This Is Me by Patricia Opio-Book Review
Author : Patricia Opio
Title. : This Is Me
This book begins with the story of a woman whose life revolves around God. She is, without a doubt, a living example. I remember calling her right before I started reading the book to congratulate her on the amazing job she had done on it and her bravery in being herself.
“Realness isn’t cheap,” I replied, adding that being as genuine as she was in the book requires a certain amount of courage.
I’d read her blogs before, but this book brought her writing to a whole new level of intimacy, and please allow me to publicly give her flowers while she can still smell them—she certainly deserves them.
About the Author
She has a lively blog called “Thisismystory,” in which she narrates African experiences and encourages women to be their best selves.
Look it up here.
Reviewing the lovely book, which she published late last year has filled my heart to the brim.
This is Me ~ The Mertamophosis Of Ayo
Summary
The book begins on an emotional note, as the author takes us through a traumatic struggle she went through thirteen years ago when she learned of her HIV status. On her birthday, she received the news that she was HIV positive, and she brilliantly described every feeling she had. And no one knew she wasn’t herself because she had a smile on her face the entire time. Isn’t it what we do all the time? Able to mask our pain with laughter? ……. Anyway, lets carry on.
Review
Where do I even begin with this review? This book compelled me to underline, highlight, and take copious notes. Because it is not a book that can be read in one sitting, I took a lot of breaks in between. As a result, I found myself having to reflect while reading it.
I saw myself in the author when she went to a sacred spot and wanted to let it all out. I experienced every emotion she was experiencing at the time, including rage, defeat, despair, hurt, and betrayal. One thing I can say is that blessing the Lord in times of trouble is difficult, but it must be done. Patricia stated that she felt peaceful when a song dropped in her spirit but she was unsure what that meant. I learned that we all have unique encounters with God. We should also give him control of our lives, and enjoy the ride with him.
“It is amazing how life just seems to go on when your life has come to a complete standstill”
Patricia
We are living in uncertain times. With all of life’s hustles and bustles, we sometimes just ooze through it alone. Time waits for no man. Time passes as we sit and grieve over our misfortunes, and life goes on. This is, unfortunately, the awful reality of life.
This book is for you if you’ve ever wondered if life was worth living, attempted suicide, felt ashamed, worthless, or pitied yourself. I am confident that you will receive answers and realize that you are a powerful being. On every level, you will connect with the author. Although you may not be HIV + like her, I hope this book will encourage you to accept your own experience, no matter how shameful it may be. Patricia walked us through her personal experiences with grace. She persevered even when everything seemed hazy. After setbacks, not everyone is afforded to tell their experience. The majority of people do not make it to victory’s other side.
Jeremiah 1:5 I knew you before you were even formed in your mother’s womb.
Talk about someone who tells it how it is while also explaining it gracefully. She’s the aunt who would reprimand you while still making you feel at ease. She gently broached the subject of substance misuse and masturbation while describing how she sought for things to numb the pain. We want stuff to numb the pain if we are melancholy, gloomy, or unhappy. And it frequently results in habits that hurt us and are tough to break free from.
Parents with sickle-cell children should consider acquiring the book as well, as it contains all of the necessary information on how to treat a sickle-cell child. The stigma surrounding sickle cell disease is real, but Patricia demonstrated in her book that you can achieve and be anything you desire in life
The author went to great lengths to address the issue of dissatisfaction with doing the right things but having a shaky basis. I was reminded of how I used to drive myself to get involved in projects that benefited others but left me feeling empty and depressed. It was once said to me by a mentor that you can do the right thing at the wrong place and vice versa. She told me to be conscious of the season, which is at the heart of all I do, as well as the importance of training. I now know that not every project is worth my time and work unless it serves my goal, thanks to the author’s confirmation.
“To be understood and accepted with all my challenges and quirks is the most beautiful thing of all”
Patricia
She not only gave us a front-row ticket to her life, but she also showed us that no one will save us until we rescue ourselves. Relax, yohhh.
We must realize that we are the ones in charge of our own lives. We don’t need someone to steer the boat for us; we have complete control. We are well-prepared, well-equipped, and ready to take control of our lives.
There is a part in the book where she mentions that there is so much peace in writing our stories. She wrote and said,
“Who am I? What am I here for? ’ But it needed to start with me accepting myself: my good, my bad, and my ugly. It was my story. I could not erase it, but I could embrace it. I could accept it and own it. The call wasn’t outside. It was inside of me.
In one of the last chapters, Patricia discusses how she disliked her first name, Ayo, but grew to love it when she realized the significance of names. In this portion of the book, I discovered that she had quoted me.
When you’re quoted in a book, you know you’ve made it in life.
Hahahah hahaha ….. Chille!!
I sobbed as I turned off the computer.
Not because I was quoted, though I was, but because the first chapter’s buried emotions all came crashing down in front of my eyes.
I cried out for Patricia’s bravery.
In her story, her tenacious attitude left me wanting more from life.
I wanted to break free of the shackles of being untruthful to myself.
I just wanted to live life to the fullest.
“That’s what a warrior is. Someone who keeps getting hit, losing the battle over and over but still getting up to fight, to continue, to move on even when they have no idea where they are going.”
Patricia Opio
Finally, I believe the author was simply attempting to remind us to cherish our tales. To proclaim “This Is Us” and accept who we are—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
“That’s what this book is about: Be Brave, Be Bold, Be Seen, Be Authentically You.”
“LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE! Because you know what, that’s who we are.
This is Me!
I AM LETTING MY LIGHT SHINE!”, she said.
It was difficult to sum it up in one review. I can assure you that it’s not a waste of time. Part 2 is underway.
I could go on and on quoting the book and telling you about it, but I do not want to spoil the fun.
Get yourself an ebook on Amazon.
Let me go weep!! Chille!! This is so grand for me. This book is a breath of fresh air.
Star rating
10/10
*********************
The book was easy to read, and the interludes of Uncle Beaton’s poems made it simple and enjoyable to read. Check his blog here becomingthemuse.
Patricia’s straightforward writing style made the book feel like a talk with a friend over a cup of coffee and a slice of tiered chocolate cake.
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About The Author
Lebogang Shazzygal
Blogger | Magazine Editor | Creative Writer | Online publisher | Digital content creator | Speaker. A young vibrant lady who's passionate about women's well-being and empowerment, youth, and physically challenged people.
Wow a 10/10 and your review was great, think I’ll give it a read 👍.
This was a great read indeed. You won’t regret it. The author made justice in the book. My life has indeed changed. And can you believe I read it four times already😅😅😅
Four times, now definitely!! Thanks!
😅😅😅yesss four times
It is a phenomenal book and I was quite honoured to contribute to the chapter interludes
~B
And you’ve done an incredible work on it uncleB. You’ve made the book enjoyable to read.
I read this today and I needed the reminder. Thank you Lebogang for reminding me to be true to myself.
You are most welcome sissy
This book is liberation many of us and reading from the reviews of other bloggers I’ve read so far of your book, you’ve emptied yourself. No regrets and we are grateful for your life❤❤.
You inspire me