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Wounds of the Father: A True Story of Child Abuse, Betrayal, and Redemption
In the bestselling tradition of Smashed and The Glass Castle, this raw, eye-opening memoir tells the powerful story of Elizabeth Garrison’s fractured childhood, descent into teenage drug addiction, and struggle to overcome nearly insurmountable odds. Elizabeth invites the reader behind the closed doors of a picture-perfect Christian family to reveal a dark, hidden world of child abuse, domestic violence, and chilling family secrets all performed in the name of God under the tyrannical rule of her father. Like countless teenage girls, Elizabeth turns to drugs and alcohol to escape. With smack-you-in-the-face honesty, Elizabeth chronicles the dark realities and real-life horrors of teenage drug abuse, living on the streets, foster homes, and treatment centers. She paints an unsparing portrait of scratching and clawing her way out of the grips of child abuse, addiction, and betrayal to find the strength within herself to save her own life.
427 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 4, 2015
About the author
Elizabeth Garrison
4 books22 followersElizabeth Garrison has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and works as a researcher for the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress. Her research focuses on the effects of childhood abuse and developing interventions to help children recover. She also is a well-known celebrity ghost-writer. Given her talent in helping others to tell their stories, Garrison decided it was time to tell her own story. Visit her at www.elizabethgarrison.info.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
September 30, 2015
The true story of Elizabeth Garrison's early childhood abuse, and family domestic violence perpetrated in the name of God.. which led to teenage drug abuse and drinking.
March 21, 2015
This was very well written, very raw and brave book. I read memoirs quite often and i think this one is one of the better written ones I have read. Sometimes, when people write of their lives, it feels as if the author is just simply recounting everything that's happened in their lives and sometimes the emotion is lost. What I especially liked about this book is that the author actually makes the reader feel immersed in her feelings. When she's angry, you feel it. When she's desperate and feels hopeless, you feel it. Not in an empathetic way but in a way that is very immediate and beyond empathy. She takes you through her feelings and while she is trying to figure out why she feels the way she does, the reader wants to keep reading in order to figure it out too. Anyone who is either struggling with their own addiction or anyone struggling with a loved one's addiction can get some valuable insight from this. I would love to see a sequel to this. I would love to read the rest of Elizabeth's journey.
March 24, 2022
Reviewed by Sharon Thérèse
I started this book with trepidation as not only is it a genre which I have never read about, but up until now, it is also a subject frivolously ignored by me. This sounds very flippant; however, I am sure the majority of parents and young adults who will hopefully read this book, haven't had this kind of experience or have had to live such a tragedy like Elizabeth's. If we can all learn a little something from her harsh lesson, the author's words will never be in vain.
There is no word to describe this read other than hellish, and that would be putting it mildly. This is where she got to ~ hell! I was literally astounded by her account and not in a good way. It is so honest, so crude and so devastating that at times I was appalled with her behaviour, at others, I wanted to take her pain away regardless of whether or not I was a bystander in a horrendous scenario. The build-up of her story is slow but more than comprehensible. There is always a reason why someone chooses to take the path of self-destruction and this is explained step by step in her story.
"The ability to leave my body scared me because I'd lose pieces of time in my life."
Religion plays a huge part. It is forced down her throat to such a degree making her think the very worst of herself. How could anyone be so cruel as to quote to one’s daughter that Satan was controlling her mind is a pretence of the mentally disordered? Her family is totally dysfunctional. Elizabeth has an extremely unusual capability to my mind of thinking. She manages to block certain actions out. They are there, but her brain plainly shut down from a very young age. Human nature kicks in here. She was trying to protect herself from the psychological abuse at home. Maybe even worse.
"Only bad girls had monsters in their rooms and did tricks with their bodies. There wasn't any salvation for me."
Her mother. I could have strangled her throughout this read, and I must point out that I would have liked to have known more about her abominable attitude towards her daughter. We find out snippets of information that shed a little light regarding her stance. Completely submissive towards her husband, she will go to great lengths to convince herself that Elizabeth is the culprit, but can be redeemed if she accepts God!
