Reviews tagging 'War'

Uncultured by Daniella Mestyanek Young

79 reviews

raine_forest_cafe's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional inspiring medium-paced

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Xenophobia, Sexual harassment, and War

Moderate: Body shaming, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Incest, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Homophobia

caitlyn_baldwin's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional medium-paced

4.5

Really gripping memoir, but definitely check content warnings if you have concerns. Daniella recounts her childhood growing up as a legacy member of the Children of God and how that lead to a career in military intelligence. Through her narrative it was easy to see how her upbringing in the cult primed her to be an ideal candidate for the military industrial complex. I think she gives a really thoughtful account of the inner workings of the military and how different it is for the women who serve and fought to allow their positions in combat. I’m really interested to read more of her work!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, and War

Moderate: Eating disorder, Self harm, and Islamophobia

radh's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional inspiring reflective sad fast-paced

4.5

This was a difficult and emotional, but remarkable read. The author's retelling of her life story truly shows how strong she is and the resiliency with which she kept going despite all she lived through. 
The book is divided into multiple parts, and while I found the section written about her time in the Children of God cult very well-written and thought through, the section of her military life seemed a bit rushed and haphazard in it's descriptions. Additionally, in the military section, she seems to brush over a lot of the atrocities committed by the army. While I understand that she can only take on so much and only focus her attention on so many injustices, and based on her history and passions she looks to the sexism within the army, it did stand out to me that she didn't seem to condemn the violence or casual view of murdering civilians that were surrounding her.
Overall, a very educational and inspiring read that gives insight into organizations and lives unique, yet so similar in their nature. The author leaves the reader slightly reeling at the challenges she has endured, but also in awe of the strength and determination that she found to push through it all. 
Please be aware of trigger warnings for this book, but if a reader is able to handle the content, it is a read I definitely recommend. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Religious bigotry, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Racial slurs, Suicidal thoughts, and War

Minor: Lesbophobia

michelehexen's review against another edition

challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Probably the best non-fiction I’ve read in a very long time. Both heart wrenching and triumphant. Daniella is a consummate storyteller. I will be reading her next book!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and War

Cults

elderwoodreads's review against another edition

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

I feel like I say this about every memoir I read (and finish) but quite possibly one of the most impactful books I've read. Mestyanek Young has full control over her story and expertly weaves it with commentary from her current insights. The epilogue was beautiful and I'll be thinking about it for a long time. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Child abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexism, and Suicide attempt

Moderate: Death, Eating disorder, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Sexual harassment, and War

Minor: Cancer, Homophobia, Infidelity, Racial slurs, Rape, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Lesbophobia

mcpingeton's review against another edition

dark emotional informative sad slow-paced

2.5

This book dealt with really complex heavy topics.  The author has experienced quite a lot in her life and it's amazing she has achieved so much. I found the first part of the book the most interesting. That said, I felt like there were some unfair comparisons made in this book. I'll let other readers decide for themselves without spoiling anything but I felt there were things portrayed as black and white issues when there are certainly grey areas. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, and Violence

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts

Minor: Racism and War

acesy_vale's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring fast-paced

5.0

Daniella is a great writer and an even more amazing person. I will continue to follow her and her journey on her YouTube channel because she’s such an inspiration

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Trafficking, and War

Moderate: Medical trauma and Injury/Injury detail

charliemaigne's review against another edition

emotional informative inspiring fast-paced

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Religious bigotry, and Sexual harassment

Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Slavery, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Islamophobia, Medical content, Trafficking, Mass/school shootings, Medical trauma, Lesbophobia, Gaslighting, War, and Injury/Injury detail

hallie_hey's review against another edition

challenging emotional slow-paced

4.0

Daniella Mestyanek Young was extremely vulnerable in her memoir recounting her experience in the Children of God cult, and later in the US Army. 

The first half of the book felt stronger. There were also key moments that it felt like the author rushed over, including her initial few years after leaving the cult, and her family's relationship with the cult over time. 

Overall, I think Mestyanek Young does a great job presenting the full and complex experience of leaving a cult. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Sexual assault, and War

hilaryanne's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Sexism, and War

Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Islamophobia, and Lesbophobia

Minor: Suicidal thoughts