One of the best memoirs I've read!
Sue, lover of autobiographies, mom of 3, 05/27/2008

I love to read memoirs but rarely feel such a bond to the characters as I did to these three girls. I just feel such an immense respect for how all three girls got on with their lives and became such strong adults after living such a horrific childhood. I think their father's immense love, along with their stepmother, is what made all the difference. And I do believe that underneath their mother's sickness was a woman who did care about her girls, especially before she really lost touch with reality. I just have to say I am so full of respect for Laura and her sisters. The girl's lives were so sad as children, but they had an amazing tenacity and will to survive. I'll never forget their story- it deeply touched me. A MUST read!

Also recommended: The Glass Castle, Without a Map

One of my favorite memoirs
Cindy, A reviewer, 05/21/2008

The title of this book seems odd but once you read the book the title then makes perfect sense. This is a great book. If you like memoirs you will love this book. Laura did an outstanding job of describing the events to the point that I felt like I was actually there witnessing her childhood as it was happening. It was definitely a book I didn't want to put down, or want to end. I felt emotionally attached while reading it. I was so attached that I literally cried during the last pages. My heart felt so heavy for the Laura and her sisters, but mostly for Laura. She carried the burden of being loyal to her mother who was mentally unable to be a nuturing mother. A mother that every child is entitled to. Laura loves her Mom but she clearly sees the situation for what it is and doesn't expect anymore than her Mother is able to give, which is minimal at best. This is a book I will read again.

Also recommended: White Oleander, The Kite Runner, My Maggie, The Heart Is A Lonely Hunter, Left To Tell

Family love and strife
L.A. Carlson (thewriter09303@visi.com), writer, 03/15/2008

I read the review in the Mpls Star Tribune. The first thing that struck me upon looking at the book in the bookstore was the author's picture. There is an obvious vulnerability in her eyes and I knew the book would be worth reading based upon that alone. The writing is outstanding and the story is increasingly sad because of her mother's illness. However, Flynn tells the story in a way that is inspired and important. I was moved by her resiliency in the face of so much angst and her continued love for a mother who was not there for her. I loved how she derived at the title-always a dilemma for writers and I was thinking about this memoir for days.

Also recommended: Here If You Need Me by Kate Braestrup

Couldn't put it down / helped me see my own family more clearly
Michael Bischoff, A reviewer, 02/20/2008

The first two days the book was in my house, I lost it to my wife, who read it straight threw. Then I couldn't put it down. For such a subject that can be so heavy, the writing is very easy to sink into and enjoy. I also grew up with a parent who was mentally ill for many years. This book found an approach to talking about growing up with a mentally ill parent that was just the right balance of directly looking at what is painful and lightness. The author can sometimes takes a refreshing birds-eye view, while also noticing intimate, specific details of family life. I found reading it to be very life-affirming.