Review of Backbone
- Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis
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Review of Backbone
Sandy was born prematurely at only 28 weeks and weighed in at 4 lbs. 4 oz. to a co-dependent mother and an alcoholic father. Her father was not even there for her birth but came afterward. Sandy had an older sister, Ann, and a brother, Allen. Growing up, the three children had to endure the abuse from their father because of his drinking. He constantly beat their mother; he called all of them stupid; he threatened suicide quite often; and one day, he even shot their mother with his gun. When Allen was 14, his father punched him in the face and broke his nose. He took their wall phone, ripped it off the wall, and threw it in the yard. The three of them hated their father and often wished that he would come upon an ill fate. Sandy never liked her mother, either. She was weak and co-dependent and did not stand up for the children.
Backbone: A Story Based on True Events by S. Lynn is a must-read. It brings forth the trials and tribulations of a family with an alcoholic member within its circle. More often than not, the alcoholic is also abusive, and so it affects not only the alcoholic but also the rest of the family, who are in constant contact with this person. Can you imagine being the children of this family and being scared to death of what might happen when the alcoholic comes through the door at night? Most families are happy to see their father when he comes home from work and welcomes him with open arms. This did not happen in Sandy’s family. They dreaded him coming home and were terrified of what would happen because something always did happen.
I commend the author for coming forth with her story, and I hope it will enlighten people about the trauma families face with this disease. Teachers, neighbors, and friends have to be more vigilant in recognizing the symptoms of someone who is abused. Don’t be afraid to step in and try to help. It is your business and everyone else’s responsibility to help these people, their wives, and their children. People need to have a backbone and stand up for what is right.
I did not like the subject of this book, but I thoroughly enjoyed the message that this book brought out in the open. This book is for all readers who wish to find out more about this disease and its ramifications for everyone. I found no errors in the book, as it was incredibly edited. There was some profanity, but this was a rough subject to express one’s story. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars. I hope that you pick up a copy and read it. It deserves to be heard.
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Backbone
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Thanks for a detailed review.

- Sarah Zain
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In this kind of situation I only feel sorry for the children who have to deal with such abuse.
Societies should done more. Laws must be more strict to such behaviours.
Great review. I can tell how hard it was for you to read the book. So I appreciate your thorough analysis of it. Thank you