reveiw by book excellence and 2023 finalist

Shifting Winds: Life with an Addict, Finding a PATH Forward by Kym D. Rupeiks is a beautifully written book that details the downfall, destruction and recovery of a woman who witnesses alcoholism begin to take hold of her husband, and the impact this has on both of their lives. Author, Kym Rupeiks shares her truth with empathy, raw self-awareness and compassion which will leave you feeling profoundly affected and emotionally involved in her plight. 

Shifting Winds gives readers an uncompromising look at the destruction of a relationship as it hits rock bottom, and all of the steps that led it there. If you have a family member or loved one who is battling addiction, you will find hidden gems in this book to relate to and find comfort in. Rupeiks is brutally honest about the mistakes she made in her compassionate quest to support her partner. She also provides well-researched information about the behaviours and dynamics of alcoholics as they function within a family environment. 

Overall, you will find this book to be an inspiring, hopeful and powerful journey of an intelligent, warm and loving woman as she tries to battle against the internal demons that begin to envelope her husband and tear him away from her. In reading this book, you may find yourself gaining a new level of awareness, compassion and healing, if you or a family member are battling with any kind of addiction. Highly recommended! – Review by Book Excellence (bookexcellence.com)

In this book the author, Kym Rupeiks, offers a concise, easy-to-read, sensitive and informative approach to the difficult and societally prevalent issue of coping with an alcoholic spouse, who also was abusive. Rupeiks—in her fascinating debut novel—writes in a novel-like style that keeps you reading until you’ll find you’re hard pressed to put it down. It’s great as an educational tool and also gives sharp insight for those who have endured the same issues as well as those who have not and would a window into the psyche of this dynamic. A MUST READ. Excited for her next book! Thanks Ms, Rupeiks! I now feel like I know almost firsthand what it’s like to be in such a relationship. —Melanie H.

"This is a well written memoir of life with an alcoholic. The writer’s objective is clear- to openly share her experiences so that others in similar circumstances can make better decisions and take action to improve their situations. Parts of the book read like a bestselling novel, with character flaws directing the plot. Only this one is a real life. For me, a point that stands out, is that there is a downside to being a caring and helping person. For those of us who love reading stories, this one has twists and turns. What happened and what might have happened differently. And some of us will be reminded how fortunate we have been, that we have not had to deal with the difficult challenges like the ones told in this book." —David R.

"Shifting Winds would be an incredibly helpful book for someone living with an alcoholic. The author takes the reader into her several decades of increasing hell with her alcoholic husband, explains what she learned the hard way, and offers solid advice to those in similar situations. It adds another layer to what Al-Anon offers the family member. The book is well written and structured like a novel, with a tense plot and heart-breaking detail. I highly recommend it." —Jackie C.

“Kym Rupeiks’ debut memoir, Shifting Winds—Life with an Addict, Finding a PATH Forward was particularly interesting to me because I have experienced addiction problems in my immediate family. My father was a prescription drug user (Percocet) and my sister and stepsister were alcoholics, and their deaths were a result of their addictions. I felt the emotional impact of Ms. Rupeiks’ powerful, sad story throughout the book. It is a deeply personal and riveting account of four decades with her partner, Val, which is interwoven from the present physical and emotional crisis to their years of getting to that crisis. Ms. Rupeiks uses her narrative writing skills in the book with her organization, dialogue, and descriptions to encourage the reader to discover the outcome of the crisis while offering resources to help readers who are trying to find their own path. She was creative in her connection throughout the book with the poem “The Guest House” by Rumi, which was cited in the Introduction. Shifting Winds is written from the author’s heart and offers a PATHway for many of its readers. Ms. Rupeiks has used the “gifts laid before her,” and I hope she continues this rewarding path of sharing her experiences in writing not only for herself but for her readers.” —Jane S.