By Mary A. Pérez
Publisher: Chart House Press, LLC
This book describes the life of the author in raw detail. The author tells her life story leaving little out. She nicely characterizes the disruptive interaction with her mother and her life with an abusive and alcoholic husband twice her age. Not only is the story descriptive, but it is sad to see that as a small child the author was given much responsibility because her mother’s focus was more on entertaining men than taking care of her children. I won’t go further into details of the story as I wouldn’t want to spoil it for you.
It appears that in writing this story the author has gone through much detail and pain to illustrate to the reader how difficult her life was, but yet she shows courage and rarely gives up hope. Her will of survival is eminent throughout the story and it will make you want to continue reading because it captures the essence of a dysfunctional family in true form, and yet there are some happy moments. Ms. Pérez does a magnificent job of illustrating her story with memorable snippets in a difficult journey.
The book is written in first person, which gives the reader insight into the mind of the author and how she views the world from her younger years to adult life. By using this method, the author brings the audience into the story. The book is easy to read and is structured in a methodical and chronologically order for the reader. The author provides just the right amount of scenes and action to keep the story moving forward which creates a page turner.
The one small criticism that I have of the book is that it is characterized as a memoir rather than an autobiography. A memoir is a snippet of a person’s life, such as a summer or two, whereas an autobiography describes a person’s entire life. This book detailed the author’s entire life.
All in all, the book is powerful in that it captures Ms. Pérez’ life and it will make you question the decision made by parents, and for that matter spouses, within their close family circles. I would definitely recommend this book for reading.
Source: Book was provided by author for review. It was reviewed by Corina Martinez Chaudhry.
