Official Review: Born To Survive by Kylie-Anne Evans

[Kanda_theGreat]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Born To Survive" by Kylie-Anne Evans.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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How many times have suicidal thoughts crossed your mind? When did you feel as though there is nothing worth fighting for in this world? How many times did you rise only to fall again? Born To Survive by Kylie-Anne Evans is an emotional story of her painful past. I must admit that I have read several moving memories and autobiographies, yet none has ever moved me half as much as this one did. The catharsis that I almost always savour from people's highlights cannot be compared to the tension that characterized this book.

Kylie and her siblings were put under foster care before she turned eight years of age. This was after the authorities found her mother unfit to raise them. What followed was a series of adoption from one foster home to another, where they finally settled with Bob and Ruth. These surrogate parents were everything worse that a parent/guardian could be for kids. They physically assaulted her for any mistake that she made and even went ahead to punish her for those that she did not make. Bob and Ruth failed to support her, when she needed their love and encouragement until she decided to run away.

Kylie's cup of turmoil was not full as yet; she was physically molested and even raped on several occasions in her life. What is worse is that she had no one to entrust this information to. Everyone viewed her as not only a hypocrite but also a liar. She, therefore, bore her tribulations alone, gathered the courage to forge ahead and when it overwhelmed her, she almost resorted to suicide. Why could she not be happy even in marriage? Why did everyone die just when she was beginning to bond with them? What has made her tie a knot and hang on at the end of the tether?

Told from a first-person point of view, the author's narration presents major events that happened in every year of her traumatizing experiences. Every incident is recorded within a certain time span, which is generally one year; the author is currently 44 years of age. Her perspective allowed me to have a first impression of things as they turned out and hence, I was able to fully empathize with her when she considered ending her "useless" life if only to permanently end her woes.

What I really liked about this book is the realistic approach with which it has been written. The author did not waste time trying to paint a different picture about herself but went straight ahead to show us what she is really made of. Thus, I found her use of curse words and obscenities very appropriate and relevant. She justified the relevance of the book's title; I saw a fighter, survivor and victor in her spirits.

It is sad that this amazing book is filled with plenty of grammatical mistakes, which detracted from my reading experience. It is not edited professionally. There is also a random use of mixed case letters, which needs to be corrected. I, therefore, award this book three out of four stars. I recommend it to everyone who seeks solace in other people's stories. Patients of severe depression my also find this book as a useful therapeutic read.

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Born To Survive
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Ebby Brown]

This sounds like an interesting story that most people can relate to. Nice review.

[Tablito]

It is sad that people like Bob and Ruth never miss.

[Rodel Barnachea]

I can relate to the questions you presented in the first paragraph. It's an excellent way to start a review. This book seems hopeful but also features some heavy themes.

[Phelicia Gloria]

Very heartbreaking book, not for the faint hearted. The author must have gone through a lot, have enjoyed reading your review, especially the introduction. Keep it up pal

[Tonika632]

I love your review. The book also sounds interesting.

[viczboy16]

Actually, everyone was born to survive but I like how the author encouraged readers during trying times.

[AnnOgochukwu]

This book review has me thinking of the times I might have peradventure, come across someone suffering such (or any kind of) terrible predicament. Did I show some kindness, even if it was the most insignificant kind act? Or did I add to the person's misery and hopelessness? What about the times when I found myself bereft of the strength to even open my eyes? This is indeed a beautiful and amazing review.

I'd definitely pick up this book at the first chance I get. I admire the presence of a strong female protagonist who in this case is not a work of fiction. Everyone is born to survive.

[Ada Ling]

Sounds the author's life is full of turmoil. It will be a good read. Thank you for the introduction.

[Drado_27]

This book might be my cup of tea. I love reading about people struggling through the life but pushing forward regardless. Wonderful review!

[Mom 215731]

This book sounds very interesting. It is one I will definitely add to my shelf and read soon. Thanks for the review!

[Karina Nowak]

Born to Survive, I love the name as well. Very uplifting. Such a tramatic life story and a good review of the book.

[pablo10]

The story seems very inspiring. I'm really intrigued by people's ability to overcome life's struggles. Nice, detailed review.

[Daisy Cheruto]

The name of the book really moved me. I hate the fact that Ruth and Bob never supported Kylie more so when she needed them the most. Good review

[Olabode Joshua]

when she considered ending her "useless" life if only to permanently end her woes.

It's commendable how the author was able to come back from this. Nice one, Kanda.