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  • The Cracked Mirror, Reflections of an Appalachian Son

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Billy Ray Chitwood
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The Cracked Mirror, Reflections of an Appalachian Son Kindle Edition

by Billy Ray Chitwood (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
5.0 out of 5 stars (8)
When Prentice Paul Hiller enters the senior care facility he brings with him not only a hip surgery gone wrong, but a mirror of his past, cracked with the stress of all his memories: a family broken apart by their Appalachian circumstances and the 'great depression'; a childhood tainted by a father's abusive nature; an impetuous marriage and a sorrowful divorce; a subsequent search of 'isms' and for love and meaning in California bars; a tableau of horrible events, including a senseless murder and a desert survival.

THE CRACKED MIRROR, Reflections of an Appalachian Son, is a search for some semblance of legacy by PP Hiller as he feels the weight of aging and a perceived inconsequental life, In an Arizona senior care facility he bonds with Greta Fogel, herself a patient and a former clinical psychologist. Encouraged by Greta, PP writes of his life, his heritage, his mistakes, the events that have shaped him, and the demon within that he cannot dispel. He gives his passionate views on criminal justice, love, politics, religion, war, and his favorite writers. Greta gives her insight and support, telling some of her own life's secrets. There is pain in the writing of his memoir, but there is also closure and a guarded inner peace. This short stay in the care facility brings more clarity to PP's life and yet another memory to store away... to take with him to the 'Sea of Cortez'.

"In the end my story must be like so many others, the story of a simple kid who grew up eating some emotional soup and spending a lifetime trying to digest it."
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  1. Print length
    346 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    April 11, 2011
  5. File size
    810 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Editorial Reviews

Review

5.0 out of 5 stars The Cracked Mirror, May 27, 2012 By Timothy T. - See all my reviewsAmazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: The Cracked Mirror: Reflections of an Appalachian Son (Paperback) I approached "The Cracked Mirror" by Billy Ray Chitwood with much anticipation because it uniquely presented itself as "A Fictional Memoir." A challenge that could have easily been a literary disaster is instead a literary gem. Mr. Chitwood--the author of Bailey Crane novels and works of nonfiction--bares his life from childhood to old age with the skill of a surgeon and the requisite messiness of ER trauma. He is honest and contrite about youthful transgressions, and is both traumatized and healed. The "Mirror" of the title is an accurate reflection of a lifetime that includes victory and beauty, the "Cracked" an honest ownership of human imperfections. The fictional chapters titled "The Way Station" occur every-other chapter, and serve as introspection to the memoir chapters. These are handled flawlessly via the protagonist PP Hiller and the clinical psychologist character Greta Fogel. Mr. Chitwood does not make the mistake of leaning on psychobabble jargon to play psychologist, but instead captures the rapport of a friend who is also a retired psychologist sharing some insights with a friend, that we, as readers, get to also benefit. The result is a memoir that expertly handles the arch of a lifetime from childhood poverty and abuse to the bittersweet regrets, acceptance, and amends of a man intensely aware that he is in the autumn of his life. Powerful writing from an author that now has me seeking out his other works.

From the Author

"The Cracked Mirror - Reflections Of An Appalachian Son" is a fictional memoir but so much of it is true, likely about ninety percent true. It has been a labor of love and some tears were shed over the laptop during the writing. Looking back on one's life can have that effect.

The book has a fictional character named Prentice Paul Hiller, and you can presume accurately that person would be me. I chose a dual-narrative format for better conveyance of information and to keep the story line interesting and more credible. With the fictional Prentice Paul there are the fictional paternal grandparents. The stories related to the paternal grandparents, uncles and aunts are true. The maternal grandparents are actually presented  by their real names and those stories are true.

"What Happens Next? A Life's True Tale" is the non-fictional brother to this book. "What Happens Next?" explores more deeply the concept of 'Love' and 'Faith,' to the extent the mind is capable of doing that. "What Happens Next? A Life's True Tale" is to be published in September, 2012.

Know what? One could call these books 'twin brothers.'

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004ZGWQY8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ C-Inc
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 11, 2011
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 810 KB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 346 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    5.0 out of 5 stars (8)

About the author

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Billy Ray Chitwood

Billy Ray Chitwood

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​​About Me

​A Dreamer! A Wanderlust! The world needs such fools as we to write our books, our poetry, our posts, our songs, and paint our canvas of beauty - to offset the madness that plagues the soul.

