T.H Waters shares with us a poignant heart wrenching story of growing
up. GHELLOW ROAD really got to me. I read it in one afternoon. Every
time I put it down I had to go back for more. And now I want more about
Theresa, adult Theresa, college student Theresa but maybe that's
getting into a normal life she doesn't want to share, but I can hope.
It says novel but reads too true to be fiction. Her story is tragic and
yet rewarding to see her succeed growing up against a deck stacked
unusually hard. Seeing that life can be so cruel, mental illness,
suicide, shuffled from place to place, Theresa is a true survivor. READ
THIS BOOK. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED Thank you for sharing, T.H. Waters, thank
you.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Despite my fairly easy childhood, I have always been drawn to books
describing children who experienced childhoods beyond what most of us
could ever imagine. It was an easy read and I thoroughly enjoyed
reading the book in just one night. The story is very personal, but the
author writes with enough objectivity to understand the people around
her. There were a few gaps in trying to understand the different roles
people played in her life (and why certain relatives were nurturing at
certain times and completely out of the picture at others). The author
leaves the writer wanting more (in a good way) about how someone
survives out in the world after living through years of unthinkable
circumstances. Thanks for sharing this moving and unforgettable story.
Perhaps every teacher and neighbor needs to be a little more alert to
reach out to children in need.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
I just finished reading Ghellow Road by T H Waters. I didn't put the
book down until the surprise ending. The author who is now in her 40's
put a lot of energy into writing this verbally visual novel revealing
problematic issues of her youth which no one should ever have
encountered. Our youth is the foundation of our life; how we survive
adulthood is based off those years. When you read this book, you will
know the importance of a young womans father, security, acceptance, and
the CIA. I look forward to reading the sequel to this book.
Twinkle twinkle little star,
How I wonder what you are
Up above the world so high
Like a diamond in the sky.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This
book was wonderful. The story was not of an easy life but the lessons
were inspirational. The story was told in a way that grabbed you. The
character had my heart and ran with it.
Incredible
book that left me wishing for more pages. Waters pulls you into her
past and bravely and honestly details a difficult childhood. I finished
the last page rooting for the woman she would become and hurting for
the child she was. Waters tells an amazing story while never feeling
sorry for herself.
5.0 out of 5 starsAs A Memoir or A Novel, This is A Powerful Book!, January 12, 2011
TH Waters blossoms as a writer in this compelling book GHELLOW ROAD.
There are contradictions present: the front of the book sates 'A Novel
by T.H. Waters' while the back of the book clearly states 'This is the
story of my life'. True, the main character's name is Theresa Waters,
and given all the statements in the front of the book thanking all
those who helped bring this book to print - kudos to members of Waters'
family and friends each with different names than in the book - this
could be a fictionalized version of a memoir. But all of that really
counts for very little - truth or fabrication - because the writing of
the book is so fine that it has a life of its own!
Richard, Rainy, Mike, and Theresa Waters are a happy family unit in
1965 in Minnesota, creating the kind of jubilant childhood that
commands the American dream in a Midwestern town where grandparents and
other relatives count in the joy of being family. But slowly the world
begins to change as Rainy, the mother, falls victim to her quiescent
illness - an illness that is described by Twink (Theresa's nickname)
and her older brother Mikie as Momma's 'Invisibles' - and finally
requires institutionalization for schizophrenia. The children are
brought up by their Dad (Richard) with occasional periods of recovery
allowing Momma (Rainy) to come home, attempting to live a normal life
with the aid of medications. But the illness grows more extreme and the
family unit begins to disintegrate: the children are left with foster
homes and relatives while the illness that has invaded their lives
plays out. Their father moves them to a small town where the children
attempt to fit into their peer circles, never wanting to divulge the
embarrassing secret of their mother's plight. The father reaches the
end of his rope, commits suicide, and the children are displaced yet
again as their mother descends ever deeper into the throes of mental
instability. Mikie is thrown out of the house (his future is tainted by
genetics) and Theresa is farmed out during her mother's frequent
hospitalizations - episodes that test her stability with her
grandparents and her relatives. Throughout this period Theresa learns
that she must relay on herself to survive and as she develops a
stronger hold on her self esteem she gains friends and some honors and
finally makes it through high school in a coming of age story that
would challenge the strongest of individuals.
The book is divided into two parts - Book One is titled 'Living in
the Shadow if The Invisibles' and ends with Theresa's father's suicide
and Book Two is titled 'Fumbling Through the Tangles Labyrinth' - and
for this reader Book One is the stronger of the two as it is a delicate
investigation of mental illness and the insidious way it alters family
life. Book Two is more a diary and while TH Waters has secured our
attention and commitment to her characters by this point, the various
episodes of Theresa's fragile life - coping with various living
situations, her fear of outsiders, her manner of making friends and
learning about life in the 'sane' world that includes introductions to
alcohol and boys and intimacy and moments of pride and disappointment -
begin to test the reader's credibility and tolerance. But again, this
minor point diminishes by novel's end when Theresa finally discovers
how to make life make sense. By the end of the story the author most
assuredly leaves us with the hunger to discover how the later years
play out: there are quiet discoveries dropped along the path through
this forest of Minnesota like the little crumbs of Hansel and Gretel
that plead for elucidation in another novel.
TH Waters has produced a successful book - fact or fiction - and
proves that she has the gift for writing that deserves going beyond
Ghellow Road into other terrain. It is as strong a young girl's Coming
of Age novel as has been written. We will hear more about her. Grady
Harp, January 11
5.0 out of 5 starsAn exceptional testament to the love and strength of an astounding soul, January 13, 2011
in the form of a little girl, wise and mature beyond her years, coping
with first one family tragedy and then another -- from the time she as
5 years old!
Look at the design of the front cover - it says alot about what can
be behind a sunny day, of a tragedy that lurks behind the joyful heart
of a child, the hope of an angel's wing, and the way we (especially as
children) try to make sense out of a world that is cobbled together
with mismatching typefaces. The in-focus boy and girl (the author and
her brother) in the out-of-focus crowd are a good focal point too!!
Now look at the credits -- in big bold letters, a generous soul is
thanking and praising those (including her precious cat) who have been
an inspiration, a help to her.
My mother used to say "Always be kind to whoever you meet-- you
NEVER know what that person may be going through, and a kind word or a
smile from you may mean all the difference in the world." How true!
