In a narrative by turns disturbing, thrilling, and inspiring, Alice Sebold illuminates the experience of a trauma victim even as she imparts wisdom profoundly hard-won: "You save yourself or you remain unsaved."
©1999 Alice Sebold, All Rights Reserved; (P)2002 Simon & Schuster Inc., AUDIOWORKS Is an Imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc.
"A rueful, razor-sharp memoir...funnier than you'd think was possible...Sebold tells what it's like to go through a particular kind of nightmare in order to tell what it's like - slowly, boldly, triumphantly - to heal." (Vogue)
"Sebold's wit is as powerful as her searing candor." (Publishers Weekly)
"Very raw"
This was so completely real. Make sure you are ready for such a raw description of this type of horror. In a way I wish I hadn't read it. I completely went into victim mode.Great read if not so close to home.
"Riveting"
This was a riveting story and admirably forthright. I would have liked to have read it instead of listening to it, the reason being that the author tells it in such an emotionless way and it is such an emotional story. It's a tough one to listen to, but worth it.
"I loved it"
The plot is dark and disturbing, but it is told from an innocent child's point of view. I found this story to be unique and compelling. The reader was perfect. I simply could not "put it down".
"Not for the faint of heart"
This is a truly intense and heart wrenching experiance in the form of an audiobook. I think the fact that it is read by the author gives it all the more intensity. You really fall right into her experiances as she retells them in this wonderfully written and powerful biography. It is graphic and honest and does not hold any punches. Be ready for a book that is hard to hear, but well worth it.
"Fascinating and Inspiring"
I truly enjoyed this book. Her intelligence, strength, insight and perserverence dealing with what she went through is an inspiration to all. Looking pain and hurt in the face and saying, "You are NOT going to defeat me!" Having the attitude that situations can make you a BETTER person instead of a BITTER person is something we all need to rememember.
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"Interesting and Sad"
I got this book after reading “Lovely Bones” and “Almost Moon” without knowing what it was about. I figure since I liked those two I’d like this one; I did not realise at the time it was a memoir. (Obviously, I did not pay close attention to the title!!)
It was interesting and sad to read about her tragic experiences and I can see how writing the book must have been very cathartic! It’s not easy to read about someone being raped, it’s rough territory, so I wouldn’t recommend it to someone looking for a lite-read… (but then again, her other books aren’t that lite either so I supposed you would know that already!)
"An okay read"
An okay read, not an overall outstanding book, nothing I would gush to others about. Though it deals with a personal matter in the author's life I think the it was a poor choice to have her narrate the audio book. The author's voice is a little monotonous and after lengths of time, annoying. So much so that it overshadows the great storyline. Unless the audio book is released with a different narrator, my suggestion is this is a book to pick up at the bookstore and save your audible credit for something better, my suggestion being The Time Traveler's Wife.