Love Queen

by Mireille Parker

Genre: Nonfiction / Memoir

ISBN: 978-1639886180

Print Length: 392 pages

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Through cancer and divorce, a life coach in her 30s asks where her true passion lies.

Love Queen is a unique and captivating memoir by coach Mireille Parker, chronicling her extraordinary life filled with love, career achievements, and exhilarating adventures, all while battling significant illnesses. Prepare to embark on a rollercoaster ride of emotions as Parker fearlessly shares her personal journey with authenticity and vulnerability.

At the age of 28, Parker meets Matthias, a man seven years her junior. Their whirlwind romance leads them to marry swiftly and traverse between their homes in Perth, Australia, and Lucerne, Switzerland. Their passionate and provocative personalities often ignite fiery arguments, which strangely align with their thrill-seeking natures. Despite their tumultuous relationship, they choose to weather the storm together for several years.

Parker, known for her commitment to a healthy lifestyle involving nutritious food and outdoor exercise, finds that even her best efforts cannot shield her from illness. At 34, she discovers a lump and receives a devastating diagnosis of breast cancer. Her initial response is to seek diet advice from a naturopath, brew coconut and dandelion tea, and chant affirmations on the beach. However, as the seriousness of her condition becomes undeniable, she undergoes surgery and embraces standard medical treatments. Three years later, another blow strikes when a doctor discovers cancer in her brain, leading to emergency surgery. Throughout her recovery, she confronts her deepest insecurities, ultimately emerging stronger and more resilient.

In the midst of battling cancer, Parker and Matthias decide to part ways. According to her Ayurvedic doctor, this separation represents a transformation from “vata and pitta” to “air and fire.” Seeking to fill the void, Parker eagerly embarks on new love affairs, which she candidly recounts in vivid detail. One particular man initially charms her, but she struggles to accept the limitations of his prosthetic knee, especially coming from a marriage that involved cycling through the picturesque landscapes of Switzerland.

From the very beginning of the book, Parker’s vibrant personality shines through. She is an extroverted, high-energy individual who fearlessly expresses herself, leaving no room for pretense. This magnetic force carries readers through hundreds of pages, as Parker candidly shares her beliefs, insecurities, spiritual practices, and miscommunications. Love Queen offers a window into the passions and flaws that shape a person’s identity.

It’s important to note that Parker’s adventures are rooted in financial security, which readers should be aware of. When she first receives her cancer diagnosis, she lacks medical insurance. However, her options include undergoing surgery in Switzerland or relying on her parents, who willingly pay $10,000 out-of-pocket in Australia. During this time, she also seeks guidance from a “shaman,” attending private $180 appointments. Despite financial challenges, Parker manages to maintain stability, with Matthias visiting Australia for a month and treating her to a surprise mountain trip for a sauna and massage. Additionally, she invests $7,500 in enrolling in a coaching academy in Los Angeles, which requires her to take $20,000 out of her home equity. Though she compares herself to peers with greater financial resources, she acknowledges her parents’ generosity without feeling dependent on them.

While Parker earns a modest income as a teacher, she refers to herself as someone with “limited funds.” It’s a reality that many people face, constantly pushing the boundaries of their financial limitations. Readers who are affluent may empathize with some of Parker’s financial struggles, such as the cost of expensive massages. However, Love Queen doesn’t solely address the question posed in its description: “how do we create joy with modest funds?”

Throughout the book, Parker sets resolutions to become the beautiful, sexy, and radiant woman who lives true to her brand. She experiences numerous self-realizations, discovering that grounded presence is her path to alignment. She openly expresses her desires, including the hope that her shamanic meditation teacher will be attractive. Parker even shares intimate letters to God, expressing gratitude for her sexual desires and recounting her daily activities, such as watching shows like “Big Bang Theory” and “Undateables” after bath time and activating her sorceress energy.

Love Queen is an illuminating memoir, especially for those engaging with Parker as a life coach or considering her services. It provides valuable insights into her process of clarifying career aspirations and finding her true calling. Written in an authentic and conversational voice, Parker describes her evolving attitudes, enduring convictions, approaches, talents, accomplishments, and the self-doubts that accompany her journey. Readers gain deep insights into her dating history, health food diets, and meditation practices. Personality charts, not only for Parker but also for her lovers, are included at the end, offering an additional layer of introspection.

This memoir serves as a treasure trove of wisdom for those interested in health, spirituality, dating, and relationship advice. While Parker explores the role of green smoothies and healing crystals in her life, she also emphasizes that true happiness arises from a profound self-awarenessrather than relying solely on external practices. Love Queen may revolve around Parker’s personal journey and epiphanies, but readers who resonate with her story may find it sheds light on their own experiences and provides valuable insights into their own lives.