News & Reviews

news-reviews
Five-Star Goodreads review by a reader of my memoir
Five-Star Goodreads review by a reader of my memoirJune 10, 2025News & ReviewsSome comments about my memoir from a reader who kindly posted a review on Goodreads. Kevin Colemand. Oakville, ON I have just finished reading Rag Dolls and Rage by Sheila Tucker. It is an exceptionally well written memoir, and pulled me into her life story from the beginning. The use of her therapist as a stand-in for the reader is deftly handled and gives an immediacy to our witness. This is a story of difficult beginnings and hardship, but with a determination and grit that has Sheila emerge as her own person, not just a survivor but as a model of self determination. I strongly recommend this book to almost anyone and especially those who are trying to leave trauma and betrayal behind. Also to those who care for damaged children that they may not repeat the errors made so clear here, even though loving support was being provided. [...]
Sales from my memoir raise funds for a local charity
Sales from my memoir raise funds for a local charityJanuary 10, 2025News & ReviewsRecently, I donated again to SAVIS of Halton (Sexual Assault & Violence Intervention Services). It is a worthwhile charity that supports victims, whether that be targeted LGBTQIA+, teens, mistreatment of the elderly, survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking. Among other services, SAVIS has a 24-hour crisis line (905 875 1555) with phone operators speaking several languages; anti-human trafficking assistance; life skills and mentorship programs; and individual and group counselling. The organization is available for women, men and children over 16 years of age. (There are other groups in the Halton region that support children.) I am standing with fundraiser Shelagh Nuttall who, among other things, arranges events such as an annual “Take Back The Night” gathering and charity golf tournaments. Please donate. SAVIS is an important service for many in need of help. Contact Shelagh at 1 905 875 1555 or click below. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/12501 [...]
Another reader comments on Rag Dolls and Rage
Another reader comments on Rag Dolls and RageDecember 29, 2024News & ReviewsA kind comment emailed to me from a reader below, printed with permission. I know this lady, a little, and she has also spoken of my book directly to me. It is kind of her to give me this response. Serina Lewis, retired special needs teacher, Mississauga, ON Sheila, your book Rag Dolls and Rage is a riveting account of childhood trauma, teenage bullying, dysfunctional family relationships, and your determination to break free of it all. With professional help combined with personal strength and resiliency, you recount a difficult past that is behind you. As the last line in the book declares … “I’m home free”. Your memoir is a testament to the greatness of the human spirit.  Thank you so much for writing it. [...]
People who have my book (here at a recent event)
People who have my book (here at a recent event)December 2, 2024News & Reviews / UncategorizedKathleen, who bought my book, has told me she found it very moving. You know, once a book is out there, it’s forever … but I’m glad I wrote my memoir the way I did. It was a long and hard undertaking, but it helped me to ‘get the truth out’ as much as it’s helped some folks whose reviews are posted on this News & Reviews tab. Some people have suggested I write another, with a theme of my travel days, but – you know what – I can’t even think about writing another memoir any time soon. Poetry is my thing at the moment, and a sci-fi novel that I’m having a lot of fun with. I’ll keep you posted on those. In the meantime, Happy Autumn. [...]
People still buying my memoir
People still buying my memoirAugust 30, 2024News & ReviewsAnother satisfied customer, called Peta-Gaye, who says she read my book within a week and found it riveting. All profits to charity  – contact me directly to buy my book if you live in Canada. Or you can find it on Barnes & Noble or Amazon. UPDATE: Peta-Gaye asked to interview me for her new podcast Heart to Art about my memoir. Here is the link to “Breaking the Silence: Healing from Childhood Trauma.”     [...]
Every word is important
Every word is importantOctober 3, 2023News & ReviewsI’m so encouraged to know that my memoir is still touching readers. This Facebook message is from someone in Alberta. Thank you, Ms. Cherry!   Cynthia Cherry, Calgary, AB Hello, Sheila. I am a friend of Scott Alderson and he loaned me your book to read. I want you to know it is one of the saddest, most enlightening books I have ever read. Every word is important. I am terribly sorry you had to go through what you did, but look what that pain produced! I want to thank you for having the courage to put this into the world. I pray that you are able to continue in your peace. You are an amazing human being.     [...]
What a great read and cheers to you for being so brave
What a great read and cheers to you for being so braveSeptember 1, 2023News & ReviewsErin Zinck, Oakville, ON Sheila, the harrowing account of your childhood is incredibly well written and detailed.  The candid nature in which you describe your formative years and into adulthood is deeply moving and takes you through a variety of emotions.  My heart ached during various times throughout reading the book and I had to read it in stages because of the powerful emotions it invoked in me.  Sheila—your courage, resiliency, and grit are a true testament to the person you are.  What a great read and cheers to you for being so brave for choosing to share your story.                                         *   *   *   *   * A local retailer had read Rag Dolls and Rage and found my story gripping. She wrote this note to me, above. My story, often recounted through conversations with my (excellent) therapist, as well as via flashbacks to scenes and situations during my childhood and teen years, portrays a vivid life journey toward acceptance and letting go. Many readers have told me my story helped them address their own issues from the past. [...]
“I think it will become a classic … It is good literature”
“I think it will become a classic … It is good literature”June 8, 2023News & ReviewsI’m grateful that the award-winning playwright, Donna Langevin, took the time to write to me after reading my memoir. She has given me permission to post her emailed note below. Donna Langevin, poet and playwright, Toronto, ON Hi Sheila, I just finished reading Rag Dolls and Rage which our mutual friend Linda Cassidy lent me. I was tremendously moved by your painful yet ultimately positive narrative. It is gripping, beautifully written, and the characters are all so memorable and well-drawn. I think it will become a classic, not only because of its heartbreaking story, your impressive intelligence and unflinching courage as you journey towards understanding and compassion, but because it is good literature. BRAVO SHEILA! Warm regards, Donna Langevin [...]