Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-7 of 7
 A fascinating and compelling story! April 20, 2004
Susan J Kayler (Scottsdale, AZ United States)
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I would never have imagined I could enjoy a memoir until I read the first page of Storkbites. I was pulled right into the book and found myself staying up late many nights, reading about the author's life. Her book is filled with the right amount of detail making the reader feel like the events took place just moments before she wrote them. She looks at herself and her family with unabashed frankness. The story gives hope to each one of us, that every family may have its issues but that some can succeed regardless. Etienne is sure to be a writer whose talent will keep us entertained and enthralled far into the future. Her fresh outlook and gentle voice make reading Storkbites a pleasurable and poignant adventure!
Gothic Louisiana family horrorư only it is real November 24, 2003
Peggy Vincent (Oakland, CA)
23 out of 23 found this review helpful
Marie Etienne's story of growing up rich in Louisiana, one of 9 children who are each in some way scarred by the experience, leads readers on a harrowing tale of abuse of nearly every kind: physical, verbal, alcoholic, drugs, sexual excess - and above all a family legacy of secret insanity. Push/pull, give/take, love/hate, guilt/forgiveness, monetary generosity/emotional stinginess - these kids were jerked this way and that, and none emerged unscathed. Of the nine children, 2 died of either suicide or murder and the others continue, as adults, to struggle in their own ways with their violent heritage.
Etienne describes her own descent into alcoholism and promiscuity as a teenager and young adult, and she is horrified to find herself following her mother's physical abuse tactics with her own two young sons. We travel with Etienne on the path of healing as she sheds her addictions and discovers ways to forge a new future with her children, a future based on love and trust.Imminently readable and inspirational.
|
