Reviews

Powerful . . . Haunting.  Rarely does a book grab me from the very beginning, reading it late into the distracting me as I went about my daily routine, anxious to get back where I left off the night before. This is one of those unforgettable stories that will haunt you and stay with you long after it is finished. I had to remind myself that I have never been to Belize . The author paints a picture as clearly as if I walk the trails with her, taking in the scents, sights and sounds. Beautiful surroundings mixed with pain, humiliation and suffering . . . making choices so painful I had to put the book down and weep for her strength and will to survive. I will never forget this story.
— Karen Majeske, New Boston, MI

• An adventurous journey of real-world survival.  Belize Survivor is a page-turner. Be prepared to put other things aside until you've finished reading. It is a story of a young woman, part flower-child who follows her adventurous heart, traveling across North America and down through Mexico to settle in Belize in Central America. Alexis is courageous, strong, and intelligent, and yet finds herself embroiled in a toxic, controlling relationship with the father of her children. Her struggles to break away and to obtain custody of her children are heart-breaking. The courage she displays is inspirational. Any woman living in an abusive relationship should read this book. The backdrop for this amazing story is the beautiful "jewel of the Caribbean," Belize, and the author's description of life in the jungles and on the beaches is so convincing, one can almost feel the breezes, smell the orchids, and hear the sounds of tropical birds singing. If you have ever thought about leaving civilization and starting all over again, from scratch, living off the land in an exotic foreign land, this is the book for you. It will make you smile, it will make you cry, and you will marvel at the strength and determination of the heroine.
  — R. Bevis, Bellingham, WA
• Life Changing!  I bought the book as a gift not really intending to read it. I was having trouble sleeping one night and went into the closet where I was keeping it until the birthday of my mother-in-law. Please understand, I had not picked up a book in years due to my trance like workaholic lifestyle. I quickly read the first few pages and found myself transformed in an era before my time walking along the beaches of Key West. It was 1:15 in the morning, three hours had passed, and I was nowhere near to closing my eyes. My heart was beating faster and my mind was full of possibilities as I began to dream like Alexis, the main character in the book. I had to force myself to fall asleep, dreaming about adventures. I woke up wide-eyed the following morning with a new-found inspiration to take risks and believe in myself. As I turned the last page of the book, I felt as though I had become the woman behind the story but, above all else, I felt sadness that my nightly hide-away was over. Please write a sequel!! Run – do not walk to buy this book. This, in my opinion, is one of the best books ever written. Get your book signed. This lady is going to be famous!"
  — CJ Cordisco, Fort Myers, FL
• Compelling.  This book is artistically crafted and inspiring. The world portrayed inside is full of detail showing the two sides of paradise, the paradox of beauty and danger. I feel that many of us live here, comfortably, but in denial of our own dark sides, of the darker side of realities we don't want to face. The book is so well balanced, starting with the title, that it becomes an inspiring reminder that life is complex and has, always, the yin and yang components. I could feel all the stages that the heroine passes through, including her desire to believe that things will change. Yet, even when she hates, she is still compassionate. The book elicited many deep feelings. I was outraged at her abuser, and relieved when she escaped to Mexico. A friend of mine also escaped with her daughter, leaving behind her son, so I could also understand the main character's anxiety. Also, I could relate to so many of the jungle stories. I guess the Belizean wilderness is not so very different from Colombia 's, even though I was never so far away from civilization. Usually, I rate a good book according to how much it induces me to write my own stories. This one has that plenty of that ingredient. So, a great book and I will feel honored to write it in Spanish!
  — Silvia Casabianca, Naples, FL (Author, Translator)
• Heroic.  After so many years in mental health counseling, I thought nothing could move me strongly any more, but this book has made me feel the pain down to my bones. I have cried with, and for, Alexis, for her children, for her losses and also have enjoyed her adventures. Knowing this author personally has elicited lots of emotions. She is a hero. I honor her path and I feel so grateful to have her wonderful spirit in our group! I am pleased that the author will be speaking at some of our events. I would like all our of key people at the Shelter to read her book and feel close to what we work with and the kinds of things that people really need to understand.
