It's a new day, a new year & I'm feeling gooooooood about it!

MyHotComments Be safe as you celebrate because the best is yet to come!

Happy Holidays Everyone!

May your days be filled with the sharing of extraordinary peace & love.
Stay blessed and be safe in whatever way you chose to enjoy the season.

5.0 out of 5 stars are latest reviews posted to Amazon November 28, 2010

By cinnor67 - : Born To Return The Gift (Paperback)


Catherine E. Johnson has written a poignant story about overcoming life's speedbumps and persevering over all. I couldn't put the book down! You feel as if you are living the heroines life with her. Ms. Johnson manages to put you right in the middle of the story. I'm sure many people can relate to her struggles with depression and low self-esteem. Can't wait for her next book!! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews

By Cindy U. - : Born To Return The Gift (Paperback)

Born to Return the Gift by Catherine E. Johnson is a well written story about one womans struggle with depression, addiction and abuse. While the story deals with some difficult issues, it is truly a faith based story that has you routing for Nyima throughout. It renews your faith and gives you faith that good things can come to all, despite your circumstances.

This book would make a great Christmas Gift

5.0 out of 5 stars a powerful book to empower women, October 11, 2010 (Amazon)
By bookworm (Durham, NC)
"Born To Return The Gift" is a book by first time author Catherine E. Johnson. She has written a gritty, at times outright harsh and brutal, story about a theme common to many social workers dealing with helping women getting out of abusive relationships. The story of Nyima shows many of the themes commonly seen in such situations. After a bad childhood, early addiction and getting into wrong relationships, these women commonly find themselves helpless on their own. Realizing that the relationships are bad, these women also often suffer from depression, but seem to be unable to catch a break and find a decent relationship that is build on respect and mutual understanding.

But unlike many of the women caught in this spiral of depression and bad relationships, Nyima finds a way out of the situation through her belief in God.

The message of the book is one of a strong belief in God and that every life has a meaning and a value. Nyima realizes these things and is able to overcome her problems.

I truly was amazed by the level of maturity seen in a book by a first time author. The language is accurately reflecting the mood of the main character and the reader can not help but feel for Nyima in her struggles and sense the relief when Nyima's fate turns to the better.

A wonderful book that I highly recommend for people working in jobs such as social workers because just as it is life-affirming for Nyima, this book will also show social workers that one life helped can make up for a lot of disappointments.

An extraordinary debut novel - review by Kratzy (Amazon)

"Born to Return the Gift" by Catherine E. Johnson is a story about a young woman finding her place on earth and a meaning on her life. Growing up in circumstances that leave little room for hope, the protagonist incurs early issues in life, including addiction and bad relationships. Trying for a clean break, Nyima moves across the country to California. Rather than turn for the better, her life is more of the same. Again there are bad relationships and little hope for a better life. Depression follows and one is reminded of the fate of many women that never seem to catch a break.

But a break does happen and it occurs through the realization of our heroine that God is present and that there is a purpose to EVERY life on earth. Empowered through that realization and her belief in God, Nyima does turn things around.

A debut novel this is an outstanding first attempt at a realistic drama that takes the reader through the personal growth of a young woman finding her place in life and on earth. Some readers may believe that this book due to its Christian message may be sugarcoated, but this is certainly not the case. The sad beginnings of our heroine are told in an extremely realistic way, with the language certainly meeting R-rated levels. While some authors use such language for added drama and to pretend to be realistic, the author in this book succeeds in using at no point language as a mere add-on for dramatic effects. The whole book is extremely realistic and authentic, the author has a clear no-nonsense style that vividly describes the fight of our heroine to better herself and her situation. Definitely not your standard Christian novel, but because of this so much more convincing and interesting to read.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fighting Cancer and Winning!

I just underwent a lobectomy and proportionate removal of two ribs. During the recovery process I will not be adding promotional posts for  'Born To Return The Gift' but be aware that articles relating to depression, domestic violence, alcohol/drug recovery, and spiritual awakening will still be automatically updated as they appear in different news mediums around the world.

Free ebook download available

Visit http://www.prlog.org/11005478.html for more information.

"I'm worth your time", 5 Star Amazon Review by Mary Stan of VA.

This review is from: Born To Return The Gift (Volume 1) (Paperback)

Nyima is a woman in her fifty's who has been there, done that and had the shirt taken off her. She has seen it all and been through it all. If it had to do with physical, sexual, drug or alcohol abuse she was there. Yet, she survived to tell it all. This is a story that is not only thought provoking but it makes you stand up and take a look around yourself to ask what is holding you back if you think things are not going well.