​

BOOKS OF MYSTERY - SUSPENSE - ACTION ​- CRIME - THRILLER - ROMANCE - MEMOIRS - FANTASY

FICTION (SOME INSPIRED BY TRUE EVENTS! - NON-FICTION - QUALITY READING

https://www.billyraychitwood.com (Website)

https://www.brchitwood.com (My blogs are also on Goodreads.)

https://www.twitter.com/brchitwood

https://facebook.com/billyray.chitwood

Customer reviews

5 out of 5 stars
8 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

  • P. Wight
    5.0 out of 5 stars A "Fictional Memoir" Full of Truth
    Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I've read the author's stories on his blog posts as well as some of his fiction. I wish I hadn't waited so long to read his memoir, which he calls "fictional memoir" but full of his own story. Chitwood's writing style is fascinating and complex, yet not difficult to read. Segments of the book go back and forth from the major character's time as an older gent recuperating from hip surgery in a rehap facility, to segments of his life as a child, teen, young married husband and father, divorced man with a guilty conscious of living a life of womanizing and alcohol, and then "finding himself" through an unexpected almost spiritual near death experience. Intermittently philosophical and dramatic, introspective and yet also full of romance/despair and action, the book kept me riveted and engaged with the well-developed characters. A full-bodied exploration of an intense life, still full of hope and love.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Timothy M. Tays
    5.0 out of 5 stars The Cracked Mirror
    Reviewed in the United States on May 27, 2012
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I approached "The Cracked Mirror" by Billy Ray Chitwood with much anticipation because it uniquely presented itself as "A Fictional Memoir." A challenge that could have easily been a literary disaster is instead a literary gem. Mr. Chitwood--the author of Bailey Crane novels and works of nonfiction--bares his life from childhood to old age with the skill of a surgeon and the requisite messiness of ER trauma. He is honest and contrite about youthful transgressions, and is both traumatized and healed. The "Mirror" of the title is an accurate reflection of a lifetime that includes victory and beauty, the "Cracked" an honest ownership of human imperfections. The fictional chapters titled "The Way Station" occur every-other chapter, and serve as introspection to the memoir chapters. These are handled flawlessly via the protagonist PP Hiller and the clinical psychologist character Greta Fogel. Mr. Chitwood does not make the mistake of leaning on psychobabble jargon to play psychologist, but instead captures the rapport of a friend who is also a retired psychologist sharing some insights with a friend, that we, as readers, get to also benefit. The result is a memoir that expertly handles the arch of a lifetime from childhood poverty and abuse to the bittersweet regrets, acceptance, and amends of a man intensely aware that he is in the autumn of his life. Powerful writing from an author that now has me seeking out his other works.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Gwendolyn Plano
    5.0 out of 5 stars Strong writing, powerful story...
    Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2018
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Tragedy spares no one, but some of us experience its harsh edges more than others. Billy Ray Chitwood is a writer who has experienced the good, the bad and the ugly. In his fictional memoir, The Cracked Mirror, he brings this knowledgebase to life, and we readers feel, see and know through his brilliant choice of words. This skill is what endears me to his writing.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Maureen
    5.0 out of 5 stars A treat of a read!
    Reviewed in the United States on June 4, 2015
    Format: Kindle
    Described as 'fiction but 90% true', the author has created protagonist Prentice Paul Hiller as a man reflecting on his life whilst recovering from a hip operation in a nursing home. We follow him from his birth in Appalachia where there were idyllic times, happy childhood days ( his mom was a great cook and of course the food tasted that much better because it was served up with a great big dollop of love!) There were traumatic times too during The Great Depression, when his mom and dad would fight in the true sense of the word, with his mom suffering some beatings. Prentice leads an eventful life, it's raw and gritty, but it's written with simplicity and an honesty that ensures there are no skeletons left in the proverbial cupboard. There were times when his life appeared to be spiralling out of control, but he managed to take back that control and carved out a good and comfortable life for himself. He's an intelligent man, a good person who appreciates the love of his family, though his demons do come back to haunt him at times. There were some deeply moving moments, told with a clarity and candour that was a pleasure to read. It's clear that the author's life mirrors that of his protagonist, and it was a great insight into the life of this Appalachian boy.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Diogenes
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Touching and Brave Book
    Reviewed in the United States on October 26, 2013
    Format: Kindle
    When I reviewed Mr Chitwood's novel "Mama's Madness" last year, I applauded the author's gritty, literary style and noted he was a writer outside of the 'usual' Indie mould - a chance-taker, and one who speaks his mind without pandering unduly to his readership.