Elizabeth's mother: "Even if your dad did do something to you, Elizabeth, I forgive him. I forgive him because God forgives us."
Like his wife, her father is a reborn Christian. However, he is not a good man. He is an ogre with a bipolar character. A simple evening meal with his family could be at his whim, enjoyable, on others, it could turn into a charade of harsh words, of fear! His monstrous, demanding and domineering persona was without a doubt, the root of all evils.
Elizabeth's father: "Oh yeah, let's see how tough you are. C'mon tough girl. Let's see what you've got."
The protagonist has no chance. Young and headstrong, she rebels and is doomed well underage. This incredibly intelligent lass who has brilliant marks at school falls into the alcohol trap. Her first taste is an elixir. It helps her forget what she doesn’t know what she wants to forget! One thing leads to another, and before she even realises where she is, she is trying out other ways to dull her pain. Drugs. My heart went out for her. I cried, sobbed and I couldn’t believe in a million years that she had to go through all that she did virtually alone. She broke my heart to smithereens. I wanted, needed, pleaded with her not to go back when she was being treated. Between hard knocks, being pushed and pulled from one institution to another, rules are broken again and again, and when you think that all is lost, she picks herself up and fights against her addiction.
"... my first drink didn't feel at all like a sin. I didn't get the horrible pit in my stomach or the sticky palms that other sins gave me."
The secondary characters in this book are unbelievable. I most certainly will not tell you who they are as this is a review without any spoilers. But good influences, she has. Bad influences abound too! In fact, I fell in love with her social worker that had more tact than a saint; and her drug supplier? Even though he was who he was, his protective feelings towards her probably saved her from herself. Nevertheless, there is no excuse for his harbouring Elizabeth's addiction.
Strom: "Listen kid, I kinda like you. I don't like too many people but I take care of the ones that I do."
To sum up this read! I prayed for Elizabeth. What changed her was so upsetting. Was I really reading passages that made me think she had lost her battle? Could anyone with a fight against drugs possibly get out of a deep hole they'd dug themselves into? The last pages in this book turned into fire. I couldn’t read one word after another more quickly. I am in awe. I was lost for words. What can I say with tears in my eyes while writing this review? If I could have given this read ten stars, I would have! My 'bravo' here seems to me, a meagre reward for a book so well written. But I give it to you with all sincerity.
"I'd spent my childhood years in a prison of thou-shalt-nots, and for the first time I felt free."
I started this book with trepidation as not only is it a genre which I have never read about, but up until now, it is also a subject frivolously ignored by me. This sounds very flippant; however, I am sure the majority of parents and young adults who will hopefully read this book, haven't had this kind of experience or have had to live such a tragedy like Elizabeth's. If we can all learn a little something from her harsh lesson, the author's words will never be in vain.
There is no word to describe this read other than hellish, and that would be putting it mildly. This is where she got to ~ hell! I was literally astounded by her account and not in a good way. It is so honest, so crude and so devastating that at times I was appalled with her behaviour, at others, I wanted to take her pain away regardless of whether or not I was a bystander in a horrendous scenario. The build-up of her story is slow but more than comprehensible. There is always a reason why someone chooses to take the path of self-destruction and this is explained step by step in her story.
"The ability to leave my body scared me because I'd lose pieces of time in my life."
Religion plays a huge part. It is forced down her throat to such a degree making her think the very worst of herself. How could anyone be so cruel as to quote to one’s daughter that Satan was controlling her mind is a pretence of the mentally disordered? Her family is totally dysfunctional. Elizabeth has an extremely unusual capability to my mind of thinking. She manages to block certain actions out. They are there, but her brain plainly shut down from a very young age. Human nature kicks in here. She was trying to protect herself from the psychological abuse at home. Maybe even worse.
"Only bad girls had monsters in their rooms and did tricks with their bodies. There wasn't any salvation for me."
