"Writers-in-the-making will feel buoyed and validated by this offbeat remembrance." —Kirkus Reviews

Berthiaume’s debut memoir traces critical moments that laid the groundwork for her present career as a writer. This book follows the long and winding road that led to the author’s mantra: “Be brave. Be you. It’s time.” Her self-described “deep soul dive” departs from the typical memoir structure, with each chapter styled as a letter to “the Universe.”...The first handful of missives focus, diarylike, on rites of passage, including moments when the White author witnessed racial and sexual discrimination, physical abuse, and bullying. These accounts offer hints of her budding writing career, but two letters, which share the title “Choosing Writing,” are highlights. The first begins in high school around the year 2000,when she accepted a coveted invitation to attend the prestigious Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, defying parental protests that it overlapped with prom weekend. The second chronicles a college epiphany when she courageously switched majors from marriage and family counseling to a master’s degree program in creative writing. But her initial commitment to the written word was rapidly overcome by marriage, motherhood, and other demands of adult life. Readers won’t be able to help but feel sympathy for Berthiaume as the book goes on; from the early pages, it will be clear to readers that the key to the author’s fulfillment is the ability to devote herself completely to writing. The signoffs to her 23 letters also effectively show the evolution of her self-image, from “forest dweller in an alternate life” to “your overachieving to-do list ninja” to “your well-intentioned advocate (and idiot)” to “one of the awesome ones” and “A.Y., professional writer.” The book also encourages readers to embark on their own brave journeys, with a targeted list of self-reflection questions after each letter and a detailed list of “Bravery Boosters” at the end. Writers-in-the-making will feel buoyed and validated by this offbeat remembrance.

"An inspirational and thoughtful guidebook...Be prepared to laugh, cry, and experience every emotion in between." —Indies Today

Indies Review

Indies gives it a 5-star rating! From childhood experiences that shaped who she became to the ups and downs of adult life, A.Y. Berthiaume has bared her soul and shared herself with the world in this memoir. Each chapter is written as a journal entry to the Universe about a specific incident, and often a turning point, in the author’s life. ...The first handful of missives focus, diarylike, on rites of passage, including moments when the White author witnessed racial and sexual discrimination, physical abuse, and bullying. These accounts offer hints of her budding writing career, but two letters, which share the title “Choosing Writing,” are highlights. The first begins in high school around the year 2000,when she accepted a coveted invitation to attend the prestigious Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference, defying parental protests that it overlapped with prom weekend. The second chronicles a college epiphany when she courageously switched majors from marriage and family counseling to a master’s degree program in creative writing. But her initial commitment to the written word was rapidly overcome by marriage, motherhood, and other demands of adult life. Readers won’t be able to help but feel sympathy for Berthiaume as the book goes on; from the early pages, it will be clear to readers that the key to the author’s fulfillment is the ability to devote herself completely to writing. The signoffs to her 23 letters also effectively show the evolution of her self-image, from “forest dweller in an alternate life” to “your overachieving to-do list ninja” to “your well-intentioned advocate (and idiot)” to “one of the awesome ones” and “A.Y., professional writer.” The book also encourages readers to embark on their own brave journeys, with a targeted list of self-reflection questions after each letter and a detailed list of “Bravery Boosters” at the end. Writers-in-the-making will feel buoyed and validated by this offbeat remembrance.

What Would You Ask The Universe?

Find out what's inside these pages ...

For anyone questioning their purpose on this planet… who once dared to dream or still does … or who's on the hunt to find themselves - this book is for you.

Dear Universe, I Get it Now is the work of A.Y. Berthiaume, a lifelong dreamer and exuberant professional writer. This is her inspirational story about facing challenges and peering into life's dark corners while longing to understand her place in the world and learning to accept and love who she is.

Berthiaume reflects on her journey through a series of letters written to her pal the Universe. With each letter, she sees that her path was a series of purposeful, cosmic invitations to be brave. She is asked again and again to become who she was born to be. Berthiaume tells her real-life tales in a voice that is equal parts sarcastic and tender. Her stories will make you cry, laugh, think, and nod in agreement.

For anyone questioning their purpose on this planet… who once dared to dream or still does … or who's on the hunt to find themselves - this book is for you. These letters will re-ignite flames you thought were extinguished; empower you to see your experiences as gifts (and signs), and inspire you to own your stories.

Dear Universe, I Get it Now will beg you to consider what you need to ask the Universe about your own journey and invite you to finally brave the path that leads straight to you. Alongside Berthiaume's personal memoir are reflective questions, journaling prompts, and more to guide you on your way.

Reader Reviews

What fans of Dear Universe are writing in to say.

Debbie Burns

Best-selling author of The Path to Courage

"Brilliant, inspiring, and laugh-out-loud funny. This is storytelling at its best. Berthiaume weaves truth with wisdom in a journey that transforms the soul as much as it captivates the imagination. Pure magic. You won't want to put it down. P.S. Bring lots of tissues. (Oh, and, Dear Universe... I'm so SO happy this book was born!)"

Tammy Flanders Hetrick

Author of the award-winning novel, Stella Rose

"Prepare to change your life. Berthiaume leads by example in this call-to-action book, bravely pulling back the curtain on how she has handled - or mishandled - key life events that led her to reveal, accept, and eventually love her real self. She invites us to chart a course to our own truth with provocative, at times painful, questions to ponder along the way. By the end of the book, you will be fired up to face the world with authenticity, courage, and hope!"

