Secrets, murder, and a friendship that has gone on for years. I loved these two women: Cate and Patti. I still have friends 30 years after high school, that I know I can call on at any time if I need them, even if we haven’t talked in years. And when we do talk, it feels like there was no time between conversations. I was biting my nails through some of this book, hoping and wishing for the best outcome for all.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Packardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Packard2022-02-23 07:43:442022-02-23 07:43:44Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Angela Packard
Jessica Aiken-Hall has been my go-to author for mystery, suspenseful, fiction stories. I love her writing style. She uses the English language in such a poetic story-telling fashion that will have you sitting in your chair all cozy and yet feel like you are right in the book with the characters. Her characters are fully developed and believable. It is like you make friends and enemies with the characters in the book. In this story, we find Cate and Patti who. are friends that parted ways to protect one another. They went their separate ways because of a murder. There is a secret that they both need to keep. Does the past catch up to Cate and Patti? Will they stay apart to protect each other? I highly recommend this book to see what happens and if Cate and Patti reunite with one another or if they stay apart and hope their secrets do not come out.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2022-02-22 17:43:112022-02-22 18:05:22Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Erica Fish
First of all, I have to give a nod to the gorgeous cover for this novel, it is absolutely gorgeous. I would have been pulled in right away had I not already been a huge fan of this author already. I needed this sucker and began reading right away. I instantly fell in love with Cate and Pattie, both written so realistically that you felt as if you wanted to reach out and embrace or scold, or more really as you read the both of them. These two and their journey engulfed my soul for really for the day. I was consumed with how they would traverse some twists I won’t divulge and ended up reading this sucker in one day, #notsorry. I cannot say enough good things about this one, definitely can’t wait to see what will come next from this author fav!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Liz Vrchotahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLiz Vrchota2022-02-22 17:05:592022-02-22 18:04:10Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Liz Vrchota
First of all, I have to give a nod to the gorgeous cover for this novel, it is absolutely gorgeous. I would have been pulled in right away had I not already been a huge fan of this author already. I needed this sucker and began reading right away. I instantly fell in love with Cate and Pattie, both written so realistically that you felt as if you wanted to reach out and embrace or scold, or more really as you read the both of them. These two and their journey engulfed my soul for really for the day. I was consumed with how they would traverse some twists I won’t divulge and ended up reading this sucker in one day, #notsorry. I cannot say enough good things about this one, definitely can’t wait to see what will come next from this author fav!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Liz Vrchotahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLiz Vrchota2022-02-22 17:03:362022-02-22 18:03:46Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Liz Vrchota
I loved it! I was a little frustrated, I figured it out quickly but I still loved it even so! Depending on You took me back to the girls I grew up with. I’m not someone who has many girlfriends and the ones I do have, have been there through it all. That’s where I was while reading it. I might’ve reading about a potential murder that was committed by our two best friends, but I was living in the past as well. Cate and Patty have that forever friendship. The type of friendship that no matter how much time you’ve been apart, as soon as you get together it’s like you haven’t missed a beat. Now that friendship is tested, secrets can be the end all if let out the wrong way. Cate once had a passion for life, till she thought she killed someone. She became a recluse living on the edge of a mental breakdown. Patty also once had a passion for life, but instead she ran and is still running from it. How do two friends navigate a hidden murder, a dying parent, 20 years lost, all came down to one night. Prom night! Trust me when I say pick it up and read it. I’m telling you, you will get sucked right in. If I had anything negative to say, a little more mystery around the “who done it plot.” Otherwise the character development was wonderful and the novel was complete!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Beverly Place-Finniehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBeverly Place-Finnie2022-02-22 16:52:232022-02-22 18:02:35Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Beverly Finnie
