate the pain and loss that brought on fugue states and panic attacks following his death. They examine the powerful impact of childhood upon our identities and the valuable lessons loved ones teach us. Framed within four nautically titled chapters, each representing a stage of the year, the books title signifies the rocky sailing conditions which well reflect the authors life and circumstances. Gripping and raw, yet peppered with humor, Wind Over Tide illustrates theunusual way a creative mind interacts with grief. It serves as a fascinating look into a poignant, personal conversation, one which can help readers examine their own coping strategies to find peace after loss. Wind Over Tide is a heart wrenching book that takes the reader through the emotional waves of mourning a loved one. The authors penned letters are a tribute to Joe, her stepfather, keeping his spirit, significance and lessons alive.Ripleys words are both validating and healing. We learn, as she did, how to continue living even when faced with darkness and layers of loss. A must read that is hard to put down. -Michelle Pawkett, MA, LMHC