This story is as light-hearted and funny as it is dark and devastating. 

I found it emotionally challenging to read this memoir, especially in the final part where Cheryl is working to right the wrongs of her father and has so many dire consequences to deal with. 

What a way to grow up. No anchor. No sense of safety. No sense of belonging except to her family unit, which is betrayed in one way or another by each member of her family. 

"I tried so hard to earn their love, to be brave, clever, beautiful, fearless enough. And I've fallen short. It crushes me in a way no physical pain ever could. Because it comes from within, from the people who should be biologically programmed to hold me close. Is there something about this girl--I search my own young face--is there something I've been doing to draw all this to me?"

While this book is based on the events of the author's life of being on the run all over the world, the parallels of generational trauma that any family may face are apparent and applicable to many reader experiences. 

As I said, this is a difficult read and it is definitely not for everyone. I did find that it is paced well and is engaging.