In Exodus 17, Moses didn’t swing a sword. He simply raised his arms. And as long as his arms were lifted, Israel won the battle. But when they dropped, the enemy advanced.
So, Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So Moses’ hands held steady until sunset. As a result, Israel won the battle.
Then Moses built an altar and named it “The Lord is my Banner,” and he said, “Hold high the banner of the Lord! The Lord will continue to fight against the Amalekites forever!”
Science now shows that even our blood responds to raised hands by rushing to the heart as it reinforces our posture of hope, which is also our Banner of Surrender. And victory begins with surrender.
When you’ve been battling that disease for years, it’s hard to keep trusting. When you are depressed, again, that darkness feels awfully heavy. When you have people constantly undermining you, it is discouraging, to say the least.
But remember, you are not in this wilderness alone. Find a fellow worshiper or two who will help you maintain the element of faith and let God fight your battles. All you have to do is lift up your arms and let the Holy Spirit speak on your behalf 💕
Armenia is another country, just like the rest. But Armenia is also a nation without borders. Thanks to the evil of this world that scattered us all over the planet, we have learned to redefine the word “unity.” I reached out to each and every one of you for support, and you didn’t let me down. You voted for The Sound of an Ordinary Life, my book. And the only reason I am able to post this reminder of an awesome victory is because I’ve had the greatest force behind me. Armenia, my beloved people who survived the deepest levels of atrocities, I can’t thank you enough for being a shining beacon in my life, for giving me the determination to move forward no matter what, and for bestowing courage upon me that overcame all obstacles, planned and programmed to make me another casualty of this fallen world. Without your support, who am I to leap from a severely silenced little girl into a voice that wants to rescue others and make a difference? Thank you 💕
Good morning. I was way behind receiving an email to vote for my book, THE SOUND OF AN ORDINARY LIFE. I am certain it was a simple oversight. The public voting ends on the 30th of this month. They finally sent me a link as of this morning. I would appreciate it if you could vote. Pretty please 🙏 I need all the help I can get. Have a lovely day. You made mine 💕
The Sound of An Ordinary Life is an unforgettable memoir penned by Alis Cerrahyan. Through her story, Cerrahyan highlights the importance of reconnecting with one’s inner self.
Alis Cerrahyan’s memoir The Sound of an Ordinary Life has received multiple awards and recognitions from a wide range of literary and cultural institutions. The book has been honoured for its contribution to personal narrative literature and its nuanced exploration of identity, memory, and emotional growth.
Among the awards received are The World’s Best Book Awards – Book of Excellence, the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, and the International Impact Book Awards. In addition, the book has been recognised by the Words Across the Waters Award, the Wordscape Wonders Award, and the Difference Maker Award, among others. These acknowledgments reflect the book’s broad appeal across different readerships and review panels.
Critics have consistently highlighted the book’s use of narrative voice and thematic consistency. Words Across the Waters described it as “an ability to hold space for contradiction, for disappointment, and for unexpected forms of hope,” while Wordscape Wonders noted that the book resists dramatization in favor of “emotional continuity.”
According to Excellence in Literature, “Cerrahyan’s memoir functions as a slow conversation with silence, avoiding spectacle while restoring personal agency.” The Pinnacle Review observed that “the project is not one of nostalgia but of recognition and repair.”
The Sound of an Ordinary Life is a non-fiction work that explores identity, memory, and personal growth through an extended reflection between the author and her younger self. It addresses intergenerational trauma, cultural transition, and emotional development through narrative structure rather than formulaic resolution. It has been recognized by several literary and cultural institutions for its contribution to literature focused on healing and human experience.
Alis Cerrahyan is a writer whose work centers on emotional resilience, lived experience, and introspective narrative. She draws on her personal history, including her background as an immigrant and parent, to explore themes of growth, loss, and self-definition. Her first book has received wide recognition for its approach to personal storytelling and constructive reflection.
The Sound of an Ordinary Life, a deeply personal and evocative memoir by Alis Cerrahyan, has been named a recipient of The World’s Best Book Awards Book of Excellence title. The award follows the book’s extensive recognition.
The book also recently received accolades from other award-giving platforms, including the following:
●International Impact Book Awards ●Literary Titan Gold Book Award ●Uplifting Lit Award ●The Bookish Reader’s Pick Award ●Atlas of Stories Book Award ●Beyond Boundaries Reads Award ●Book World Front Award ●Booknomad Tales Five Stars Award ●Global Spines Book Award ●Ink and Horizons Book Award ●The Narrative Voyager Award ●Voyages of Verses Book Award ●Book Excellence Award
The book has been praised for its “soul laid bare, stitched together with raw emotion and the quiet ache of self-reckoning” and invites readers to “feel the weight of inherited silence and the tremors of self-discovery.” Cerrahyan’s prose flows with a “poetic precision without indulgence,” refusing to drown in despair but instead moving “toward something resembling peace.”
