Regina's Record

About the Book

A powerful tale that is at once both tragic and triumphant. The tragedy is perhaps more apparent – the story of a traumatic separation from his mother who was hospitalized never to be released again, when [the author] was barely five years old, leaving him both relieved and forever longing for her return and their reunion.

--Dr. Alan Serposs

To the reader, [this book] is a brutal horror novel, filled with stark depiction of madness. To its author, however, it’s family history. . . Van Amber’s material is usually humorous, incorporating elements of fantasy, sci-fi and street logic with a sharp, unique style [and] uses that strength of storytelling to keep the pace of Regina’s story a brisk one.

--Joe Tougas, Mankato Free Press

This book is so horrifying it has to be read in small hunks. The author, who lives in Mankato, tells of his mentally ill mother’s years of torture—that’s the only way to put it—in a Veterans Administration hospital. . . Van Amber tells his gruesome story with an almost clinical detachment. But there’s also lyricism in his writing, especially when he’s recalling his own demons.

--Mary Ann Grossman, Saint Paul Pioneer Press

About the Author