Her mother. I could have strangled her throughout this read, and I must point out that I would have liked to have known more about her abominable attitude towards her daughter. We find out snippets of information that shed a little light regarding her stance. Completely submissive towards her husband, she will go to great lengths to convince herself that Elizabeth is the culprit, but can be redeemed if she accepts God!
Elizabeth's mother: "Even if your dad did do something to you, Elizabeth, I forgive him. I forgive him because God forgives us."
Like his wife, her father is a reborn Christian. However, he is not a good man. He is an ogre with a bipolar character. A simple evening meal with his family could be at his whim, enjoyable, on others, it could turn into a charade of harsh words, of fear! His monstrous, demanding and domineering persona was without a doubt, the root of all evils.
Elizabeth's father: "Oh yeah, let's see how tough you are. C'mon tough girl. Let's see what you've got."
The protagonist has no chance. Young and headstrong, she rebels and is doomed well underage. This incredibly intelligent lass who has brilliant marks at school falls into the alcohol trap. Her first taste is an elixir. It helps her forget what she doesn’t know what she wants to forget! One thing leads to another, and before she even realises where she is, she is trying out other ways to dull her pain. Drugs. My heart went out for her. I cried, sobbed and I couldn’t believe in a million years that she had to go through all that she did virtually alone. She broke my heart to smithereens. I wanted, needed, pleaded with her not to go back when she was being treated. Between hard knocks, being pushed and pulled from one institution to another, rules are broken again and again, and when you think that all is lost, she picks herself up and fights against her addiction.
"... my first drink didn't feel at all like a sin. I didn't get the horrible pit in my stomach or the sticky palms that other sins gave me."
The secondary characters in this book are unbelievable. I most certainly will not tell you who they are as this is a review without any spoilers. But good influences, she has. Bad influences abound too! In fact, I fell in love with her social worker that had more tact than a saint; and her drug supplier? Even though he was who he was, his protective feelings towards her probably saved her from herself. Nevertheless, there is no excuse for his harbouring Elizabeth's addiction.
Strom: "Listen kid, I kinda like you. I don't like too many people but I take care of the ones that I do."
To sum up this read! I prayed for Elizabeth. What changed her was so upsetting. Was I really reading passages that made me think she had lost her battle? Could anyone with a fight against drugs possibly get out of a deep hole they'd dug themselves into? The last pages in this book turned into fire. I couldn’t read one word after another more quickly. I am in awe. I was lost for words. What can I say with tears in my eyes while writing this review? If I could have given this read ten stars, I would have! My 'bravo' here seems to me, a meagre reward for a book so well written. But I give it to you with all sincerity.
"I'd spent my childhood years in a prison of thou-shalt-nots, and for the first time I felt free."
March 6, 2015
Reviewed on behalf of Readers' Favorite
Wounds of the Father: A True Story of Child Abuse, Betrayal, and Redemption by Elizabeth Garrison is comprised of the real life experiences of the author. Elizabeth Garrison grew up in a strict Christian home where her father practiced corporal punishment. When she was twelve years old, Elizabeth had her first drink. Alcoholism ran rampant in her family and it was no surprise that the young girl soon became addicted to the feelings she got while drunk. Abandoning her academics and sports, Elizabeth’s sole fixation was on where she would get her next bottle. She began to spiral out of control, drinking and doing drugs to numb the pain from her childhood abuse, and to chase away the memories of horrible things that happened to her at the hands of her father. In and out of recovery, it wasn’t until Elizabeth had a revelation about her life that was the key to discovering her sobriety and herself.
Miss Garrison’s story is tragic, but uplifting. She is very honest about her struggles with drugs and remaining sober, presenting a real picture of what it is like to be a recovering addict. This memoir must have been very difficult to write, but cleansing in a way as well. I was impressed with the raw openness of the book and it wasn’t something I expected. I would be curious to know what her relationship with her mother and father is like now that she’s recovered and has moved on with her life. Wounds of the Father: A True Story of Child Abuse, Betrayal, and Redemption is an inspiring read and I definitely recommend it to someone who may be struggling with addiction.
