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slelswick's review
4.0
This was a stunning portrayal of Rita's harrowing childhood and her redemption. Stop what you are doing and read this book. If you are already reading a book right now, set it aside and start reading this book instead. I stayed up until 1:17 am reading this book because I was that enthralled. I haven't done that in a long time. Great, great read!
suetrav's review
3.0
I liked this book but found it lacking in detail. She gave a lot of details about growing up in an abusive home (heartbreaking!) and her time in various institutions but there is a huge gap after that and suddenly she is a successful adult with a MFA, married to a cardiologist living in the country. I wish she had delved more into HOW she survived and made it out. It briefly touches on getting her grade 12 and starting University but a lot is not covered including how she overcame her addictions. She made a vow to never get high again - really? That is all she did? A huge period of her life is skipped in this memoir.
I found it a bit troubling that she refused to take any medications for her anxiety disorder and instead tried a host of natural/alternative therapies. Nothing wrong with those but if you are so anxious you cannot drive on a highway or leave your yard you might need a bit more help than breathing therapy. I am glad she had an "ah ha" moment and finally found the right therapist to help her. There also seemed to be no lack of funds to pursue all these alternative therapies so she is lucky that way.
I am not a fan of horses at all even though I know they are good therapy animals. I found it hard to relate to any of the horse stuff although I did find it ironic that she ended up with abusive/controlling trainers several times.
Overall it was a good read but only three stars from me as I feel a memoir should not skip 15 or so years of one's life.
I found it a bit troubling that she refused to take any medications for her anxiety disorder and instead tried a host of natural/alternative therapies. Nothing wrong with those but if you are so anxious you cannot drive on a highway or leave your yard you might need a bit more help than breathing therapy. I am glad she had an "ah ha" moment and finally found the right therapist to help her. There also seemed to be no lack of funds to pursue all these alternative therapies so she is lucky that way.
I am not a fan of horses at all even though I know they are good therapy animals. I found it hard to relate to any of the horse stuff although I did find it ironic that she ended up with abusive/controlling trainers several times.
Overall it was a good read but only three stars from me as I feel a memoir should not skip 15 or so years of one's life.
palmaceae's review
3.0
Let the Tornado Come is a very well-written book, no doubt about it. Especially towards the end of the book, her raw feelings and explorations into her life were particularly poignant and hard-hitting. If I had a list of things that should be in memoirs, I'd check off the beautiful writing and the requisite emotional impact. However, no check for the originality of the subject matter. This is not to say I want people writing memoirs to fabricate lives that are more interesting for my pleasure. What this is to say is that when I picked up this book, I was counting on it being way more focused on horses than it actually was. A third of the book is devoted to the author's childhood, a third is devoted to her life as a panic-stricken adult, and a third is devoted to her time with horses. Sad to say, but it's kind of "been there, done that" at this point in memoirs when it comes to abusive childhoods and mental issues. I was hoping for a fresh look at a memoir through the lens of horses and riding, and there was not nearly enough of that. Ultimately, I'd say this was a good memoir, but not a great, fresh, unique one.
Note: I received this book through Goodreads' First Reads Program.
Note: I received this book through Goodreads' First Reads Program.
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