Mark Steven Porro

A lovely, poignant memoir.

This is a tough one to read. Not because of the quality of writing, which is quite good. But because of all the red flags waving throughout Peter's harrowing tale. Having some experience with cult behavior while in Hollywood, I was keenly aware early on what Peter was up against. I never would have had the patience or perseverance to hang on as long as he did. But fortunately, the real tall man survived. And to that I say “Bravo!”

Note: These are not my reviews, but ones taken from Amazon to get the ball rolling.

2024 International Book Awards Winner
2024 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist
2024 IndieReader Discovery Award Winner
2024 Eric Hoffer Book Award Finalist
2024 Book Excellence Award Winner
2024 Firebird Book Award Winner

“A Cup of Tea on the Commode. My Multi-Tasking Adventures of Caring for Mom. And How I Survived to Tell the Tale” by Mark Steven Porro requires laughter, tears, and heartbreak to read. It also will ring a tolling bell for many caregivers out there, especially sons, husbands, and brothers. This could only have been written by a Jersey boy and it echoes my journey of returning to New Jersey to care for my Mom and Dad. Here's yet another amazing caregiver being honest and raw inspiring us to keep keeping on.
— Susanne White, Caregiver Warrior, author of “Self-Care for Caregivers”

This book was like sitting down at the kitchen table and sharing troubles with and old friend. Having parents is common, taking care of them with all the intimate details involved is not. Mark Steven Porro shared all the victories and defeats, sorrows, and disappointments along with making you giggle at some of the sillier exchanges between he and his mother. This book helps us to appreciate the tremendous effort that goes into caregiving and why we should all look to help lighten caregiver's emotional and physical load when we can. Thank you NetGalley for providing this opportunity for me to read this book. It's a keeper.”
— Laurie Mosey, Librarian, a NetGalley Review

A Cup of Tea on the Commode is a beautiful tribute to Genevieve Porro. As a reader, I felt like I got to know her as a person—she is funny, endearing, sensitive, and I laughed many times throughout. I love the narrator's tone of voice is unique, humorous, definitive, and conversational. It speaks to the readers. Mark doesn't shy away from expressing all emotions he felt as he took care of his mother, and it is very endearing. There are many touching stories in the manuscript, and many that will resonate with readers on an emotional level.
— Allison Itterly, Acquisitions Editor

“In his own words, ‘Dedication is not my problem....' Mark proves that beyond a doubt in this lovingly emotional dedication to (not only) his mother but his whole family and his life. Having a frighteningly similar experience with my own mother (albeit not as “hands on” as Mark) I couldn't imagine the tale told better than here in this book.”
— Larry Thomas, The Soup Nazi from Seinfeld

“I always believe that the impact of a book is measured by the lingering thoughts and reflections that remain afterwards. And A Cup of Tea on The Commode scores highly in this respect.”
— Paul Jeremaes, Co-author of Enter Your Flow, an Interactive Journey Toward Fulfillment and Happiness in Your Work Life.

“This book, A Cup of Tea on The Commode, had me clutching it until done!”
— Nancy May, host of Doing It Best with Eldercare Success podcast

“I found A Cup of Tea on the Commode very moving. I like the writing style - the humour highlights Genevieve's stoic sense of fun. It is an inspirational story that bravely tells it like it is. I must confess, it brought me to tears, but then it also made me laugh. Good combination.”
— Dr. Sharon Ager Wray, PhD in Sociology

This book resonated with me on so many levels. Like the author, I grew up on the east coast. I am also a retired actor who lived in Hollywood for many years. And I also helped my parents walk home. Jocelyn deftly weaves together her personal and professional lives along with exercises in a pastiche that will not only tug at your heartstrings but inspire both artists and non-artists alike. This book is beautiful inside and out, just like its author.