Cate and Patti are distant best friends, who always find their way to each other in times of need. After spending years apart, the two friends must reunite when an old secret comes back to haunt them. In addition to friendship, this well-written story is full of secrets, suspense, and murder. This is my first read by this author and I really enjoyed her writing style. I was pulled into the plot within the first chapter and was willing to lose sleep just to read a little more!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jasmin Mariehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJasmin Marie2022-02-22 16:50:332022-02-22 18:02:06Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Jasmin Marie
This story is filled with suspense, mystery, secrets and a murder. The author’s ability to bring the book alive and make the reader feel like they are in the book is incredible. I really could not put this book down! Cate and Patti have been friends for years. They have hidden a secret, but what happens when that secret may come to light? I recommend not only this book, but any other from this author as well. She is a great writer that will always keep you on your toes.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Hailey Hophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHailey Hop2022-02-22 16:24:242022-02-22 18:00:40Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Hailey Hop
This is not the first book that I have read by this author but I do think it has to be my favourite so far. I was pulled into the story of Cate and Patti so easily, their lives so intricate and binding. The mystery that surrounded them really piqued my interest and I just had to find out what was going on. The author really takes you on a journey with the characters so it feels like you immersed in their lives. I absolutely loved this book and could not recommend it any more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2022-02-22 14:33:412022-02-22 17:53:55Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Kerry Baker
Cate Silver and Patti Thomas have been best friends forever. Even though they have grown apart after High School. Their friendship snaps back anytime one needs the other. They both have a Huge secret that could be the downfall of one of the girls. Twenty years later, the secret may have to come out. It’s so very hard to forget something that is life altering. Read on to see what happened. This author has true skills when it comes to storytelling. Her writing is clear and easy to follow. Once I read the first chapter, I knew I was in for the long haul. This coming of age story has you traveling down memory lane, and visiting those times you had in high school. I love all of the characters in this book, and hated some too. But this story is believable and scary at the same time. ENJOY!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Mayberryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Mayberry2022-02-22 11:11:382022-02-22 17:50:51Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Cindy Mayberry
This was a fabulous read of friendship, betrayal, family drama, trauma and regret. A story with two great friends and their lives from back in the day to present day. The two of them were so easy to connect with and I really felt all their emotions through the pages.
I love how this story really comes full circle, the moments in the past really gave good insight into the characters and how it shaped who they were. The details made it really easy to picture everything in my mind making it a really entertaining read!
I have read other books by this author but this one is my favorite of hers so far!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kaitlynn Taylorhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaitlynn Taylor2022-02-22 09:36:062022-02-22 17:47:26Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites yet. I enjoy this author’s writing skills as well as her attention to details that give her stories a realistic feel This is a well written story that is full of murder, secrets, suspense and a past that comes back to haunt. The characters are connectable and keep the story engaging. This is a fast paced story that was hard to put down. The twists and turns are like no other and you don’t want to miss them. They pull you into the story and keep me sitting on the edge of my seat just waiting to see what would happen next. Cate and Patti must decide to open up wounds from the past or do they keep them hidden. Problem is secrets can never stay hidden. What happens next with these two I highly recommend reading this book to find out. I enjoyed their growth as well as the growth of the plot which made the story easy to read. This is a great pick up and you don’t want to miss it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2022-02-22 07:59:272022-02-22 07:59:27Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Bobbi Wagner
And just like that, I think I have found myself a new genre to add to my list of favorites. This authors work shows that she is so passionate about what she writes about, and that she has the life experience to bring out all the emotions that one would feel whilst reading about the ups and downs that life has to offer us. I really was expecting to have an edge of your seat read, but instead, this slow burn of a novel really does engulf the reader in all aspects. I personally feel as though my sisters are the Patti to my Cate, and I will be forever grateful that we found each other when we did. Cate and Patti are both very strong female characters, both having chosen a different path in life but ultimately relying on each other to get them through the toughest of times.
