If you like memoirs (even if you don't!) , try this one out. Our book club read it and found it to be the most extraordinary read. A girl is raised by two very, um, dysfunctional, or, mentally ill parents. Their story of survivng and even thriving. is heartbreaking and uplifting. the subject writes in a very unjudgemental tone, leading the reader to make up their own mind about what's happening. One  of the best we read all year, and highly recommended.

I really enjoyed this book also.  It is heartbreaking, yes.  But it is a story of overcoming odds.  I love that.   Lover's of "Angela's Ashes" will likely enjoy this book. 

Kathie, I finished this book late last year and LOVED it!  I don't usually read memoirs either but this one I just couldn't put down. 

I LOVED this book! Pick it up today! ;)

Yep, read this one last year in book club and we all enjoyed it.  Very good read.

Awesome book!  Read it really quickly. 

Loved this book too!

I just wishlisted the hardback version a couple of weeks ago to give to my grandma as a small gift.  I got it within a week or two and she is loving it so far (l thoroughly enjoyed it too).  Half Broke Horses which is her newest book is very good too.  It is a fictionalized memoir of her Grandma's life.  I gave it to my Grandmother for Christmas (I read a copy form the library) and she loved it too!

Just finished this book in one sitting:

Excellent Read. It's a memoir of the author and her life growing up, the struggles she endured and her family dynamic.

The author's character building is impeccable. While dysfunctional she makes you care for each person in a different way and understand them and their struggles.

It's a story of family resilience and family pain, but it still warms your heart.

I just won this book in a game swap.  I have heard so much about it that I am waiting with baited-breath.

I am an audio reader. This book was wonderful and all the more wonderful because someone read it to me.

I loved this book also! :)

This book was one of my favorites last year.  I'd highly recommend it.

Question: Is there anything scandalous or totally inappropriate in it?

I'm supposed to suggest some books for book club and have been wanting to read this. I have some "sensitive" people in my group who may be offended by sex, language, etc. Does it have much/any of that?

Thanks!

I just picked this up today at Goodwill b/c of this thread!

That's great, Margaret! Let me know what you think of it.

This was one of the best books I read last year. It still comes back to haunt my thoughts from time to time. The fact that it is a true story is just amazing. I recommend it to everyone I know who likes to read. I passed my copy on and I don't know why. It's one that I would like to read again some time. OK, you all talked me into it - I'm going to have to put it back on my wish list again. :)

I just finished this yesterday and loved it!! It was my first memoir, and I had no idea I'd enjoy that genre so much. :)

Sarah - there's no sex, but her grandma has some choice words against black people later on in the book that might offend...?? I believe her dad cusses from time to time, but it's not riddled with it. Or at least it didn't strike me as overly-crazy with bad language. I'd recommend it.

I don't remember anything scandelous or inappropriate in it, but it is a memoir and the people aren't perfect.

It's been a while but that is one of my favorite books. Such resiliance and ability to overcome obstacles. We're reading this for bookclub this month, but my copy is nowhere to be found. I hope I can re-read or skim it before the club, but it's looking bleak. I am reading Half Broke Horses right now and it is another keeper.

This is also one that I couldn't put down after starting it.  I don't usually read things like this but had heard so many others speak highly of it, I just had to see what everyone was talking about.