Well-written but so sad to read about Alice's crazy, hard life in Mississippi. Pretty, she often attracted the wrong kind of attention, first from her father, then from Liam. Suffering a devastating accident, and not having her mother protect her from an abusive father forged Alice into a smart independent and strong woman. Knew that she needed money to get to college, and the life she wanted. Modeling was a means to an end. Intuited how to pretend life was okay.

Alice has a loving heart and a pure soul, and is successful writing poetry. Liam's OCD and emotional issues worsen and flood out after Hurricane Katrina. Alice, as wives often are, is a convenient scapegoat and punching bag. After Liam nearly killed her by choking and cutting her, she takes her 3 kids and leaves.

But Mississippi is miserably stuck in a maliciously corrupt misogynistic old-school mindset. The courts, judges and lawyers disrespect women, (want them to remain on the preposterous pedestal of perfection: being beautiful, stupid and compliant to men), eschew common sense and evidence allowing men, white men, that is, to get away with systemic long-term domestic abuse, murder and just about anything evil one can think of. Alice may win a few battles here and there but the war rages on without justice prevailing.

Thankfully Alice has many supportive friends. She gets help, finds jobs quickly, always determined to normalize her family's life. Even after suffering another major health crisis because of the severe choking (and resulting oxygen deprivation) she received at Liam’s hands, she continues to propel her family forward to live regular, positive and successful lives.

Excellent read!

Harrowing, riveting read. I think most people know what they are getting into when they read this memoir of abuse. It's certainly not the type of thing to read before going to bed. It will leave you angry, frustrated, sad and heartbroken. Alice Anderson is a gifted writer, tackling the most acutely personal subject matter with grace and even a dash of dark humor.

Ultimately, this is the story of the resiliency of the human spirit, and the fierce love of a mother for her children. Anderson's book will hopefully raise awareness for the need of massive reform in the family court system. ( )

It’s devastating to know this story is not fiction. It’s not a made-up tale of woe. It’s not even “based on a true story.” Sadly, it’s not even a unique account.

This memoir tells of a wife and mother of three who is forced to battle through life as viciously as the hurricane that decimated much of the gulf coast. Her only concern is for her “sweet three”. Years pass. Her life is still a challenge. Every victory is quickly followed by a traumatizing loss. My heart ached at the hopelessness of it all. While she drowned in misery, I almost couldn’t find the strength to read the next chapter.

I am glad I finished this read. I am thankful it was written. The author poured her soul into the pages of this book, and I’m reaping the benefits of her lessons. Persevere. Don’t give up. Don’t let anyone make you forget who you really are. ( )