I thoroughly enjoyed the throwback as we’re getting to know them and their friendship, as well as their families, to really grasp how important lifelong friendship is. I thought I knew what was going to be the end game for this novel, but as I kept reading, I found myself laughing at the absurdity that I could predict what would happen. I would love to tell you more about the story you’re about to read, but I don’t want to spoil it for you. Be prepared to have your mind blown, and to be able to escape into this masterpiece the moment you open it up. I very much look forward to reading other works by this author and have a lot of respect for her as well. Highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00AimstoReadhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAimstoRead2022-02-22 07:58:472022-02-22 07:58:47Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Amy Brennan
Depending On You is such a fantastic story of family, friendship and discovery. The author is so good with the twists and turns as the 20 year old mystery unravels. You think you know what is happening, but then another twist is added to the plot that just gives you a shock. Such an incredible story and journey that I went through with this book. I felt incredibly attached to the timeframe and characters storylines since I was also a senior in 1998 and my own best friend and I experienced our own traumas throughout our lives yet still remain close today. I love that the author can give us a picture of these girls lives that is faced by many in this world and not an imaginary perfect life. The author has again given us a story that you will be immersed in and won’t be able to put down until the end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bethany Rollinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBethany Rollins2022-02-22 07:56:222022-02-22 07:56:22Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Bethany Rollins
This is a little bit of coming of age, little bit of mystery, little bit of navigating close relationships with family and friends, and a little bit of learning about life and love. Two best friends, Cate and Patti, reunite after several years apart when Cate’s dad falls ill. Secrets between them, and distance, after Patti moved away to college and got married, came between the two women who are still figuring out who they are and what they want from life. As they work through their personal experiences and rekindle the friendship, the story takes the reader through lots of twists and turns to piece together exactly what happened the summer after the pair’s senior year in high school.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Wendy Waryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWendy Wary2022-02-22 07:55:442022-02-22 07:55:44Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Wendy Wary
I love this author within my heart, with nothing short of passion. This author always creates a story and characters that hold you onto the edge of your seat. And most certainly do not you go. The way the story moves and develops, is so realistic, which I love. The story of this one, was as real as it could get.
This one was a true hearted book for me. The undying friendship between Cate and Patti really took flight. I loved how much they cared about one another. That is what true friendship is, you are there till the bitter end, no matter what that would be. What I have loved about this author’s writing in the past, and especially this one, is how you think you know what’s going to happens and the car totally takes a detour. I loved how the shocking events that led to another from a different event kept happening. It kept things interesting and the story was not full in any shape or form. I was hooked and really loved he characters And the whole plot of the opened case, I should have known things I was not aware of would surface. I was intrigued, and sucked in as I read. A must read for sure! Compelling and fast paced!
Wondaful read, it made me feel a lot of things as I read. I was completely immersed as I read. I highly recommend this author if you have never checked out their amazing books before. This book alone is a must read, defiantly a high recommendation from me! Not one you should miss, its a true must read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorrene Huismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorrene Huisman2022-02-22 07:54:312022-02-22 07:54:31Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Lorrene Huisman
Cate Silver killed a man. For the last twenty years, she thought she had gotten away with it. Now, with the case reopened, she stands to lose everything. She has only one option left: trade her freedom for the truth. It’s the only way out of the mess, but it comes at a heavy price.
Twenty years ago, Patti Thomas left and didn’t look back. She left her best friend to fend for herself. Trying to keep her secrets hidden, she had no choice but to start over. Now over four hundred miles away, with a family of her own, she knows she must go back to Vermont and help Cate.
Together again, Cate and Patti must decide if it’s time to reopen the wounds of that night or keep running from them. As evidence surfaces, the potential to destroy a once-in-a-lifetime friendship looms. Twists, turns, and murder. There’s only one way out-but how much can one friendship withstand?
Jessica Aiken-Hall, author of her award-winning memoir, The Monster That Ate My Mommy lives in New Hampshire with her husband, three children, and two dogs. She is a survivor of child abuse and domestic violence and is a fierce advocate. Her mission is to help others share their story.
She has a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, with over a decade of experience as a social worker. She is also a Reiki Master and focuses her attention on healing.
When she is not writing, she enjoys listening to Tom Petty, walking along the beach, looking at the moon, and watching murder shows. To follow what she’s doing next check out http://www.jessicaaikenhall.com.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Depending-On-You-e-book-cover-copy-1.jpg1200750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-02-22 00:00:452022-04-11 19:14:16Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
Cate Silver killed a man. For the last twenty years, she thought she had gotten away with it. Now, with the case reopened, she stands to lose everything. She has only one option left: trade her freedom for the truth. It’s the only way out of the mess, but it comes at a heavy price.