Wounds of the Father: A True Story of Child Abuse, Betrayal, and Redemption by Elizabeth Garrison is comprised of the real life experiences of the author. Elizabeth Garrison grew up in a strict Christian home where her father practiced corporal punishment. When she was twelve years old, Elizabeth had her first drink. Alcoholism ran rampant in her family and it was no surprise that the young girl soon became addicted to the feelings she got while drunk. Abandoning her academics and sports, Elizabeth’s sole fixation was on where she would get her next bottle. She began to spiral out of control, drinking and doing drugs to numb the pain from her childhood abuse, and to chase away the memories of horrible things that happened to her at the hands of her father. In and out of recovery, it wasn’t until Elizabeth had a revelation about her life that was the key to discovering her sobriety and herself.
Miss Garrison’s story is tragic, but uplifting. She is very honest about her struggles with drugs and remaining sober, presenting a real picture of what it is like to be a recovering addict. This memoir must have been very difficult to write, but cleansing in a way as well. I was impressed with the raw openness of the book and it wasn’t something I expected. I would be curious to know what her relationship with her mother and father is like now that she’s recovered and has moved on with her life. Wounds of the Father: A True Story of Child Abuse, Betrayal, and Redemption is an inspiring read and I definitely recommend it to someone who may be struggling with addiction.
June 23, 2023
This was a heavy book to read. What the author went through is heartbreaking. I was intrigued by the “redemption” aspect of this book, but somewhat disappointed that it never really got there until the last page. I would’ve liked to hear more of the positive aspects of her recovery.
This book does a great job, not just “telling the story” but allowing the reader to “feel the feelings” and follow the logic of the author. Garrison is intentionally open and vulnerable about where she was coming from and presents much of her (at times self-admittedly, skewed) reasoning for the reader to understand her struggles.
As a Christian, I was interested in Garrison’s experience with Christianity and where she landed on it after everything she went through. She gives a pretty thorough description of how she understood God and the Bible as a child, but the book ends without her readdressing her theological beliefs.
There was far too much language and parts of her story were overly graphic. I did not appreciate those parts, and because of them, have serious reservations recommending this book; however, in the author’s defense, I’m not sure just saying “really bad things happened to me” gives enough weight to the trauma she endured.
This book does a great job, not just “telling the story” but allowing the reader to “feel the feelings” and follow the logic of the author. Garrison is intentionally open and vulnerable about where she was coming from and presents much of her (at times self-admittedly, skewed) reasoning for the reader to understand her struggles.
As a Christian, I was interested in Garrison’s experience with Christianity and where she landed on it after everything she went through. She gives a pretty thorough description of how she understood God and the Bible as a child, but the book ends without her readdressing her theological beliefs.
There was far too much language and parts of her story were overly graphic. I did not appreciate those parts, and because of them, have serious reservations recommending this book; however, in the author’s defense, I’m not sure just saying “really bad things happened to me” gives enough weight to the trauma she endured.
March 11, 2019
Ok so I’m going to be honest here. I’ve been listening to this on audible and the entire first half of the book, in the back of my head, I’m like what is this girls problem???? Yes her parents are strict and love the Lord, and yes, they punish her for being fourteen and doing drugs. I honestly almost stopped listening because who’s parents wouldn’t do everything in their power to stop their child from getting addicted to drugs. But, I’m very glad I continued on. When I got to the part where she told her mother that her father had sexually assaulted her, my heart shattered and then I got so frustrated with myself. How could I be so rude as to dismiss someone’s suffering because I didn’t see it with my own eyes. I think the fact that she hid that till the end just really goes to show that you never know what someone is going through, struggling with, or trying to overcome. What a brave woman to continue to tell her truth when her even her own mother won’t believe her. Fantastic read, eloquently written, and brave beyond belief.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2023
This book is very raw with some explicit language. It details a heartbreaking story that only gets worse until finally in the last chapter or two does the reader get a glimpse of hope in her redemption.