Life was alternately kind and cruel, happy and confusing to Tera,
her father and her brother, because of her mother's slow and circuitous
slip into and out of mental illness. If it's true that we choose who
are parents will be, before we are born, then God certainly sent a Very
brave and wise child into that family, to bring her love, humor and
wisdom while still trying to deal with the pain of rejection and
tragedy, and grow up like a normal child at the same time.
In fact, even though we are a generation or two apart, if I had
only had a friend, a peer my age, like Tera, I think I would have been
more able to deal with my own mother's mental illness.
Tera and her brother were shuttled from one home to another, to a
foster home, to grandparents, aunts, then back home. Tera's experiences
are interspersed with a beautiful sense of survival, even humor --
which I can understand, having had to use my own wits at times -- and
sense of humor to keep from being slapped around. She as a child has an
incredible sense of observation-- almost as a detached objective
person, but all the while the reader knows what pain she feels.
Adding to the pain is the sense of rejection from her brother, then
her father, and then her father's tragedy. Yet Tera keeps her head
above water, attending school, feeling like a loner at times, but
finding and making friends and "adopting" herself into their families
and reveling in the feeling of normalcy she enjoys in their midst.
(Understood -- been there, also done that).
In some places, this book reminds me of "The Heart is a Lonely
Hunter" with its vivid descriptions of the sense of being, the state of
mind -- not only of the humans, but of the city and countryside. The
description of the Fourth of July, and Rainy's countryside paradise is
bewitching. The Homecoming Queen incident is precious.
Her father, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Mae -- the adults in her family
who left an indelible mark of love, concern attention and a sense of
belonging and identity on Tera -- are fleshed out warmly and
beautifully in this book.
This book is a narrative, which describes yet looks beyond the pain
and confusion and survival, and shows us love, determination,
camaraderie, and a note tucked away in a jewelry box that embraces and
gives new strength to a young woman on her way to start a new life.
5.0 out of 5 starsSuch a fantastic read!, January 19, 2011
I was immediately drawn into this childhood memoir by T.H. Waters both
as a mental health professional who works with children and as an avid
reader.
She gives a voice to children whose parents suffer from mental
illness and though her voice is coming from her younger self in the
60's and 70's, it resonates throughout time.
Many will read her story and hear their past and present and, more
importantly, many will be able to see a future beyond their childhood
years. A future that they can make into whatever they want no matter
what dysfunction and tragedy they came from.
This is the author's gift to the world and those who have gone through difficult times.
Her writing style is truly moving, there were times I wished I had
a highlighter to be able to go back and find things she said that were
so accurate or inspirational to use with my clients. I lost a lot of
sleep because of this book because I just had to keep reading and
reading.
I only hope that she continues to write. I would love to see where
her story goes from the end of the book and I'll be the first in line
to buy it!
This book is a gift to everyone. As is the author.
5.0 out of 5 starsOutstand Debut That Will Grab Your Heartstrings!, January 29, 2011
Ghellow Road is a gut wrenching 290-page story that will leave the
reader wanting to know more about the next chapter in author, T. H.
Waters' life.
Ms. Waters writing style and fresh story line grab the reader in
the first few pages, holding heartstrings tightly from beginning to end
as the story of Water's tragic childhood years unfold.
This book touched me like none before it. It had me gasping at her
tragic experiences, angry with those responsible for the tragedies that
she was forced to endure and deeply saddened by her vivid losses and
deprived beginnings.
No child deserves to have to travel through the heart crushing maze
dealt to Tera. For those who loved her, thank you. For those who
crushed her, may you rot in hell!
Buy this book today! It will allow you to get to know a special person who survives in spite of all odds!
5.0 out of 5 starsStraight from the heart!, January 30, 2011
A mothers struggle with mental illness, through the eyes of her young
daughter. I am a survivor of a childhood with a violently schizophrenic
parent, so reading this book brought back many memories, but made me
feel I wasn't alone in my struggle. The story has many moments of an
ordinary loving family, tenderness between the family members, but
shows what havoc mental illness of one family member can do to the
whole family unit. The story is from the heart, and can be shocking,
but its the raw truth coming from a child who survived growing up with
mental illness. My review cant do this book enough justice, I'm sure! I
really enjoyed it, and read it in 2 nights! I felt nostalgic at some of
her references to the songs and other 70s and 80s things mentioned in
the book.I wonder what happened to her brother in later years and how
she felt as she became older. I also found it cool we share the same
name, Theresa! I have been in contact with the author, and she has
encouraged me to write MY story! Shes a wonderful person!
5.0 out of 5 starsA very intense read that will reach deeply into any reader, February 7, 2011
Ghellow Road by debut author T. H. Waters is one of the most wrenching
stories I've read in many a year. Without a doubt, Waters has a bright
future as an author though I don't know how many stories on this
emotional level an author can have stored in them.
Born in 1965, the second of two children, Theresa has what
seemingly is a charmed life. Two parents who dote on their children, a
loving mother and a fun loving father who seems to be as much a child
as his children, life seems good. But below the surface lies a hidden
fracture that will test Theresa's ability to cope with situations that
no child should have to deal with. I don't want to create a spoiler,
but trust me, you will empathize with Theresa's world and get angry and
frustrated at not being able to reach into the story and help out.
T. H. Waters is a talented author writing in a somewhat lyrical
style. Easily read, her story moves along and doesn't bog down at any
point as it manages to hold the reader's interest. I have read novels
by celebrated authors that can't stand next to Ghellow Road in
intensity, story development, and interest.
This is not a story that I would probably have picked up to read on
my own. However, I feel gratified that I did read Ghellow Road and may
have to re-examine how I select what I read in the future.
Well done Ms. Waters.
I highly recommend.
Peace always.
5.0 out of 5 starsSoul searching, February 4, 2011
What a powerful read. There were times when I had to stop reading in
order to catch my breath. T.H. Waters story captures the will of the
human spirit in the midst of trial and tribulation. Waters story will
echo with readers for a long time.
This
is truly one remarkable book. It is told in two parts: Book 1 is about
the author's parents and how she coped as a girl of seven with her
mom's dreadful disease. Book 2 continues the story during the author's
time in high school and ends with her turning eighteen.
The story kept me up late at night and even though it was very
depressing, I couldn't put the book down because I had to find out what
was going to happen next. Put this on your list to read.
Reading Ghellow Road the first question that comes to mind is, is this
a novel or a memoir? The author calls it a novel, yet as you read, a
level of authenticity unfolds that cannot be mere imagination or
artifice, with the type of detail and feeling that can only be drawn
from direct in your face experience.
