This is a memoir, from an author who has previously written two other memoirs. I’m intrigued enough that I might go read her other ones! I truly enjoyed the author’s take on living in foreign countries. The author hunkered down during the worst of the pandemic, and shared some of her experiences. What I enjoyed most were the photographs that were interspersed amongst the memories.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alison Risherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlison Risher2022-09-14 18:25:442022-09-15 08:11:12Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Alison Risher
First off, I commend the author for putting her innermost thoughts out into the world. I feel like the elderly are oftentimes overlooked in society and they have great wisdom and experiences to share and they’ve lived through bizarrely fast changes to the world around us. This author is no different in imparting her wisdom and lots of information about the world in which we live. I found her to be inspiring to love oneself and take care of one’s health, and I enjoyed reading about her insights to the life of an aging woman living an unconventional life.
The book is more of a stream of consciousness during her period of writing, and was easy to read. My only criticism, and the reason for less than 4 stars, is the repetition of information throughout the book – her need to keep referencing her other published books numerous times, her heart issue she was cured from, and her decision to leave her home on a nomadic journey with no destination in mind. After so many times reading about it, I kind of felt like, yeah, I get it. Although, again, because of the way it’s written and that these things are pretty fantastic and obviously big deals to the author, I can kind of empathize with her bringing it up so often.
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 Wary2022-09-14 16:41:032022-09-15 08:12:41Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Wendy Wary
This story was a great inspirational read. It was thought provoking, inspirational, and full of adventures, excitement and more. This is personally not a genre I normally enjoy but this one really blew me out of the water. While there were certain aspects that I struggled with I was inspired by all of our authors hard work to get to this point in her life. So whether you like memoirs or your looking to try one out, make sure to pick this one up today.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Corbinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Corbin2022-09-14 10:12:052022-09-15 08:08:03Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Stephanie Nicole
This is my first book from Lynda Filler and I absolutely love it. She pours her whole heart and soul onto every page. I guarantee I will be picking up not only other memoirs of hers, but also the fiction books she spoke about!
Lynda starts with a brief history of her life as a military brat and how it gave her a lifelong philosophy of starting over when things get tough. She touches on her work life and the serendipitous decision to retire. Lynda goes over the physical effects of her anxiety and other emotions which I think go overlooked more often than not. She is heart-wrenchingly honest about her endeavors and experiences. I feel like I know her so well after just one book!
I am not typically a fan of memoirs in general, but Lynda’s writing has a way of reeling you in and making you feel like family. Her positivity throughout is just contagious. I highly recommend this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2022-09-13 20:55:272022-09-15 08:06:19Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Shannen Kern
A very real, raw, and unfiltered story of the author’s journey to find love. After packing up her entire life into just one suitcase Lynda sets off on a journey to faraway lands where she hopes to continue her writing. What she never expected was to fall in love with a young Turk and ultimately end up living in Istanbul. Nor did she expect to live through a worldwide pandemic that resulted in lockdowns and deaths around the globe or find herself living close to a war zone. In the aftermath of so much change, and surrounded by chaos, Lynda suddenly finds herself dealing with anxiety that leaves her questioning her life and her decisions.
I found that I could relate to Lynda on so many levels as I read her memoir. As an empath myself I know how trauma can have a very adverse affect to our bodies on both a mental and physical level. It is imperative to take care of our mental health otherwise it will manifest itself in our physical self. I too love sweets and chocolate but not dark chocolate because it is revolting. Did someone say chocolate, yum. I, as well, have been referred to as a cougar because I fell in love with, and married a man fifteen years younger than myself. When my husband and I first got together we had friends that poked fun at us and those that mocked us because of the age difference. This left me with doubts, and I became paranoid about what strangers might think when they saw us together in public. I am happy to say that after 11 years together, married for 8 of those, that our relationship is still going strong. I could also strongly relate to the getting older thing and feeling as though I was living life backwards. I went to college in my late 30’s, got married in my early 40’s, and now at the age of 51 feel as though I can live my best life. I no longer care what others think and have learned to sever ties with those that are toxic. I have come to terms with my past trauma, have taken the lessons I learned from it, and feel as though I can fully move forward and pursue my dreams.
