Reviews tagging 'Child abuse'

Not My Father's Son: A Memoir by Alan Cumming

58 reviews

maddy4prezident's review against another edition

emotional funny mysterious reflective sad fast-paced

4.5

This book was a profound recollection of childhood trauma, and an inspiring story of how Alan Cumming and his family grew past—and healed from—the abuse experienced at the hands of his father. Alan Cumming shares his family's story with a very emotionally intelligent and trauma-informed perspective, and he shows the reverberations of childhood abuse into adulthood. The parallels that he draws between his life and his grandfather's life are also exceptional, and his "present day" storyline offers the perfect framework with which to share his past. Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book to others.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, and Physical abuse

Moderate: Bullying, Domestic abuse, Eating disorder, and Alcohol

mollymdull's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Abandonment, and War

Moderate: Cancer, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Suicide, and Car accident

Minor: Panic attacks/disorders

bookedbymadeline's review against another edition

emotional funny inspiring sad fast-paced

5.0

I listened to a podcast interview with Cumming where he talked briefly about his career and life which made me want to learn more about him, and listen to his voice more.

Cumming had a very difficult childhood which made this a heartbreaking and tragic read at times. This book is about his journey to healing and learning about his family’s history. Listening to the audio version was like sitting and catching up with a friend you haven’t seen in awhile 🩷 Also as I kind of touched on, his accent is lovely to listen to!

A few of his stories or the way he talked about his experiences as an actor made me laugh, making for a not completely emotional/dark read. I loooved his passion for Eurovision and could very much relate (he put into words exactly how I think of the event). Overall I’d highly recommend if you enjoy celebrity memoirs or stories of healing!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse

Moderate: Bullying, Mental illness, and Violence

Minor: Cancer, Gun violence, and Death of parent

lilpunkboi's review against another edition

challenging dark funny inspiring medium-paced

4.0

A moving story about generational trauma, accepting and healing from childhood abuse, and finding reflections of yourself in generations since passed. Alan does a great job bouncing between what lighthearted stories he's able to tell, and the darker more emotional parts of his past, as well as the past of his father and grandfather. Cried more than once, but I really appreciate the openness and honesty of his story.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Mental illness, Suicide, and War

airyyyn0921's review against another edition

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse and Violence

m_chavez's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse

samwalburn's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, and Grief

popsicleplease's review against another edition

challenging emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Physical abuse

Moderate: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts

mymorie's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse

robynlindsay's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

5.0

This was heartwrenching in places but such a wonderful insight into the life and trials of Alan cumming. He talks openly and honestly about subjects that are far too often swept under the rug - hopefully this book will inspire more people to talk openly and seek help if needed. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Child abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Physical abuse

Minor: Bullying and Eating disorder