Review of The Part That Burns

Post by **ikechukwuamarachi+55** » 11 Apr 2022, 20:43

I must commend the author's courage to share her life experience even some that are confidential. Nice review.

Gulam Mohamed · Post by **Gulam Mohamed** » 11 Apr 2022, 20:55

Poetic disclosure of a woman in a highly recommended autobiographical account of the growing and adult years of author Jeannine Ouellette (Congratulations on the BOTD), as her family and she migrate across the environments around Lake Superior, Wyoming and the Mississippi.

tarafarah7 · Post by **tarafarah7** » 11 Apr 2022, 20:58

Today's BOTD is a memoir about a girl who lived a traumatic childhood and through her journey of recovery, grew to be a strong, courageous woman. Readers are going to love this beautifully written story of survival, strength, and growth, especially those who have had similar experiences. Thank you for the wonderful review!

Owuamanam Eberechukwu · Post by **Owuamanam Eberechukwu** » 11 Apr 2022, 21:13

PeterRabitt20 wrote: ↑10 Oct 2021, 10:54 [Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Part That Burns" by Jeannine Ouellette.]

4 out of 4 stars
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Jeannine Ouellette’s The Part That Burns is a heart-grabbing memoir. It’s like being teleported to another time and another place.

Ouellette writes about her family life growing up, motherhood, and her trauma recovery. The events are commonplace occurrences, mostly. For example, being punished for chores, the many home addresses, and the family pets. She describes the year she lived with her biological father and his wife (who seemed to hold something against Ouellette). She gives snippets of the sexual abuse by her stepfather at an early age. Naturally, this is a sensitive spot for her; but, she shares it with her readers—nonetheless. I applaud her determination and strength.

The author presents her life in a non-linear fashion, which makes it even more gripping. For example, the book begins with an adult memory before rewinding to her toddler years. At some point, the timeline crisscrosses from pubescence age, back to childhood, and forward to her college days. There is always an anchor point around which the story revolves, such as the family dogs and the tumbleweeds. Each anchor seems to mirror the family dynamics and has shaman-like connections to the events. For example, the family dogs (almost like spirit animals) sponge up the emotional tension indiscriminately. I relished this mirrored symbolism of the author's subconscious mind.

Whether it is her toe-pajama or the soggy basement carpet, Ouellette has an amazingly detailed memory. She reminisces fondly about her childhood friends and teachers. However, it is the emotions associated with those moments that leave a lasting impression.

I absolutely loved the intense voice and tone bringing the author’s past selves alive; additionally, they showed which stage of her life is being presented. Four-year-old Ouellette speaks in a perfect preschooler lingo; whereas, her teenage self is more grounded in her thoughts.

Consequently, I rate The Part That Burns 4 out of 4 stars. Ouellette’s style is expressive, and her story is evocative. She gives the reader a sentiment close to being reincarnated multiple times. Since I have no bones to pick with this book, a lower rating is unnecessary. Moreover, it seems exceptionally well-edited.

It is a must-read for those who enjoy stories with a strong voice. I also recommend it to anyone looking for a book based on true family dramas. There is some description of pedophilia and sexual abuse; therefore, I caution sensitive readers. I do not recommend it to readers who dislike the non-linear flow in the timeline—but, I encourage them to try it.

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The Part That Burns
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Beautifully written. Her story is quite peculiar and realistic. I could feel for the author given the bitter young years she had. It’s a beautiful review

Ikechukwu+12345 · Post by **Ikechukwu+12345** » 11 Apr 2022, 21:24

The author's story is touching, being sexually abused by her stepfather is so disheartening. I look forward to reading this book. Thanks for a great review.

Raquel Sojo · Post by **Raquel Sojo** » 11 Apr 2022, 21:25

A truly inspiring book, I admire the author's courage in sharing her life experiences. I hope I don't get lost in the time jumps of the plot. Thanks for this interesting review.

todwyer01 · Post by **todwyer01** » 11 Apr 2022, 21:27

From a sampling, this seems like an interesting and emotion-filled memoir showing the struggles and difficulties the author faced and how she overcame them to become who she is today. It might be worth a second look. Well done.

Post by **Reva Parker** » 11 Apr 2022, 21:29

Thank you for your wonderful review. I am hoping that writing his book was cathartic for the sexual abuse in her life. I have read a sample of the book and enjoyed her style of writing. I think she was very brave to write all of the parts of her childhood, not just the good parts. I have decided to add this book to my list of books to read.

Zaynnie · Post by **Zaynnie** » 11 Apr 2022, 21:30

It takes a lot of courage to write about your personal experiences especially those that bring back bad memories. I salute the author for writing about her life without holding back on the bad parts. I'll love to read the book and know more about her and her trauma recovery. Thanks for the great review

Analiza Manching · Post by **Analiza Manching** » 11 Apr 2022, 21:37

This story is so heartbreaking. I'm proud of her, she is so brave to tell us her story. Thanks to that she recovered from her trauma. This is true to life and a great story. Thanks for sharing and congratulations! Nice review!

Uchechukwu Fortune Njoku · Post by **Uchechukwu Fortune Njoku** » 11 Apr 2022, 21:49

The author's strength is something unique. It is not easy telling one's story baring it all. There are many lessons found in this book.

peace_m · Post by **peace_m** » 11 Apr 2022, 22:03

I appreciate the author's story of sharing her family life, motherhood, and her trauma recovery. Great book, I will read the book.

Post by **Sandeep Moses Arulnesan** » 11 Apr 2022, 22:05

I don't know if I will enjoy Oullette's back and forth jumping of incidents. It's a big negative for me. The memoir looks to be an engaging one. Thanks for the review. Congrats on the BOTD!