I love the beauty of the lines on the back cover. 'Theresa's story
begins in a large midwestern where she is born to loving parents in
1965. For a brief moment in time, her life is full, as is her heart,
and the world is hers to receive without consequence.'
To receive without consequence. Love that line. Beautiful. Soon
unnatural forces come into play, the 'invisibles' disrupt the family's
peaceful existence, and the family fortunes threaten to be overshadowed
if not brought to complete ruin by the unfolding events. Will these
forces destroy her, or will she find the inner strength to survive and
prevail.
Ghellow tells a compelling story of one girl's coming of age, her
trials, her tribulations and her triumphs. The shunting back and forth,
and through it all character emerges, and strength.
Truth is not only stranger than fiction but ultimately more
compelling. Normally, I don't read novels. This was an exception. I
highly recommend it. Hope this was helpful.
5.0 out of 5 starsOne woman's gripping account about schizophrenia, suicide and survival., April 4, 2011
Ghellow Road is a moving narrative of one woman's brave confrontation
with her past and the gnawing demons of crippling mental illness that
plagued her mother and thus affected the whole of her adolescent and
teenage life.
At the onset, Theresa Waters had, by all accounts, an idyllic
childhood that overflowed with two loving parents who had a penchant
for all the offerings that life had to offer, compounded with an
insatiable curiosity that would inspire any child to reach for the
stars and grab life's ample opportunities with gusto and relish. But
then a wrench got tossed into that idyllic life; gradually Theresa and
her brother sensed that something was amiss, because those closest to
them began to speak in hushed tones all the while never directly
answering their genuine concerned inquisitiveness. Over time, their
father opened up about their mother's health, and they frequently
witnessed their mother's uncontrolled schizophrenic outbursts or sullen
moody inwardness. Not fully comprehending, Theresa (out of love and
when possible) would often tag along the thorny road of her mother's
helter skelter delusions, yearning for the break of occasional normalcy
that would every so often shine through. When it did, the family unit
was fully intact and life was good and beautiful. Festivals were
attended, beach outings and boat trips were aplenty and ice cream was
the medicine that made life sweet and innocent. However, when the
schizophrenic impulses manifested itself in her mother, the foundation
of family stability slowly began to crack and loved ones played second
fiddle to the unseen forces that no one could see or hear.
Pushing forward beyond the episodic moments of instability,
Theresa's father did double duty for his kids, trying to be the super
parent for their sake, but every human being has a breaking point, and
sometimes, regrettably, that point goes to the extreme. And with no
genuine outlet for what he was going through-with the exception of
unfulfilled dreams and aspirations gone awry-it was up to the next
generation to grab ahold of the helm, and he saw that in his two kids.
He gradually lost his own identity and darkness overpowered him, and
with that suffering, he chose to forever leave his burdens behind and
exit the only way he knew how, by the gun. Hearing it go off, Theresa
knew that her life was forever altered. Mental illness with one parent
was one thing, suicide with another was simply incomprehensible. With
the marrying of these two tragedies in one so young and still quite
malleable it is a wonder that she and her brother were not themselves
institutionalized. But they were shuffled around from foster home, to
relatives and then back to their mother, who tried not to succumb to
all the pitfalls that schizophrenia brings out. Creating a new reality,
Theresa and her brother essentially went their own ways and forged new
identities. Her brother eventually had a new life with a new family
while she still remained in the vortex of yo-yo-like unpredictability.
Her mother would date, dump, embrace Jesus Christ via the PTL Club and
Jim and Tammy Faye Baker, forge friendships, get a job, wallow in
depression, be normal, be a mother and then disappear for weeks on end.
All the while, Theresa would somehow endure the oft repeated cycle of
what no adolescent could imagine let alone truly experience. The only
thing that was consistent in her life were the inconsistencies. The
turbulence of her upbringing is what makes the story so fascinating,
because the reader is also on a roller coster of emotional uncertainty
with each progressing chapter.
Ultimately, stability is eventually found by way of a loving aunt.
With her influence (among others) and a plethora of school friends and
adventures, Theresa Waters was slowly able to navigate herself out of
the dark tunnel of what statistically could have been a very tragic
life. But turns funny, lively, stubborn, moving, sharp and edgy,
Ghellow Road is a trenchant memoir of adolescents that evokes a little
element (for me) of Ordinary People, Is There No Place On Earth For Me?
and The Catcher in the Rye all merged into one. A winning debut.
5.0 out of 5 starsA Story of Resilience, March 31, 2011
When I was contacted about reading this book, I really had no idea what
to expect. I knew that coming from the point of view of a child, it
would probably be a very honest and raw interpretation of a very
difficult time. What I found was so sad that I would often think of her
even when I wasn't reading. Having had a wonderful childhood with two
amazing parents, I couldn't imagine what her life must have been like.
I'm only a year older than Theresa and while reading her story, I
couldn't help but compare my life to hers. It made me even more
grateful (and even a little guilty) for the years that I was allowed to
be a kid and not have to worry about anything because I had the
security and knowledge that my parents would take care of me. Theresa
had that taken away from her and that in and of itself is
heartbreaking.
The book is written somewhat like a diary, having no chapters, just
breaks in the story. It moves along quickly, highlighting important
times and events in her family's life.
What struck me as I kept reading was the repeated resilience of
Theresa, especially in her adolescent years. Those years are difficult
under the best of circumstances and for Theresa they were made even
worse by her mother's odd, unstable behavior and complete lack of
responsibility towards her children during her periods of absence.
Theresa basically raised herself and even held down part-time jobs
during summer vacations. She never gave up - just trudged on. That is
impressive. It angered me that during the times when her demons were
under control, Rainy put her own life first and Theresa and her brother
were left to fend for themselves. I'm not even a parent and I had a
hard time with that.
One of the saddest things is the divide that developed between
Theresa and her brother. During a time when they should have leaned on
each other, Rainy simply shipped him off and seemingly showed little
emotion or concern for him again. The result of that action would come
back later and rock Theresa to the core.
As I mentioned, the book ends when Theresa is eighteen and heading
to college. It is amazing to me that she even made it that far without
more serious damage. I think having grown up in the 70's played a big
part in Theresa's ability to bounce back and take control of the next
phase of her life. I don't mean to say that it made it any easier, but
given everything that is out in the world today, I think there would be
much more dangerous consequences. I would love to know more about
Theresa's life now that she is an adult and find out if her family has
healed somewhat from the pains of past.
