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In this memoir, the author leads readers through her tumultuous history: from a childhood shadowed by abuse and adolescence darkened by drug use through early adulthood filled with moments of high living followed by periods of coming back to the church. The abuse she suffered beginning at age five haunted her throughout her life. In her early years, her inability to process this trauma led to self-destructive habits and fractured friendships. Through journal entries, she leads the reader through the decisions that led her back and forth across the country, chasing new opportunities and old loves.
Harrison was given a new chance with the birth of her son, who was "the missing piece of who I was." However, she later fell back into old patterns and spent the next several decades in search of herself again. She documents her struggles with sobriety, which parallel her grappling with letting go and trusting God. As her journey continues, she reveals her reflections on her past life and processes the decisions that led her to become who she is today. The book ends with a series of letters she exchanged with her future husband, discussing their unique yet parallel journeys toward a more fulfilled life.
This is a raw and vulnerable account of a woman's search for her genuine self and her place in the world. She reveals her past abuse, struggles with sobriety, and yearning to find a deeper meaning in her life. The diary entry format, which begins toward the middle of her account, helps to give a more authentic record of her daily ups and downs. She honestly recounts her fears, hopes, and frustrations. Her candor throughout this memoir provides relatability to anyone who has experienced similar struggles and evokes empathy among those who have not led a similar life.