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read_mo's review
4.0
4.5 stars, it was a much better read than I was expecting. For more bonus fun go through the Hollywood Park album afterwards and you’ll know exactly what each song is about.
kimberlyf's review against another edition
4.0
I had a really difficult time deciding how I wanted to rate this book and here’s why:
I went in with the expectation that the author would talk heavily on the subject of what it was actually like to live in a cult. Although he did refer to cult life, you do not get the stories that you crave about the lifestyle. Which, honestly, was maybe an unrealistic expectation because he was only a small child when he escaped with his brother and mom. That being said, I would assume he probably wouldn’t remember too many exact situations that unfolded. I mean, how many things do you remember from when you were 5?
What I really loved was Mikel’s story telling ability. There is no doubt that he has a gift there. I also enjoyed that the first half of the book is told from his perspective as a child. There were a lot of questions of “why is this happening” and unknown bc the mind of a child has a lot of unknown. But the second half of the book was told from his perspective now, looking back on those experiences and situations and, ultimately, analyzing them. It was him coming to terms with what happened to him and making peace with it.
If you are looking for a book filled with cult-lifestyle stories, then you may be a bit disappointed. But if you are looking for a beautiful story about grief, trauma, addiction and the power to change the narrative of your life, then you found the perfect read.
I went in with the expectation that the author would talk heavily on the subject of what it was actually like to live in a cult. Although he did refer to cult life, you do not get the stories that you crave about the lifestyle. Which, honestly, was maybe an unrealistic expectation because he was only a small child when he escaped with his brother and mom. That being said, I would assume he probably wouldn’t remember too many exact situations that unfolded. I mean, how many things do you remember from when you were 5?
What I really loved was Mikel’s story telling ability. There is no doubt that he has a gift there. I also enjoyed that the first half of the book is told from his perspective as a child. There were a lot of questions of “why is this happening” and unknown bc the mind of a child has a lot of unknown. But the second half of the book was told from his perspective now, looking back on those experiences and situations and, ultimately, analyzing them. It was him coming to terms with what happened to him and making peace with it.
If you are looking for a book filled with cult-lifestyle stories, then you may be a bit disappointed. But if you are looking for a beautiful story about grief, trauma, addiction and the power to change the narrative of your life, then you found the perfect read.
yellowfri's review
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.25
maggie1025's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
4.25
intorilex's review against another edition
4.0
This was a sad but hopeful memoir about family. Mikel begins his story about growing up in the Synynon cult, as a very small child. It was a compelling start to see experiences through his eyes. He then describes the disorienting experience of leaving, growing up in poverty and having a mom reeling with mental health problems of her own.
Mikel's family involves a lot of misfortune and drug abuse. He is thrusts in recovery meetings and told about the dangers of addiction long before he truly understood what it means. Mikel's brother Tony responds in opposite ways than him about the trauma around them. Mikel's father is wonderful example that guides him to be better even though he's made opposite choices in his own life. The audiobook great music and was read by the author which made it feel more intimate. Mikel learns to reject normalcy and find an outlet for his emotions through his music.
I would recommend this book for those who want to read about overcoming adversity and dealing with substance abuse and mental health within a family.
Mikel's family involves a lot of misfortune and drug abuse. He is thrusts in recovery meetings and told about the dangers of addiction long before he truly understood what it means. Mikel's brother Tony responds in opposite ways than him about the trauma around them. Mikel's father is wonderful example that guides him to be better even though he's made opposite choices in his own life. The audiobook great music and was read by the author which made it feel more intimate. Mikel learns to reject normalcy and find an outlet for his emotions through his music.
I would recommend this book for those who want to read about overcoming adversity and dealing with substance abuse and mental health within a family.
tuabaxl's review
5.0
High recommend for the audiobook version which Jollett narrates and uses music by Airborne Toxic Event as the soundtrack.