This is an interesting and insightful book and I am very grateful
to Ms. Waters for contacting me to read it and highlight it on my blog.
Reading stories such as Theresa's should make the rest of the world see
just how important it is to understand mental illness and the effect it
has on their families. This book certainly has made me appreciate my
family. I would encourage you to read GHELLOW ROAD. Even though it is a
tough read, it is impressive and I promise it will linger in your mind
long after you've read the last page.
5.0 out of 5 starsAmazing story, highly recommend!, April 19, 2011
is a story told by Theresa. She tells of growing up with a mentally ill
mom and a dad that tries to hold their small family together but
eventually gives up. Her and her older brother are sent to a foster
home, aunt & uncles, friends, whoever will take them in while her
mother is in the hospital. Even though she lives a life of turmoil, she
manages to have friends and finds a job and tries to live a normal
life.
This little girl goes through so much and you just wish you could
wrap your arms around her and tell her everything's going to be alright
but she still has hopes and dreams and doesn't her family situation get
her down.
A sad story that keeps you wanting to turn the page to find out what's going to happen next and I highly recommend it!
5.0 out of 5 starsPlainly Beautiful, April 28, 2011
After receiving this book, I read through the first half quite quickly,
but continued to get sidetracked here and there, but couldn't get the
book from my mind. It is easily one of the more beautiful books I have
read, and I have read many. It is written in a plainly spoken way, but
with glimmers of fabolous prose that illuminate a great deal of wonder
in the book. The story moves with the agility of an acrobat, and you're
never left wanting. I can easily place this book in my top fifty list,
which is pretty good, given that this usual type of book would rarely
be one that I'd buy, it certainly was worth it.
The story of Theresa, is not just memorable, but literally a
literary achievement in some parts. The young midwestern girl's journey
through life is both an intimate portrait of a life and a truly unique
expression of life. This, Ghellow Road, is one that I do not believe
anyone would regret buying.
The entire book is good, but at the same time, there are dazzling
moments of literary grace that meets the readers eyes with a wonderful
blend of emotion that leaves you wanting for more, and yearning to know
more about her life.
5.0 out of 5 starsGripping Biography Young Girl Finally Able to Live Out Loud..., May 16, 2011
There's no doubt that we each must walk our own life roads. For
many, the roads run parallel to those walked by our family, our peers
and while unique, we never learn the full story of that journey. The
road traveled by T. H. Waters was not similar to ours. "Compelled to
write this book based upon the unique experiences of her youth, she is
grateful for the privilege of finally being able to live out loud." (p.
291)
Ghellow Road is Theresa's story, written in novel form. It flows
from the time she was a child, happy with her mother and father and
older brother. Her father was a teacher at a local school and spent
much time with his children, sharing and exploring.
She was 5 when the first trauma occurred--finding her mother
sobbing, her mother starting to withdraw from the family and their
activities, spending most of her time in bed. However, when her mother
needed to be hospitalized, it started a change of life for the entire
family.
For a few times when her mother went to the hospital, her father's
mother came to stay with them and take care that the children's life
remain fairly stable. But a time came when that wasn't possible and
both children were placed in foster care--the worst kind--where the
parents were in it for the money and did little to actually care for
the children.
Even when her mother came home, she was not the same woman. In
fact, she had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and would never be the
same again. "My mother...forever the delicate rose of spring, the
youthful flower caught in a late, unexpected frost before she ever had
the chance to unfurl her velvety petals and become the beauty she was
meant to be. She remained eternally lost in the prison of her own
mind...she remained eternally lost to me." (p. 263)
Fortunately for a number of years, their father was able to hold
the family together. But then he lost his job, taking any job he could
find to keep them going, but he also became despondent. He started
spending all his time in the basement, forbidding anybody to invade the
area where he said he was building a boat. Theresa one day coaxed her
brother to go see the boat while their father was out. When he came
back unexpectedly, Theresa childishly blamed their invasion on her
brother. He was beaten horribly and soon left home, never to return.
And then Theresa's father committed suicide..."It is disturbing how
the emotion from a single event, frozen in time, can conquer you so
completely. It gnaws at your innards like a starved coyote, always
wanting more than you have to give. We all became victims of Daddy's
assault upon himself that day... A crucial piece of myself remained
back in the bloody aftermath... slashing a wound that the hands of time
would never be able to mend..." (P. 114)
And thereafter began a nomadic life for Theresa as she was shuffled
from family to family or to friends' homes, rarely to have a location
she could call her "home."
Readers will see a young woman who grew strong, yet defiant. One
who was brave, yet afraid of what was going to happen next. Her story
takes us through those traumatic teen years where finding and having
friends to her meant the only family environments in which she was
welcomed. Her mother had moved and left one grandmother behind, moving
to live with and then near her parents. While her grandfather was
wonderful, her new grandmother was not interested in developing a
loving relationship with Theresa... And then her mother started dating
and finally remarried. But that did not result in a new, loving home...
T. H. Waters writes her losses, her life, in beautiful words that
compell readers to continue reading. However, this is not a
heartwarming story even though there are parts that will touch your
heart. This is a story of the spirit of children, of hope, of
endurance... There is much you can learn from Ghellow Road if you open
your heart and mind. Perhaps the most important being "to live out
loud..." Highly recommended.
Kids love gelatin in many shaky forms, colours and even shapes. But
for some, childhood itself is like walking down a road of gelatin:
shaky, with nothing to hold onto. Yet the resilience and capacity of
perseverance of youth are amazing. Ms. Waters reminds us of this as we
walk down Ghellow Road with her.
T. H. Waters recalls childhood in a very heartrending, moving
story. Her ability to recollect images from childhood is acute. The
sounds, sights, and smells of Ghellow Road are clear and vivid. It
brought to mind scenes and images from my own childhood.
Children should be able to count on the security and safety offered
by parents. Our narrator, Theresa, does not have that. As she grows,
she is forced to learn to count on others and ultimately herself. She
must learn to trust her own judgment regarding life.
Childhood shapes us, but it does not have to define us. We never
get over it, but we do get through it. Theresa not only survives... she
triumphs. T.H. Waters' book broke my heart, but then gently pieced it
back together. It is a painfully beautiful story of what love does to
us and what it makes us.
