Assessment:
Plot: In her moving, well-paced memoir Breen reflects upon life-altering, traumatic events that the author experienced across childhood, adolescence, and early to mid-adulthood.
Prose: Breen’s prose is poignant and often heart-wrenching, as she provides detailed descriptions of her verbal, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse at the hands of her parents and partners. Breen writes with clarity and honesty about her evolving understanding of the trauma she endured.
Originality: Breen offers a painfully authentic perspective on the abuse she suffered, telling a story that readers may find relatable. However, she also focuses the narrative on her unique experiences, allowing the memoir to stand as a powerful and personal testament to survival.
Character Development: The author candidly, yet thoughtfully conveys how her mistreatment impacted her psychological well-being—and how she has continued to evolve. Abusers are also portrayed with nuance, as are other family members impacted by the reverberating effects of trauma.
Date Submitted: July 18, 2018
The Comeback is Always Stronger than the Setback
ByCharles Feldmanon August 10, 2018
Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Someone in the recovery center where I work painted the above quote, which applies exactly to Candace's book. I admire authors who can write about their personal experience in detail, especially when there is a moral to the story. The moral to this story is that anything can be overcome. It is a gripping tale, which I couldn't put down. I hope that Candace writes a sequel about her life from the point where this book ends, including her spiritual life.
5.0 out of 5 starsA book that inspires hope.
August 9, 2018
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
Heart aching story with an amazing ending. She was a fighter, surviver, and her own hero! A hard to put down book but an inspiration to so many who wish to make change and create a better world. Powerful message!
Kim
5.0 out of 5 starsYou never know what is HIDDEN behind a SMILE...
August 10, 2018
Format: Paperback|Verified Purchase
This book brought so many feelings out of me. People only see the surface of a person. I never would of guessed a beautiful soul like Candace had endured such a heartbreaking childhood and life. When you see her she is always SMILING. A smile that touches your heart with her kindness. To be brave enough in such a cruel world to still move forward in LIFE with her head held HIGH. Your story will for sure touch other survivors to hopefully be BRAVE like you to come forward and TELL THE WORLD. You AMAZE Me with your strength and courage. It was truly hard to read this because it is about your life but I was also unable to put it down once I started. You capture the reader and they feel the emotions right along with you. Kailyn and I adore you and keep on SHINING YOUR SMILE 😊
