Winning Awards and Lots of Talk!
Gypsy is winning awards!
The Literary Titan issued 'Gypsy NoMad Hippie Chick' with their 'Silver Award'!
"The Silver Award is bestowed on books that expertly deliver complex characters, intricate worlds, and thought provoking themes. The ease with which the story is told is a reflection of the author’s talent in exercising fluent, powerful, and appropriate language."
Thank you, Literary Titan!
What our readers are saying...
5 out of 5 Stars!
“In Gypsy NoMad Hippie Chick, we are introduced to Dana Vilandre who is struggling to survive and navigate her way through the world without means. Homeless and dealing with a separation from her kids, she finds herself moving from place to place, trying to find herself and the inspiration to write. Despite all the hardships, she has a goal in mind that keeps her moving each day even when it feels hopeless. Wanting to create a non-profit organization for women is what drives her through this year of hell she is experiencing. Along the journey, we encounter a slew of men who come in and out of her life with each one giving her more of a perspective of herself. As we travel with the author on the year-long uncertain road ahead of her, we experience her joys and sorrow as she tries to find balance in her life.
I thought Gypsy NoMad Hippie Chick was a really powerful read that tugged at your heartstrings. The style of writing Dana Vilandre uses transports the reader into her shoes and along for the ride in the year of uncertainty that she has gone through. I found myself amazed at how she never gives up and keeps on moving and writing, which is something that not a lot of people could do. In a way, the situation in which she finds herself gives her more fuel and inspiration to write. My favorite parts of the book are the poetry which is well written and so emotionally charged that it gives the reader a glimpse into Vilandre’s heart during this struggling time. Gypsy NoMad Hippie Chick is definitely a book I will be recommending to others. I am eager to read more of Dana Vilandre’s works in the future.” ~ Tiffany Ferrell for Readers’ Favorite
5 out of 5 Stars!
4 Stars out of 5 Stars!
“Gypsy NoMad Hippie Chick is one woman's heartfelt, and sometimes funny, journey through life as she copes with the hardships of being homeless and suffering from depression while struggling to come to terms with choices from her past. This absorbing memoir captures a hard period in the authors life, utilizing writing she did at that time. We are invited to experience lowest point and join her at the end in a high point as she figures out what is important in her relationship with men, God, and herself.At first, I didn't know how to take this fiction or non-fiction, halfway through I settled on non-fiction. As I saw no sign of a plot, no in-depth cast of characters, just the introspection of 'she', which is an interesting way to go about telling the reader that she was finding herself. We don't find out her name until the end. By keeping the main character nameless and with little backstory to start, It was easy for me to see myself in her. The writing style showed her thought processes and state of mind very well. I understood right away that she was a person struggling with a mental illness. She seemed distracted and her thoughts were always jumping from subject to subject. What we do learn is absolutely fascinating and sometimes heart-wrenching, but I felt that I didn't understand how she got to that point. I wanted to know the hardships she faced, what was so wrong with her ex, where were her children? My desire to dive into these topics is motivated by the authors engaging writing style and curious approach to life.
The author uses great descriptive words in the book by opening each chapter with either "her" writing or a description of what "she" was doing. The beginning of each chapter is set up nicely and you get a sense of the mood she is in. There were some lovely scenes when she was with her children and you really get the sense that she is a free spirit. Gypsy NoMad Hippie Chick is a delightful memoir that conveys the message that it is okay to be who you want and to live life your way.” ~ Literary Titan (4/20/2020 Review)
Dedicated to the women of Her Place, Gypsy NoMad Hippie Chick: Homeless In New Hampshire by Dana Vilandre is a poignant, often thought-provoking memoir that evokes mixed emotions in the reader. Dana Vilandre’s account of her nomad life is a confusing mixture of emotions. The author often downplays the reality of her situation with optimistic reassurances verging on fiction, yet the sentiment with which she faces life is compelling. Daily prayers of gratitude help the author approach each day with a sense of hope. Vilandre employs the knowledge of studied writing in this well-orchestrated volume of personal thoughts. The reader is left with an appreciation of this woman’s sense of freedom in enjoying life to the fullest. " - Lisa McCombs for Readers’ Favorite