5.0 out of 5 starsAn awe inspiring memoir, May 23, 2011
I have a fondness of memoirs. I have read some that have been pretty
raw and gritty, heart-breaking and mind boggling....but....I have never
read one quite like Ghellow Road. Others have skimmed the surface,
where Ghellow Road digs deep down into itself, and fleshes out the
story of the life of Theresa Waters and her troubled family when she
was a teenager, during the 70's and 80's.
She was a happy-go-lucky child, who was a "Daddy's Girl" and
enjoyed living and growing up in her hometown of Minneapolis, MN. Her
mother always seemed to be floating adrift in her moods, and became
depressed easily. Her father was more grounded, and Theresa and her
older brother looked to him for guidance and support.
When her father is suddenly gone, Theresa and her brother are
thrown head-first into their mother's world of depression and
schizophrenia. They are shuffled about, sent to live in foster homes,
all the while wondering what they had done wrong, and why didn't their
mother want them?
As time progressed, Theresa would shuffle back and forth between
her mother's home, and relatives' homes. She was a teenager, and just
wanted to fit it, have friends, have a boyfriend. My heart broke for
her, especially when a boy she had a crush on hurt her feelings openly.
It brought back many memories of MY own junior high school days. She
and I shared similar junior high experiences.
Throughout the story, I held my breath, wondering when and if
things were ever going to settle down for Theresa. Would she have a
secure home? Would her mom get treated for her mental illness and be a
real mother to her? Would she ever feel accepted? I yearned for
"normal-ness" for her.
Ghellow Road is a painful and honest account of Theresa's life, and
I applaud her for being able to pen her story for the world to read. To
quote her, I admire her for being able to finally "Live Out Loud".
5.0 out of 5 starsHeartbreaking, yet heartwarming, June 16, 2011
Theresa had a very unique childhood. The first few years seemed picture
perfect, until Mommy started having some troubles. Mommy was in and out
of hospitals a lot, and the strain took its toll on the family. Bit by
bit the picture perfect life unraveled, and by the time Theresa was in
high school, her life and family was nothing like it was just a few
years before. Yet thanks to the influence of caring adults and
supporting friends, Theresa finds a way to move forward and prosper.
Once again, I find myself asking why there are not more books like
this out there? Mental illnesses affect more that just the person
diagnosed, and this book is a perfect example of how. This is a story
that is both heartbreaking and heartwarming.
Waters bravely talks about her life in a way that really lets the
readers see the unfolding of events. In the beginning, you can not even
tell anything is wrong. By the end, you are amazed anything is right.
Bravo to Waters for baring her soul, and painting an honest picture of
what life is like for the child of a schizophrenic. I love the fact
that we get to see Theresa's anger at her mother, and the mother's
apparent lack of understanding as to why she might be angry.
This is a book that can provide such hope to children dealing with
mental illness within their family system. I think this would be a
great book for therapists to recommend to young adults with mentally
ill parents, to help show them that even when they do not look like a
happy tv sitcom family, they can still live happy, meaningful lives. I
have the utmost respect for Waters, for sharing her story and
empowering so many others to hopefully do the same.
5.0 out of 5 starsRead this book....WOW!!!, May 31, 2011
This book is well written, it keeps you reading even when you have other things to do. The story captivated me from the very beginning and I was pulled in completely. The authors' writing has an amazing flow that keeps you from putting it down. I cried, I laughed, my heart broke for Theresa and I wanted nothing more than for her mother to get better and start caring for her family, even though I knew that wasn't going to happen.
In college and right after wards, I worked with the mentally Ill. My husband and I managed apartments for those well enough to live on their own with a bit of supervision. We would look out the window and see a group of six or more smoking while sitting around the picnic table. They were all talking and caring on long conversations, yet none of them were conversing with each other only with the voices in their own heads. Their stories were varied as they were, but they all broke my heart. Being cured was not an option, only the hope that the new medicine would work longer then the last one.
I loved this book and the author did an amazing job of putting you into her life. I wanted her to be happy, I wanted her family to be whole again and I wanted her to know that she was loved. Her mother loved her; she just could not get healthy enough to show it very often. Beautifully written, moving and something I will be thinking about for awhile to come.
Maybe you don't like stories about the mentally ill, but this is one everyone should read. It is not their fault, it is an illness that has no cure only medications that can ease the symptoms for awhile. Hearing voices has got to be one of the most difficult thing for them, how do you ignore something that is screaming in your head?
Everyone should read this book. You will find a new way of seeing mental illness, those that suffer from it and the families and friends who love them. I loved this book, and I thank the author for sending it. As with all my reviews I have received no compensation and I do not know the author.
5.0 out of 5 starsA riveting page-turner, July 7, 2011
When Theresa was born, her parents simply adored her. She has an other
brother, Mikie, and her life is pretty awesome. But then something
happens - her mom becomes sick and Grandma has to step in and help out
while mom is at the hospital. Her mother becomes sick quite frequently
and has to stay in a hospital, and Theresa's dad does the best he knows
how to be both a mom and dad to his children. The kids think their dad
is pretty awesome.
But when mom starts talking to demons, she goes away for a long
time. Dad can't take care of them so they have to go to a temporary
foster home. Theresa and Mikie are overjoyed when they get to go back
home. Their mom seems to be better and life is good again. But then dad
loses his job and life spirals out of control once again.
When tragedy strikes, they move to a small town in Minnesota. They
move into a tiny house, the home of Teresa and Mikie's grandparents.
Mom gets a job but the demons still call to her. Her disease in her
mind takes it toll on the family and Mikie moves out. Theresa tries to
find a place to fit in, making new friends and trying new things. But
before long, Mom has a new boyfriend and Theresa is placed with aunts
and uncles. This goes on for years. But Theresa is determined to
survive, not matter what.
Ghellow Road is a riveting page-turner. My heart just ached for
Theresa and Mikie for their circumstance and for what their mother put
them through. Watching her navigate through the ups and downs of
growing up brought back some memories but also made me sit on the
edge-of-my-seat to see how Theresa would fair. The writing draws you in
and doesn't let go until the final pages. I found myself immersed in
this world and just wish I could give Theresa a big hug. I loved this
novel and highly recommend it!!
4.0 out of 5 starsHeartfelt and Real, July 26, 2011
The story takes place in Minneapolis and International Falls, Minnesota.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I began this book, and I really
kept my expectations low. However I found myself pleasantly surprised
with the genuineness and honest humor used to share the author's story.
