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crybabybea's review against another edition
4.5
I especially found the writing similar to other memoirs such as I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Dr. Maya Angelou and I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, in the way that Ashley C. Ford is able to capture her own childhood voice and mix it with her reflection as an adult. She painted a full picture of the events that shaped her, as well as the people closest to her.
I appreciated especially the portrayal of her mother, who was imperfect in every way; abusive but loving, joyful but full of fear and stress, neglectful but caring, and overall just a woman trying her best with what she was given. As well, her father, incarcerated for 20+ years for a crime unknown to Ashley for the majority of her life (and unknown to the reader until the memoir reaches that point in Ashley's timeline) is a full figure of doting and adoration, while Ashley has to reconcile with the reality his crime and what it means to herself and her family. I found the exploration of familial relationships relatable and touching.
Definitely a standout memoir.
Graphic: Fatphobia, Rape, Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, Death, Pedophilia, Child abuse, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Terminal illness, Grief, Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual harassment, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Stalking, and Violence
wandering_canuck's review against another edition
5.0
On its face, it is the experience of a girl whose father is incarcerated for a violent crime throughout her childhood and the mother who raised her as a single parent. Oh, but it is so much more.
This searingly honest book captures the complexity of families and our relationships within them. This memoir recounts an imperfect life in an imperfect family with both kindness and honesty. Ashley speaks of her parents and grandmother with love, striking the delicate balance of treating them not as heroes nor as villains.
Ford's writing is akin to that of Roxane Gay, managing to be both poetic and accessible. Simply fabulous. I cannot give it enough stars.
Listen to the audiobook if you can; hearing the memoir in the author's voice makes it that much more convincing.
Graphic: Body shaming, Emotional abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, Bullying, and Child abuse
gygyreadsgygysips's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Sexual assault, Grief, Emotional abuse, Alcoholism, and Rape
tiffanymmf's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Sexual assault, Child abuse, and Emotional abuse
lwestfahl's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Sexual violence, Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Grief, and Rape
jadeaway's review against another edition
3.5
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Rape
csutherlin3's review against another edition
3.0
Graphic: Rape, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Cancer
heinekaayn's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
book_me's review against another edition
4.0
Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Death
hannahcstocks's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Sexual harassment, Rape, Grief, Emotional abuse, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Cancer, Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Physical abuse, and Terminal illness
Moderate: Gaslighting, Eating disorder, Body shaming, Stalking, Sexism, and Misogyny
Minor: Animal cruelty and Animal death