First comes love, then comes hell and heartbreak.Discover the powerful journey of love, loss, and the lessons that shape us in "Stray Love," the memoir by Stacey Caputi Liakos.
This is a true story of young love and the idealistic belief that unconditional attraction could overcome adversity. A reflection on the maturation from youth's innocence and optimism to the hardened wisdom gained only through experience and loss.
"If I knew then, what I know now. Ray Ray was kind and benevolent but struggled with a wicked, malevolent side. Being exposed to violence, drugs, and incarceration at a young age haunted him forever. I was your typical well-behaved good girl who was sucked into his world, hopelessly devoted to him. Our love was like a mass destruction that couldn't be stopped."
CUSTOMER REVIEWS: ★★★★★ "This book is a must-read. The pain and sadness she feels is palpable. It's heartbreaking and raw."
★★★★★ "Read this in 4 hours - I couldn't put it down."
★★★★★ "Raw, honest storytelling that lingers beyond the page."
★★★★★ EDITORIAL REVIEW: Author Vida Sik rated 5 stars:
"Opposites do attract. But for Stacey, the glow of finding the 'love of your life' corroded under the harsh reality of marriage. Instead of living happily ever after, she experienced a roller-coaster ride of obsessive love, drug addiction, and possible mental illness. Her determination to make a success of her marriage to Ray is admirable, but she discovers love does not conquer all. Even so, she did her best to help him through the good, better, and worse. Stacey writes about this period of her life with raw honesty, drawing you into the drama and pain-filled journey with no expectation of sympathy. Her story proves some decisions are difficult to make when you're caught up in the vortex of a disintegrating relationship. Her growth in character and resilience is heartwarming."
FROM MEMOIR TO MOVIE: "Stray Love" is set for a big-screen transformation. The movie, titled "STRAY," will be filmed in Rhode Island.
WHY YOU SHOULD READ STRAY LOVE: "Stray Love" offers an unflinching look at the emotional turmoil of loving someone with an addiction, providing perspective on the destructive nature of addiction and the strength required to overcome it. Stacey's reflections on forgiveness and moving forward are powerful and inspiring, making this memoir a beacon of hope for anyone who has faced similar struggles.
Emotional Impact & Cultural Context: Stacey's experiences are interwoven with references to music, fashion, and social dynamics, providing a vivid context for her story. This makes "Stray Love" not only a personal memoir but also a portrayal of an era, adding depth and engagement.
Inspirational Journey: "Stray Love" is a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit and the power of love and forgiveness. Stacey Caputi Liakos's memoir will resonate with anyone who has faced loss, struggled with addiction, or sought redemption.
KEY THEMES: Memoir of Addiction: A deeply personal recounting of how drug addiction can shape and transform lives.
Love and Loss: Explore the complexities of a relationship tested by the trials of addiction and loss.
Personal Transformation: Witness Stacey's journey of self-discovery and growth amidst adversity.
Resilience and Redemption: Learn how Stacey overcomes challenges and finds healing and redemption.
Forgiveness and Healing: Discover the power of forgiveness in the path to emotional healing.
Don't miss out on this compelling memoir that will resonate with your heart and soul. "Stray Love" is a journey through life's most challenging moments, showing that even in the darkest times, there is always hope for a brig