This story really hit home for me. Growing up, my best friend spent
several years living in much the same way as the author, and I was the
stable friend in her life.
While the circumstances may have differed, I could certainly
identify with the feelings surrounding many of the situations the
author dealt with as a kid. I came from a pretty stable home, but my
best friend had a mother who mentally checked out for awhile, had
two-way conversations with Jesus and Moses, and eventually was
institutionalized. I've seen some of the behavior described in the book
firsthand, and have sat and cried with my friend as we were separated
from one another when she had to go live with other family members. I'm
all too familiar with The Invisibles mentioned in the book, and
remember the chills of listening to my friend's mother carry on
conversations with her own invisible visitors.
The author's description of herself as a kid, and the way that she
covered up her pain with a put-on bubbly personality, is even
reminiscent of my friend, as well as the explosive way she would speak
to her mother in anger, pain, frustration, embarrassment and
helplessness.
I was really impressed with the author's writing style, as it
far-exceeded my expectations. I found it engaging and effective,
easy-to-read and unpretentious.
Happily, you are left in the end with hope and promise for the future of the author following a childhood of turmoil.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this memoir to anyone. Fresh, heartfelt and sincere, I embraced this story wholeheartedly.
5.0 out of 5 starsSad and compelling, July 23, 2011
This book is a sad and compelling look into the dysfunctional life
Theresa lived growing up with a mother who is a schizophrenic. Her
loving and active mother, Rainy, becomes someone Theresa no longer
recognizes. As a child, Theresa does not understand mental illness and
is often terrified of her mother's actions. Theresa's mother is
hospitalized several times for schizophrenic episodes. The first few
times, her grandmother was able to stay at their house to care for
Theresa and her brother, Mikie. For unknown reasons, the children are
sent to a foster home during one of their mother's hospital stays.
Theresa's father has always been a rock for the kids and tries to
keep their lives as normal as possible, despite their mother's mental
illness. Unfortunately, after losing his job, he becomes unable to cope
and becomes very depressed. Though she is very young, Theresa is able
to notice the changes in her father. One tragic evening, her father
commits suicide, and Theresa loses any chance of living a normal
childhood.
Her mother moves them to her hometown to stay with her parents
until they can get on their feet. Theresa has never met her maternal
grandparents and is devastated to leave her beloved grandmother behind
along with the only life she has ever known. Everything in her life has
changed which is very traumatic to a small child.
It was interesting and sad to read about the stages her mother went
through trying to deal with her illness. She would seem to do fine for
a short while and then everything would crash down and life would
become too hard for her to deal with and she would shut down. Not long
after moving into the first place of their own since her father's
death, Theresa's brother runs away to live with another family and
never returns. Their connection to each other is forever broken.
As the book progressed, Rainy's delusions and ability to
rationalize seem to become worse with each episode. For example, she
purchases an ant farm as a gift for a graduating family member without
the understanding that it is an inappropriate gift, despite Theresa
trying to intercede.
Through all of this, Theresa seems to understandably be untrusting.
She has been constantly sent to live with others when her mother did
not feel like dealing with her or was unable to. In the end, she comes
to live at her beloved Aunt Mae's house where she is provided a place
of love and stability. My heart truly broke for this little girl who
was robbed of her childhood.
T.H. Waters did an excellent job of detailing the experiences
through the eyes of a child. And going through your teen years is hard
enough without having to try to hide your mother's mental illness.
Theresa seems to persevere despite having the deck stacked against her
and I found myself rooting for her throughout the book.
I thought the book was excellent with an easy to read style of
writing. It should be considered necessary reading for anyone with the
need to understand what it is like to live with someone suffering a
mental illness.
Wow, what a book! I am truly sorry to have to put this one down. What a
truly compelling story, from beginning to end.
The author, I infer, is telling the story of her childhood and it
is one filled with sadness, loneliness, and hardship - but she
eventually rises above it all. This is a story that you fall into from
the very beginning in their small modest house in what ended up being
the most normal part of Theresa's childhood. You end with her entering
the world after ten years of uncertainty and instability.
I cannot even imagine how it must have felt to feel so unwanted and
to be juggled about with no inclination where you might end up next,
and in the most formative years of a person's life.
The author has a really great writing style, and even though the
book jumped around in time, it was easy to follow and didn't leave and
gaps for readers. I simply couldn't put it down and it kept me on the
edge of my seat wondering what would become of someone who was given so
many opportunities to be a failure...but didn't.
The characters were all painted perfectly and you really gained a clear picture of how this family became so disjointed.
I heartily recommend this book, you will not be disappointed.
A must read for those whom have experienced mental illness, whether personally or professionally.
Ghellow Road was much more than I expected, and it left my heart
completely weeping for Waters. Mental illness is like a cruel joker,
creeping up on happy and healthy individuals and their families, then
pulling the rug right out from under them. My heart went out to Waters
after the suicide of her father, as he seemed not able to cope any
longer with his wife's illness. I don't believe Richard loved his
children any less, even after he started to pull away from them or by
taking his own life. Richard seemed like he was an amazing father, who
wanted to be the perfect husband. I believe Richard was a caring,
compassionate, loving soul who felt helpless and fell into a deep
depression, when it finally sunk in that his wife would never be the
same again. Richard seemed to have loved his wife deeply and couldn't
picture his life without his wife, the women he first met, before
Schizophrenia took her away. As Waters narrates her story, you can
certainly sense when her father lost interest in his children and in
his life, in general. Shutting himself off from the world, a coping
mechanism commonly used by those with depression, that can backfire. It
is a fact that men are more likely to take their own lives when
depressed, and not seek help. He probably had no idea, he was even
depressed and needed help. The work Richard did in his basement,
focusing all his attention on one thing before his death, were his last
feeble attempts at trying to feel alive, find meaning and seeking
happiness in his life.
I believe Waters is blessed in many ways, some of which includes,
the strength she used to keep herself going throughout her traumatic
life and the gift of writing, that allows her to share her traumatic
past with others. As by sharing her story, she has certainly touched my
heart, while also giving me hope. The hope that even though we may be
hurt and our hearts shattered by those with mental illness, we can
still love them in the end. We may have no control over the type of
family we are born into, but we certainly have control over refusing to
let those with mental illness suck us up into their vacuum of madness.