    "The Cracked Mirror" reinforces my view of Billy Ray Chitwood as a man of words. The book is a 'fictional' memoir, although most of the material is supplied from Chitwood's own life.

    Prentice Paul Hiller, the book's first-person protagonist, is in the twilight of his years. He is recovering from hip replacement surgery in an old people's facility. This provides him with the opportunity to reflect on his life; its highs and its disappointments. Hiller uses his enforced leisure time to document a restless, tumbleweed existence from a childhood of poverty in 1930s Tennessee to the present day. He is candid about what he perceives as his failures. In spite of his rationalisations, he remains haunted by his actions and inactions, missed opportunities and unsuccessful relationships. Chitwood presents us with a mind on a quest for meaning and understanding. Above all he gives us a portrait of a man trying to come to terms with guilt; an individual working towards self-forgiveness and peace of mind. This is a touching book and a brave one.

    Some of the musings on the state of present-day America were lost on this British reader, but they may well have a resonance for those residing on the other side of the Atlantic.

    This is a worthwhile and thought-provoking read. Five stars.
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Rosalind R
    5.0 out of 5 stars Reflections of an Appalachian Son
    Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2011
    Format: Kindle
    I found this book to be a thoughtful, well told story of an interesting life. The author pulled no punches in baring his soul with refreshing candor and insight as well as good natured humor. I'm looking forward to reading his most recent book.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Diogenes
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Touching and Brave Book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 26, 2013
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    When I reviewed Mr Chitwood's novel "Mama's Madness" last year, I applauded the author's gritty, literary style and noted he was a writer outside of the 'usual' Indie mould - a chance-taker, and one who speaks his mind without pandering unduly to his readership.

    "The Cracked Mirror" reinforces my view of Billy Ray Chitwood as a man of words. The book is a 'fictional' memoir, although most of the material is supplied from Chitwood's own life.

    Prentice Paul Hiller, the book's first-person protagonist, is in the twilight of his years. He is recovering from hip replacement surgery in an old people's facility. This provides him with the opportunity to reflect on his life; its highs and its disappointments. Hiller uses his enforced leisure time to document a restless, tumbleweed existence from a childhood of poverty in 1930s Tennessee to the present day. He is candid about what he perceives as his failures. In spite of his rationalisations, he remains haunted by his actions and inactions, missed opportunities and unsuccessful relationships. Chitwood presents us with a mind on a quest for meaning and understanding. Above all he gives us a portrait of a man trying to come to terms with guilt; an individual working towards self-forgiveness and peace of mind. This is a touching book and a brave one.

    Some of the musings on the state of present-day America were lost on this British reader, but they may well have a resonance for those residing on the other side of the Atlantic.

    This is a worthwhile and thought-provoking read. Five stars.
    Report
  • Maureen
    5.0 out of 5 stars A treat of a read!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 4, 2015
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Described as 'fiction but 90% true', the author has created protagonist Prentice Paul Hiller as a man reflecting on his life whilst recovering from a hip operation in a nursing home. We follow his journey from his birth in Appalachia, where there were idyllic times, happy childhood days ( his mom was a great cook, and of course the food tasted a whole lot better because it was served with a great big dollop of love!) Unfortunately there were some traumatic times too during The Great Depression, when his mom and dad would fight, in the true sense of the word, with his mom suffering some beatings. Prentice's life turns out to be eventful. It's raw and gritty, but written with simplicity and an honesty that ensures there are no skeletons left in the proverbial cupboard. There were times when it appeared his life might spiral out of control, but he eventually takes back that control and carves out a really good and comfortable life. He's an intelligent man, a good person who appreciates the love of his family, though he still has his demons that continue to haunt him from time to time.There were some deeply moving moments told with a clarity and candour that was a pleasure to read. It's clear that the author's life mirrors that of his protagonist, and it gave a great insight into the life of this Appalachian boy.
    Report
See more reviews

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