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A review by trywii
My Time to Stand: A Memoir by Melissa Moore, Gypsy-Rose Blanchard, Michele Matrisciani
4.0
*Disclaimer- This is a review of the book itself, and is not in any way condoning the actions of the author*
The book itself is a retelling of the author’s life before and after the murder of her mother. It’s disturbing, heartbreaking, and deeply uncomfortable. I don’t recommend this book if you are a sensitive reader.
I personally only vaguely knew about the author’s life and arrest, so this is one of the first in-depth reads on those events I’ve encountered. During the book I had mixed feelings about the author’s life- Pity that she grew up both infantilized and sexualized by the adults in her life, and anger that she felt that the death of her mother would be her only way to freedom.
It could’ve waited a few more years to be published, however- the fact that the author was only *just* released from incarceration feels a little too soon to write and publish an introspective book on the matter.
*A note on other reviews*
You probably haven’t seen my review without also coming across plenty of 1 star reviews. Most have noted small details being inconsistent (the evidence that is confirmed is that the author was groomed and abused regardless), as well as saying ‘don’t give her money’ (just get a copy from your library) and just saying the author is a liar without going into specifics.
Im a little surprised at the strong reaction. I’ve seen others read “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy or other memoirs of severe abuse and respond by saying disparaging things about the parent(s), even celebrating and calling for their abuser’s death.
I don’t know how one can be physically, emotionally, and medically abused for 20+ years from birth and not come out the other side deeply disturbed and unwell. I’m wondering if because the author reacted violently, that suddenly it crosses the line between being a victim and being a perpetrator, as though one can’t also be both.
One doesn’t have to like or condone someone’s personality or actions to feel bad for them suffering as a child. Just food for thought.
The book itself is a retelling of the author’s life before and after the murder of her mother. It’s disturbing, heartbreaking, and deeply uncomfortable. I don’t recommend this book if you are a sensitive reader.
I personally only vaguely knew about the author’s life and arrest, so this is one of the first in-depth reads on those events I’ve encountered. During the book I had mixed feelings about the author’s life- Pity that she grew up both infantilized and sexualized by the adults in her life, and anger that she felt that the death of her mother would be her only way to freedom.
It could’ve waited a few more years to be published, however- the fact that the author was only *just* released from incarceration feels a little too soon to write and publish an introspective book on the matter.
*A note on other reviews*
You probably haven’t seen my review without also coming across plenty of 1 star reviews. Most have noted small details being inconsistent (the evidence that is confirmed is that the author was groomed and abused regardless), as well as saying ‘don’t give her money’ (just get a copy from your library) and just saying the author is a liar without going into specifics.
Im a little surprised at the strong reaction. I’ve seen others read “I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jennette McCurdy or other memoirs of severe abuse and respond by saying disparaging things about the parent(s), even celebrating and calling for their abuser’s death.
I don’t know how one can be physically, emotionally, and medically abused for 20+ years from birth and not come out the other side deeply disturbed and unwell. I’m wondering if because the author reacted violently, that suddenly it crosses the line between being a victim and being a perpetrator, as though one can’t also be both.
One doesn’t have to like or condone someone’s personality or actions to feel bad for them suffering as a child. Just food for thought.