Twenty years ago, Patti Thomas left, and didn’t look back. She left her best friend to fend for herself. Trying to keep her secrets hidden, she had no choice but to start over. Now over four hundred miles away, with a family of her own, she knows she must go back to Vermont and help Cate.
Together again, Cate and Patti must decide if it’s time to reopen the wounds of that night or keep running from them. As evidence surfaces, the potential to destroy a once in a lifetime friendship looms. Twists, turns and murder. There’s only one way out-but how much can one friendship withstand?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Jessica-Aiken-Hall-Depending-On-You-preorder.png.jpg750750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-02-15 00:01:452022-04-11 19:14:32..••°°°°••.. PREORDER ..••°°°°••.. Depending on You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
Cate Silver killed a man. For the last twenty years, she thought she had gotten away with it. Now, with the case reopened, she stands to lose everything. She has only one option left: trade her freedom for the truth. It’s the only way out of the mess, but it comes at a heavy price.
Twenty years ago, Patti Thomas left, and didn’t look back. She left her best friend to fend for herself. Trying to keep her secrets hidden, she had no choice but to start over. Now over four hundred miles away, with a family of her own, she knows she must go back to Vermont and help Cate.
Together again, Cate and Patti must decide if it’s time to reopen the wounds of that night or keep running from them. As evidence surfaces, the potential to destroy a once in a lifetime friendship looms. Twists, turns and murder. There’s only one way out-but how much can one friendship withstand?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Depending-On-You-e-book-cover-copy.jpg1200750itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-02-01 00:01:472022-04-11 19:15:26..••°°°°••.. COMING SOON ..••°°°°••.. Depending On You by Jessica Aiken-Hall
The Monster That Ate My Mommy is a superbly written memoir by Jessica Aiken-Hall describing years of horrific abuse at the hands of those that were supposed to love her. In her memoir Jessica speaks very openly and honestly about the abuse she suffered at the hands of many throughout her life. Her abuse started at an early age by a mother who was incapable of loving Jessica. The abuse she suffered at home left her feeling unwanted and as though there was something wrong with her that she was unworthy of being loved. If her own mother could not love her, then nobody else could either.
The Monster that Ate My mommy resonated deeply with me as I, too, am a survivor of domestic abuse. I understand all too well the feelings of being unloved, unwanted, and undeserving of love. I also appreciate how difficult it is to tell one’s story for fear of rejection or worse, not being believed. I know that it must have taken a great deal of courage and strength for Jessica to share such a heart-wrenching story. As common as domestic abuse is, many women are not brave enough to share their story, while others tragically do not survive. I know that many people may not understand why someone would stay and continue to be abused by their spouse or partner and they feel that it is as simple as just walking away. Unfortunately, it is not as simple as just choosing to leave.
Domestic abuse is complex in that it is not as easy as just walking away from your abuser. You choose to stay for a multitude of reasons. You love them. You believe their promises. You hope that they change. You feel unworthy of love. You feel scared, isolated, and alone. You feel vulnerable. Years of mental abuse leaves you feeling as though the abuse is your fault and that you deserve it. I could go on and on with the numerous reasons one might stay with their abuser. Sadly, the reasons for staying are complex and not easily understood unless you have experienced something similar.