Nyima saw a light and walked toward it. It was the best thing she did since it was God, in the end. She found her purpose in life and now holds her head high and walks straight. She will be the first to tell you that no one will do it for you and the first to show you how it is done. This story builds power, trust, and strength when you think you've lost it all. It also shows you that you do have a choice and when you make it you can follow through and not to doubt yourself. The author Catherine Johnson does a great job portraying this character and telling this story and there is something for everyone to learn and to read.

Struggling to see the reality beyond the illusion

The main premise of Plato's 'Cave Allegory' is that the highest and most fundamental reality is beyond the senses as we struggle for knowledge beyond the illusion of a material world.
It is possible that through our dreams we have an opportunity to understand the illusion of our own reality, a reality which we consciously control during our waking hours in order to function as expected.
In 'Born To Return The Gift' Nyima Robbins is confronted by her own reality to see how her experiences can be a stepping stone out of mediocrity and into excellence.

Contemplation

Interpretation of Recurring Dreams according to DreamMoods.com

Most dreams contain messages that serve to teach you something about yourself. However, soon after you wake up to go about your daily routine, you tend to quickly forget what you dream about. The message in recurring dreams may be so important and/or powerful that it refuses to go away. The frequent repetition of such dreams forces you to pay attention and confront the dream. It is desperately trying to tell you something. Such dreams are often nightmarish or frightening in their content, which also helps you to take notice and pay attention to them.


Recurring dreams are quite common and are often triggered by a certain life situation, transitional phase in life or a problem that keeps coming back again and again. These dreams may recur daily, once a week, or once a month. Whatever the frequency, there is little variation in the dream content itself. Such dreams may be highlighting a personal weakness, fear, or your inability to cope with something in your life - past or present.

The repetitive patterns in your dream reveal some of the most valuable information about yourself. It may point to a conflict, situation or matter in your waking life that remains unresolved or unsettled. Some urgent underlying message in your unconscious is demanding to be understood.

Happy Labor Day!

MyHotComments
I could use some moral support. Become a fan of Born To Return The Gift on facebook.

Blessings,

Catherine

Discount until 9/19 at Smashwords!

This discount is only for the purchase download of 'Born To Return The Gift' which is available at http://cli.gs/ztgy1Z .  Coupon Code - TQ82V

Formats for for Mobi, Epub, PDF, RTF, LRF, & PDM, and also downloadable in html or java script.

Can 'Born To Return The Gift', an Urban Novel Be Associated With Classics?

I turned on the TV last night and 'The Unit' was on. As the therapist (actress from one of the Poltergist movies, ?? - not sure) says, "We've got to go back to your dream to help your husband," my thoughts shot to how my book has something in common with some classics in which a dream, no matter how bizzare, has had purpose in reality.

First, look at the 'Wizard of OZ'. That dream served its purpose and seemed real . . . didn't it? Then, in 'It's A Wonderful Life' an angel without wings shows Jimmy Stewart what life would have been like for others if he had never been born. Last, but not least, how about the ghostly visits in Oliver Twist's 'Scrooge'.

'Born To Return The Gift', is a story like these classics. It is meant to entertain while provoking thought about the way we often fail to see what's right in front of us, the way we take things things for granted, and the way bad experiences can promote bad attitudes that stop blessings for self and others.

In 'Born To Return The Gift' a nightmare exposes a painful past to help Nyima Chante Robbins understand the impact of her choices, how they've influenced her present predicament, and how she has the power to make choices for a better future.
 
It costs nothing to become a fan of 'Born To Return The Gift' on facebook. I could use the support!

Thought provoking, intersting book!, By Theresa Hurley (USA)

"Born to Return the Gift" by Catherine E. Johnson is a book that keep me turning the pages as I accompanied Nyima through her struggles. A strong character, Nyima tries to find meaning in her life as she battles her personal demons - clinical depression and post traumatic stress disorder. Her life was difficult, full of bad choices. Now at the age of 50, Nyima faces a true battle within herself as she tries to become the person she was meant to be.

A great work by Catherine Johnson, the book looks at spirituality, society and the presence of God in our life. I totally enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it. A really great read!

Is It Possible To Step Into A Different Realm?

Nyima, the main character in Born To Return The Gift, has been having a recurring nightmare for almost five years, and she wakes up at the same time, every time.

