LitPick Review
Circling Home: What I Learned by Living Elsewhere by Terry A. Repak is a reflective memoir about the author’s personal journey of self-discovery, identity, and belonging, shaped by her experiences of living in various parts of the world. The narrative not only explores the physical act of relocation but also delves into the emotional and psychological shifts that occur when constantly moving and trying to define "home."
A significant aspect of the story revolves around Repak’s husband, who worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on AIDS-related projects during a pivotal time in their lives. While Repak herself was not directly involved in the AIDS work, the family’s life was heavily influenced by her husband’s work, and she reflects on how this experience impacted their family dynamic. The book intertwines the global health crisis with personal experiences, giving readers insight into how public health efforts during the AIDS epidemic shaped their lives in ways both personal and professional.
Throughout the memoir, Repak also shares the challenges and joys of raising children while constantly relocating. She reflects on the impact of their nomadic lifestyle on her children’s sense of stability, their relationships with each other, and how they navigated their own identities in different cultures. Repak’s observations about motherhood, the changes she witnessed in her children, and the balance of trying to make each place feel like home for them are some of the most poignant aspects of the book.
Repak’s experiences of displacement are not only about finding her own sense of self but also about nurturing a family through those transitions. Her journey with her children in helping them adapt, grow, and understand the concept of home had added another layer of emotional depth to the memoir.
As Repak moves through different countries and cultures, she raises important questions about what home truly is: Is it a place, a community, or something that is created within oneself over time? Her reflections, shaped by her personal journey and family life, ultimately ask readers to consider the power of belonging, identity, and home in their own lives.
Opinion:
It is a beautifully introspective and thought-provoking memoir that delves deeply into the complexities of what it means to call a place "home." What stood out to me the most was Repak’s ability to weave together her personal experiences with broader themes of identity, belonging, and the emotional weight of constant movement.
From the outset, Repak invites readers into her world of relocation and adaptation, making it clear that "home" is not necessarily a static concept. As someone who moved frequently throughout her life, I appreciated how she reflected on the nuances of uprooting, not just as a physical act but also as an emotional and psychological journey. Repak's writing offers a raw honesty that resonates with anyone who has ever felt displaced or struggled to define where they belong.
One of the more compelling aspects of the book is her portrayal of family life amidst these constant transitions. Repak’s reflections on raising children in such a dynamic environment are particularly moving. She thoughtfully explores how her children adjusted to new places and cultures, and how she, as a mother, navigated the balance between offering them stability while also exposing them to the beauty of the world’s diversity. The challenges of motherhood in a nomadic lifestyle are captured in a way that is relatable to anyone who has tried to raise children while living outside of their comfort zone. Her vulnerability in sharing both the joys and difficulties of this experience made the book feel more personal and grounded.
Another layer of depth comes from Repak's discussions about her husband’s work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on AIDS-related initiatives. While Repak herself wasn't directly involved in this work, it undeniably had a profound impact on her life and her perspective on global health crises. The way she interlaces her family's experience with her husband's professional challenges in such a complex context adds another level of emotional richness to the narrative. I found it insightful to see how this affected their family dynamic and their journey as a unit, while still maintaining the focus on her personal growth and reflections.
Repak’s reflections on the idea of "home" are both poignant and timely. She acknowledges the complexities that come with constantly moving—from feeling like an outsider to learning how to build new relationships in unfamiliar places. Yet, through it all, she offers a refreshing perspective: home isn't just a place; it's something we create through our experiences and the connections we form along the way. This is a message that stayed with me long after I finished the book, as it’s a reminder that we are all, in some way, in a constant process of shaping our identities, regardless of where we are physically.
In conclusion, Circling Home is a thought-provoking read that offers a fresh perspective on belonging, identity, and the concept of home. Repak’s writing is insightful, personal, and filled with genuine emotion. Her story is not just one of constant relocation, but also of growth, resilience, and the ability to find a sense of home within oneself, no matter where life leads. Whether you’re someone who has experienced a similar nomadic lifestyle or you’re simply interested in the philosophical exploration of home, this memoir offers something valuable. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a deep, meaningful reflection on life, identity, and the places that shape us.
