May16

above water.

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i first crossed paths

with this brave and amazing future author (trish kearney)

years ago on her blog:

“my thoughts on a page”

https://wordpress.com/read/feeds/8642668

where she wrote about

her family, her careers, her loves and losses, her daily life in ireland

when i later traveled to ireland

we met in person

(even though her children warned her i might really be a male serial killer)

we spent a great afternoon at an outdoor pub

near the water on a beautiful day

getting to know each other

i had no idea what her whole story was

until she began writing posts about her childhood

 floating the idea of writing her memoir

including painful buried trauma she had endured

as a young championship swimmer

over time she gained confidence

decided to tell her story

to find personal peace

to hold her tormentor responsible

to no longer be a victim

to help others who might not be ready to speak.

what followed was

her book, “above water”

a podcast, “where is george gibney?”

and unforeseen consequences

both good and bad.

this is a book of truths

of regaining power over one’s own life

of bravery

of survival

 of living to tell the tale

of an unbroken spirit

of healing

of helping others.

i give it my highest personal recommendation

here’s to you, tric, and to all who suffer in silence

you are their brave voice for each and every one of them

and i’m so proud to call you my friend.

—

“you don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there.”

-Edwin Louis Cole 

 

—

“above water” is available at:

the book depository (paperback – free worldwide shipping)

https://www.bookdepository.com/Above-Water/9781529333640

 

amazon u.s. – kindle format (and on june 21 (presale) in paperback) in the u.s.

amazon uk – available now

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Above-Water-Childhood-Enduring-Survivors-ebook/dp/B08HMPF1PP

—

Reviews:

Not an easy read but an essential one … an important book that celebrates the power of the human spirit―Irish Independent

A completely compelling book … this is ultimately a story of Trish Kearney’s triumph―Irish Times

Trish Kearney’s memoir is proof that the powerless and betrayed can survive and triumph―Sunday Independent

An extraordinary story, at times heart-breaking but ultimately inspiring. Trish’s courage, her determination and her warmth light up those dark secret places―Woman’s Way

A powerful story beautifully told―Irish Examiner

Inspirational―Sunday Business Post

About the Author

Trish Kearney is a writer and mother of five living in Cork, Ireland. Her weekly ‘It’s My Life’ column ran in the Irish Examiner for over two years. She also has a popular blog, ‘My Thoughts on a Page’ and was awarded Best Personal Blog and Best Writer at the Irish Parenting Blog Awards in 2015.
Above Water is her first book.

81 responses »

  5. I’m sure it was exciting to be in Ireland and true icing on the cake to have met this author. I must check out this book, based on your recommendation, though I suspect I will go through a lot of emotions reading it. Thank you for sharing her story with us!

    Liked by 3 people

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  7. Tric did SUCH an incredible job with both the book and the podcast. My journey of ‘knowing’ Tric runs very much along the same line as your story. One day, I hope, the 3 of us will meet. Dibs on it happening in Ireland!

    Liked by 4 people

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  9. Looks like a powerful read, Beth. I have only ever met one other blogger so far, when she lived close to me. She was married to a USAF airman at Lakenheath, and they moved back to a base in North Carolina. She still lives there, but they are no longer together.
    Best wishes, Pete.

    Liked by 3 people

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  18. Reblogged this on My thoughts on a page. and commented:
    What can I say. I am blown away by the kindness of my amazing blog and writer friend Beth, from I didn’t have my glasses on. Casually, she said, I will post about your book when it is released in the United States. I was delighted, but this is so much more than a mention. Thank you Beth. I might be a writer, but today I am lost for words at your kindness and generosity. However, having got to know you over the years I shouldn’t be. This is exactly who you are. Thank you so much.

    Liked by 1 person

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  21. I love everything about this! You are such a wonderful and authentic connector. And your genuine appreciation of your fellow writers is inspiring. The world needs more people like you in it

    >

    Liked by 4 people

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  22. That’s quite a ringing endorsement, Beth. I know many readers that don’t like memoirs, but they are often some of my favorite reads.

    Liked by 4 people

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  25. I love the bravery of memoir and this one looks like a must read. Thanks for the info and I’m very envious of your visit with her and Ireland. I have not seen this quote before but love it.
    “you don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there.” -Edwin Louis Cole

    Liked by 4 people

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  28. This sounds like a good story. I’m glad she has triumphed over her abuser. Stories like this make me sad and angry at the same time. Sad for the victim and angry for her and angry at the abuser. I’m going to put this story on my TBR pile. Thanks for sharing.

    Liked by 1 person

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  30. Thanks for this Beth! I am inspired by Tric and plan to send her a note. I too loved my Irish born mother and have written a series of short stories here in my blog about her unique and one of a kind personality. I hope to publish a book which comprises all these short tales to share with the world. She was loved by all. Thank you for the gentle push to try to make it happen. I have been published in several Irish papers and in Irish Central. Here is one of my favorites… https://nynkblog.wordpress.com/2021/03/17/love-letter-to-ireland-the-gift-of-my-mother/

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