“Cloud People” by BJ Rae has been released worldwide. This 254-page memoir, which has achieved Amazon Bestseller status as #1 in the “Abuse” category for both ebooks and paperbacks, is an autobiographical account of surviving abuse and neglect, with names and other details altered for privacy and security. After her father attempted to kill her as a toddler, 3-year-old Miriam is placed in the sole custody of her neglectful, mentally ill mother. Along with her 4 older siblings, Miriam’s childhood was fraught with hunger, emotional and physical trauma, poverty, and feeling unlovable. Throughout these troubling years, Miriam’s faith, as well as the kindness of her grandmother and brother Jimmy, remained a beacon of hope.
In her teens, Miriam’s tragic youth is dealt another blow when she’s brutally raped by an older acquaintance, only to find out that she’s pregnant as a result. Despite her mother’s insistence that she terminate the crisis pregnancy, Miriam follows her heart, gives birth, and reluctantly signs adoption papers to save the boy’s life.
As Miriam grows up, her tenacity and perseverance help turn her life in a more positive direction, but her haunting past is never far from memory. Empowered by the wisdom of her grandmother and the warmth of a few helpful souls, she slowly finds her way out of depression and PTSD, transforming her pain into love and her anger into tolerance.
Mariel Hemingway, Oscar-nominated actress and author, granddaughter of Nobel Prize-winning novelist Ernest Hemingway describes the story as, “a book that conveys honor inside the human struggle.”
“Miriam triumphed over tragedy and pain,” she continues. “Against the odds, grit, love, courage, and resilience prevail throughout Miriam’s story.”
See the full endorsement here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDoLLwnj_FQ&t=
This harrowing story is punctuated by hope, and serves as an incredible reminder of how kindness and care can make a difference in anyone’s life. Throughout her childhood and adult life, Miriam found “umbrella people” who helped protect her from the surrounding storms, and this memoir shows readers how each person can do the same for others.
Through horrific events, devastating losses, and a near-constant state of self-preservation, Miriam’s unwavering beliefs and sharp intellect, along with the shelter provided by her umbrella people, allowed her to not only survive to share her story, but to also find a way to live with love and hope.
By sharing her story, the author aims to inspire and empower survivors to deal with their own difficulties, and keep her promise to Grams to help others in every way she can.
BJ Rae is holding a book signing on April 27th, 2023 at The Richmond Observer offices located at 115 S Lawrence St, Rockingham, NC 28379.
Cloud People (ISBN: 9781958729960) can be purchased through retailers worldwide, including Barnes and Noble and Amazon. The paperback retails for $18.95, and the ebook retails for $2.99. Review copies and interviews are available upon request.
Learn more at https://www.bobbiejrae.com
From the Back Cover:
“Rae’s gifted narrative transcends the family turmoil to make a compelling statement on both the human condition and current events in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson decision. A must read.”- J.J. Hebert, USA Today bestselling author
“Cloud People is important because it is important to know yourself to know the resilience one has…. I found reading each page of this book so overwhelming and impactful.”- Mariel Hemingway, Oscar-nominated actress and author, granddaughter of Nobel Prize-winning novelist Ernest Hemingway
While Miriam was still a preschooler, the family court of Georgia left her in the sole custody of her neglectful mother, an undiagnosed mental case. When bullied at school for her shabby appearance, Miriam stuffed her pain as deep inside herself as possible.
Young Miriam knew three things. First, her parents didn't want her. Second, her world was filled with abuse and pain. Third, the best way to make a good decision was to do the opposite of what her mother would do.
A traumatic event struck Miriam like a hurricane at age 17 when a rapist stole her virginity. Although her mother tried to force her to end the crisis pregnancy, she made a decision that would enable her to continue to love herself and triumph over tragedy and pain.
Miriam’s perseverance developed early. Despite surviving two murder attempts by age three, she remained ambitious, bright, and caring.
Against the odds, grit and love prevail throughout Miriam's story. You'll understand why she loves certain people so much, the simple ways that anyone can help a child, and what it takes to be a survivor.
About the Author
BJ Rae has been a special education teacher, computer technician, homemaker, dog trainer, photographer, and writer. She has traveled across the United States, survived many tragedies, and participated in the Order of the Eastern Star and the American Legion Auxiliary. She and her husband share their home with their three dogs in the mountains, where she enjoys exploring and photographing nature.
About MindStir Media:
MindStir Media LLC is an award-winning book publisher. To learn more about publishing a book with MindStir Media, visit http://mindstirmedia.com or call 800-767-0531.
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