Angelic

Panama City, Florida

"If you, like me, are wondering whether your talents are worth being shared, whether your stories are worth being told, or whether your dreams are worth stumbling after, Dear Universe is for you. Each chapter is brimming with Berthiaume's authentic and unique voice. She shifts our personal paradigms with a brutal, yet tenderhearted, lucidity. She inspires and motivates us to be brave through her own stories. This book is for ALL women, at ANY point in their journey. Reading Dear Universe reignited my passion to share my own stories - to inspire others to share theirs - like Berthiaume has in Dear Universe."

Adam

Swanton, Vermont

"What captivated me about Dear Universe was the way Berthiaume captured human experience. We have all experienced shame and pride, loss and growth, trauma and unadulterated joy. This book captures those 'a-ha! Moments' we all have had when we look back on what we have been through and piece together how we ended up who we are. Through her profound retelling of events that shaped her, one can find more of oneself through her words because when reading through her lens, one will undoubtedly find themselves remembering the moments that made them feel the exact same way. And that, Dear Universe, is unifying."

Erica

Elmore, Ohio

"I opened it up and couldn't stop. Berthiaume's voice is present and truthful and so honestly real. I've never seen a book put together like this and I love it. I appreciate the varied signatures and her openness about experiences. I am over the moon for this amazing, amazing book."

Cindy

Essex, VT

"Berthiaume was able to showcase and portray that vulnerability is freedom, strength, and courage. By sharing her story, I felt a sense of relief in owning my own. I felt more okay with the things in my life that I've felt shame about previously. Dear Universe made me ask myself, 'What flames have I put out? What haven't I let myself align with?' Reading this book made me feel empowered to explore more of my own journey."

Heaven

Saint Albans, VT

"I couldn't put it down. Each letter is treated with such care and tenderness and this (letter-style) format is something that makes this book both accessible to readers while also creating closeness with Berthiaume. It feels very intimate. I also loved how Berthiaume deals with things head-on and doesn't skirt around the topics she addresses. Dear Universe is both short and sweet but packed to the brim with life lessons. So many of her letters brought a tear (or two, or three thousand) to my eyes. I just really loved this book."

Douglas

Burlington, VT

"Dear Universe transported me to different times, making me look back and think about my own childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. This book definitely made me ask myself what I would ask the Universe if they were listening. Beyond the philosophical questions, what I enjoyed the most was how much you got to know the author - she held nothing back."

Paula

Williston, VT

“Berthiaume shows up as a cheerleader and through her own vulnerability in sharing what she knows, she invites the reader to use bits of her life to make their own better. Berthiaume uses her life as a demonstration of what can happen when we search for truth. Simply put, this book inspired me."

Mikaela

Sacramento, CA

"These stories matter. Each story and each lesson are beautiful and rich. They've had an impact on me, and I know they will resonate with others. I cannot wait to see this actually on shelves."

Kameka

Akron, OH

"I loved it. I love Berthiaume's transparency and feeling her joy as well as her pain. I cried real tears as if she were right there with me. But I also laughed A LOT. This book is great and the questions at the end of each letter are so important. I can't wait for the world to see this book."

Paula

Williston, VT

"Captivating, relevant, timely. Berthiaume's scenes made me catch my breath and brought me to tears on more than one occasion. But what makes this book so fun to read, is Berthiaume's voice. She's a hoot! She's saucy, sarcastic, and tender in all the right proportions and places."

Kathy

Black, MO

"If you've ever wanted to know how to listen to what the Universe is trying to tell you, to be inspired to go for your dreams, and to discover how to become braver, this book is perfect for you. If you're like me and enjoy reading books that are structured so you can easily read one bit, one bite, or one story at a time, you'll love the layout of this book: Each Letter to the Universe is a perfect bite-size story to satisfy your appetite. This book is funny, insightful and heartfelt. It's like eating a warm cookie and drinking hot cocoa while snuggling under a cozy blanket. You'll love it!"

Shurice

Akron, OH

"I am inspired. Berthiaume clearly encourages us all to take a chance and choose ourselves and our dreams."

Sarah

Burlingnton, VT

"It's been a long time since I've read a book that's made me laugh and cry at the same time! Berthiaume says it like it is and balances the personal stories with deep insights that are universal (pun wholly intended) truths. The entire concept of writing to the universe is thought-provoking, but Berthiaume's voice really brings out the characters she writes. All women should read this book, period, regardless of your path in life. Especially if you need a nudge in the self-love, confidence, and dream-chasing areas!"

What Would You Ask The Universe?

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Reader Reviews

Debbie Burns

Tammy Flanders Hetrick

Angelic

Adam

Erica

Cindy

Heaven

Douglas

Paula

Mikaela

Kameka

Paula

Kathy

Shurice

Sarah

Follow Me @ayberthiaume

What Would You Ask The Universe?

Want the Universe to Provide Even More?

Free Content Downloads

Reader Reviews

Debbie Burns

Tammy Flanders Hetrick

Angelic

Adam

Erica

Cindy

Heaven

Douglas

Paula

Mikaela

Kameka

Paula

Kathy

Shurice

Sarah

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Follow Me @ayberthiaume