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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
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
louiepotterbook's review against another edition
5.0
Graphic: Stalking, Gaslighting, Racism, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Child abuse, Death, and Rape
currently_introverting's review against another edition
3.0
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Stalking
stephmcoakley's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Cancer, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Cursing, Death, Grief, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Domestic abuse, Child abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Mental illness, Pregnancy, Rape, Self harm, Sexual violence, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Abandonment, Physical abuse, and Stalking
albernikolauras's review against another edition
4.0
Ashley C. Ford is a tremendous writer, and this memoir is written almost in flashes of memories and reflections. It's a true glimpse into her life, through the highs and lows and the waves of emotions she experienced between. The book is bookended by interactions with her father, who is a presence in the story despite not being present throughout her childhood. I highly recommend.
Moderate: Child abuse, Stalking, Rape, Racism, and Physical abuse
bashsbooks's review against another edition
5.0
I also greatly enjoyed the interview at the end between Ford and Clint Smith; it is always enlightening to hear great writers discuss their craft. (I may listen to that portion again after reading Smith's book, since he discusses his own word in-depth, too.)
Graphic: Physical abuse, Child abuse, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Rape
Moderate: Medical content, Panic attacks/disorders, and Miscarriage
Minor: Cancer, Pedophilia, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Racism, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Body shaming, and Stalking
Incarceration also comes up a lot, since the author's father is in prison for most of the book.discarded_dust_jacket's review against another edition
4.0
Ford’s experiences speak powerfully about being a young woman, growing into a body you’re made to feel is wrong or dirty simply for how others react to it; about the disassociation from and turbulent relationship with that body after sexual assault; about desperately seeking the love and approval of an absent parent; and about so many other things—family, forgiveness, identity. This is such a compelling story in so many ways.
Graphic: Stalking, Rape, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Pedophilia
jasbeingjas's review against another edition
4.25
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, and Stalking
ekmook's review against another edition
3.25
Graphic: Sexual assault, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Child abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Misogyny, Rape, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, and Stalking
Minor: Blood