October 28, 2018
“Hi. My name is Elizabeth, and I’m a recovering drug addict and alcoholic ...”
เป็นประโยคปิดที่ฮีลได้มาก กับ memoir ของวัยรุ่นที่เหลวแหลกจนสุดทางที่เราพอจะนึกได้
แนวเล่าเรื่องตัวเองแบบนี้ ถ้าไม่อินก็คือขว้างทิ้งไปเลย และเล่มนี้เราชอบว่ะ มันมองกันถึงพื้นฐานเลยว่าการที่เด็กจะเหี้ยเนี่ยการเลี้ยงดูมีผลมากนะ ความรัก ความเครียดที่เด็กได้รับ และบางครอบครัวก็ทั้งมีความรุนแรง และ sexually abuse อยู่ในนั้นด้วย สั่งสมวันละเล็กละน้อย แล้วตูมม !
ตามอ่านไปเรื่อย ๆ ก็จุกดี โคตรลูสเซอร์และขยะ มีความขมขื่นของคนที่พยายามรั้งตัวเองไว้ไม่ให้ตาย ถึงที่จริงจะอยากตาย และตายซากไปแล้วก็ตาม
เป็นประโยคปิดที่ฮีลได้มาก กับ memoir ของวัยรุ่นที่เหลวแหลกจนสุดทางที่เราพอจะนึกได้
แนวเล่าเรื่องตัวเองแบบนี้ ถ้าไม่อินก็คือขว้างทิ้งไปเลย และเล่มนี้เราชอบว่ะ มันมองกันถึงพื้นฐานเลยว่าการที่เด็กจะเหี้ยเนี่ยการเลี้ยงดูมีผลมากนะ ความรัก ความเครียดที่เด็กได้รับ และบางครอบครัวก็ทั้งมีความรุนแรง และ sexually abuse อยู่ในนั้นด้วย สั่งสมวันละเล็กละน้อย แล้วตูมม !
ตามอ่านไปเรื่อย ๆ ก็จุกดี โคตรลูสเซอร์และขยะ มีความขมขื่นของคนที่พยายามรั้งตัวเองไว้ไม่ให้ตาย ถึงที่จริงจะอยากตาย และตายซากไปแล้วก็ตาม
June 15, 2021
Worth reading, not mind blowing
August 17, 2023
What a surprise find this book was! I picked this book up on Audible plus not diving too deep beyond the first few sentences in the description. With my expectations low, I was blown away at how fast it sucked me in, giving me a front row seat into the mind and journey of a drug addict.
Although she did suffer abuse and a tough hand with her childhood this story was more about her journey through drug abuse, the court system and recovery.
As a mom, I found myself heartbroken on more than one occasion, as someone who grew up with a totalitarian father in a household that screamed and slammed doors as part of their day to day existence I was scared, and as someone who has watched someone I care about push me away and lie because they were deep in their own addiction it gave me perspective.
This book was heavy in a way I think I needed to be reminded me that addiction is bigger than wanting to “just quit”, it destroys lives and can suck in anyone before they even realize they have a problem.
This book was an emotional journey. The narration was done very well and although I am usually someone who leans towards written books over audio, would recommend listening to this one.
Although she did suffer abuse and a tough hand with her childhood this story was more about her journey through drug abuse, the court system and recovery.
As a mom, I found myself heartbroken on more than one occasion, as someone who grew up with a totalitarian father in a household that screamed and slammed doors as part of their day to day existence I was scared, and as someone who has watched someone I care about push me away and lie because they were deep in their own addiction it gave me perspective.
This book was heavy in a way I think I needed to be reminded me that addiction is bigger than wanting to “just quit”, it destroys lives and can suck in anyone before they even realize they have a problem.
This book was an emotional journey. The narration was done very well and although I am usually someone who leans towards written books over audio, would recommend listening to this one.
