Official Review: Liberty Too - The Cost Of Keeping Secrets

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crediblereading2
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Official Review: Liberty Too - The Cost Of Keeping Secrets

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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Liberty Too - The Cost Of Keeping Secrets" by Andrea Mells.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Liberty Too: The Cost of Keeping Secrets by Andrea Mells is a purely fictitious tale that will leave its readers engrossed with every intriguing detail that unfolds. It is intended to caution its audiences about the dangers of sexual abuse and its effects on both children and adults alike. The book also instructs on coping mechanisms that can be utilized to solve such situations. The focal point, however, centers around its premise. This depicts how disastrous a situation can become when someone knows a secret, especially a negative one, and decides to keep it.

The tale is told via three alternating novellas that culminate at the ending chapters. The first one features the frequently inebriated socialite Debra who struggles with a dirty little secret. Novella 2 is rendered in the first person by Jonita Liberty, the main protagonist. She tells the history of her life as a young girl who resides with her mom, dad, and her two (2) younger siblings. Unbeknownst to the rest of her family, for years, her dad has been sexually abusing her but has not penetrated her. He, however, has promised her that he would make her a real woman on her thirteenth birthday. Jonita believes him and waits with anticipation for this to happen. When her father is found dead, however, the entire community is left asking the question. Could this be the handiwork of Jonita’s mother who is the main suspect in this bizarre and tragic chain of events? If not, then who is the real murderer? The third novella, which gives a present account of Jonita’s life, finds her in a hospital in a comatose state. What could have caused her to be in this state and will she ever recover?

Author Mells who is a retired educator has displayed that she is profoundly gifted at capturing the attention of her audience by her use of words. She has skillfully manipulated the vocabulary of the English Language to easily bring to the minds of her readers, the agonizing details of the effects of sexual abuse. Her message is quite lucid and her writing clear and concise. Her audience can easily see the depicted vivid imagery of the depression and shame that Jonita and her family experience during their time of trauma. I have observed that the tone of the entire book is guilt. In the passages, Jonita desperately tries to escape both physically and mentally from the guilt and depression which consume her because of this abuse. Her mother equally feels this burdensome guilt because she was not alert enough to know that all this happens in her presence for so many years.

I totally enjoy reading this book. The events that occur throughout the pages are fast-paced, and I was certainly not bored at all. I love the fact that Jonita, despite her tribulations, still has the resilience to withstand many of these challenges. I hate the fact that Jonita’s mother didn’t handle her sexual abuse issues in a more mature and sensitive manner. Instead of encouraging and showering Jonita with much motherly love and affection, she is, at most times, detached and stone-faced which causes Jonita much confusion and shame. This is a situation that is so prevalent in today's society where many innocent children are sexually abused by their parents, guardians, friends, and strangers. Most times they are even threatened by these abusers. Sometimes when they happen to divulge these secrets, they are rebuked by their loved ones who should really be giving care and support at such challenging times.

I agree with the author on the title of the book as it is truly reflective of what can really happen when certain secrets that should be exposed are kept hidden instead. Having such heavy burdens can only lead to depression, alcoholism, drug abuse, and suicide. I have not noticed any errors that are relevant to be mentioned, therefore, I will unreservedly give this book a 4 out of 4 stars rating. I highly recommend this inspirational page-turner to persons who have undergone traumatic situations such as incest. It will positively motivate them to heal and to assist others to overcome their plights.

******
Liberty Too - The Cost Of Keeping Secrets
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Post by elivia05 »

I am always hesitant to pick up this type of book. I believe your wonderful review has convinced me to give this one a try!
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Post by DathanReeves »

I got goosebumps from the review alone. I need to read this book!
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Post by Samantha Simoneau »

crediblereading2 wrote: 10 Jun 2018, 00:02 Sometimes when they happen to divulge these secrets, they are rebuked by their loved ones who should really be giving care and support at such challenging times.
This is so sad. I found this to be true when I was reading Stepping Up, by Donalyn Powell. The teens were often forced by their parents to hide their suicide attempts or abuse just for the sake of protecting the family's reputation. That really angers me and it's so wrong.
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Post by daniya__shah3 »

The fact that this book discusses topics such as abuse makes it quite bold and powerful. I'm sure this book must be amazing, however, I'm not quite sure if this is for me. Your review is bone-chilling. I love reviews which mirror the book as it it.
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Post by crediblereading2 »

daniya__shah3 wrote: 15 Jun 2018, 13:46 The fact that this book discusses topics such as abuse makes it quite bold and powerful. I'm sure this book must be amazing, however, I'm not quite sure if this is for me. Your review is bone-chilling. I love reviews which mirror the book as it it.
Thank you for your comments. This is indeed a very powerful topic that many people can relate to.
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crediblereading2
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DathanReeves wrote: 15 Jun 2018, 01:26 I got goosebumps from the review alone. I need to read this book!
Yes indeed, it is a very touching topic. Thank you for your comments.
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Post by crediblereading2 »

SamSim wrote: 15 Jun 2018, 11:38
crediblereading2 wrote: 10 Jun 2018, 00:02 Sometimes when they happen to divulge these secrets, they are rebuked by their loved ones who should really be giving care and support at such challenging times.
This is so sad. I found this to be true when I was reading Stepping Up, by Donalyn Powell. The teens were often forced by their parents to hide their suicide attempts or abuse just for the sake of protecting the family's reputation. That really angers me and it's so wrong.
I really cannot understand how parents can be so cruel to their own children. Thank you for your kind comments.
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elivia05 wrote: 14 Jun 2018, 22:29 I am always hesitant to pick up this type of book. I believe your wonderful review has convinced me to give this one a try!
Thank you for your comments. This is indeed a very powerful topic that many people can relate to.
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crediblereading2
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Post by crediblereading2 »

DathanReeves wrote: 15 Jun 2018, 01:26 I got goosebumps from the review alone. I need to read this book!
Thank you for your comments. This is indeed a very powerful topic that many people can relate to.
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Post by Bianka Walter »

Secrets and guilt - such interesting topics! I'm not surprised it drew you in. I really enjoyed your review, thanks so much!
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Post by Helen_Combe »

Fantastic review. You’ve really piqued my interest. I was put off by the boring cover, but it sounds really absorbing and has an interesting structure.
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Post by DancingLady »

This is so sad, but so true. Keeping secrets can cost more than we ever imagined. Thanks for reviewing a difficult book. I hope it can help set someone free.
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Post by Nimat87 »

It's so sad that issues like this happen. We can never really know the statistics because these experiences are kept secret due to shame and guilt, especially when the perpetrator is a family member. Thanks for the thorough review.
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Post by Sanju Lali »

nice review about the book which sheds light on the dangers of keeping secrets which can be nightmares at some point in later life
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