My Gift of Now: A Collection of Short Memoirs

By: Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow

Narrated by: Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow

Length: 4 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

My Gift of Now is a collection of memoirs and essays about tragic family loss through two plane crashes; finding love and marriage in middle age; travel and laughter; and issues of living the author sees as she looks around her. The listener will move from tears to laughter to empathy as the author tells her true stories of tragedy beyond comprehension happening twice in one family; of finding the needle in the haystack on a dance floor in her middle-age years; of travel filled with laughter and unforgettable adventures. After two stellar careers, retirement brought a new career as an author published in over 30 anthologies and the freedom to focus on the gift of now.

©2015 Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow (P)2015 Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow

Critic reviews

"A writer of immense and distinctive talent.... You will never forget her." (Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune/WGN Radio)

"Author Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow has a way of drawing you into her words, feeling the emotions they express. She gives you a glimpse into her world and allows you to glean treasures you can bring into your own." (Cyrus Webb, host of Conversations LIVE/top 500 Amazon reviewer)

Excellent story telling

If you could sum up My Gift of Now: A Collection of Short Memoirs in three words, what would they be?

Gift of Love.

What did you like best about this story?

I love the way that Elynne opens her life and her heart. Each story has a unique personal flavor. It truly is a gift.

What about Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow’s performance did you like?

I love Elynne's soothing voice. She is a pleasure to listen to. She gives her stories the extra dimension of hearing them told as she feels them. Such a revelation. Priceless!

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I laughed and I cried. The stories are charming, humorous, and down to earth.

Any additional comments?

You feel you have known Elynne and her family forever. She becomes a dear friend.

A profound work of art that captures the heart!

Would you consider the audio edition of My Gift of Now: A Collection of Short Memoirs to be better than the print version?

They are equal in quality. One enhances the other.

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Gift of Now: A Collection of Short Memoirs?

One of my most memorable moments was when Elynne performed the Holiday Diary in the lodge at the ocean. Former travelers had written nostalgic entries. I felt her mood as she expressed their heart warming and heart wrenching stories. There was empathy in her voice. It seemed I was in the lodge and my heart warmed. I felt her joy when she expressed that she would write in the diary about the love for which she had searched and found in Richard. It made me wish to go there with my husband and write in the Holiday Diary. .

Which scene was your favorite?

I love to laugh! The most humorous scene was when she and Richard took what they thought would be a romantic train ride. I knew the story well but hearing her perform it made me laugh all over again. When Richard said "this track needs work," Elynne laughed uncontrollably in the printed version. As she performed this part her words were dramatic and joyously expressed.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

When she performed Life 101 it touched me deeply. I loved her communication life survival skills insights. She spoke of the personal attributes of the mind. It is our place to go if we feel alone. It can lead you through your fears to where you feel safe, and it gives you courage. As she spoke so beautifully I remembered my friend who passed with ALS. All of her muscles stopped functioning, but she still had her brilliant mind. This comforted me in remembering that my friend was aware of my presence.

Any additional comments?

I recommend this audio edition to every reader who has the printed version. They go hand-in-hand. After having read the book... when I heard Elynne perform her inspiring stories, it felt as if she was on stage... and I was sitting on the front row! Absolutely magnificent!

Beautiful, touching, funny, and profound!

Would you consider the audio edition of My Gift of Now: A Collection of Short Memoirs to be better than the print version?

No - they are equally wonderful!

What was one of the most memorable moments of My Gift of Now: A Collection of Short Memoirs?

Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow writes beautiful, touching stories from the heart. Each story moves you to laugh, cry, or just appreciate life with all its joys and struggles. Elynne is truly an observer of life experiences, who can capture both small and big moments with grace, love, and strength.

What about Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow’s performance did you like?

Listening to this book in Elynne's own voice brings both warmth and deeper meaning to each story.

Any additional comments?

This is a wonderful audiobook, one I recommend purchasing for friends and family. It truly captures the essence of life!

A Wonderful Treat to Hear the Author

Would you listen to My Gift of Now: A Collection of Short Memoirs again? Why?

Yes, I would listen again.. there is so much thought and beauty in her words..These stories made me laugh and cry and just enjoy.. Elynne's perfect voice has tons of emotion in it, and I loved hearing her tell her experiences...It's almost like a different Book than when I read it..Her voice almost makes it sound like Poetry..

What other book might you compare My Gift of Now: A Collection of Short Memoirs to and why?

There is nothing to compare.. It's very unique and set apart from anything else I have read or heard..

Have you listened to any of Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, I have heard her perform her Stories live, but only a few at a time.. This is great because all the Stories are here and can be heard at my leisure..

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Of course, the Story about the horrific plane crashes is so moving and tragic, it made me weep..
But the Story abut Lucy and the Computer Dating made me laugh!
I also loved "The Hat" so powerful and moving..

Any additional comments?

Loved hearing all the Stories in the Author's voice!

A truly Great Performance!

More Than a Joy

Where does My Gift of Now: A Collection of Short Memoirs rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is my first audio book!

What did you like best about this story?

Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow's new audio book version of My Gift of Now us more than a joy!
The Narrator/Author us a born Storyteller. Her velvety, expressive voice infuses each story with warmth, sensitivity, and wisdom.

Which scene was your favorite?

The recounting of the unfathomable tragedies this Storyteller
Suffered at an early age were especially moving. The story of her
Life-long struggle with chocolate struck a loud chord with me!
Her story, The Hat, poignantly written in her book, was even
More powerful in this audio version. Perhaps because this story has personal meaning
For me, it was my favorite. I could feel the young man's dispair and
Frustration. I could also " hear" the rays if hope and
Inspiration shining through her voice.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. In this frenetic age, reading has almost
Become a luxury. This audio version of My Gift of
Now is the perfect solution! Find your most comfortable chair, turn off the T.V.
And be prepared to fill your senses with some of the most
Inspiring stories you will ever hear.

Any additional comments?

Be sure to purchase this wonderful audio book!

Spices of Life: Delicious, tangy, & way too hot!

Such is the life of this beautifully reflective author. While reading you can taste her rewarding life ever so sweet. Pouring out the tragedies gets so spicy hot the reader can't conceive how one would ever handle the shocking memories. Tangy miracles are scattered about, leaving the reader in wonderment. Loved the 5 star stories and narrative that makes you feel like you have a new friend.