October 5, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
It is always difficult to read stories of abuse. I usually struggle to get through the books and end up skipping sections and chapters. However, Garrison tells the story in such a way that even though your heart is hurting for her, you can see a light at the end of the tunnel.
The book is well written and includes a powerful message that everyone can relate to - regardless of their past experiences. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Garrison conjures some powerful imagery.
It is always difficult to read stories of abuse. I usually struggle to get through the books and end up skipping sections and chapters. However, Garrison tells the story in such a way that even though your heart is hurting for her, you can see a light at the end of the tunnel.
The book is well written and includes a powerful message that everyone can relate to - regardless of their past experiences. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. Garrison conjures some powerful imagery.
March 2, 2016
Honest account
Of a childhood so similar to my own that I kept waiting for the abuse to start.
I kept thinking well this isn't so bad. When will this horrible abuse she suffered as a child start?
I couldn't c it because it was so similar to my own childhood I didn't c the abuse!
Corporal punishment and making a child fear hell was a pretty common way to parent n that time. It wasn't seen as wrong or dysfunctional.
As much as I think I have overcame and healed, this just showed me I still have more to do.
Of a childhood so similar to my own that I kept waiting for the abuse to start.
I kept thinking well this isn't so bad. When will this horrible abuse she suffered as a child start?
I couldn't c it because it was so similar to my own childhood I didn't c the abuse!
Corporal punishment and making a child fear hell was a pretty common way to parent n that time. It wasn't seen as wrong or dysfunctional.
As much as I think I have overcame and healed, this just showed me I still have more to do.
April 6, 2024
Read by: Hillary Hubar
Initially, I was a bit wary about the direction of this book. I find it troubling when authors become addicted to drugs and alcohol and social services don’t jump in, especially when they are so young. In another book that I’m currently listening to, it’s almost as if the author is romanticising the use of drugs. But fortunately, it's not the case with this book.
Elizabeth shares how she became addicted to drugs and alcohol from a young age and her journey of dealing with the wrong crowd. The underlying cause of it all, her father’s abuse, and not getting the type of support needed to work through the issues.
What I did find surprising (as she did when she finally did clean herself up, and graduate from high school), was remembering the detail of scenarios that she had to deal with. One would have thought that this would be quite inconceivable with the amount of drugs that she had taken. But what is incredible, not only did she get clean and complete high school, but she also completed her PhD Summa Cum laude. As she puts it, she should have died on a number of occasions, but there is a reason that she went through everything she did so that she would be able to give others the support and hope that she so desperately needed.
Initially, I was a bit wary about the direction of this book. I find it troubling when authors become addicted to drugs and alcohol and social services don’t jump in, especially when they are so young. In another book that I’m currently listening to, it’s almost as if the author is romanticising the use of drugs. But fortunately, it's not the case with this book.
Elizabeth shares how she became addicted to drugs and alcohol from a young age and her journey of dealing with the wrong crowd. The underlying cause of it all, her father’s abuse, and not getting the type of support needed to work through the issues.
What I did find surprising (as she did when she finally did clean herself up, and graduate from high school), was remembering the detail of scenarios that she had to deal with. One would have thought that this would be quite inconceivable with the amount of drugs that she had taken. But what is incredible, not only did she get clean and complete high school, but she also completed her PhD Summa Cum laude. As she puts it, she should have died on a number of occasions, but there is a reason that she went through everything she did so that she would be able to give others the support and hope that she so desperately needed.
May 17, 2023
“I wasn’t sure we lived in a world where things were ever going to be okay.”
This book was powerful for me. The dynamic of abuse in Elizabeth's "Christian family" was very similar to my own. An abusive father, a weak mother who thinks the Bible tells her she has to put up with his abuse and be obedient. In the process, the mother not only doesn't stand up for herself but she fails to protect her children.
As one of those children, I feel a lot of rage. So many of us go along thinking that what happened in our homes was "normal". Especially when we are indoctrinated that our controlling, abusive father is a "godly man".
