My Father's Burning in Hell
Ratings1
Average rating4
15
Ratings1
Average rating4
A piercing memoir of the real-life consequences born of living in a toxic household with a horrible secret... Life is beautiful for young Mia McDaniel, living with her two loving parents and her younger brother in their Long Island home. All of this is thrown into chaos, however, when she learns just before her fifth birthday that her older cousin, Anna, will be leaving Israel following the tragic death of her father and coming to live with Mia's family. Little did either girl know that what would happen next in that idyllic suburban home would irrevocably mark all of those involved. McDaniel takes readers along with her as she reexamines her own life in an effort to understand her fragile past and shape a brighter future for herself and her children. A piercing memoir of the real-life consequences born of living in a toxic household with a horrible secret, My Father's Burning in Hell examines the lies and terrors that can destroy a home and the resolute strength inside all of us to find our own happiness in the wreckage.
Reviews with the most likes.
My Father's burning in hell by Mia McDaniels
The title makes quite a statement and packs the kind of punch that has you querying what this man did to elicit such a statement.
Mia is an exceptional writer. Her writing style brings you at ease right away as she takes you on her personal journey from her childhood to becoming a mother and watching her children grow while wondering why she couldn't get from her own parents that she has in abundance for her own kids.
The book is full of triggers and being as personal as this story is, Mia doesn't present herself as a victim. It was quite incredible to watch everything she went through with her parents, how it shaped her late teens and early 20s. No one would have blamed her for walking away from her parents a long time ago but she spent her life grappling for validation from people who were selfish and cruel. It's often seen that abuse can become a cycle but Mia is the perfect example of how you are not your environment.
I read the book in one sitting. It's well paced and quite matter of fact in its portrayal. You can feel the emotion and rawness in the words and I felt real pride for Mia as she articulates the life she has now.
If you like memoirs, I highly recommend this one. I especially recommend it for anyone who lived with a narcissistic parent. This book may well help you feel less alone. Thank you for gifting me a copy @miamcdonaldauthor
4 stars.
