Review of I Am Enough
- Harshitha G B
- Book of the Month Participant
- Posts: 645
- Joined: 12 Jun 2021, 00:01
- Favorite Book: In It Together
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 64
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-harshitha-g-b.html
- Latest Review: Where Tigers Roam by Augustus John Roe
Review of I Am Enough
Margy Jackson wrote the book "I Am Enough." This is the author's memoir, and it provides insight into her path, which is a combination of experience, experimentation, failure, and climbing in life.
The author graciously invited me to dig into her life by presenting her parents and relatives, how things are going, and how she identifies herself. She described her adolescence as an inquisitive child ready to explore the world, which led her to choose pathways that did not lead to positive experiences, notably the sexual assault she suffered. The experience was painful due to other people's wrongdoings; instead of blaming other people, her conscience started to blame herself and feel guilty. Don't victims often incur criticism for taking a course that deviates somewhat from the proper one? Guilt plagued her adolescence, leading her to make numerous negative choices for the future. How difficult might life be? These experiences led her to face the future with uncertainties, a lack of confidence, anxiousness, and a need to fit in someplace.
When it came to relationships, each one slowly ruined her; it didn't even allow her time to think about herself; instead, once one relationship ended, she sought another to legitimize herself. Her fears and poor self-esteem drove her to make this intentional choice, which eventually led to her collapse. The most painful thing I've ever read was how each of her partners physically and psychologically tormented her, challenged her, destroyed her, and made her weak, making her obedient. I couldn't help but wonder when she'd reach her limit and say enough. When will she ever break the invisible chain and make her own decisions? Why is she dedicating herself to crumbs of love? How far would someone go to seek validation? Despite my understanding of her insecurity and need for love, these questions tormented me as I read the story.
On the other hand, I have no words for her partners, who made her life miserable by forgetting they are human beings. They claim to love her, yet their actions cause her to live like a dead soul. All of these relationships drove her to drink, which she believed would help her forget undesirable things or that there was no need to heal and prioritize herself. Her children, music, and teaching professionals were her lifelines, but they all seemed somewhat weaker before her trauma, which engulfed her in a sea of misery.
Finally, her family, especially her children, gave her the support she needed to overcome this. The drive to break the pattern and regain herself drove her to take bold action in the belief that, despite repeated setbacks, there would be light at the end of her efforts. The anguish and torture she faced were unbearable. How much is enough to determine if I have gotten enough? However, this event inspired her to self-reflect and go on a path of self-belief, beginning with the question, "Am I enough?" and concluding with the response, "I am enough."
I rate this book 3 out of 5. The book's beneficial elements include the author's vulnerability and honest confession of both her wrongs and rights, all to send a message to readers and maybe help them. The details on her usage of the Helpline and the tactics she used were helpful. The images interwoven throughout the article brought a personal touch to the story. What didn't work for me was that the tale was all about her sad, melancholy stories, and I expected more about how she improved herself. While the mention of her self-help attempts is admirable, I had hoped for additional anecdotes about that period. The constant depressing tales make reading difficult since some stories are a little disruptive, and the recurrent relationship elements hinder a satisfying reading experience. The editing team performed well by offering an error-free book format. I suggest this book to anyone who likes memoirs but keep in mind that it involves domestic abuse, which might be difficult for some readers to handle.
******
I Am Enough
View: on Bookshelves
Harshitha
-
- Posts: 223
- Joined: 30 Nov 2024, 10:49
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 12