Grow Damn It! is a collection of short essays from Cheryl Oreglia's blog. As a new follower of Cheryl's blog, I wasn't familiar with these stories. I learned from the start that this was an honest book filled with wit and wisdom. It is the author's opportunity to share her life and the lessons she's learned. She writes authentically, sparing no opportunity to poke fun at herself or her loved ones (especially her husband, Larry, in their 40-year marriage).

Her sense of the importance of living life to the fullest and having a place for family and friends to gather shines through. Many of the stories center around the family's second home in Clearlake, a city in California (Yes, there is a lake near the town, and it's as beautiful as Oreglia describes it.)

Many of the essays center around the loss of her beloved parents and her memories of them. There are several touching and emotional pieces about the rocks in her life, her husband and her sister. The sudden passing of her brother-in-law was particularly moving. Set during the Covid era, one understands how challenging it was for the family to live so sheltered. The title is a metaphor for life and the overall arching message of this enjoyable read. If we're to become the best versions of ourselves, we can't play it safe.

What a delightful and amusing collection of the author's blog posts about a very busy life--about survival, breaking through barriers, thriving, being rooted. There's a richness in her musings. "Life, ever a mixture of devastation and delight." And I learned that Otter Pops solve everything!

“Grow Damn It!” is an insightful and often humorous collection of essays that blend into an amazing memoir. It was like I was sitting with an old friend having a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, and Ms. Oreglia was sharing life stories with some lessons weaved into them. Subjects varied, some light and some not, like the drive to the hospital after her son was in a car accident. There was an adventure on a tandem bike, which intrigued me as I have always wanted to try it. I laughed at the silly comment they got over and over when they rode. Clear Lake, where they bought a second home, was beautifully captured. I spent a lot of time there as a child, and the essays made me re-live my memories. I appreciated the love of family plus an enduring marriage. The raw honesty was welcomed because things aren’t perfect all the time, but love is always there. We all need to learn life lessons and live life to the fullest. This book captures living and reminds us that each day is a gift to enjoy and, on those certain days... survive. A book I felt on many levels. I highly recommend this collection. I know I will read it again and add it to my bookshelf.

Cheryl is one of my favorite authors/writers. Her life experiences, coupled with her brilliant gift of words, will leave you in tears (and stitches from laughing). She is unique in her delivery and word choices. When I began following her years ago, immediately, I immediately felt a connection. She "grabs" you and pulls you in. You'll laugh out loud and cry with her. And when you read her heartwarming stories, it's as if she is hugging you along with her words. Her stories will help you learn more about yourself! Buy it, d#@$ it! :-)

This book is relatable for anyone who is over 50, married, or has adult children, who for some reason have flown back to the nest. Essays accurately describe the sandwich generation’s joys and challenges. The conundrum of living with adult children and their children, while also sometimes caring for your aging or dying parents, is a unique position that Baby Boomers presently face. Oreglia’s metaphors and analogies offer solace for what we all know as life, and her humor punctuates the sadness that can specifically accompany midlife.

Grow Damn It! has varied errors, which can be distracting. There were also copious amounts of quotes used as epigraphs and woven throughout each essay. Oreglia’s writing is strong enough to stand without these additions.

Cheryl has an indelible gift and has shared it with all of us through this beautiful, honest, witty book about every day, ordinary yet extraordinary life experiences with friends, family, neighbors and community. Some of her stories made me laugh out loud and others brought me to tears. I will definitely re-read this book again and again as it reminds me not to take any day or moment for granted and that connection with others and the experience of loving, and being loved, are the true rewards in this journey of life.

Grow Damnit! is a collection of essays from the author Cheryl Oreglia's blog. I found them to be refreshingly honest with a positive spin and lots of humor. Oreglia's voice is so authentic; you feel as if you are talking to a friend- a witty, wise and articulate friend, that is. Set during the dark days of Covid, the author reflects on her various roles as wife, mother, sister and friend. Midlife woes, health issues, adult children and the loss of parents- all insightful and beautifully written. Highly recommended!!

We all need a friend like Cheryl. Someone that always sees the hilarity in the chaos. No matter where you are in your working life, if you are coupled up or single, these revelations speak of what many of us think are our tribulations to navigate alone.

I met Cheryl at an OnBeing conference and reconnected again at a writing conference a few years later. I hold those quiet and not so quiet conversations in reverence. I am so happy that now her miracle stories and charm can be yours. Grab the book and maybe pour yourself a nice beverage of your choosing. You are with a special friend that I am happy to share with the world.

Grow Damn It! is a book composed of some of the author’s blog posts. Each one is a gem! These are beautifully written and have the power to make you laugh, revel in the shared feelings and experiences, and occasionally want to weep at the emotional setbacks. The author has lots of philosophical observations and homespun wisdom that help to make the best of the life you’ve got. The honesty is refreshing and made it easy to identify with the situations she describes.

Despite some moving and heartwarming stories about her family, above all, this is a feel-good book that sparkles with wit and bubbles with happiness. I’ll definitely be buying her next one!

Grow Damn It! is a book that I absolutely loved. Cheryl Oreglia is such a skilled writer. This book is one of those books that never gets boring. You’ll feel so many emotions reading it and her witty sense of humour is going to keep you wanting to read more. Grow Damn It! is about Cheryl’s life, experiences and more. It’s sweet, funny, personal and at times brutally honest in the best way.