  — Ivette Gomez, Shelter for Abused Women and Children, Naples, FL
• Deeply gratifying.  This book fills you up. You relive the adventure, experience the trauma with the author, and feel fulfilled when you finish. The lush back drop of the Belizean jungle pervades the book and there are glimpses of the magic of the reef giving an added insight into this tiny Central American country. The sunlit hippy era is recalled in the descriptions of Key West and California and will speak to many who lived through it. Well written, captivating and complete I strongly recommend it, in particular to women, as it holds out a beacon for resolution.
  — Christine Morgan, UK
• Enthralling and inspiring!  Ms. Koerner paints a vivid picture of the horror of spousal abuse and parental alienation in "Belize Survivor," and carries the reader on a journey of hope, heartache and the will to survive. Young and idealistic, Alexis follows the man that she loves, a kind and handsome man, into the jungles of Belize, searching for the perfect life. She reluctantly follows him, sharing and supporting his dreams and believing him to be her soul mate, but she soon learns that images are tragically deceiving. The mountains of Belize provide the backdrop to the story, and whose majestic beauty stands in stark contrast to the pain suffered there by one young woman. Isolated from her family by distance and in a country whose legal system was corrupt and one-sided, Alexis suffers indescribably at the hands of her husband, the father of her children, but knows that the day is coming when she must make the impossible decision. I have rarely read a book that so clearly illustrates the thoughts, beliefs and desires of an entire generation coming of age in the turbulent and tumultuous early 1970's. I was enthralled with the story of Alexis and her dogged determination not to give up, even in the face of unthinkable despair, and found myself sharing the same dreams, fears, hopes and pain. Ms. Koerner deserves kudos for having the courage to share her story so that others may not suffer the same. I eagerly anticipate Ms. Koerner's next novel!
  — D. Hoesch, Fort Myers, FL
• Top-flight author.  This top-flight author tells a wrenching story that reaches into the core of the reader. Her writing is excellent, and the story soaked in reality – both in the descriptions of an area she had to have lived in to order to describe it in such lush and, sometimes, scary detail. And more deeply, I tasted and felt what it must really be like to be abused – surely other victims of domestic violence will identify with the agony and the terror. I loved the poignancy of the daughter – with her early sensitivity, wisdom, natural sadness, and ambivalence despite all.
  — Chris Jorgensen, Fort Myers, FL
• Incredible book.  This book is amazing. It was just so well done. The author's gift for creative, descriptive writing is one thing, but dealing with the subject matter and the obvious personal pain of putting it into written words – the determination, courage, intelligence, and energy to write this novel from her own experiences – I just feel the greatest tremendous respect and admiration for such an effort. Also, it is hard to express just how particularly inspiring, affirming and helpful it was in regard to my own personal life. As I neared the end of the book, there were several pages that I bookmarked because of a few lines that were simply amazing, and of huge spiritual benefit to me. The book was a wonderful source of comfort and gave me great peace of mind.
  — John P. Hale, Akron, OH
• Hard to put down.  I had intended to read this book at a leisurely pace. No such chance. From the beginning, it was riveting. I had to force myself to put it down when my eyes became too dry to focus. Why do bullies only pick on nice people? Why do they always have to have an "enemy" to hate? I learned so much from the educational details in this book. The pictures painted in the story really help the reader live the experiences. It is both painful and wonderful. The book clearly demonstrates the overall progression and cycles of abusive behavior, the fear, and the impossible choices. It is also an amazing jungle adventure. I highly recommend this book.
  — Mary Jane Cummings, Covelo, CA
• Captivating.  A very captivating story indeed and one close to home for me. I have experienced an abusive relationship before, and it is amazing quickly and innocently one falls into such a relationship and how one feels such a fine line of love and devotion, fear and hate. Far too many women find themselves literally sucked into these kinds of relationships. The bravery comes not from enduring, but from releasing ourselves of the cycle of control and violence. Kudos to the author!
  — Gloria Kleis, Bonita Springs, FL
• Couldn't put it down.  Belize Survivor is absolutely wonderful. I loved it, and I had trouble putting it down. I was reading at night when I should have been getting ready for bed. My eyes were hurting and watering and I still didn't want to quit. I would want to read on a few more pages and then a few more. It is so very well written. The descriptions of the jungle and other surroundings created a mental picture for me. The characters are believable and the dialogue comes very naturally. The activity is an adventure which, as it unfolds, envelops the reader. I think this would make a fantastic movie. It has everything. Just picture the scenery alone. The story represents an important social movement in this country that changed our society. It has everything.
