Catherine Forster

This was such a compelling memoir. There were so many moments that just absolutely tore up my heart and made it ache. Forster does an amazing job of bringing scenes from her childhood to life, and evoking strong emotions in the reader. Watching her as she grows, changes, learns, and goes through various phases kept me turning pages and reluctant to put the book down. There were a few things I could absolutely relate to - especially the bullying and escaping into fantasy to cope. If you're looking for an emotional read that will spark a bit of hope in you, then you've found your next read.… (mais)

Chasin Tarzan is a very well-written Memoir by a very talented and remarkable woman. It is a very poignant tale and never boring. It is heartbreaking at times. Through her writing, the reader can feel the desperation she felt with bullying and being called upon to do so much at such a young age.

Her salvation came with an opportunity to be an exchange student. In preparation, she forced herself to evolve at school in order to fulfill the requirements for becoming an exchange student. Eventually, the day came and she was accepted to be an exchange student in New Zealand. There she discovered a person with insight and a family that actually enabled her to see herself and the world differently.

The story ends with her readjusting to life back in the States with her original family.

This is a story of so many topics, from a child's feelings of insecurity to devastating, overwhelming anxiety. Much of the first part addresses bullying and faulty parenting.

She complemented her story with sketches she created herself. She is a renowned artist, in addition to her many other talents.

Her verbal descriptions of the various people in her life and of events were very thorough and easily visualized.

*This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.… (mais)