Watch Lauren's video review HERE.

To read all of the reviews about A Tear-Stained Letter on the Authonomy site you can click here.

Vern, Just finished your book and wanted to tell you I thought it a most beautiful tribute to Melinda.  It made me laugh and cry and parts were hard to read.  It must have been harder to write.  An honest, true, from the heart account of the struggles that come with losing a loved one and with living with a hidden chronic disease.  Separate paths and yet merged into one.  Your words can’t help but bring comfort and hope to anyone who walks any part of that path.  You are sending an important message that in grief there is no right or wrong way, no right or wrong emotion.  Your informative insight into MS (a disease which afflicted my great uncle most of his adult life)and into coping with hidden chronic disease, the prejudice and insensitivity toward those with disabilities will enlighten your readers and make this world a better place. 

Lue Baker, Manning, Iowa.

I devoured the book! I was done within 48 hours. Every spare moment I was reading it! I really think it is going to help so many people! You know how to capture the reader's attention and keep it! You have the gift and I hope you will keep writing! It is terrible the way you were treated throughout the ordeal, but you came out of it the strong person you are! It is not always easy being a strong person, I am one myself, but your thoughts as you went through this were inspiring and so honest. We can provide empathy in a situation, but we never really know how someone feels and processes a situation. This really provides the insight and was so powerful! Can't wait to hear about your next writing endeavor!

-Diane Fischer

Hi Vern, I’m sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved wife. You have written a beautiful, heart-wrenching, descriptive story that drew me into it until I could feel your pain, your hurt and confusion. It was difficult to read (although well written and paced) and more than once I had to stop to wipe tears from my eyes as I easily saw your heart. Throughout the story I felt your undying love for your wife and I really respect you for the courage it must have taken to write and then post your story on here. I have backed this 100% as it deserves.

Joyanna Winn

Your writing is fluent and beautiful, and you write with searing honesty. I am full of admiration for your courage. Ali.

Vern, this is a touching memoir. This is true life horror and you capture it well. One can only wish you the best in the future.

This is a harrowing piece of writing and is real. Take it from me it is well described, atmospheric and crafted skillfully.
You drag the reader in and mess with their soul and their emotions.
Excellent writing,
Shelved.
Best Wishes

It is difficult to comment on such a personal piece of writing without being glib or patronizing. Your pain and bitterness floods onto the page (especially in the long outpouring of thoughts which runs without interruption or punctuation) and your journalistic experience is evident in the writing style. You certainly capture and hold the reader's attention and I wanted to read more than you have uploaded. I worked for more than a year on a suicide helpline but that has made me no wiser about the cause or effect that suicide has. Every case is unique as your story demonstrates so perfectly.

 You have such a talent, putting your feelings and thoughts on paper, as I found myself feeling the same feelings and would anticipate the same reaction throughout this book. I think I cried on almost every page, not quite, but just about.  I thank you for letting me read this heartfelt compassionate book.  It was raw (what I mean is your words were to the point) and precise and I feel you recalled every situation so well. 

I felt your loneliness so deep, because your words were so precise and easy to read and understand.

…there is something "different" about this book.

-Diane O'Connor, Lake City, Iowa.

I finished reading your book and I must say it was a great read.  I didn't want it to end. You are a very strong person to have gone through a very tragic time and have found the strength to carry on. I truly can't even begin to imagine the pain you have gone through and are still dealing with today.

...anyone [who] reads your book will be moved by it. How could they not be?

Bill, Kitchener, Ontario Canada   

I cannot think of the sadness you must have

 felt and must still feel with everything that happens in our lives.

I honestly do not know of any human being that I could look up to more than you.

You have inspired me today. You have not only found spiritual solace from MS but God has comforted you through the loss of your wife as well.

I can only think that great things are in store for you.

You have been tempered into pure gold from the trials that you have faced.

your friend,

Mark Irishbear76

"I have gone back and re-read much of your book...If I knew you better, and you knew just how raunchy my normal language is...you would hear, between sobs..."God you have balls Vern." I could never have written of my raw pain in such a decent way for others to read and understand."

-Bonnie

"I also have MS. I have been in a very dark place lately, and I have to tell you, reading the chapters of your book probably saved my life."

-Kelly

"I have read the first part of "A tear stained letter" and thought it was absolutely fantastic. It is one of the most heartfelt reads I have ever read..." -

-James McEachran

"The book was a big eye opener for me. It gave me a glimpse into the life of MS, that I never knew existed. If your goal was to educate people on what it is like to live with MS, you have succeeded. What a debilitating disease, one I can not imagine. 

-Ann, Lake City, Iowa 

I read the portions of your memoir that you posted and I want you to know I found it so powerful. 

-Jayne Deno 

I just read a lot of your manuscript. It's really good. Your writing style is extremely vivid and effective. And the story does not drag for a moment. 

There is at least one part where you describe a surreal, traumatic experience; you switch up and use a stream of conscience writing style that puts the reader in your shoes momentarily - really effective. 

-Jay Olivia

The following comments came at a recent Christian Retail Expo in Colorado (via my literary agent, Jonathan Clements);

• The story in and of itself, is an awesome account of human tragedy and happiness and I think that Vern very much needed to write this book for his own well-being and I am sure it was of great therapeutic value for him.
•  
• • I truly do admire and respect Vern Beachy and hope his work does get published and read.  He is a great example of perseverance and one who loves unconditionally.

01/30/2012