Waters did the best she could, given her circumstances, to live out her
life in peace and happiness. Staying away from her mother Rainy and
later her brother, when they were not in their right mind, was crucial
to her survival and her own mental state. I also believe even in her
madness, Rainy tried to protect her daughter, the only way she knew
how, hence the reasons for pushing Theresa away, at those times in her
life, when she felt another episode coming on. Waters was given these
trials and tribulations in her life for a reason, she was also given
the tools she needed, those of which include strength and the
intelligence to overcome these obstacles, and she used those tools
wisely. A little secret her father knew about her, which is why he left
her the message he did upon his death. We are all born for a purpose,
most have no idea what that may be, and while seeking continue headed
in the wrong direction. Whether that correct path may include helping,
healing or just being there, it always involves other lives, and other
souls similar to our own. Waters has truly found her purpose, by
sharing her painful past in this novel, Ghellow Road. My hope is that
Waters continues to write other novels. As Waters is a gifted writer,
who's words run fluidly on the pages, keeping the reader suspended in
time and space. I also feel Waters has so much more to tell, even if
she were to encase those secrets within fiction, she will help many
more lost souls on this road we call life.
This memoir will stay in my mind and heart for a long time. I read it
quickly, I wanted to know, needed to know, that Theresa was going to
make it, that she was going to be ok. Shuttled from one family to the
next throughout a childhood blighted by her parents mental illness, the
author shows that even with the worst circumstances, it is possible to
not only survive that kind of childhood but to mature and thrive into
adulthood.
Theresa's style of writing was quite disarming. It was an honest and
raw account of her formative years and was often very matter of fact,
frequently appearing as if she were an outsider looking in at her own
life. I guess growing up distancing ones self from the situation at
hand was all part of the 'survival mode'. Memoirs like this are so hard
for me to read in many ways, because you know that they are not a
figment of someone's imagination, that this is someones life, the
author actually lived this. It makes the story even more heartbreaking
but at the same time uplifting because here she is today, a college
graduate with a published memoir!
Theresa's story reminds me that we never truly know the struggles that
people we come into contact daily with have. We interact with people
around us, taking their outward appearance at face value, but so many
are struggling with issues that we never would guess at when they close
their front door. It makes me hope that I can remember to be a little
kinder to those I meet in my day to day life, because who knows what
they are dealing with at home and how far a kind word from a stranger
may go into brightening their day.
This book will most certainly rank up there in my top 10 favorite books
of the year and I can highly recommend it. For those with a 'normal'
life, it will make you want to go hug your kids a little tighter, for
those who struggle with a serious mental illness, or who are close to
someone that does, you will find a lot to relate to here.
PS. When I received the copy of this book, the author took the time to
write me a little note expressing her thanks and appreciation for
taking a look at her book, she even wrote a little anecdote about her
paternal grandmother. I just wanted to mention that because it was so
sweet and made my day and more evidence that she turned out awesome!
Monday, November 21, 2011
Ghellow Road: A Novel by T.H. Waters
About Book: Ghellow Road
is a literary diary of a young girl's journey through the tangled
labyrinth that is her life. Theresa's story begins in a large
midwestern city where she is born to loving parents in 1965. For a
brief moment in time, her life is full, as is her heart, and the world
is hers to receive without consequence. As times passes and Theresa
grows, supernatural forces begin to shape her existence, no matter how
carefully her father colors the empty spaces of her world. After a
series of tragic events, Theresa and her family seek refuge in a small
Minnesota town nestled near the shores of Rainy Lake. She creates a new
life for herself there, sharing adventures with friends and riding the
ups and downs of adolescence. Yet through it all, her mother remains
forever lost in the prison of her own mind and forever lost to Theresa.
The young girl feels as though she is leading a double life, one that
no one else could possibly understand. She begins to peer at the world
as if looking through a thick, black veil, never certain which pieces
are illusion and which are not. Through the kindness and support of the
townspeople, she eventually summons the strength to survive. This is a
story of tragedy and triumph. This is the story of my life... My Thoughts: Truthfully when I was given the opportunity to read Ghellow Road
I wasn’t really sure what to expect. However, I am so happy I read this
amazing memoir about a childhood filled with pain and struggle. It
truly captivated me from the start and I could not put it down - in
fact, I read it all in one sitting on a rainy Saturday. What we have
is a story about a family that becomes fractured and completely broken
as a result of the mother's battle with mental illness, specifically
schizophrenia. The mother is terribly depressed and often talks to the
voices that only she can hear - incidents that Theresa is witness to at
such an early age. Of course, being so young, Theresa is unable to
understand why it is that her mother is home one day and gone the next.
Instead she must deal with being shuffled around to different homes,
without a parent to watch over her. Her
father is so lost and unable to handle his wife's mental illness. And
her brother leaves home as soon as he can and doesn't look back - he
doesn't want to deal with the fact that his relationship with his
mother is nonexistent. It’s really rather
heartbreaking having to read how alone these children were and the ways
in which they had to fend for themselves. Reading about Theresa
managing childhood and the angst-ridden teen-aged years is sad and
riveting. The ups and downs that life throws her way makes you wonder
how Theresa will turn out - will she be a victim of a broken home or
will she be an exception and grow up to be a strong and independent
woman capable of tackling the world? The answer is that you will be
happily surprised and amazed at the positive direction that Theresa
manages to steer her life. Thanks to some dear friends and members of
her community, Theresa is able to finally get some help and support,
which truly do make a difference in her life. Not only does she realize
that there are good people and experiences out there in the world, but
that there are people who care about her. Plus, Theresa envisions a
future for herself, which I believe is the biggest success of all. Well written, compelling and very character-driven, Ghellow Road
is a memorable book that will leave you feeling sad and happy. Though
heartbreaking to read at times, you will enjoy the few happy moments
that Theresa recalls, along with the ending where she finds herself
heading toward her future. Broken up into two books, “Living in the Shadow of The Invisibles” and " Fumbling through the Tangled Labyrinth”,
this story does not contain any chapters and simply flows from one
memory to the next. You can get a sense of how Theresa is remembering
her childhood and teen-aged years. Definitely a good read! I would
recommend this book to anyone interested in memoirs, books on family
dysfunction and stories that involve mental illness, specifically
schizophrenia. This is one book that I will not soon forget. I want to thank T. H.
Waters for providing me with a copy of this great book - it was
engaging and emotional and completely captivating!