Alis Cerrahyan’s memoir is described as “not just a retelling of the past, but a reclamation of self.” Her writing takes readers on a journey of self-discovery, encouraging a shift from seeing oneself as a victim of past experiences to embracing the potential for growth and healing. The work moves through raw emotions without wallowing in despair, instead exploring themes of reconciliation, love, and the quiet courage to move toward peace.
The book’s message is both poignant and hopeful. It is not a perfect melody, but an honest one–a reflection of growth and the resilience to move beyond past limitations. As Cerrahyan herself shares: “The reason behind The Sound of an Ordinary Life is to help others see themselves not as the victims of their past experiences, but as the beautiful creations God had intended them to be.”
Upon receiving news of the Book of Excellence award, Alis Cerrahyan expressed her gratitude, saying, “When I wrote The Sound of an Ordinary Life, I wasn’t thinking of recognition and winning awards. I was simply looking to make a difference by sharing the most intimate details of my life, hoping they motivate others to think they are not alone, and if I can free myself from a toxic past, so can they. Receiving The World’s Best Book Awards Book of Excellence title has validated my views about how we must treat everyone without discrimination, sprinkling love, compassion, and kindness, just so they can start seeing themselves from a different perspective, full of potential with unrestrained goodness and valuable abilities. Thank you for seeing my heart.”
Cerrahyan’s powerful words are a reminder that the journey to self-empowerment is one of self-reclamation. Through the metaphor of the Monarch butterfly, she draws a parallel between personal growth and transformation, inviting readers to shed the constraints of their past and fly toward new horizons. “The Monarch Butterfly has a brain the size of a pinprick and an extremely delicate body made of a tissue-like substance. Yet this beautiful creature makes a 4,385-mile roundtrip journey between Brazil and Nova Scotia… What if we could treat our past as a caterpillar or a chrysalis, and try to focus on developing our wings, just so we can fly to better horizons?”
You can find more details about The World’s Best Book Awards announcement here.
To get a copy of the book, visit Amazon or Goodreads.
About the Author
Alis Cerrahyan is a writer and advocate whose memoir, The Sound of an Ordinary Life, has earned widespread recognition. A testament to the resilience of the human spirit, her writing explores themes of love, self-discovery, and healing from trauma. Through her work, Cerrahyan aims to inspire others to reclaim their lives and recognize their own potential for growth and transformation.
The Sound of an Ordinary Life by Alis Cerrahyan is a moving memoir that looks into the quiet yet profound struggle for self-discovery and healing, and offers readers a chance to reflect on their own journeys through life’s complexities.
Drawing on scientific insights that confirm how childhood experiences profoundly shape adult behavior and self-perception, Cerrahyan’s book tackles the nuanced effects of emotional neglect and trauma. This personal exploration resonates with the science of attachment theory, which demonstrates that our early bonds—or lack thereof—inform much of how we tackle relationships and identity in adulthood. The power of this memoir lies in its emotional authenticity, allowing readers to engage deeply with the universal yearning for inner peace and self-acceptance, while illustrating the messy, nonlinear path to achieving it.
The book revolves around Cerrahyan’s reflections on her life’s ups and downs, weaving personal anecdotes with introspective revelations about trauma, healing, and the human need for validation. Cerrahyan takes readers from her challenging childhood to the eventual realization of her inner strength and wisdom, addressing themes of resilience, self-discovery, and spiritual growth. Each chapter unfolds another layer of her emotional journey, where lessons learned from personal suffering are turned into wisdom, making the book a beacon for those walking similar paths.
Cerrahyan’s ability to mix emotional depth with a clear, accessible writing style is one of the book’s strengths. She has a gift for turning complex emotions into simple yet powerful phrases, such as her vivid description of her younger self as “a child who internalized life’s negativities to maintain mental peace.” The book strikes a delicate balance between offering a personal story and addressing universal truths, making it relatable for readers. The poetic quality of the writing enhances its appeal, and despite dealing with heavy themes, Cerrahyan keeps the tone hopeful and motivational.
One of my favorite parts of the book is the moment when the author revisits her childhood self, allowing her past and present selves to confront their shared pain. This moment of reconciliation is beautifully written and symbolic of the larger healing process Cerrahyan aims to share with her readers. It’s a powerful depiction of how self-compassion can lead to growth and peace.
Readers who are not particularly drawn to introspective, spiritual, or healing-focused narratives may not find this book as engaging. However, it will resonate deeply with those who are interested in personal growth, emotional healing, and faith-driven journeys. Fans of books like Wild by Cheryl Strayed or The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls will appreciate Cerrahyan’s heartfelt exploration of resilience and overcoming hardship.
In summary, The Sound of an Ordinary Life is a heartfelt contribution to the memoir genre, offering readers a window into the transformative power of inner reflection and healing. Cerrahyan’s story unfolds like a gentle melody, resonating with themes of self-compassion and personal growth. Her words remind us that while life’s messiness can feel overwhelming, there is always a path to peace and contentment if we are willing to face our truths and heal from within. The book’s quiet strength lies in its ability to touch the hearts of readers, offering them both solace and inspiration for their own journeys.