I feel called to share Elizabeth's message, that this isn't okay, and you can find healing. I am in the middle of that process.
This book was powerful for me. The dynamic of abuse in Elizabeth's "Christian family" was very similar to my own. An abusive father, a weak mother who thinks the Bible tells her she has to put up with his abuse and be obedient. In the process, the mother not only doesn't stand up for herself but she fails to protect her children.
As one of those children, I feel a lot of rage. So many of us go along thinking that what happened in our homes was "normal". Especially when we are indoctrinated that our controlling, abusive father is a "godly man".
I feel called to share Elizabeth's message, that this isn't okay, and you can find healing. I am in the middle of that process.
August 20, 2024
i think the title of the book is misleading.. this is a book about addiction, drugs & alcohol.. i'm sure the abuse is what stemmed the addictions, but the whole of the book is drugs, alcohol, teenage angst, rehabs.. rinse, repeat, rinse, repeat.. till she finally gets clean..
it left me wondering if child abuse was documented, what became of her father?
why mention that the little sister implies that the same abuse is happening to her, but the author leaves us hanging.. did she help her sister get out of that?
a tough read.. it was hard to root for the protagonist when i didn't really like her..
2 stars because it was well written and did keep me reading to find out how things ended up.. spoiler alert, she gets clean.. but leaves us wondering about the collateral damage..
it left me wondering if child abuse was documented, what became of her father?
why mention that the little sister implies that the same abuse is happening to her, but the author leaves us hanging.. did she help her sister get out of that?
a tough read.. it was hard to root for the protagonist when i didn't really like her..
2 stars because it was well written and did keep me reading to find out how things ended up.. spoiler alert, she gets clean.. but leaves us wondering about the collateral damage..
August 27, 2017
i thought this book was going to be the same as most books ive read with a similar title . How wrong was i . if you have ever suffered anything in your life , you thought was unfair , this book is a must read for you .
we have all been guilty of walking past people in the street , looking down at drunks , druggies and thinking look at the state of that . i know ive done it , but after reading this book i will never judge them again . This book will give you a new perspective on what their life is like .
we have all been guilty of walking past people in the street , looking down at drunks , druggies and thinking look at the state of that . i know ive done it , but after reading this book i will never judge them again . This book will give you a new perspective on what their life is like .
July 2, 2023
Una testimonio que vale la pena ser leído, especialmente en el tiempo actual en el cual tantísimas personas son o han sido víctimas de un abuso. También una llamada de atención desde la experiencia de la autora a las instituciones que normalmente trabajan con personas en situación de dependencia química o enfermedades psicológicas, a las que normalmente se tratan los síntomas sin indagar las causas.
August 13, 2023
TW: SA, Addiction, Death, Suicide, Toxic family ties
This story is absolutely devastating. I won't be saying anything about the plot of this book because I think that reading every detail in order is very important to this story.
Elizabeth is made of something different and I say that in the best way possible. As a recovering addict I know how hard it is to get sober, but the fact that she could do it after so many set backs and so many heartbreaks is incredible.
This story is absolutely devastating. I won't be saying anything about the plot of this book because I think that reading every detail in order is very important to this story.
Elizabeth is made of something different and I say that in the best way possible. As a recovering addict I know how hard it is to get sober, but the fact that she could do it after so many set backs and so many heartbreaks is incredible.
August 15, 2024
3-3.5⭐ This was a free audiobook on audible I listened to while passing the time at work. I believe Elizabeth was open and raw with her readers about her challenges she faced throughout childhood and her teenage years. Struggling with abuse and addiction and all the ugly in between. There are some topics I feel she could have given a little more clarity on but it is possible she doesnt have those answers herself.
December 20, 2017
A story that has ypu so full of emotion
This is real life. This is stuff that happens. Very well written and so grabbing of your attention. I could relate and feel her side of things. Made me understand addiction a bit better and so relieved for a happy ending. Easy read and worth it.
