Big Noise from LaPorte: A Diary of the Disillusioned

I am so grateful for Holly’s courage to share her journey with us. Holly is a survivor and still entertaining us all from this new stage. Reading this book is like grabbing a copy of coffee with an old friend. Just like life it is filled with highs and lows. It will make you life and cry, but it always worth the journey!

This is such an enjoyable read! It's like walking down a beautiful path and spotting a diamond here and there along the way. Here's one. Look there's another one. And another! But as you are laughing, you are also thinking: I'm so glad these horrible experiences didn't happen to me! But it is these sort of challenging experiences that shape a person into a talented writer.

Holly Schroeder wrote a book that is funny, introspective, tragic and thought-provoking. It also reveals the challenging world of being an artist- in her case acting/singing/dancing-faces.

Big Noise from LaPorte is a must read for anyone who was consistently denied their mother's approval; who puts the needs of others ahead of their own; who loves true stories about the struggles and triumphs of eking out a living as an actress and musical theatre headliner; who has had their heart broken...more than once; who values and adores pets and their antics; and, who survived a terrible auto-related accident. To say this book deals with survival on so many levels is an understatement. Holly Schroeder Link is a beacon to all of us in how to overcome life's myriad of struggles and learn to live in the moment. I could not put this book down. Each page took me down another rabbit hole after another with prose both clever and heartfelt. My favorite line goes something like, "I was so poor I had to cry in the bath tub because I could not afford Kleenex." You will laugh, cringe, sigh, smile and cry when you give yourself the joy of reading Big Noise from LaPorte. You will also be better for it. PS-I sure hope someone turns this book into a movie.

"Big Noise from LaPorte" is for anyone who is an artist, who has family issues (and we all do), who has been dumped, who has moved home into their parents home, who has taken care of elderly parents, freelanced and so much more! Holly's life challenges, her triumphs, her tragedies - are all put on the page in the most hilarious, vulnerable, and truthful style. My favorite parts in her journaling include her stories about her family (which includes many animals), the freelancing (theater, writing, commercials, Dept. 56) and of course, the end chapter of the book. Well done, Ms. Schroeder/Mrs. Link!!

Holly Schroeder has such a fun, charming, and quirky voice! She is very intuitive and sensitive, and shares some deeply personal revelations.. wrapped in a fun and entertaining package. Looking forward to future work!

Loved the read, Holly! You have a beautiful unique voice that we haven't had since Erma Bombeck or Garrison Keillor. Now will Hollywood notice? I hope so.Your wit and insight (& memory) should astound anyone with a sense of humor, but can also see the real Artist's Journey. It's not just a turn down and then it happens, it's a path where you have to keep the faith, a sense of humor, and roll over the dark sides--and then those worthy still may not get a pay off for their hard work. Los Angeles is filled with worthy talent that get lost--thank you for giving a voice to it, Holly! Loved your humor and insight! A Great read!

Big Noise from LaPorte did not disappoint. As Holly herself says, "you do not get to choose the crisis that transforms you". Isn't life really the thing that makes you who you are despite it's ups, and downs? Yes! and reading about Holly's very adventurous life journeys, the reader can really see how her life, and acceptance of things has transformed her. She is a lover of animals, has a zest for life, a humor and a writing style that make the book an enjoyable read. You feel her raw emotions every step of the way and I so appreciated her sharing her journey with us!

This book was a real treat…I couldn’t put it down. Holly Schroeder did an outstanding job of writing a memoir that was equal parts humorous, thought provoking, and brutally honest. The beauty of this memoir is that she had kept a diary since childhood, which gave her plenty of material to write about, She so adeptly explains the struggles she has had with finding her footing in the acting/entertainment industry, while juggling her love life, and family. Her characterization of her family is especially poignant.Full disclosure…I met Holly at Purdue when we were both students, and a mutual friend recommended her book recently. We hadn’t been in contact since the 80s. After reading her book, I felt like I was completely caught up with her life, as if none have the years had ever passed.This would be a great “book club” selection as each chapter gives readers much to reflect upon and to discuss. I found her writing to be so readable and humorous. I loved it. Can’t wait for her next book to come out!