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Will the Circle Be Unbroken?: A Memoir of Learning to Believe You're Gonna Be Okay by Sean Dietrich
random_spider's review against another edition
5.0
I usually don't tear up from reading books. I can connect and understand the characters written, but even though how tragic their lives went my brain knew they were 'fictional'. This wasn't the case with Will the Circle Be Unbroken?: A Memoir of Learning to Believe You’re Gonna Be Okay
What I love most about these types of literature were the Sonder they gave to readers. I've only read 3 memoirs since I started reading seriously last 2022, which means you are free to consider this as a weak/invalid review if you'd like. All I know is that I could identify which books were good...and which were the best of best. And this book, I believe, couldn't get any better being a memoir as is.
This was a book of healing, especially of oneself. Will the Circle Be Unbroken? tells a story of life after tragedy about its author, Sean Dietrich . After the unfortunate incident of his father's suicide, he felt conflicted and confused about the man he once called his superhero. Bereaved of a father figure, he was ceaselessly haunted and unable to thoroughly enjoy every moment. As life since dragged him and his family down without pity, he countlessly tried to make amends with his 'demons' (even burying it within distant memory) without permanent success. Sean's childhood figure cursed him for eternity, yet little does he know that he did it to himself. And this autobiography was the physical evidence of his growth.
The book unveiled how a single event could bring so much irreparable consequences. The book, surprisingly, had a good sense of lighthearted humor, which was paced well (not too overstayed yet also not limited) and gave the book phenomenal juxtaposition with its heavier traumas. It contained some of the most heart-wrenching profoundness that are possible only in down-to-earth stories. The narrative also reverberated some sense of mystery, but it won't truly be answered full --- just a slow, incomplete revelation --- from Sean's perspective.
It presented some of the most valuable lessons and wisdoms I encountered this year (so far.) An example would be Glorified anticipations were often dulled by moment's reality. Sometimes, life presents itself in a certain way whether you'd like it or not. Like it's ok when there's no big sense of accomplishment but a mere 'wholeness' when you've achieve something monumental; It's normal if goodbyes doesn't have a sense of grand finality on them, only a mundane acknowledgement; And there's nothing wrong if you didn't felt any triumph upon conquering your past --- you just moved on instead.
I would consider myself as a pessimistic person, and this trait does transfer to the way I criticize my books. This means I'm more likely to give a lower rating to a flawed book when qualified (regardless of my personal enjoyment.) With that in mind, I didn't expect this book to be my first 5 ⭐ (10/10 rating). I was visualizing my first to be this universally loved book and was the top for its genre/readers (Ex. The Poppy War, All the Light We Cannot See, Slaughter-House Five, etc. Yes! I haven't read them...yet.) But like Sean, I realized that it doesn't have to be this 'BIG', critically acclaimed and successful novels that is ubiquitously adored. Maybe it's ok for it to be a personal healing story of someone in real-life.
What I love most about these types of literature were the Sonder they gave to readers. I've only read 3 memoirs since I started reading seriously last 2022, which means you are free to consider this as a weak/invalid review if you'd like. All I know is that I could identify which books were good...and which were the best of best. And this book, I believe, couldn't get any better being a memoir as is.
This was a book of healing, especially of oneself. Will the Circle Be Unbroken? tells a story of life after tragedy about its author, Sean Dietrich . After the unfortunate incident of his father's suicide, he felt conflicted and confused about the man he once called his superhero. Bereaved of a father figure, he was ceaselessly haunted and unable to thoroughly enjoy every moment. As life since dragged him and his family down without pity, he countlessly tried to make amends with his 'demons' (even burying it within distant memory) without permanent success. Sean's childhood figure cursed him for eternity, yet little does he know that he did it to himself. And this autobiography was the physical evidence of his growth.
The book unveiled how a single event could bring so much irreparable consequences. The book, surprisingly, had a good sense of lighthearted humor, which was paced well (not too overstayed yet also not limited) and gave the book phenomenal juxtaposition with its heavier traumas. It contained some of the most heart-wrenching profoundness that are possible only in down-to-earth stories. The narrative also reverberated some sense of mystery, but it won't truly be answered full --- just a slow, incomplete revelation --- from Sean's perspective.
It presented some of the most valuable lessons and wisdoms I encountered this year (so far.) An example would be Glorified anticipations were often dulled by moment's reality. Sometimes, life presents itself in a certain way whether you'd like it or not. Like it's ok when there's no big sense of accomplishment but a mere 'wholeness' when you've achieve something monumental; It's normal if goodbyes doesn't have a sense of grand finality on them, only a mundane acknowledgement; And there's nothing wrong if you didn't felt any triumph upon conquering your past --- you just moved on instead.
