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she_reader's review against another edition
4.0
An important and brave story, but nonetheless, after a strong start the narrative spiraled out of control.
piapaya's review
4.0
All the feels. Omg.
The only reason I didn’t give this 5 stars is that there were 2-3 sections that felt strangely out of place and more like listicles and took away from this otherwise powerful book. There were also a few places in the beginning of this memoir that overlapped a lot, borrowing from each other— in such a way that it felt like she had split certain sections apart. That part felt like it could have used a little more editing.
But enough of my nitpicking; this is a gorgeous heartbreaking memoir.
The only reason I didn’t give this 5 stars is that there were 2-3 sections that felt strangely out of place and more like listicles and took away from this otherwise powerful book. There were also a few places in the beginning of this memoir that overlapped a lot, borrowing from each other— in such a way that it felt like she had split certain sections apart. That part felt like it could have used a little more editing.
But enough of my nitpicking; this is a gorgeous heartbreaking memoir.
tlhp's review
5.0
The writing is amazing. The pacing and timing of the narrative feels a choreographed dance. I especially was caught by the part where Sundberg calls out the reader for anticipating the physical abuse.
The way that the cyclical nature of abuse and self-doubt is documented is incredible and eye-opening. The reader goes down into the darkness with her and then is brought back out by Sundberg's own descriptions of her healing process.
You don't know what you don't know, so read this book and learn.
The way that the cyclical nature of abuse and self-doubt is documented is incredible and eye-opening. The reader goes down into the darkness with her and then is brought back out by Sundberg's own descriptions of her healing process.
You don't know what you don't know, so read this book and learn.
tiannastolp's review
5.0
I feel honored to have been able to read this incredible story of strength and endurance. Kelly shares the difficulties that many face when surviving abuse. I work in victim services in Boise, Idaho, where some of this story takes place and found it difficult at times to turn the page especially reading about locations around town I know very well like the Flicks and BSU’s campus. Thank you Kelly for sharing your story and helping people understand that location doesn’t matter. Interpersonal violence happens everywhere and the best thing we can do is believe people when they share that something has happened.
lisasternick's review
5.0
I listened to the audiobook which I think gives the story an extra edge. I loved it. I read it because I am a domestic abuse survivor and I found it relatable in many aspects.
I think Kelly is very good at storytelling.
This is a raw look at one woman's domestic abuse experience by her husband, whom she adored, loved and trusted.
Kelly is amazing at linking how she felt about herself in the past from childhood through experiences that caused her to pick this man as her husband. Initially not realize or in some cases ignoring the warning signs of his being a broken person and an abuser. As most abusers are initially her husband is a charming and likable guy.
She clarifies in her own experience what it means to be a battered woman and how it isn't so easy to walk away as people would assume. She holds out on the hope that he will change, return to being that guy she first fell in love with. She doesn't want her marriage to fail because she thinks it means she has failed and she continues to try to make a situation work, that realistically will never.
Yes, it is possible to be in love with your abuser. It becomes a cycle of trauma bonding that Kelly finds herself in. She is also on point about the reactions of people outside of her relationship and their denial of seeing the abuser for who he truly is, because he is fabulous at masking his true self and manipulating others.
I highly recommend this book for people to understand the shame being abuse can bring. The desperation of torn feelings yet at the same time of wanting to walk away for good and the struggles that cause. This book can help others understand that abuse can happen across all spectrums of race and privilege. Most people who have been abused are afraid to talk about it and be judged. I think that for women that have been abused this book can help you feel connected and not alone.
I think Kelly is very good at storytelling.
This is a raw look at one woman's domestic abuse experience by her husband, whom she adored, loved and trusted.
Kelly is amazing at linking how she felt about herself in the past from childhood through experiences that caused her to pick this man as her husband. Initially not realize or in some cases ignoring the warning signs of his being a broken person and an abuser. As most abusers are initially her husband is a charming and likable guy.
She clarifies in her own experience what it means to be a battered woman and how it isn't so easy to walk away as people would assume. She holds out on the hope that he will change, return to being that guy she first fell in love with. She doesn't want her marriage to fail because she thinks it means she has failed and she continues to try to make a situation work, that realistically will never.
Yes, it is possible to be in love with your abuser. It becomes a cycle of trauma bonding that Kelly finds herself in. She is also on point about the reactions of people outside of her relationship and their denial of seeing the abuser for who he truly is, because he is fabulous at masking his true self and manipulating others.
I highly recommend this book for people to understand the shame being abuse can bring. The desperation of torn feelings yet at the same time of wanting to walk away for good and the struggles that cause. This book can help others understand that abuse can happen across all spectrums of race and privilege. Most people who have been abused are afraid to talk about it and be judged. I think that for women that have been abused this book can help you feel connected and not alone.
beastreader's review
4.0
I really appreciate Kelly Sundberg for having the courage to share her story. Maybe others who find themselves in this type of situation or in the beginning or one will find the strength to get out. I am fortunate that I am in a loving marriage. Although, my sister has not been as luckily. She has been in several abusive relationships. One of the relationships she was warned in the beginning. The other ones, the guys put on a good front before their true colors were revealed.
I saw Kelly grow stronger the more I read. I am glad that she had others surrounding here to help support her. Kelly writes a real memoir type book. I felt for Kelly and experienced the emotions with her as she went from thinking she had found a great guy to emotional abuse to standing as a fighter. Readers who like reading nonfiction books or who can relate or know someone will want to check this book out. Kelly may be saying "Goodbye, sweet Girl" but I say "Hello, Sunshine".
I saw Kelly grow stronger the more I read. I am glad that she had others surrounding here to help support her. Kelly writes a real memoir type book. I felt for Kelly and experienced the emotions with her as she went from thinking she had found a great guy to emotional abuse to standing as a fighter. Readers who like reading nonfiction books or who can relate or know someone will want to check this book out. Kelly may be saying "Goodbye, sweet Girl" but I say "Hello, Sunshine".