Official Review: He Lives to Take Away My Shame by Sheila Wa

[Jeyran Main]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of “He Lives to Take Away My Shame” by Sheila Washington]

He Lives to Take Away My Shame is an autobiography written by Sheila Washington. Her book speaks of her life from the day she is born. It contains the joys, sorrows, and everything she encounters during her life. Sheila is adamant in telling her secrets. She claims that her faith is what helps her to deal with the demons inside. Her book is written in hopes to assist others that may live with secrets.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Sheila’s life has been a very harsh one. From the time she was six years old, her mother Henretta fails to provide a decent and steady home for her. They move homes many times, which unravels any previous relationships. Sheila witnesses girls being abused by the landlord’s kids. Even her best friend is shot and killed, which leaves her devastated. Continuous throughout her life, Henretta arranges her boss to meet Sheila in hotel rooms, only to rape her. Sheila’s first encounter was at the age of twelve. Sheila gets pregnant twice. Once by the rapist and the other by her partner. Close relationships are all terminated due to death or betrayal. She even locates where her biological father resides, but his family wants nothing to do with her.

I found the whole book to be sorrowful, depressing, and disheartening. I felt that there was no light at the end of the tunnel and I failed to recognize any secrets within the book unless the whole story was the secret. The author speaks of faith saving her and wanting it to be a factor of her survival. The title of her book is based on Jesus living, in order to take away her shame. However, there are not as many references to her faith throughout her story.

I admired the fact that Sheila was obedient and obliging when it came to her mother, even though she was in the wrong. The utter truthfulness about the whole endeavor also made the book unique. The literature and the way the book is laid out permits the reader to easily understand her and to bond with the author. Sheila manages to grasp your feelings and have you sympathize with her as she encounters different ordeals in her life. I felt that the author did spend a considerable amount of time emphasizing on side characters in her life and described their ultimate fate in much detail when she could have provided some hope or positive reinforcement to conclude her own destiny. For all the reasons above, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars.

In summary, I believe the author has displayed her life story in a truthful manner and has successfully written her story in a way to connect with the reader. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys reading autobiographies with the caution that it does contain unpleasant and descriptive events.

[Amagine]

This book had my interest up to the point that you said that it was depressing. I wouldn't want to read a story that didn't have don't have a positive message to them. Besides that, the book sounds interesting.

Great Review!

[Jeyran Main]

Thank you. Yes, I agree. I think the Author tried to make it sound like it was a survival but emphasized more on the pain and suffering.

[kandscreeley]

I'm still pondering this one. I know there are people out there that do have horrible lives and maybe nothing positive did ever happen to them. I'm not sure. I can say it's probably one I won't read. Thanks for the review, though.

[Jaime Lync]

The fact that the author claims faith in Jesus , as so do I, makes me want to read the book but you said that there is hardly any reference to her faith so I am a little on the fence about this. I hope to see the light at the end of the book. Thanks for the insightful review.

[Jeyran Main]

Yes, it is all true and I totally agree that it has been a harsh life, however, the author finds salvation through Jesus Christ.

[jamesokunmd]

Great review. Very insightful and complete. Will definitely check this one out. A tough topic but look forward to reading it!

[Jeyran Main]

Thank you James much appreciated

[jamesokunmd]

Sure thing Jeyran. My pleasure! Your review really pointed out the weaknesses and strengths of the book.