I would consider myself as a pessimistic person, and this trait does transfer to the way I criticize my books. This means I'm more likely to give a lower rating to a flawed book when qualified (regardless of my personal enjoyment.) With that in mind, I didn't expect this book to be my first 5 ⭐ (10/10 rating). I was visualizing my first to be this universally loved book and was the top for its genre/readers (Ex. The Poppy War, All the Light We Cannot See, Slaughter-House Five, etc. Yes! I haven't read them...yet.) But like Sean, I realized that it doesn't have to be this 'BIG', critically acclaimed and successful novels that is ubiquitously adored. Maybe it's ok for it to be a personal healing story of someone in real-life.
dwenger86's review against another edition
5.0
I'm not a formal book reviewer and rarely write reviews beyond giving stars so others will probably say this much more eloquently than I am about to but this was by far one of the best, if not THE best, books I've read especially in the genre of memoirs and I had to say more than 5 stars would show.
As you might now, audiobooks are hit or miss. I'm not an auditory processor so for an audiobook to keep my attention and to remember what I listened to is a greater feat for an author. Sometimes the voice actors who read them leave much to be desired, even if they happen to also be the author him/herself (some people are just better at writing than they are speaking and that's okay).
Not with this one.
Sean Dietrich did a phenomenal job narrating his own work here. Sean's gift of storytelling allowed me to feel as though I was engaging in the same struggles and joys alongside him as I listened even though our lives were/are so different. I found his way of talking about church and "church ladies" endearing, helping me remember amidst all the deconstruction of faith going on right now and all the messed up parts of church life there is still so much beauty and love in the mess. His affection for his dog (never had one myself) helped me understand better why pets mean so much to people. I felt seen in his own struggle (and of his friend) with feeling small compared to others because he didn't have his diploma and wasn't "impressive" or "qualified." And more than anything, his way of talking about his father was done with such care that I think his daddy would be proud and honored. He found a way to speak some hard truths while sharing that forgiveness is possible even after someone has passed. It got me thinking about my own relationship with my parents and how I'd tell that story myself.
I laughed (he's a funny guy), I cried (sad tears and happy tears), and I had many thought-provoking moments that will sit with me for a while. I may not have had the life that Sean has but I felt like I could connect to so many of the themes in my own ways. Regardless of whether you normally listen to books, read nonfiction, enjoy southern accents, or not . . . I can almost guarantee you'll love this one.
As you might now, audiobooks are hit or miss. I'm not an auditory processor so for an audiobook to keep my attention and to remember what I listened to is a greater feat for an author. Sometimes the voice actors who read them leave much to be desired, even if they happen to also be the author him/herself (some people are just better at writing than they are speaking and that's okay).
Not with this one.
Sean Dietrich did a phenomenal job narrating his own work here. Sean's gift of storytelling allowed me to feel as though I was engaging in the same struggles and joys alongside him as I listened even though our lives were/are so different. I found his way of talking about church and "church ladies" endearing, helping me remember amidst all the deconstruction of faith going on right now and all the messed up parts of church life there is still so much beauty and love in the mess. His affection for his dog (never had one myself) helped me understand better why pets mean so much to people. I felt seen in his own struggle (and of his friend) with feeling small compared to others because he didn't have his diploma and wasn't "impressive" or "qualified." And more than anything, his way of talking about his father was done with such care that I think his daddy would be proud and honored. He found a way to speak some hard truths while sharing that forgiveness is possible even after someone has passed. It got me thinking about my own relationship with my parents and how I'd tell that story myself.
I laughed (he's a funny guy), I cried (sad tears and happy tears), and I had many thought-provoking moments that will sit with me for a while. I may not have had the life that Sean has but I felt like I could connect to so many of the themes in my own ways. Regardless of whether you normally listen to books, read nonfiction, enjoy southern accents, or not . . . I can almost guarantee you'll love this one.
linnybrannon's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
kararkoehn's review against another edition
relaxing
4.5
Sean has a very amazing writing style, and an easy to read voice.
The book talked about some hard thing, but he wrote about them very well. I’m very glad I read it.
The book talked about some hard thing, but he wrote about them very well. I’m very glad I read it.
kjdecoteau's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.0
turnedthepage's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
davidmorris's review against another edition
5.0
I never cry when I read books, but it almost happened with this book. And, and laughed out loud more than once.
bookprescriptions's review against another edition
4.0
Took me back to those Tennessee days.
The way he writes about the complicated feelings he had about his father is noteworthy.
The way he writes about the complicated feelings he had about his father is noteworthy.