This time she thinks she’s awoke until she opens a door and the real nightmare begins. Do you think it’s possible for someone to actually step into a different realm in parallel time?

Look for the book trailer that will be coming to this site and Youtube within the next few weeks.

What do you think? - Agree / True or Disagree / False

A writer is dear and necessary for us only in the measure of which he reveals to us the inner workings of his very soul. ~ Count Leo Tolstoy

Looking for readership, so it's time I say something about the reviews I've received.

My heart compelled me to write 'Born To Return The Gift'. The book was written in 2007 and wasn't published until 2009. After enough rejections, I self-published it through my own company with a mission to create literary, film, and music to intrigue the mind, prick the heart, and incite the spirit. I strongly feel the need to write about issues that are common to many in the hopes of encouraging faith in God, our creator, whom I believe predestined each of us to live our lives like it's golden despite adversity.

I believe we all have our own hardships and burdens to bear in life, but if we look at it with a positive perspective we come to the realization that they are beneficial lessons for personal growth because it helps elevate our humanity, and in doing so helps elevate others' humanity as well.

I want to thank all of those who have reviewed my book. Of course I am thrilled by the good reviews, but I want it to be known that I am not discouraged or daunted by the bad...such is expected in a world where everyone is entitled to their opinions.  I hope to receive many more - good, bad, or indifferent - and respect all that which is honestly given. I realize that in a competitive world there are those who feel no shame in going full throttle with negativity on someone else's art and right to be heard, especially if the voice is counter to their own.

In 'Born To Return The Gift', alot of issues are raised. Mother/daughter conflict; sibling rivalry; teenage pregnacy; blind submission; abortion; domestic violence; alcohol/drug use; profanity; friendships; adultery/revenge; love/pain; death of loved ones - through natural causes and perpetration; child abuse; the impact of racism; sexual orientation; coping with depression and post traumatic stress disorder; childhood molestation; and most importantly, spiritual re-awakening. The point is - we all fall down at one time or another from something or another, but if we grasp a positive view we have learned a lesson from the fall, and graciously rise with humility and fortitude for another opportuntity to win.

Eventually there will be more reviews. I welcome them all, whether negative or positive, but of course I'm going to accentuate on the positive and leave the negative behind because that's how I choose to live.

How you living?
I'm only human and cannot resist acknowledging Melissa's insights (the book journal review cited below) Excuse the omission of 'are' - LOL - chalk it up to ebonics. (How are you living?)

No ebonics dictionary was necessary for the real life dialogue I chose to express in my book. Misspellings? . . . sometimes it's an art form. For example, I choose to refer to females or a mixed group as guyz instead of the masculine form - guys. As far as the profanity, well . . . it belonged to Naima (Mena), not Nyima (Nima) - the main character of the book. It was necessary because it was a show rather than tell approach which resolved with Mena eventually acknowledging that maybe it was time for a change. (Her own spiritual awakening at her own chosen time.) There was a warning in the beginning of the book about profanity. For anyone who would be so "horrified" as Melissa claimed to be, I can't help but wonder - why did she choose to proceed with reading the book in the first place?  And just as my name Catherine, for example, could be nick named Cathy or Katie, or any other imaginative choice, Mena and Nima was my perogative because I wrote the book.

Melissa couldn't tell if I was A.A. - ?? The first time I've seen such a label. I AM an African American and like most of us, can be as articulate as the next person. I AM proud of my race and culture (We are as varied as any other race, but ALL can be stereotyped by humor or ignorance.); I value my right to express myself; and appreciate my ability and audacity to do my own thing. Like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis, Jr., who belonged to the same rat pack, both sang - 'I did it my way' - you too can love it or hate it.

BTW - My photograph is shown at the end of the book. Surely she could tell I wasn't Caucasian, but then again her sight, like her reading comprehension isn't very clear at all.

Feel free to blast me or commend me on my insight or lack there of, but sometimes Peter talks about Paul and tells more about Peter than Paul . . . I'm just saying . . . I would have had more respect for her opinion if she'd just stated facts without an attempt at a comedy routine at my expense.

African Americans on the Move Book Club - Novels That reflect you and me

Born to Return the Gift by Catherine E. Johnson is a book that should be read by many women.  5 Stars!

