Reviews tagging 'Death'

Somebody's Daughter: A Memoir by Ashley C. Ford

72 reviews

crybabybea's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

4.5

A thoughtful, intimate look at the complexity of human relationships, especially of those closest to us. Ashley C. Ford's writing is pensive and poignant as she details how her childhood experiences shaped the way she views the people she loves, as well as how she views herself. I found the writing to be incredibly human and I found myself relating to much of her story despite its differences. 

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.

---

Content Warnings

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

kriskelly's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

this book reminded me of why i love memoirs so much :’)

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Physical abuse, Child abuse, Mental illness, Rape, and Sexual assault

Moderate: Death

spookyfaith's review against another edition

dark emotional sad slow-paced

3.0

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual violence, Death, and Rape

afloodofbooks's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

4.5

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse

Moderate: Death and Rape

ivi_reads_books's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

I picked up the book after listening to an interview with the author and was intigued by how at peace she was with her upbringing and how beautifully she told her story. Her memoire did not disappoint. Listening to the audiobook, which the author herself narrates, made it even more impactful.

She takes us back in time and into her head to different points in time of her life. From her troubled childhood into her early adult years figuring out how to navigate life. She tells her story with compassion without making excuses. I was very moved by her book

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse and Violence

Moderate: Rape, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Alcoholism, Death, Domestic abuse, and Pregnancy

opldxblqo's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

5.0

Sharp, beautiful, and vulnerable yet gracefully reserved. Somebody's Daughter is at once an intensely beautiful book about ugly things (abuse, incarceration, rape), and a bittersweet reflection on friendship, and love. I cried many times for Ford, whose careful writing mirrored many of my own experiences with a discomforting degree of acuity. I'll be picking up my own copy when I return this to the friend who was sure I'd love it. She was right.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Rape, Miscarriage, and Child abuse

cartermon4's review against another edition

challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Death, and Grief

Moderate: Sexual content, Miscarriage, Cancer, Classism, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Body shaming

book_me's review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

4.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, and Emotional abuse

Moderate: Death

amandalorianxo's review against another edition

challenging dark emotional reflective sad fast-paced

5.0

I will admit I picked this one as one of my BOTM choices when this was released as part of their collection I believe a year or two ago. But I started it and then tucked it away. It wasn’t because of the writing, I just didn’t have the headspace for it at the time. But I found this at my local library and picked it up. I spent pockets of my weekend reading it (relatively short in pages & chapters) I appreciated the candor in Ashley’s tone and felt pained at her childhood & the tumultuous relationship with her mother. I’m glad there was light for her when she left Indiana. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault

Moderate: Abandonment and Physical abuse

Minor: Death

louiepotterbook's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

5.0

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Stalking, Gaslighting, Racism, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Death, and Rape