“From the very start, there was confusion about the actual date of my birth. No one could find a birth certificate, but both my caseworker and second foster mother produced two different baptismal certificates. One says I was born on May 31, the other says June 3. I like to think both are true. I tell people my head crowned in May and my feet followed in June.”
2023 Authors’ Zone BOOK Awards Finalist
In the linked essays that make up her debut collection, memoirist Kathy Rizza explores the profound impact of her traumatic childhood, an awareness of her own “otherness,” and a burgeoning desire to reject a life of sacrifice. An unflinching story of resilience, faith, tenacity, and love, Reclaiming the Rose demonstrates how one can reclaim the beauty in our story while still recognizing the truth in our struggle and pain. With utmost honesty and personal courage, Rizza intricately examines her journey towards embracing her full identity.
Reviews
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“La vita e Bella (life is beautiful) even with its attendant suffering! This is the lasting impression I’m left with by this heartwarming journey through trauma to wholeness, through sorrow to joy, through desolation to reconciliation. How inspiring is this tale of a life lived with integrity and compassion forged through trauma and loss. A lesson that it is not trauma and loss per se that defines us but how we respond to that trauma and loss that defines us. I could not recommend this book highly enough!”
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“From foster home to convent, and love at first sight in a gay bar, this memoir in essays follows Kathy Rizza's passion for writing through her formative moments—a triumphant, self-published debut. A devoted diarist, Ms. Rizza retrospectively writes about the adversities she faced and the moments of solace she found in the midst of it all. There's a popular phrase, "I know love is real because I exist and I'm full of it" and Reclaiming the Rose: A Memoir in Essays is a testament to that.”
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“Reclaiming the Rose is a well-written and compelling memoir. By recounting her personal story, the author offers sobering insight into problems with the foster care system. Even more, she demonstrates how faith, courage, and determination can prevail over difficulties and mistreatment. This is an inspiring story about the struggle to be true to oneself while charting a meaningful and authentic pathway toward a life of service.”
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“Brilliantly told memoir of the author's experience in a broken foster care system and the people and faith that got her through it. She has incredible grace for those who treated her with neglect and malice, and, while not necessarily a religious book, a strong spirituality that's tangible through the pages. Great read.”
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“Author Kathy Rizza tells a straightforward story in an easy narrative that belies the helplessness and hopelessness behind the words. It's a tale of perseverance and survival throughout a childhood spent in foster care, told without spite or a need for revenge. She shares the dark and light and owns her journey completely. Individual chapter essays string together to reveal a strong, resilient and ever-evolving success story. Readers will find inspiration in Reclaiming the Rose.”
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“Reading it was like peeling an onion, one layer at a time, causing tears to flow, and requiring a break between layers. Towards the end of her book, I felt she expressed a feeling of accomplishment and contentment. I enjoyed reading it. Congratulations, Kathy, on sharing your journey so compassionately and honestly.”