A review by melissagopp
Hell If We Don't Change Our Ways: A Memoir by Brittany Means

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.0

Blurbs by Kiese Laymon and Jeannine Ouellette landed this book on my list of most anticipated memoirs of fall. That should have been my tip-off to expect an intense read. For those who are easily triggered, please proceed with caution. This memoir contains few places to rest between events and confronts a strong cocktail of trauma—sexual abuse, addiction, poverty, racism, and religious extremism. With that being said, Means has constructed a work of art from her life. There are admirable literary nuggets throughout. I absolutely adore the closing scene. I suspect her story will help many others feel seen and less alone in their recovery. For readers who haven’t experienced this magnitude of trauma, Means’ memoir is an important window into the invisible pasts so many people carry with them on a daily basis. Thank you to NetGalley and Zibby Books for the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.