  — Arla Gwynn, Edinboro, PA
• Survivor - Unbelievable!  I just finished this book 5 minutes ago and raced to the computer to add my rave reviews to the growing collection. I do believe life is full of surprising connections and moments of serendipity that amaze even the most jaded. This book entertained, depressed, enraged, and inspired me. I will be moving to Belize this year with family, and although leaving my 15 yo son behind with his dad is a difficult choice I have not verbalized this til I read the end of this story. Although never physically abused, I encountered many years of dealing with the psychological and emotional manipulations of my son's father. Choosing to leave a child can never be explained by words to anyone that has not experienced the pain of chewing their own limb off. I can not wait for the book sequel and the movie. Best of luck to the author and thank you for surviving and having the courage to share your powerful story with others! The Golden Rules do apply and it is always wonderful to see another great example of life's energies "always coming back home to you".
  — “Beachdreamer,” TN
• Great Book!  This book is a real page-turner - an exciting and at times, terrible, account of the experiences of a very brave woman. The author juxtaposes the beauty of Belize with the horrors of her marriage, but we never fear that Alexis won't overcome her adversity. Koerner's writing is "right up there" as you can visualize everything she describes. The end of the story is an impressive look at how anything can be overcome, with determination and courage. I loved it.
  — Carlene Thissen, Naples, FL
• Even in the Tropics, the Grass is not Greener  In this honest, counter-cultural, portrait of life in Belize (and America), Nancy Koerner reminds us that the grass is not necessarily greener in the tropics! Koerner's book is an adventurous page turner and so relevant and dear to my personal life, having myself packed my bags and moved to Belize along when I was 19. In the beginning of the book you are introduced to this bright, young, creative, entrepreneurial, spirit who soon becomes overshadowed by an abusive, emotional vampire . . . all under a canopy of jungle, adventure, and nature's awesomeness — hurricanes, floods, shark attacks, and gut-wrenching decision-making all lie within Koerner's account of life in a country with few resources and where you can pay someone to turn their head and look the other way. In the end, when it comes to life and death decisions, Alexis must choose life over living in an image of what she wished her life and husband to be. She realizes that she cannot make others change, but is she strong enough to change on her own and leave Belize alive? Read on to find out . . . you will not put this book down . . . I found myself reading it slowly just so that it would not end! And to the author: thank you for writing such an honest book. It has helped me to reflect about my life and where I am going (or not going) next.
  — Ilana Pearlman, USA and Belize
• I loved this book!  I just returned from a trip to Belize. While there, I relaxed in my beach cabana reading this book which had been recommended to me by someone who knew I was planning a vacation to Belize and also knew that I am still a 60's girl at heart. Wow is my comment on this story! Great book, I was fascinated by Alexis' story, it brought tears to my eyes at points as I truly felt what she was going through and felt this story come straight from her heart. This IS her heart and soul laid bare for all of us to see and share, I know that it took a lot of courage to tell this story! I was inspired and encouraged by this book; the phrase that she stated 'find the rose among the thorns' is good advice for everyone. This book really spoke to me especially I think as I have shared many of the times and experiences mentioned. Her descriptions of life with an abusive man are painfully true; her descriptions of life in the 70's are very accurate as well. I know - I was there, I used to go and listen to Steve Gaskins lecture in San Francisco before he and his group went to the Farm in Tennessee ! Also she is an artist with words and paints lovely and accurate pictures of the places and people in Belize. When I finished reading her book my first reaction was that I wanted to just find her and give her a big hug and then ask her if she was writing a sequel as I truly want to know what happened next in her life. It would be awesome to see this come out as a movie as well!
  — “Irisheyes,” MI
• A triumphant story!  I enjoyed this book immensely! I loved all of the descriptive passages of the flora and fauna of Belize, the variety of themes in the book – idealism, adventure, friendship, pioneering, courage, love, loss, growth, resilience, fragmentation, healing, and triumph, as well as the wonderful vignettes of the protagonist's cherished friends, Indian Ron, and her mentor, Jack. I highly recommend this book.
  — Aaron Hoge, Minneapolis, MN