Dr. Kerry Neville’s memoir takes national stage

Dr. Kerry Neville, interim chair, Department of Communication and associate professor, Department of English has a new memoir “Momma May be Mad,” and the news caught the attention of Georgia Public Broadcasting and National Public Radio Co-host Orlando Montoya.

Neville was recently interviewed in Atlanta by Montoya and his Co-host Peter Biello who discussed the book with her on the GPB/NPR podcast, “The Narrative Edge.” 

Tune in Friday, May 8, to “All Things Considered” and “Georgia Today” at 4:50 p.m. and 5:50 p.m. to discover more about “Momma May be Mad.”

NPR’s coverage is under eight minutes, while the GPB’s podcast is 16 minutes.

"Today's book is like a song that lifts us up in hard times,” said Montoya. “It goes through some difficult topics … It becomes inspirational. We can learn from it. Kerry is a writer … She's good at connecting things, making images, turns of phrases. This is almost like poetry … more like shadows and light. It's really a work of literature, a work of art."

Neville describes the memoir as a journey through dark years, including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, divorce and an eating disorder and back into the light.

“Readers can skip through the first 100 pages to get to the happy part,” she said jokingly.

The first third of the book focuses on these struggles, while the remainder details her process of rebuilding and finding joy in her life. Neville reflects on personal changes that led her journey of self-discovery through travel and solo adventures.

Neville shares a mantra from her therapist. The phrase has guided her to success.

"I will do whatever it takes to have the life that I want," she said. "What does this mean? Saying yes to hope and all possibilities for joy, love and purposeful growth the universe sends my way."

“The [memoir’s] narrative can traverse dozens of topics in just a handful of pages. An unusually intriguing and poignant memoir.”

                                                                                                                                             - Kirkus Book Reviews 

“[This] harrowing recovery memoir extols honest writing as path to peace. Neville lived to tell her story and shines a light for those who follow.”                                                                                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                             - Booklife Review