An earnest and reflective memoir…
Brimming with unfiltered candor, James’ memoir takes readers on a soul-stirring journey through the highs and lows of her life. Born and raised in the sweeping landscapes of Colorado, James’ soul was tethered to her grandmother’s sprawling ranch in Huerfano County. But fate intervened when she won the coveted title of Miss Colorado in 1962, propelling her into a glamorous career as a model. Leaving behind the modest life, James embarked on a journey to the bustling cities of Chicago and New York, chasing success and fame as she worked as an international fashion model for renowned agencies Wilhelmina & Ford. For eleven years, her face graced the covers of five Playboy magazines, but she never succumbed to the pressure to do a centerfold. Amidst the glitz and glamour of Chicago and New York City in the swinging 60s and 70s, James’s personal life was filled with turmoil and heartache. A difficult marriage that lasted two decades ultimately ended in divorce. This triggered a downward spiral of alcoholism and shattered self-worth until she found solace in AA and a deep connection with God. In the quiet countryside of Pennsylvania, within the walls of a century-old farmhouse, James finally found peace among nature and blossomed into an enlightened woman. In her writing, James displays a genuine and inquisitive tone that allows readers to feel like they are experiencing the author’s personal introspection in real-time. She paints a raw and honest portrait of her tumultuous upbringing, marked by her mother’s crippling depression and her father’s distant detachment. No detail is spared, not even the intimate aspects of her past marriage that may raise eyebrows. Yet it is the underlying themes woven throughout each chapter that truly captivate the reader. James delves into the complexities of marriage, spirituality, self-discovery, and the healing power of nature. With thought-provoking questions like, “What if there was a supernatural filling station where one could replenish their faith, hope, and joy before venturing forward?” she invites readers to join her on a journey of self-discovery. Through scenes from her own life, she unveils the power of honesty and vulnerability in healing. “Concealing unsettling emotions only leads to falsehoods in our stories,” she boldly declares to her readers. The author’s courageous exploration serves as an invitation for survivors to confront their own uncertainties, finding solace and strength along the way. A must-read.
How Nature Healed a Broken Soul: An Autobiography
Penny James
Bed of Trees LLC
Pub date August 6, 2022
ISBN 979-8986668512
Price $17.99 (USD) Paperback, $9.99 Kindle edition