This is real life. This is stuff that happens. Very well written and so grabbing of your attention. I could relate and feel her side of things. Made me understand addiction a bit better and so relieved for a happy ending. Easy read and worth it.
July 8, 2018
Amazing story of drug use and recovery
I loved reading about her struggles in a world of drug use and abuse that most of us never see. It feels like a true and heartfelt story. It does leave some questions unanswered so I would like to read her follow up book to see if Sarah follows in her sisters footsteps.
I loved reading about her struggles in a world of drug use and abuse that most of us never see. It feels like a true and heartfelt story. It does leave some questions unanswered so I would like to read her follow up book to see if Sarah follows in her sisters footsteps.
December 30, 2018
Disturbingly truthful
The author really laid out all of the ugly and mortifying events of her life. I didn’t think that those horrible stories would end! I wonder what happened to her sister in that horrible house? I would recommend this book to anyone who’s ever struggled with hopelessness, and has a strong stomach. Don’t sit down to eat while reading this..
The author really laid out all of the ugly and mortifying events of her life. I didn’t think that those horrible stories would end! I wonder what happened to her sister in that horrible house? I would recommend this book to anyone who’s ever struggled with hopelessness, and has a strong stomach. Don’t sit down to eat while reading this..
August 14, 2019
The riveting aspect of Elizabeth's book is that it is not fiction. I could not imagine how one woman could endure so much torture and trauma in such a short period of time at such a young age and live.
This is a painful read but of you can get through it there is immense hope to see where Dr Garrison is now.
I can only imagine she is one of those people whose role would masquerade her history.
This is a painful read but of you can get through it there is immense hope to see where Dr Garrison is now.
I can only imagine she is one of those people whose role would masquerade her history.
July 2, 2021
This was an interesting book to read. I found the authors story quite horrifying. I found some of the detail very disturbing and some places repetitive which is why I give four rather than five stars. The story itself is incredible to read and it saddens me that this type of upbringing is able to continue under the radar at the expense of children’s lives and happiness.
September 26, 2023
This story was truly amazing. Although it was triggering at times, I found myself unable to put it down. I even found that coloring helped me process some of the more difficult parts. I couldn't help but argue with the characters and really engage with the story. Overall, it was incredibly well written and a pleasure to read.
December 24, 2016
A great read
A great read about how she was abused by her father and how her mother stood by and watched, pretending these horrible things never happened. And her long road of addictions and finally, recovery.
A great read about how she was abused by her father and how her mother stood by and watched, pretending these horrible things never happened. And her long road of addictions and finally, recovery.
January 17, 2018
What A Survivor!
What a story. This book is absolutely wonderful and so sad at the same time. I am so glad that Elizabeth came out on the other side but what she went through and had to go through was heart-wrenching. Here's to you, Elizabeth.
What a story. This book is absolutely wonderful and so sad at the same time. I am so glad that Elizabeth came out on the other side but what she went through and had to go through was heart-wrenching. Here's to you, Elizabeth.
January 23, 2018
Amazing truths
This is a sad story but it becomes a happy one. Elizabeth lives a nightmare that she escapes from. It hurt my heart to read her suffering, but, indeed this is a story of glory. Please read it. You will fall in love.
This is a sad story but it becomes a happy one. Elizabeth lives a nightmare that she escapes from. It hurt my heart to read her suffering, but, indeed this is a story of glory. Please read it. You will fall in love.
June 27, 2018
Good book on addiction
Very honest book describing addiction. Explains how hard it is for addicts to break the cycle. Shows how child abuse can be the cause for self destructive behavior.
Very honest book describing addiction. Explains how hard it is for addicts to break the cycle. Shows how child abuse can be the cause for self destructive behavior.
September 11, 2018
A Must Read
This is an honest, gritty, gripping true story of the descent into drugs and the hard path to recovery. If you've ever wondered why people might chose to do drugs, then this is the book to read.
This is an honest, gritty, gripping true story of the descent into drugs and the hard path to recovery. If you've ever wondered why people might chose to do drugs, then this is the book to read.
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