Official Review: Mended Yet Broken by Michaelia Daubon

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NadineTimes10
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Official Review: Mended Yet Broken by Michaelia Daubon

Post by NadineTimes10 »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Mended Yet Broken" by Michaelia Daubon.]
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3 out of 4 stars
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Countless people find it difficult to deal with the effects of abuse they have experienced in the past. The lasting trauma that stems from abuse, especially sexual abuse, can be nearly impossible for many victims to address. In Mended Yet Broken: Journey to Healing and Wholeness, author Michaelia Daubon gives a personal account about the abuse she suffered during her childhood and what she has since learned on the path to restoration.

From a distinctly Christian angle, the author lays out a narrative that is often thought-provoking. For instance, she points out what happens to individuals who become masters at shutting off their emotions. She describes what forgiveness is for but also what it is not for, which is essential knowledge for victims of abuse. The perspective of women is the book’s apparent focus, with feminine references and examples that would largely appeal to women. Most of the chapters close with a moment of reflection, and the author wisely includes a bibliography at the end of the book, which is great for readers who’ll need further information.

Now, I likely would not recommend this book to someone who is brand new to Christianity or who is unfamiliar with Pentecostal Christian culture. Throughout the book, the author seems to take for granted that the reader will understand the spiritual phrases and metaphors she does not explain. For instance, what does it mean for the “fire of God” to “consume” people? Is it a punishment or a blessing? What does it mean for “the enemy” to use a “foothold” against someone? What is an “alabaster box of worship”? For a lot of people, not all biblical and spiritual expressions are well-known, everyday phrases.

Moreover, it is unlikely I would recommend this book to someone who is looking for an in-depth discussion on the subject of abuse or more of a step-by-step process to promote healing. The author brushes over some parts of her account with vague wording. In several places, she instructs the reader with generalizations instead of providing more detail for greater depth. Readers who would need a series of clear, progressive steps to follow might feel uncertain about where or how to begin applying this book’s information.

Nevertheless, sometimes people simply need to hear from someone who understands their pain and who can give them a foundation of gracious advice. This is the kind of book that can meet such a need. Therefore, I give Mended Yet Broken a rating of 3 out of 4 stars. I’d recommend it as an introduction to healing from abuse, for female readers with solid Christian backgrounds.

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Mended Yet Broken
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Jackie Holycross
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Post by Jackie Holycross »

I love the title and books about emotional healing appeal to me. I agree that the author needs to be careful of using 'Christianese' without explaining the meaning.
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Mouricia Allen
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Post by Mouricia Allen »

This doesn't seem like a book I would read anytime soon, however I loved your review of it.
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Post by NadineTimes10 »

teacherjh wrote: 15 May 2018, 23:12 I love the title and books about emotional healing appeal to me. I agree that the author needs to be careful of using 'Christianese' without explaining the meaning.
"Christianese" is one of the words in the back of my head when I run into cases of it. :D
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Post by Cristina Chifane »

The book seems like it has a specific, unidirectional target readership. However, as you said, it could also appeal to all people who suffered some kind of abuse and feel the need to know somebody understands their pain. Thanks for your review!
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Post by Laura Ungureanu »

The plot fascinated me, I thought that this was the book for me. Untill you said that you need to know Christian culture and Pentecostal. I am sure it is a good book, but for me it is too much I will have to skip.
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Post by kandscreeley »

I'm glad the author was able to take her past and turn it around to help others with something similar. It sounds like a great book with a wonderful perspective. Thanks for sharing this one with us. I don't think it's relevant for me, but it's good to keep in mind to recommend.
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Post by LarryPioquinto1234 »

To tell the world about a "dark past" will take courage. If the book is far from being perfect, I wouldn't mind!
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I like the review, it is quite comprehensive giving a detailed summary and commentary of the book's content.
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Post by Samantha Simoneau »

Great review! Normally this is not my kind of read, but now I want to add this book to my "to read" list. I agree that the author should have either refrained from Christian jargon or at least elaborated on it in order to connect with a larger audience. I was intrigued by the hint at what forgiveness is not. Thank you for your thoughtful review.
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Post by Sharon serena »

What a better way to give help to those in pain than to share your own experience with them. I agree that the author should not have used a lot of references from the bible without illustrating their meaning as this would be a challenge to the readers. Thanks for the review. Nice review!
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Post by Libs_Books »

NadineTimes10 wrote: 15 May 2018, 09:48 She describes what forgiveness is for but also what it is not for, which is essential knowledge for victims of abuse.
That's a really important point. I'm quite tempted by this book, even though I'm not that familiar with the Pentecostal tradition. Thanks for a balanced and detailed review.
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Post by Nireenity »

You did a great job reviewing this book. Through your review, you were able to suggest the audiences that the book would be most suited to and that's always very helpful to someone looking for a good read. Thank you!
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Post by NadineTimes10 »

LarryPioquinto1234 wrote: 16 May 2018, 09:05 To tell the world about a "dark past" will take courage. If the book is far from being perfect, I wouldn't mind!
It certainly does take courage to put oneself "out there" that way. You never know who all is going to read it or what they'll think. I used to write more nonfiction, and it wasn't easy. :)
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NadineTimes10
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Post by NadineTimes10 »

SamSim wrote: 16 May 2018, 11:08 I was intrigued by the hint at what forgiveness is not. Thank you for your thoughtful review.
You're welcome! Yes, her writing on forgiveness was my favorite part of the book--clear, detailed, and accessible.
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