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Not only did the siblings contend with their father's alcholism, but hunger, poverty, and the ridicule of neighbors and classmates. Although Moss eventually sought cosmetic surgery and physical escape at age 18 with a hasty marriage, she soon learned that it's much harder to escape one's roots emotionally. From their earliest moments, Barbara Robinette Moss and her seven siblings knew one thing -- their lives depended on their father's moods. In addition, Moss had a special burden -- an oddly shaped face and mouth, which caused her tremendous emotional trauma and physical difficulties. Thus, even after she tries valiantly to make an independent life for herself and the son she's raising alone, Moss learns that trying to find yourself and be happy is a lifelong quest. If he had had a good night drinking, he might leave them alone when he came home from the bar. If he hadn't, there was no escaping his anger, his violent beatings, and whatever else might accompany it all.In this honest memoir, Moss details her childhood struggles to merely survive, both physically and emotionally.
I really joined this book it was very interesting, but it jumped around way to much and could have been alot better had it not jumped from one thought to another so qucik.Other then that I really liked it and I think it was a very good read. I am not one to review books, becuase I dont think that anyone should judge someone elses work. With that being said I felt a great need to write this review.
I was more than frustrated with the mother for staying with him, even though I know many do in these situations. After this book, I read Swallow the Ocean (also a memoir about a difficult childhood) and loved it, giving it 5 stars.
You also might enjoy Too Close to the Falls, Blackbird: A Childhood Lost and Found, Peace Like a River or The Glass Castle. Try it.
Horrible life, no doubt. Also, I found the timeline hard to follow.
All were excellent. I found no redeeming value in the father, however, and got tired of reading about how awful he was.
The whole face disfigurement wasn't a main story line as much as one would think from the title.
this was entertaining, unbelieveable, and a real page turner.exactly what you want in a good book.
Thank you so much for courageously sharing your story. I felt I knew her well. This memoir is not just Barbara's, but is the story of everyone who has grown up in an alcoholic family. I could empathise with her trials, fears, anger and perceptions, and would often find myself nodding subconsciously as I read along.
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