Rise: How a House Built a Family

Brookins narrates her own book, turning events from her life into a fascinating story. This is typical of Brookins's do-it-yourself attitude toward life. While her four children were still reeling from her ex-husband's abuse and descent into schizophrenia, the author decided they needed a confidence-building project: a new house, one constructed with their own hands where they could escape the memories still alive in their old home. Interspersed with sad and painful stories from Brookins's experiences with her deeply troubled husband is her unflinching chronicle of the new home, from idea to loan to foundation to sheetrock. For nine months, the author acted as her own contractor and plumber while her four children were her work crew. While Brookins's reading is sometimes a bit too staid for the events, listeners will appreciate that she does not overdramatize. Her humor and solid descriptions will cause them to hang on every word to see what happens next.