Jessica is a true survivor in every sense of the word. Even at her darkest moment she kept going and persevered. Thank you, Jessica Aiken-Hall, for your courage, your strength and for sharing your story. You are a true inspiration! I highly recommend this book! Please be advised that some scenes may be hard to read and may bring you to tears, so I recommend you have Kleenex on hand.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2021-07-17 19:50:202021-07-19 10:51:45The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Truly a tear-jerker, thank you for sharing you story. I don’t think I’ve ugly cried for so long. Growing up with a mentally ill parent hits so close to home. Some of the memories are so hard to read but they are therapeutic. By sharing her story she may help others. I was on the edge of my seat reading this. It is a very good book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2021-07-16 21:22:102021-07-19 10:08:34The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Shelly Kittell
This memoir absolutely broke my heart! Some of this was triggering so be warned. I was in tears throughout the whole book. The trials and pain this author went through is just unbelievable to me. I honestly couldn’t put this book down even though my heart was begging me to because it was very difficult to read. No one should have to go through what this author went through. This is a book I think everyone should read at least one time in their life. It was sad, and heartbreaking, and pitiful and absolutely beautiful to see how successful she became. She has got an amazing story and I’m so glad she decided to share it with us all. Thank you so much Jessica Aiken-Hall!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2021-07-16 21:00:042021-07-19 10:07:13The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Rachel Moss
This memoir is definitely not for the faint of heart, it is a story of overcoming a childhood full of haunting memories and harrowing experiences, all viewed through a lens of why not being loved is so damaging and how one child worked through it all to become the woman she is today. The book starts with a quote which also became the title, “I’m not your mommy, I’m the monster who ate your mommy.” As a three year old, most children are inquisitive and start asking questions, but this author’s mother didn’t want to answer them, so she distracted her daughter in other ways she could think of, to the point where the author started to believe that the chaos she existed in was the normality and that everyone else was odd in the way they lived. From the start, her life was one lacking in parental love, but in her grandmother, she found the love she wanted, however, this would not keep the experiences of her childhood and the secrets she had to keep because of it away.
As the author grew up, she lived with her mother and brother, but from a young age, tragedy was never far away and each one detached her further from the love she so desperately wanted and as family moved in and out of her life, trauma of all kinds just kept building up and the feelings of depression and despair kept appearing, especially when told that her mother didn’t love her and that nobody else would either. As a child, she blamed it all on bad luck which she had somehow brought upon herself, however, as she got older, the trauma changed and morphed into something horrific which was used against her in such a manipulative way that no matter how hard she chased, her mother just became more distant, so she searched for love in other places which weren’t healthy or at times, appropriate. The only constants in her life were her grandmother and her friends with whom she found an escape from the life she led and those around her, who supported her, even when she fell back into unhealthy ways of thinking and helped her to face things as an adult that had happened to her as a child.
This is a story of overcoming hardship and trauma to become someone more and learn how to live and how to love and be loved which draws you in and makes you see life in a different light, as well as gain an insight into the lives of those around you and help you learn how to be able to offer your support to people in a similar situation. in an appropriate way.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2021-07-16 17:29:372021-07-19 09:47:44The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall is a fantastic and heart breaking memoir by and author who is fast becoming one of my favourites. I will be honest, when I started this book I didn’t bother to read the description. I see the authors name and thought I knew what type of book I was going to get. However once I got reading I realised that I actually had something so much better. I could feel the emotion and the passion in each and every page. I felt like I took every step on this journey with the author. I love the books this author usually writes but there was just something so real and gritty about this book that I connected with it so much more. I would highly recommend this book to everyone!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2021-07-16 14:57:102021-07-19 09:44:21The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Kerry Baker
This absolutely amazingly brave telling of Jessica Aiken-Hall’s life is such a great read! My heart broke so many times for her. I wanted to hold her and make everything okay. She truly is a brave soul. I normally do not read non-fiction but this was so well written it was easy to forget you were reading someone’s life. Thank you so much to Jessica Aiken-Hall for sharing her story and helping others to heal!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarla2021-07-15 21:41:402021-07-15 23:10:48The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Carla Clemmons
Seriously. Seriously. Seriously. I cannot even get my brain wrapped around this book. I’ve read several of this author’s books previously but somehow missed this one before now. Speechless. Utterly and completely. This thrill ride kept me absolutely glued to this book. I’m still trying to process it. Just an amazing amazing amazing work. This author continues to impress me with her storytelling and detail. I am always emotionally invested and this book definitely left me shattered. Wow.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2021-07-14 23:44:532021-07-14 23:44:53The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Heather Lovelace
