Title: Reflections in a Paper Moon Volume 1: Beginning Passage
Author: L.A. Espriux
Publisher: PageTurner Press and Media, LLC
ISBN: 979-8-88622-087-2
Pages: 694
Genre: Non-fiction / Biographies & Memoirs
Reviewed by: Jack Chambers
Hollywood Book Reviews
One of the best ways for a person or group of people to grow together is to go through a period of self-reflection. By reflecting on recent actions or choices in our lives, or the events of our lives thus far, we are able to better understand how we got to the position that we have found ourselves in, and able to look ahead at how to best come to terms with those choices. As Frederick Douglass once said, “A battle lost or won is easily described, understood, and appreciated, but the moral growth of a great nation requires reflection, as well as observation, to appreciate it.”
In author L.A. Espriux’s Reflections in a Paper Moon Volume 1: Beginning Passage, the author shares his autobiography of growing up in the rural South in the 1950’s. The author explores the complexities of life and growing up within his unique family dynamic. Through detailed memories and poetic language, the author takes readers on a truly intimate and personal journey through their own lives, from the inner dialogues and feelings that they experienced in those moments to the physical experiences which took the young man into the Vietnam War and back.
The author did such an incredible job of interweaving such exquisite detail into the memories that made up their story with artful and beautiful language which brought the author’s stories to life. The author’s experiences as a poet really have translated well into this autobiography, as the imagery and emotional connection the author makes between the narrative of their life and the more thought-provoking passages that examine some of the greater themes of the book. The introspective way the author examines their own time during not only their younger years but the Vietnam War as well was so unique and personal. The stark contrast in views on soldiers during the war made young men either into heroes of their nation or villains of the world, depending on how you asked, and reading the author’s story showcased the internal struggle that was made after the author’s return home, crafting a fantastic yet heartbreaking narrative at times.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy biographies, memoirs and autobiographies. This is especially a great read for those who enjoy non-fiction stories that examine the Vietnam War, living in the rural South during the 50s, and how moments of faith and reflection have impacted a person’s psyche years after traumatic or momentous events. As someone who enjoys these genres, it was fascinating to read the author’s story intermixed with the poetic nature of the writing overall.
A remarkable, thoughtful, and engaging autobiography, author L.A. Espriux’s “Reflections in a Paper Moon Volume 1: Beginning Passage” is a must-read nonfiction title that everyone should get their hands on. The heartfelt delivery of the author’s story and the stylistic approach to themes of war, childhood, and the events that shape our thought process as a youth versus who we evolve into once we allow ourselves to grow and learn, the narrative felt detailed yet vibrant and full of life, just as the author was.