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Martha Engber is the author of WINTER LIGHT, an IPPY Gold Medal Winner in Young Adult Fiction. Her other books include the novels THE FALCON, THE WOLF AND THE HUMMINGBIRD (Sept. 2023) and THE WIND THIEF; and GROWING GREAT CHARACTERS FROM THE GROUND UP, a resource for writers. A speaker and workshop facilitator, she’s had dozens of short stories and poems published in literary magazines and a play produced in Hollywood. She lives in California with her husband, bike and surfboard. She invites readers to connect via her website, MarthaEngber.com.
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Bliss Road by Martha Engber is heartfelt. Written in eight parts, Engber takes us through different phases of her life, with each piece delving into her journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Engber's story begins with her childhood; even then, she knows her father is an enigma. It is years later that she realizes he is on the autism spectrum. By then, she had grown up as unsure of herself. Her world implodes years later when she is married with two children. Suddenly Engber has no idea what she stands for, who she is, and how she feels about certain things. As she learns to understand herself, she finds answers she may not be ready for.
Bliss Road is a vulnerable and honest recollection of a life spent unsure. The memoir is painful at times, but it is worth it in the end. I believe this story will immensely help those who want to understand Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how it affects the lives of people around them. Martha Engber goes into immersive details about ASD and educates us before she shares her story so we fully understand what she went through. Engber slowly accepts her identity and embraces her true self despite her challenges and obstacles. Ultimately, her story is one of hope and resilience, a testament to the power of self-discovery and the importance of living authentically. She chooses a conversational style over an informative tone to ensure she connects with us. The chapters are short but impactful. Each part of her journey is detailed in a way to make you feel it all. Engber strives hard for happiness and self-acceptance, and her words encourage others to do the same.
