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laurajordensharris's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Sexism, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Classism
samanthaleeshea's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism
bella613's review against another edition
3.0
I won't say I liked it, though.
The last third or so was the best out of the book- tbh I would have rated the first half 2 stars. This might be because the beginning events take place before she could possibly remember them.
I know it's a memoir, and it's her perspective on her own life, but something I can't quite put into words to felt off about it. It reads very casually, in parts that are clearly not lighthearted. Some people described it as straightforward writing style but it felt more detached to me. I obviously dont know the facts of her life but I felt the distinct impression of someone exaggerating, not necessarily to gain sympathy or praise, but more because they actually see themselves as the main character of the world. The whole family is clearly very intelligent (even though both parents are extremely closed minded, selfish, and arguably psychotic) and the kids took a lot of initiative despite never being taught or shown any responsibility.
I think the biggest thing that made it difficult for me to relate and/or take something from this book is that the people in it don't feel real. Walls describes everyone in her life as very clear good vs bad characters- there are the evil ones and the victims, and no in between. And despite this, she shows almost no resentment and describes no clear forgiveness. Everything that was done to the children is swept away and they sort of just act like nothing happened once they are on their own. There's no boundaries set but there's also no reconciliation.
I listened to the audiobook, which the author reads herself. I would have preferred a different reader but I would say I'm glad I listened rather than reading it in physical copy.
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
sabrinalexis's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Child abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Classism
kmsander4's review against another edition
5.0
But the storytelling is second to none. You feel like you're right there beside these kids as they struggle their way through life.
This is a must read, especially for those who believe they don't or won't like non-fiction. I think this one will change your mind!
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Alcohol
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, and Violence
Minor: Death and Death of parent
ellarob's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Animal death and Sexual assault
itsjadenbaby's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Classism
Moderate: Infidelity, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, and Forced institutionalization
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
mikayla_h's review against another edition
4.5
Moderate: Alcoholism, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
cheerstochels's review against another edition
4.5
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, and Violence
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Pedophilia, Racism, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Minor: Body shaming, Confinement, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Blood, Stalking, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
jadenchimes06's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail