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4.27 AVERAGE
4.27 AVERAGE
I enjoy a memoir a lot, and I read quite a few about people who have come through hard situations and circumstances, but they aren't always so crass in their details and descriptions.
I do appreciate how vulnerable Blakinger is here, and how she shares her emotions throughout all the ups and downs she's experienced. Her story is inspiring, and how she brought herself out of the depths she fell to only to reach back down into the pit and help out others is fantastic. But the explicit nature made it not for me as a reader.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the book. All opinions are my own.
I do appreciate how vulnerable Blakinger is here, and how she shares her emotions throughout all the ups and downs she's experienced. Her story is inspiring, and how she brought herself out of the depths she fell to only to reach back down into the pit and help out others is fantastic. But the explicit nature made it not for me as a reader.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the book. All opinions are my own.
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
A well-written book about a first-hand experience of the US prison system as a woman. It shows how hard it is to build your life back up during addiction and after prison, and how much of it depends on having the right support. It’s also admirable how the book describes horrible incidents without becoming too dark. I really appreciated how personal experiences were coupled to research and statistics, as well as the reflection of the author on her own privilege.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction
Moderate: Racism, Rape, Toxic relationship, Violence, Suicide attempt
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
dark
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
A courageous and unfettered memoir by Keri Blakinger, looking back on her life from a competitive figure skater, to a convict, to a journalist. There are so many difficult topics Blakinger covers in this book, including her struggles with an eating disorder fueled by the demands of figure skating; substance abuse and addiction, which led to her arrest and incarceration; the treatment and conditions within the prison and jail systems; and just how hard it is to escape the system and rebuild a new life with a felony record.
This is very brutal and dark novel, so not one I would recommend to anyone. I have to commend Blakinger for the sheer honesty that went into these pages as she doesn't try to cover up or excuse her actions - from becoming a drug dealer, becoming addicted to a myriad of substances, to the shame of having her name and photograph displayed on the news. It makes her eventual triumph and success that much more rewarding, however, and also explains her motivations for much of her ongoing work.
This is very brutal and dark novel, so not one I would recommend to anyone. I have to commend Blakinger for the sheer honesty that went into these pages as she doesn't try to cover up or excuse her actions - from becoming a drug dealer, becoming addicted to a myriad of substances, to the shame of having her name and photograph displayed on the news. It makes her eventual triumph and success that much more rewarding, however, and also explains her motivations for much of her ongoing work.
dark
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
A powerful memoir about the downfall of a girl who seemed to have it all together, her stint in prison, and her redemption arc
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
challenging
dark
Figure skating star to junkie to reporter and criminal justice advocate. Incredible story and a remarkable woman.
Memoir of a perfectionist competitive figure with depressive, self-destructive tendencies which led to heroine addiction and selling everything (including herself) to pay for the drugs. Her story is well-written (however slightly repetitive) and brings to light several of the issues with America’s criminal justice/prison system.
Noteworthy quotes:
Pg 6 I am tightly wound, a taut rubber band of perfectionism and self-destruction.
Pg 14 (referring to her mom making sure she “tried all the possible childhood activities”) I sampled it all with the relentless drive of an Energizer Bunny and the perfectionist zeal of a little Hermione Granger.
Noteworthy quotes:
Pg 6 I am tightly wound, a taut rubber band of perfectionism and self-destruction.
Pg 14 (referring to her mom making sure she “tried all the possible childhood activities”) I sampled it all with the relentless drive of an Energizer Bunny and the perfectionist zeal of a little Hermione Granger.