My mother told me, “Don’t eat your vomit!” You see, my mother was referring to accepting people back into your life after they have done you wrong, broken your heart, or cheated on you. My tumultuous life experiences led me to also use “Don’t eat your vomit” to refer to people I trusted, who later betrayed me so fiendishly that it felt as if they stabbed me in the back and twisted the knife. Although I understood, it was not until years later that I recognized my vomit alluded to so much more – certain people, unhealthy relationships, and patterns of destructive behaviors. Not only is vomit in this context a metaphor, but it is also Scriptural.
Proverbs 26:11 NIV [11] As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly.
We all do this (eat our vomit) at least once, if not more, at some point in our lives. Too many times, it is simply about perception. Some people learn after the first time, others continue their destructive cycle in hopes of changing the outcome. Rarely will they be successful.
Understanding is the key to preparing yourself to either purge or manage your vomit. Only then can you survive and thrive.
Assessment:
Plot/Idea: Austin has provided the reader with a deep look into her tumultuous life, filled with love affairs, difficulties at work, and prejudice, along with lots of self-growth and triumph. She also takes the time to humbly reflect upon her choices, analyzing them at the end of each chapter, along with providing relevant scripture and a prayer for those in similar situations. The book reads a bit like a romance novel, with a large focus on relationships and sex, which may fit a niche market combined with the scriptural focus.
Prose: Austin is a born storyteller, as her stories are full of drama and intrigue. Though sometimes sentences can lack variety, the story flows well, and the timelines make sense.
Originality: From the provocative title and metaphors that continue throughout the book relating to vomit, to the wild stories of Austin's life, this book is definitely unique. For those who want to read a fascinating story about a woman who never gives up, despite facing all kinds of challenges, this is the book for them.
Character Development/Execution: Austin's character is well-developed, and the reader can easily sympathize with her. The rest of the cast is more supportive in nature and serve to move the storyline forward.
Date Submitted: December 10, 2021
"Reviewed By Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite
Carolyn was from a stable family filled with love. So it was within reason that she wanted a beautiful career and love life. Only, there are wishes, and there is fate. At nineteen, she married her high school sweetheart, Danny. Unfortunately, what started as a love match turned into a hub of abuse, infidelity, discontent, and unhappiness. With her baby girl’s safety on the line, Carolyn got a divorce. Her second husband was worse, a man who mirrored the previous one in name, deed, and more. Carolyn also faced terrible persecution at her job as an African-American woman. She suffered harassment, sabotage, mutiny, and all career stunting actions. Within her ordeals, the Holy Spirit takes her on a journey through life in this book titled Don’t Eat Your Vomit! by Carolyn L. Austin.
Don’t Eat Your Vomit! by Carolyn L. Austin is a relatable memoir. I read this book with bated breath. It was thought-provoking and a cause for self-reflection. I was baffled most of the time because I couldn’t wrap my head around many things, but this memoir was indeed a vomit! Carolyn was transparent and resilient! Reading this book caused me to reevaluate and take stock of every relationship I’ve had, from the workplace to family, friends, and significant other. I wondered if I ever sold myself short. My spirit found rest in chapter 30, as it was the port of truth. I realized that, most times, we are the vomit. We need saving from ourselves and strings of bad choices. While purging the unwanted from our lives, we must look inwards to ensure that we didn’t help shackle ourselves. Thank you for sharing, Carolyn."
