WOMEN OF SCAR CLAN

A volume of true stories and motivational quotes features women who have succeeded after overcoming obstacles. 

“Come sit by my fire and let me tell you some stories,” writer and publisher Klippel (Align, Expand and Succeed, 2010, etc.) invites in a warm and familiar tone that resonates throughout the collection. In the introduction, she explains the meaning of Scar Clan. When an Australian conservation department studied tree scars, it learned that they came from the stripping of bark and from Aboriginal carvings used for communication. Though some trees wither or rot from these scars, many thrive, growing new limbs and bark. As such, the women described in the book have endured illnesses, abuse, family separation, and other issues, only to come out stronger on the other side. The author, who interviewed over 100 women for this work, also shares her own experience of following her dream to lead a simpler life in Ecuador. The subjects in these pages range in age and ethnicity, from a Native American former “career woman” who lost everything to an ex-singer whose physical issues stripped away her passion. Inspirational quotes from authors like Mary Oliver and Elizabeth Gilbert are peppered throughout, and every personal story ends with discussion questions that readers can answer in the book or in a journal available for free download. The subjects of Klippel’s tales are diverse and intriguing, particularly her daughter-in-law, Allie, a chemist who speaks about the importance of experiencing failure in both her profession and her personal life. But Allie is one of the few subjects who have sidestepped faith-based approaches to moving forward with their lives after trauma. Most of the women Klippel profiles (and the author herself) speak constantly of praying and giving thanks to a higher power, often God. This sincere volume will certainly attract religious readers. But the majority of these stories may not appeal to those who take a secular approach to daily life.

This heartfelt, inspirational collection that focuses on remarkable women will comfort religious readers but may not attract a secular audience.