This Memoir is bravely and simply written as it's no doubt a cathartic step in this beautiful young lady's life. It educated me in so many ways* (listed below) even though I thought I knew so much of the topics covered from my counselling training and private practise.
It was a compelling, gripping read. I would urge readers to make sure they are in a good place mentally before reading as if it resonates with any of the issues in it, it may bring you to tears about your own life as well as the author's. I wrote much in my journal, researched topics and feel I have learnt so much more than I knew about toxic relationships.
It is a story of being let loose from binding chains; one of parental influence and childlike conformity. As Tara grows so does her need for independence and freedom. Taking a job in her early teens starts an incredible journey from having no education to going to college through to gaining a scholarship and a Doctorate.
You can see Tara talking to Ellen Degeneres and also on the Ophrah Winfrey show on You Tube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=is635n6RNR0https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS0P1ovIRos
The book is available at most bookshops, libraries and on-line. Her own website is
https://tarawestover.com
In short this book will stir your soul.
*Subjects covered:
Family dynamics
Religious conformity
Coercive behaviour
Personality disorder
Parental powers
Narcissistic behaviours
The damage of silence
How the body heals
How the mind heals
Ignorance and its pit falls
Liberation and its price
Freedom and friends
Unhealthy relationships
Bipolar/mental illness
Fear
Love
Skills
Knowledge
Truth
Confrontation
Loyalty
Natural remedies
Gender dominance
Bullying/Abuse
The list is extensive and I'm sure I haven't listed them all. I applaud Tara and how she has dealt with the adult years of her life, what a shining star of an example to many she is.