The
story is the tale of a woman recalling her childhood growing up in a
home filled with love and turmoil. It is a story of how the woman
manages to come of age like all of us, but in a home that is overtaken
by mental illness. The story takes you in from the first page and you
really feel part of Theresa's world. You feel the hope of the young
girl, like when she is trying to win a radio contest so that she can
send her mother to Lourdes to make her better, just because she has
heard her mothe...moreThe
story is the tale of a woman recalling her childhood growing up in a
home filled with love and turmoil. It is a story of how the woman
manages to come of age like all of us, but in a home that is overtaken
by mental illness. The story takes you in from the first page and you
really feel part of Theresa's world. You feel the hope of the young
girl, like when she is trying to win a radio contest so that she can
send her mother to Lourdes to make her better, just because she has
heard her mother wish to go to this unknown place where miracle's
happen. You can feel the teen angst that everyone has and see just how
strong she is to make it through after all she goes through at home at
the same time. I loved the initial innocence of a young girl trying to
figure out why her mother had to leave home for months at a time, even
though the reader ... like all the other adults in the story ...
clearly understand the reason behind the absences. The flow of writing
was so perfect for the flow of the story that it was able to progress
seamlessly.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys
coming-of-age stories or books dealing with the hardships of living
with those you love who suffer from mental illnesses.
I also recommend this to ANYONE looking for a good heartfelt story!
Book Review By MamaLuvsBooks: I just finished reading "Ghellow Road" by, T.H. Waters.
I am personally a HUGE fan of biographies! I read True Crime novels,
biographies, and watch Lifetime Movie Network True Stories ALL THE
TIME! This book was definitely the kind of novel I enjoy reading. Not
only was it a personal coming-of-age story, but it was also very
well-written. The author had a beautiful way about describing things
throughout the book, as well as revealing her most inner thoughts and
emotions. You very much get attached to the main character Theresa (who
happens to be the author). You constantly want to find out what happens
next, and I would actually be interested in reading a follow-up book to
learn what happened to her in college and beyond.
The
story itself takes the reader through the a journey of the author's
life. It shows the impact a mental illness can have on all members of a
family and how even in awful circumstances one can overcome all with
strength and will for life. It shows how someone can proceed with a
fulfilled life if they have a desire to, even with enduring tragic
events and an unsettled daily lifestyle. You MUST read this story to
see what I am talking about. You will be sucked in too!
THINGS I LOVE ABOUT THE BOOK:
1. It is very well-written and descriptive.
2. It has short chapters that makes you KEEP on reading!
3. The character development is great because you feel for the characters and care about them.
4. It leaves you wanting to know more and read more.
5. It gives a great inside look at families that deal with mental illnesses.
6. It shows that one can overcome almost anything and strive to be the best they can!
7. It is a biography that is written as more a fictional novel than just a fact-telling essay.
This is the story of Theresa, a young girl growing up in lower middle
class America. The book follows her life as she struggles to over come
many problems. Her
mother is mentally ill, and her father breaks under the strain of
dealing with it all. Leaving poor Theresa and her brother to batter the
storm. The book is heartbreaking. I felt so bad for little Theresa. At
times wanting to pull her from the pages and just hold her. I loved
that she rose above it all and had the strength to keep going. Slogging
through all the emotional muck and mire to finally pull herself out. I also feel that Ms Water's is a very brave woman to bare her soul and write such a personal book.
5.0 out of 5 starsI'm taking the Ghellow Road, March 18, 2012
I have to tell you that I really enjoyed reading this book. We are
close to the same age so this brought back a lot of memories for me.
The book is well written and I would lose myself in it. I was sad when
it ended. I know what it's like to grow up with a mentally ill parent.
Unlike Theresa, I never got a break because they never sent my parent
away. It is odd when you visit a "normal" household. You become envious
of your friend's families. Anyway...Read it! I think you will enjoy
reading Ghellow Road.
Poignant is the only word to describe this book. The family's struggles
are heart-wrenching and so real that you feel terrible while reading
the book, but, at the same time, liberated for having been a part of
the journey. This book is well-written and easy-to-read, but is not a
'sit down and finish in one setting' sort of book. I don't recommend it
for the beach or for an airplane. It's more of a 'read three books at
once' sort of book. You need time to process what you've read as you go
along.
4.0 out of 5 starsEmotional, captivating, and inspirational, April 16, 2012
I hate to start off saying this story is sad, because I know that's not
the author's purpose. However there was so much to the story that was
just sad. I cried a few times while reading it. There were quite a few
high points in the story also, it's just that while I was reading this
book I was in a mind frame that made me connect so much more with the
sad stuff.
Despite
the fact that it made me cry I do have to say that I really liked this
book. It was very well written and I connected instantly with Theresa.
I felt all the emotions she was experiencing throughout the book.
Knowing that this was a biographical story absolutely gave me a more
intimate connection to the story. But I do feel that even if it wasn't
a true story I would still have had the same connections to the story.
It was so well written that I could easily get lost in the story.
Whenever
I read a true story, or a story based on the author's life I find
myself wondering how the author can so freely open themselves up like
that. There are some things that happen in this book that had they
happened to me I don't know that I would be able to share them for the
world to see. I think that takes an extreme amount of bravery and
courage to just lay it all out there for the world to scrutinize. But
I'm glad that there are people like T.H. Waters that will take us along
with them through their lives. So in closing I just have to say thank
you to T.H. Waters for allowing me to lose myself in the story of your
life. It was emotional, captivating, and inspirational!
I
was fortunate enough to be a First Reads winner of Ghellow Road! What a
fantastic read, I would highly recommend this book/author and have
become a tremendous fan of T.H.Waters! Her ability to share such a
personal experience as her own life, in such a way that I feel almost a
kindred spirit to her and some of the life events shared. I found
myself remembering events of my own struggles with growing pains and
enjoying the pictures painted by her story. The author also shone a light on subjects r...moreI was fortunate enough
to be a First Reads winner of Ghellow Road! What a fantastic read, I
would highly recommend this book/author and have become a tremendous
fan of T.H.Waters! Her ability to share such a personal experience
as her own life, in such a way that I feel almost a kindred spirit to
her and some of the life events shared. I found myself remembering
events of my own struggles with growing pains and enjoying the pictures
painted by her story. The author also shone a light on subjects
rarely discussed from a child's point of view and I feel it necessary
to thank her for the opportunity of the glimpse of sorrows and joys she
lived through. I will not share details of her story, but will
encourage teens through adults to pick up a copy and snuggle down for
an evening with this story!