Reviewed by Paula Friedrichsen for Crossmap.com & PositivelyFeminine.com
http://www.pfministries.com
"Growing Up Ugly" is a fast paced, completely engrossing memoir. Full of twists and turns, it almost reads like a novel. Garman doesn't offer up "self-help" suggestions--or go on yards about the lessons to be learned from her experiences. She simply tells the story of her sometimes difficult, sometimes wonderful childhood, while occasionally sharing her own personal growth with readers. The day I received this book in the mail I had a stack of eight books to read and review. Yet there was just something about the title (and the interesting cover art) that compelled me to read this book first, and I'm so glad I did! I would recommend this book to anyone desiring a quick, easy, and entertaining read. Also, "Growing Up Ugly" would be helpful and encouraging for those who have struggled with alcohol or prescription drug addiction personally, or with a loved one. Look for more reviews on Amazon.com, Crossmap.com and PositivelyFeminine.com along with Barnes and Noble.com
St. Clair County Library in Osceola, Missouri served refreshments during a book signing event that they hosted.
Richard Sunderwirth is the author of "The Burning Of Osceola", released in 2007.
AllbooksReview says:
Genre: Personal Growth
Title: GROWING UP UGLY
Author: Donetta Garman
Dysfunctional is a term used when there is a failure to function
‘normally.’ This may include addictions, emotional disturbance, abuse
and more.
The author, Donetta Garman, has written this engrossing and expressive memoir; inspired while drifting in and out of consciousness, throughout a medical emergency. Good and bad memories flooded back to her, and by writing her story, she has bared her inner soul. All in hopes that others will
learn; there is hope for survival and even a happy life, if one has the courage and faith to pursue it.
Donetta and her siblings were raised in a small town. Their mother was unable to face her own demons. She suffered with addictions. Her father was an enabler, who worked and played hard.
As a teenager she searched for her own recognition, love and value. Desperately timid and afraid, she looked in all the wrong places, not
realizing how those decisions would have an impact on her and the lives of her family.
Finally with the help of AA, faith in God and a loving husband, Donetta is living proof of recovery and triumph over dysfunction and addiction. Classed as ‘personal growth’ she writes no self help suggestions, she enlightens us with one of life's most important lessons.
As much as we try to blame others for our downfalls, in the end we have to face the
facts. Ultimately we are responsible for our own actions...
Donetta has now been married 20 years to Gar Garman, who has become a
pastor, in a rural Baptist Church located in the Ozark foothills.
Their blended family is complete with four children and grandchildren.
When you see a picture of her, you can see through her smile that she has truly found her inner beauty and peace. She spends her time helping in the church, managing a small antique shop and fortunately for us, her writing.
At this point I am unable to express enough praise for this well written memoir. It is not only written for those afflicted with some of these problems, but would profoundly benefit the people around them. After reading this truthful account, it may help to understand the person’s actions or reactions, proving that only strength of love and commitment will see them through to a successful life.
Without hesitation, I would very highly recommend this memoir.
Reviewer: Cheryl Ellis, Allbook Reviews www.allbookreviews.com