I loved the author’s writing style and how she says it like it is without filtering anything out. It made me feel as though I was sitting there with her, having a conversation, and getting to know her. I admire her strength and how she managed to find the positive in every difficult situation that she encountered throughout her life. So often life has a way of kicking us while we are down, and it can be extremely difficult to bounce back from it without being negatively affected. I also admire her for the courage it took for her to share her painful story with others to try to possibly make a difference in their lives. Thank you for being brave enough to share your raw and unfiltered story with us! You are a true inspiration!
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 Barnes2022-09-13 10:32:472022-09-15 08:04:56Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
If you’ve followed my other reviews, you’ll see a pattern of fiction book, with a heavy taste in fantasy and historical fiction. It’s not that I don’t like non-fiction, it’s just I normally don’t pick it up.
However, this book pulled me in. Aside from a book written by a family friend of mine, and a book I read in high school, I haven’t really read any memoirs.
This author is someone bursting with stories that I could listen to forever. I highly recommend this book, and I’ll be delving into her other memoirs. If you do decide to read this book (which I HIGHLY suggest), it would work better formatting wise on a Kindle Fire or tablet/phone or in print, because there are some gorgeous pictures that don’t show up on my Paperwhite.
It’s clear that she poured love into this book. There were some things that took me by surprise, in a good way. I loved it. 100%, five stars.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lucy Machardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLucy Machard2022-09-12 20:04:192022-09-15 07:58:45Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Lucy Machard
Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler. This is the 3rd book of Memoirs by this author and it is just as good as the previous 2. Filled with romance, sadness, ups and downs, its a life lived to the fullest. From traveling all over the world as a military brat, to traveling as an adult she has seen and done many things we just dream of. As she retires she has continued her love of travel and even found herself close to a war zone. The author shares with us her life and loves, heartbreaks and sadness as she walks thru life. Its a very emotional telling of someone who has lived a full and amazing life. Loved this story and truly enjoyed reading it.
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 Treadway2022-09-12 08:13:572022-09-12 13:33:31Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Tausha Treadway
5 Stars Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler
Destiny’s Daughter is a beautifully written inspirational/ memoir of her lifes journey and the ups and downs that come along with it. I’m a huge fan of this author and her ability to bring out all the emotions. Her storytelling is very raw yet inspirational. Each book gets me in feels and makes me think about her words long after I’ve finished. This one I was pulled in and I found myself lost in the pages and everything around me faded to the background. There were times I felt her words deep in my heart and had teary eyes throughout. Her journey is one of determination, inspiration and all the raw emotions in one. I highly recommend have tissues near by as her journey will have your emotions all over the place. Im very grateful for you and sharing your story. I can’t wait to read more from this Author . If you like inspirational memoirs then I highly recommend reading this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2022-09-11 20:25:512022-09-12 13:34:15Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Great read, inspirational, and thought provoking. I really enjoyed reading this memoir more than I thought I would. The adventures, excitement and everything this author has to go through and has been through in life really would make for an exciting movie, I could definitely see myself watching her life play out in theaters. Seeing the many pictures of the author’s travels throughout the book was wonderful, it allowed me to put a place and name together.
The repetition of some things was starting to get to me but when she makes mention that she apologizes for it all, she is just speaking from her heart, I felt that. I hope anyone who wants to read this story will see this review and be able to look past that aspect. I am torn on how I feel about the author leaving her kids to help her own life, I don’t know of any mother that could leave their kids, but I can’t really judge because I don’t know the situation they were left in. It seems they grew up safe, loved and healthy so that is all any mother could ask for her kids. But I also like that she mentions she has no regrets, and she can’t dwell and worry about the actions she has taken in the past because what will that help?
I am inspired by all of the hard work she has done throughout her life to get to the point she is at now, to be able to travel the world at her leisure and go wherever her heart tells her. There are so many great things I can say about this book. Chapter 9, Big Love is where I really connected with this author and had the same feelings and thoughts. I look forward to going back and reading her first 2 memoirs! #WeAreAllOne
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carrie Reedhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarrie Reed2022-09-09 08:35:332022-09-09 08:35:33Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Carrie Reed
This book is so emotional and raw but such an amazing insight into a life that is genuinely incredible. The author has done an amazing job at creating a window into her world, giving her readers the chance to learn and experience so much about her. I have always enjoyed her works of fiction but this book is something special. I connected with it in a way I did not expect and it has stayed with me long after I have finished reading. Even if you read nothing else but her I would highly recommend this book.