In The Sound of an Ordinary Life, Alis Cerrahyan embarks on a profound journey, revisiting her seven-year-old self after six decades to confront and heal from the personal challenges of a painful childhood and dysfunctional family dynamics. Through this introspective narrative, she reassures her younger self that, despite the dark clouds of the past, life evolves into a rewarding journey. Cerrahyan delves into themes of forgiveness, particularly towards her mother and the healing process from neglect and ridicule. Her candid exploration offers readers valuable lessons on forgiveness, healing, emotional intelligence, confidence, and embracing positive energy.
The memoir intertwines the innocent perspective of a child with the wisdom of age, creating a realistic portrayal of her younger self, complete with the questions and thoughts typical of a child. Cerrahyan poses deep, philosophical inquiries such as, “Why is life so full of sadness?” and “What must a person do to find lasting happiness?” These reflections underscore the importance of self-awareness and addressing unresolved issues. By recalling past experiences, like being reprimanded for laughing in class and feeling disappointed by a favorite teacher, she illustrates the early disappointments that shaped her life. The book explores a diverse array of themes, including motherhood, religion, migration, and entrepreneurship in the salon business. These facets, representing different stages of Cerrahyan’s life, are thoughtfully interwoven and presented engagingly throughout the narrative.
The Sound of an Ordinary Life is a poignant portrayal of a woman committed to the inner work necessary to heal from past pain and embrace life’s potential. Readers who have endured the hardships of an unwelcoming family during childhood will find inspiration to connect with their inner child and seek closure, much like the author achieves in this memoir. Its reflective, metaphorical, and thought-provoking essays are true treasure.
The Sound of An Ordinary Life is an unforgettable memoir penned by Alis Cerrahyan. Through her story, Cerrahyan highlights the importance of reconnecting with one’s inner self.
Now in her sixties, Alis finally gains the courage to meet with her seven-year-old self, Canan. Through her conversations with little Canan, we get to know little snippets from her life and the life lessons she learned over the years. Born in a Middle Eastern family to a tyrant mother and a father who loved his wife too much to stop her, Alis had a tough childhood. Nevertheless, she was an inquisitive child, always dreaming of a better life. Even when her questions were ridiculed and her achievements underappreciated, she never stopped working toward a better future. However, the scars of her early years remained. Alis’ journey of rising above them is commendable.
Cerrahyan heavily focuses on the significance of one’s childhood and upbringing. Our early life interactions shape our adulthood. Even today, there are parents who treat children with ignorance. Their feelings are not taken into account, and they are looked upon as sub-humans. This has a heavy impact on a child. There are many who still remain stuck in a vicious parenting cycle. They treat their own children the way they were treated as a child, like Cerrahyan’s mother. At the same time, some like Cerrahyan are able to triumph over the negativity of their childhood. Even though the effects still remain, they do their best not to pass on a legacy of neglect and maltreatment.
Alis Cerrahyan also makes us understand the gravity of letting go of resentment and forgiveness. These are the stepping stones of living a life filled with contentment and inner peace. Though the people who hurt us may not accept their folly, it is up to us not to let their actions affect us forever. I have to say I really enjoyed getting to know about her father and brother. The way her father used his sense of humor to tackle life is inspiring. Alis’ love for her brother is evident. One of my favorite moments in the book was when little Canan got to know that her baby brother eagerly waited for her to come home. The joy felt in knowing that somebody needed her touched my heart.
The aspect that impressed me the most is the way this book is presented through Cerrahyan’s conversations with her own younger self. This unique narrative style has touched my heart. The themes of self-discovery, forgiveness, resilience, and inner peace are discussed in a simple and empathetic manner. Cerrahyan’s writing style has an ethereal, lyrical quality. Even though she deals with heavy topics, she makes everything easy to understand, even for a child.
Alis Cerrahyan’s life may seem ordinary at first glance. However, it is nothing short of extraordinary. The Sound of an Ordinary Life by Alis Cerrahyan is a heartwarming tale of resilience and self-discovery that taught me a lot about life. I highly recommend Alis Cerrahyan’s The Sound of An Ordinary Life to fans of memoirs and inspirational tales. This book will definitely help you on your path to becoming a better human being.
Links and More Info The Sound of an Ordinary Life by Alis Cerrahyan is a recipient of multiple awards, including the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, International Impact Award, Uplifting Lit Award, among many others.
This book is a winner of the Book of Excellence Award. The Book of Excellence title is a year-round recognition awarded to books that demonstrate exceptional quality, originality, and impact. These works set a high standard in storytelling, creativity, and contribution to culture or thought. Books earning this honour automatically qualify for the annual awards and become part of the Book of Excellence shortlist, eligible for the ultimate annual recognition.
Truth Be Told 