Scan barcode
karebear0099's review
3.0
I liked the second half of this book more than the first. The writing wasn’t great but it was an interesting story. Definitely a tell all although I don’t feel like the author painted herself as blameless or threw others under the bus. It is pretty graphic in parts. The first half of the book was depressing because of all the hard things the author went through. I respect that she put it out there in the book that she contracted herpes from an ex, that’s not something most people would share with the world but it’s one of those things a lot of people suffer from. I wish her the best.
smalltownbookmom's review against another edition
5.0
WOW. This is an incredibly brave, powerful, raw and vulnerable memoir of a lifetime of sexual and emotional abuse. I had no idea the trauma Mena Suvari endured from such a young age and the way it shaped the rest of her life through a series of abusive relationships, drug use in attempts to cope and unhealthy body image issues. Listening to her tell her story was so moving. I loved that she finally found some healing through therapy, healthy relationships and the power of sharing her story. A must read, especially for fans of Know my name. Read with care though as this book may be triggering for anyone who has experienced similar trauma.
CW: rape, sexual and emotional abuse, drug use
Favorite quote:
"I want this book to provide companionship to those who are isolated and alone. I hope it can be a light showing there is a way out. I never want anyone to look at me or anyone else who has gone through similar experiences and ask 'How could you let that happen to you? And not just once but repeatedly.' It's not our fault. I spent a lifetime hiding from the truth then I discovered that truth was my power. Truth is our power."
CW: rape, sexual and emotional abuse, drug use
Favorite quote:
"I want this book to provide companionship to those who are isolated and alone. I hope it can be a light showing there is a way out. I never want anyone to look at me or anyone else who has gone through similar experiences and ask 'How could you let that happen to you? And not just once but repeatedly.' It's not our fault. I spent a lifetime hiding from the truth then I discovered that truth was my power. Truth is our power."
jacbradley's review
It became very repetitive and I didn't want to pick it back up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Drug use
Moderate: Sexual assault
crys2al's review
3.0
This was a good read. I do not know what I was expecting but I wasn’t quite expecting what I got from this book. Overall it was raw, unfiltered and a great read.
mjscooke's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
Bookmarked predominately through the various men in her life, Mena Suvari opens up about her difficult and dark past with heartbreaking, reflective, honesty. Definitely read the content warnings before delving into this one though.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Drug use, Sexual content, and Car accident
Minor: Death of parent
sbloss's review
4.0
I think many people can relate to Mena’s story of how abuse can shape future relationships. I thought her story was really raw and honest, and her message of compassion is so important. The only reason why I didn’t give this five stars is because I felt her drug use was glamorized and I don’t feel like meeting the right person helps to absolve past trauma. She needs to give herself more credit.