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 Baker2022-09-08 15:16:362022-09-12 12:18:43Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Kerry Baker
Destiny’s Daughter, by Lynda Filler is an engaging read. Lynda tells her story of finding love after a lifetime filled with ups and downs. Her story of finding a place to write and took her across the sea. While she let destiny and her love led her to Istanbul, she found herself facing new challenges. Personally, I did not connect to the author the way other readers have, but I still enjoyed reading this book. I would also recommend this to others.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Diane Sennetthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDiane Sennett2022-09-06 10:37:522022-09-06 20:26:16Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Diane Sennett
Destiny’s Daughter: It Was the Best of Times is the third book in the ‘Intimate and Unfiltered’ series by Lynda Filler. Wow, if I hadn’t already loved this author’s work- this book certainly would have sealed the deal. It has certainly given me even more appreciation and respect for her… This memoir would not have been easy to write- but still filled with so much heart and soul. A raw, emotional, heartfelt, inspiring, intimate, honest, unfiltered, and entirely fascinating window into her life- made for an engrossing read that played with my emotions. The courage, strength, vulnerability and authenticity shared in her words was poignant, and moved me in so many ways- and there was a lot of thoughts amongst Ms. Filler’s insights and musings that were things I didn’t even realise that I needed to ‘hear’ or be reminded of. A lot of the story moved me to tears- as I felt for her, and/or, her words touched me so, so deeply. I recommend having some tissues close at hand, just in case you need them. A wonderful storyteller with a beautiful soul and an adventurous heart- I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next. Highly recommended reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2022-09-02 22:59:532022-09-06 09:50:22Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book #3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Angela Hayes
This is a really beautiful book, following the memories and the life of the author. The writing is really good. As a reader you are gripped and it feels like you are viewing the story from the author’s eyes has it happens.
This is the 3rd book of memoirs however the author does a good job of making it enjoyable even if you haven’t read the previous books.
As with most people’s life’s there are ups and downs, sadness and happiness though this book but what I love is the author’s raw honesty and how they have overcome all the heartbreaks and sadness and moved forwards with the lessons they have learnt. This is a story about starting over, finding a new place to settle down and put roots and realising that maybe your choice was wrong or could it just seem that way because of the circumstances happening around you such as seeing the warships on the way to attack Ukraine. Its about the effect seeing that had on the author and how it allowed her to stop and think and put her life into perspective and realise how her life had come full circle. From growing up as a military Brat she finds herself back close to a war zone. Is it coincidence or is it part of her destiny?
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 Carr2022-09-01 09:20:262022-09-05 12:58:42Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Kerry Carr
The author has written a beautiful memoir of her life. Yes, there are sad parts to her life but she focuses on learning and moving on. Like most of us, she has good and bad times. She overcame a heart issue. She includes beautiful pictures that also tell a story of her travels. I do like the fact that she gives you the basic facts to update you to the lastest in this, the 3rd of her memoirs. She puts herself out there and shares it all with the reader. I like the fact that she is still encouraging to the reader. It is a story that I will not likely forget. Iwill have to go back and read the first two books now. Well done, author.
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 Kittell2022-09-01 05:43:202022-09-05 12:54:35Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Shelly Kittell
I love to read a book that goes into the story of who the author is, who they were, and how they became who they are now. This book was beautiful, inspiring, and enlightening. I was not able to put it down till I reached its completion as I read. I was very moved by the words that came to life as I read!
To explain the depth of all this book possesses, I can only tell you that you need to read it to envision and feel the what this author lived through and endured. From things she witnessed to events she had to go through, it was not all sugar and lollipops. I enjoyed reading her feelings and emotions as she became who she is, The book was more than a memoir to me, it was a truly heart opening and inspiring motivational read. I cried at times, everything felt so real. The beauty of this book was more than just words, you really felt everything. This author put everything out there, and allowed the reader to be a part of their most sincere and private moments. Nothing was more inspirational and beautiful to me! I loved this so much!
I personally thank this author for all that they gave when writing this memoir. A thank you doesn’t justify enough, but know I was touched as I read. This a must read for sure, and a very high recommendation.
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 Huisman2022-08-31 10:50:202022-09-02 12:10:34Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Lorrene Huisman
I love to read a book that goes into the story of who the author is, who they were, and how they became who they are now. This book was beautiful, inspiring, and enlightening. I was not able to put it down till I reached its completion as I read. I was very moved by the words that came to life as I read!