I had a huge interest in this book due to my own trauma in my childhood and while this book is heavy it was such a cathartic read. My inner-child struggled along with her retelling of her trauma but she also felt such a kinship with the author’s growth. The need for validation and love and accepting them in unhealthy ways is something I related with. Her resilience and strength though are so powerful that it left a lasting impression. I cried along as I read through some of her darkest moments but I also felt the power and strength of her resolving her trauma. This was such a good book and I can’t recommend it enough!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine Taysomhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine Taysom2021-07-14 15:52:142021-07-15 21:55:28The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Christine Taysom
The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall. This book is WOW! Its the emotional memoir of the author who has endured different types of trauma all thru her life. Her mother had sever mental issues and tried to cure them with drinking and drugs therefore she couldn’t keep her daughter in a stable home so her maternal grandmother picked up the slack. She loved her Gram dearly. Her mom and dad were back and forth together and not together. When her dad threatened to kill them all after her mom cheated on him they split again. One of her mom’s boyfriends molested her and her dad was killed in a construction accident. Gram was always the one to fall back on after teenage problems and once she became an adult. As an adult she got involved with a very abusive man and lived in that for years. This book will rip your heart out and make you wonder how some people survive things like this. Read this book with the knowledge it could have some triggers for people who have survived similar situations! Very good emotional read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tausha Treadwayhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTausha Treadway2021-07-12 09:03:562021-07-13 21:13:35The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Tausha Treadway
I wasn’t sure what I was getting into when I began reading The Monster That Ate My Mommy, only that it was a memoir and most likely filled with possibly troubling events. Told from the point-of-view of the author in vivid first-person, this book delivered on more than I was expecting. People say healing comes when you share your stories of pain, memories no one wants to think about, and I believe the author was trying to do just that by sharing her story with us. As someone who struggles with their own inner darkness, I know there must be some freedom that comes with not only sharing a troubled life but embracing the past – acknowledging it happened – and moving on to live the life you know you deserve. We hear about things that happen to people as they grow up, things that mold them into the person they are or will become, but we never get that insight that comes from a truly candid telling. This book will tear at your heart at times, make you silently hope certain things won’t come to pass, but inevitably do. But at the same time, there’s a certain understanding and insight that comes with this comprehensive tale.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Gonzalezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Gonzalez2021-07-10 13:31:172021-07-10 19:37:25The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Amanda Gonzalez
This was such a heartbreaking book to read. The journey the author has been on and her traumas and heartbreak in her life life was so hard to read but at the same time it makes me appreciate the life i have and the love you felt through my childhood and the love i now give my son.
The though of Jessica going through all that when she was young really touched me. All I wanted to do was take the poor little girl away and protect her from what was happening. It’s a good insight also into how mental illness doesn’t just affect the person with the illness but also everyone around them. This books is a really raw read about struggles, abuse, fighting for love and overcoming your past.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2021-07-05 16:10:432021-07-06 12:39:41The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall – Review by Kerry Carr
Mothers are supposed to love their children unconditionally, but what if they can’t? “Your own mother doesn’t love you—what makes you think anyone else will?” These words haunted the author and affected every decision she made. If she wasn’t good enough for her mother’s love, what was she worthy of? In The Monster That Ate My Mommy, Jessica Aiken-Hall takes the reader on her quest to find love and uncover the root of her suffering. In this courageous memoir, we learn the importance of love and belonging, and the price paid when it’s out of reach. “This is one of the most moving and brave memoirs I have ever read—on par with The Liar’s Club (Mary Karr) and The Glass Castle (Jeannette Walls). I was sucked in from the first sentence and remained riveted throughout. Aiken-Hall’s raw exploration and recounting of highly traumatic life events is tempered with the gentleness of hope and the strength of perseverance. This is a book of extreme importance in the canon of women’s memoir. Read it for the compelling story of survival: savor it for its lessons of grace and resilience.” —Sarah Felix Burns author of Jackfish, The Vanishing Village
Jessica Aiken-Hall, author of her award-winning memoir, The Monster That Ate My Mommy lives in New Hampshire with her husband, three children, and three dogs. She is a survivor of child abuse and domestic violence and is a fierce advocate. Her mission is to help others share their story.
She has a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, with over a decade of experience as a social worker. She is also a Reiki Master and focuses her attention on healing.
When she is not writing, she enjoys listening to Tom Petty, walking along the beach, looking at the moon, and watching murder shows. To follow what she’s doing next check out http://www.jessicaaikenhall.com.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/tmtamm.jpg960618itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2021-07-02 00:03:242021-07-02 05:08:46The Monster That Ate My Mommy by Jessica Aiken-Hall
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