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2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Angels and quilt pieces a must read! Mar 07, 2008
Stephanie Ehmen has eloquently portrayed the struggles and celebrations of the Thornton family's experiences before, during and after hurricane Katrina. The book is written in a well-balanced way that accurately shows the blessings and challenges that come from helping people in a meaningful way and presents lessons for future responders to mass catastrophes on personal to beurocratic levels.
There is a great description of the cultural, economic, and systemic differences that occur between helper and victim following a mass catastrophe which can provide us all lessons to learn from. I find it difficult to imagine anyone reading this work not being moved. I recommend it for any therapist, particularly those assisting katrina families or families coping with other traumatic events or hardships.
John W. Beach, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Putting The Pieces Together Oct 20, 2007
Another book I had the pleasure of reading and interviewing the author.
This book is an amazing account of what one family went through after Katrina... and the family who helped them. Little does one even have a clue as to how someone can feel after losing EVERYTHING they once owned. All "security" is gone.
I thought Stephnie did a great job of recounting the feelings of hopleness she and the Thornton's felt with all the beauracy involed in helping the Thornton's get back on their feet; getting to understand how people are from differen cultures and even from one's own idea of what christianity means to them as opposed to others' ideas.
What was most revealing to me is the differences between Turk who'd led a more upper class life and his relationship with his wife Chantal who came from a totally different heritage and why she had to go the way she did, giving up all custody of her children knowing she couldn't take care of them.
This is a fascinating account and my perspectives on life widened for having read it.
Revvell
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Disaster as Teacher Sep 17, 2007
I loved reading this book and learning about the Thornton family, how they lived, what they endured, and what it was like after Katrina. This book chronicles the days after the storm as the Thornton's slowly rebuild. We learn of horrible situations we cannot fully fathom...and how Turk, Father, pulls the family through a precarious recovery. The Ehmens, who meet the Thornton's at a church sponsored relief camp, become their sponsors, and so much more. This book gives us insight into the relief effort, and all the people along the way. It is full of tough lessons learned about "helping others" that you cannot learn any other way than going through it. Hopefully we will carry these lessons with us the next time tragedy strikes and we are called to help. God Bless Turk, his family, the Ehmens, and all the Angels along the way.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
These people are Heroes! A MUST read. Sep 07, 2007
The story of the Ehmen's journey with a "Katrina" family touched me at a depth that surprized me. Stephanie and Randy show so much courage, compassion, and generosity to the Thorntons that I am inspired.
An older father, a mother with the disease of alcoholism, and many small children, all suffering from a terrible trauma, needed so much unconditional love. The Ehmens have given that love freely and I think their efforts are heroic.
In addition to all the above, the endless hours, miles driven, and frustrations of attempting to find help through our broken government agencies proved to be it's own kind of traumatic experience. That part of the book is heartbreaking.
The Ehmen's are modern day heroes. This book gives me hope for the future of our country. I couldn't put this book down! It's a fascinating look at life after the storm for one family and all those involved in trying to help. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in the whole story of the struggles of people in the path of hurricane Katrina.
Carolyn Johnston
CADAC, MFT (retired)
3 of 3 found the following review helpful:
Angels and Quilt Pieces by Stephanie Ehmen Aug 29, 2007
A marvelous read! I could not put it down! The author speaks the truth in love as she tells a story about love being a verb. The Ehmens did the loving thing in giving themselves in service. The Good Samaritan is a parable of a person without title, seeing a need, doing what he could do with his own hands, then taking the person to get further assistance, and then promised to come back and stay in relationship.
These modern day Good Samaritans, Randy & Stephanie Ehmen became angels for quilt pieces making a fantastic quilt of love and support for stangers who became loved ones. Reading it allows the reader to snuggle in the warmth of that love.
I highly recommend this book for all to read.
Henry Schulte
Boerne, Texas
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