This book is both a look at the physical and the spiritual side of the human being.I started reading and could not put down. This book was very good. Born to Return the Gift beautifully portrays the struggles of the main character. Being exposed to the harsh realities of addiction at a young age, she grows up with low self-esteem and throws herself into the world of depression, abusive relationships and suffering. Yet, somehow she finds herself reaching towards a stronger being. Johnson has written a novel that probably describes many women, especially the depression when nothing seems to go right. Nyima was an abused woman who simply didn't know how to chose the right man. It is a novel well worth reading. The conclusion creates a tension in Nyima. She finally sees the pattern of God's purpose in all that has happened. She meets the final challenge of finding the courage to fight for her future.
While some of the topics and language are "R" rated, this is a story that is faith driven and faith based. It is written with a gentle sense of humor. When you leave the book, you will believe in Nyima. I recommend this book to all women book clubs out there. This book has a lot of life reality.

Barbara Morgan

AAMBC Reviewer

It's only fair to post this "scathing" review by Melissa, a reviewer at The Book Journal

1 Star by Melissa - "The Book Journal"


This book must be a joke..., May 28, 2010

This review is from: Born To Return The Gift (Volume 1) (Paperback)

I went through three different emotions while reading this book.
1. I really hope this book doesn't read like a religious preachy book
2. wow, this book is pretty good so far and
3. Is this a joke? Does the author really think African Americans really speak like this?
After the first chapter I was horrified to read any dialogue involving the main character. If you want to know what stereotypes are, just pick up this book. I am not sure if the author herself is A.A. (African American), but if she is she should be ashamed for helping bad thoughts continue, and if she isn't, well I am just dumbfounded that she would think to write as one.
Another pet peeve...The main character's name is Nayma (pronounced Na-ee-ma) who has a long time friend named Naima. Yup, pronounced the same way. So to make it easier (huh?) to remember who is who, the author gave each a nickname. Wait for it....Mena and Nema. The author could not have come up with two different names?!
Besides the horrible depiction of language (it really felt like that author picked up an ebonics dictionary and stuffed everything into this book, including "aw sookie now), the profanity was uncalled for and did not help, much less improve the book. Have I mentioned the misspellings? You get the idea.
I was greatly disappointed. The story could have really been a good one. It talks about a woman who is constantly brought by by people around her and has to learn how to rise herself up from the ashes. Her bout with depression doesn't help matter, and if it weren't for the bad writing, you would root for her. This book left a bad taste in my mouth.

Ebook now available at Barnes & Noble for $4.99 for a limited time only!

Johnson Shares The Importance Of Walking In Your Calling, April 28, 2010

By C. A. Webb "Conversations Book Club" (Jackson, MS)

This review is from: Born To Return The Gift (Volume 1) (Paperback) Why are we here? If we are not in the best of circumstances, does that mean our life will never have real purpose or meaning? These are issues that author Catherine Johnson brings out in her characters in the book BORN TO RETURN THE GIFT. It lets us know through imperfect individuals that all of our have a calling on our lives. It's up to us to recognize what it is and walk in it in order to have the best life while here on earth and even beyond. Though inspirational, there is no judgment placed on those who have made mistakes in their lives. Instead, there is a recognition that falling down is just part of the process. What's important is how quickly you are able to recover and get back up.

Definitely suggest this one to others.

Another 5 Star Review Posted on Amazon!

Definitly worth reading!
Amazon Review By LinB
From the very beginning "Born to Return the Gift" by Catherine E. Johnson captured my interest. Although the book is about the fictional character Nyima, the author tells of struggles that many people face every day. By the end of the book I felt that I had come to know a real person named Nyima.
Her battles with depression and post traumatic stress disorder, her bad choices in men and a life full of abuse and feelings of self worthlessness, leave Nyima questioning her purpose. The underlying spiritual message is beautiful and meaningful as Nyima struggles to find her true self - the person she was born to be. A book that is definitely worth reading.

A 5 Star Review Posted on Amazon

Thought provoking, intersting book!, April 19, 2010

By Theresa Hurley (USA)
"Born to Return the Gift" by Catherine E. Johnson is a book that keep me turning the pages as I accompanied Nyima through her struggles. A strong character, Nyima tries to find meaning in her life as she battles her personal demons - clinical depression and post traumatic stress disorder. Her life was difficult, full of bad choices. Now at the age of 50, Nyima faces a true battle within herself as she tries to become the person she was meant to be.
A great work by Catherine Johnson, the book looks at spirituality, society and the presence of God in our life. I totally enjoyed reading this book and I highly recommend it. A really great read!