To explain the depth of all this book possesses, I can only tell you that you need to read it to envision and feel the what this author lived through and endured. From things she witnessed to events she had to go through, it was not all sugar and lollipops. I enjoyed reading her feelings and emotions as she became who she is, The book was more than a memoir to me, it was a truly heart opening and inspiring motivational read. I cried at times, everything felt so real. The beauty of this book was more than just words, you really felt everything. This author put everything out there, and allowed the reader to be a part of their most sincere and private moments. Nothing was more inspirational and beautiful to me! I loved this so much!
I personally thank this author for all that they gave when writing this memoir. A thank you doesn’t justify enough, but know I was touched as I read. This a must read for sure, and a very high recommendation.
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 Huisman2022-08-31 10:45:492022-09-02 12:08:58Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Lorrene Huisman
Destiny’s Daughter is Lynda’s third memoir and is an inspiring story from the heart. It is a look at her life trying to find a place where it would feed her mind, body and soul and her passion of writing. It is Lynda’s story where she followed her dreams and fell in love putting down roots in the mysterious and exotic city of Istanbul and where she once again found her stories.
As I was with Cafe Confidential Lynda once again gives us an unfiltered and intimate look into her life. I was fully immersed in the story and it was over before I knew it, but it left an impression on me.
Imagine seeing warships in Istanbul on their way to start a war with Ukraine. It would be enough to make one take stock of their life and that is what Lynda did. This is an emotional, raw and heartfelt story where she focused on positivity and used her strength and her courage to persevere and create to tell her stories.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2022-08-31 07:55:512022-09-02 12:06:03Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Jenni Bishop
I left a career in sales in Mexico in 2019 to travel and find a place where I would write and maybe paint and continue my creative dreams. Fate intervened, and after four months of travel, I fell in lust with a young Muslim Turk and in love with Istanbul’s historic and exotic city.
Instead of Elizabeth Gilbert’s laid-back Bali, the energy and creativity of Istanbul turned out to be a writer’s dream. But soon, a worldwide pandemic, lockdowns, death, and anxiety attacks made me question if I had lost complete touch with reality. “I should be retired and living a comfortable life in Canada!”
From my early years as a military brat, I had perfected the art of starting over. But nothing had prepared me for the sight of Russian warships on the Bosphorus Strait on their way home to begin a war with Ukraine. I couldn’t write; I couldn’t read. My emotions overwhelmed me, and anxiety replaced creativity; Xanax took over from vitamin C.
One morning I woke up determined to heal myself and share this story. I slowly began to write again. And then it hit me. I shouldn’t be surprised to find myself close to a war zone. I am, after all, a product of my military father, destiny’s daughter.
I’m a writer, a poet, a dreamer, and a lover. I’m a Canadian girl, but I live wherever life takes me. For many years that was Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. In 2019 I bought a series of one-way tickets to several exotic locations around the world. After a two-day layover in Türkiye, I fell in love with Istanbul and a Turkish man. After my travels I returned to Istanbul and have lived here ever since. I’ve found intrigue and mystery wherever I turn in the Middle East. I love words, street art and capturing life with my camera lens. I create stories from what I see and what I can imagine. You will find 19 published books—spy fiction, romantic suspense, poetry, and memoir—on Amazon. My latest is DESTINY’S DAUGHTER my 20th book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/destinysdaughter.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2022-08-31 00:07:112022-09-15 22:34:22Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler
I picked up Flying on the Inside mainly because of the subtitle. I was hoping to find a very heartfelt story about a woman’s incredible journey. While there were a few moments that touched my heart, unfortunately it felt more like an information book about the dos and dont’s when it comes to brain trauma. The parts that she shared about Nicola and Nic felt almost forced into the story which then threw it off for me. It all felt more clinical than heartfelt. I can only imagine the hard journey this woman has been on and I think she is incredibly brave to share it. This book gave a lot of information and I think would be extremely helpful and a good resource for anyone who has experienced the same thing. I think that the author did a very good job of researching and admire that she wrote the book at all. If you are looking for a tearjerker type book to connect to like I was I don’t think this will meet that, but if you are looking for a book that you can connect to on a different level you should give it a try for yourself.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Colleen Noyeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngColleen Noyes2021-12-28 16:21:312022-01-01 16:25:50Flying on the Inside: A Memoir of Trauma and Recovery by Rachel Gotto – Review by Colleen Noyes
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
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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