This book is about one of those children that parents dread having. She came into the world under stressed circumstances and spent the rest of her life living up to that potential. It is frank and unassuming autobiography, from an author who is still working through the events of her own life, allowing us the privilege of looking over her shoulder as she does so.

The section after she leaves home and roams the world trying to find love and purpose for her life is definitely interesting. Having taken a similar trip in my early twenties, I can attest to the veracity of her descriptions and the events they chronicle.

One particularly fascinating section is when she is in the process of leaving a relationship with a man she knows is wrong for her, but she can’t leave. She is very aware that she’s not doing the right thing, and all her friends keep telling her the same, but she cannot bring herself to make the break. She works this through with us in a believable and sympathetic way, revealing how a smart person can be so stupid, without belittling her in any way.

In conclusion, as with any biography, we must ask ourselves if this person has done enough in her life to make it a worthwhile read, or if the points she makes are worth learning.

I would say that, at forty-something, this author hasn’t perhaps achieved enough to warrant serious study, but she has lived an interesting life, far different from most of us, and as such it is worth the read.

Highly recommended for those who had a rebellious childhood, and also for parents who had rebels for children. It might help each of you to understand how the other feels, and to know you’re not alone.

 Otherwise recommended for all students of human nature and good writing.

4 stars