A book review of Finding What’s Missing: a Memoir by JoAnn Manali
Stars: ****
Mascot Books (2021)
Memoir
112 pages
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This post contains affiliate links.
Summary: JOANN MANALI’S LIFE HAS BEEN ANYTHING BUT ORDINARY: raised by abusive parents, stepparents, and other adults, JoAnn was physically, mentally, emotionally, and sexually abused as a young girl. Through unparalleled strength and faith, JoAnn survived her childhood and adolescence, eventually becoming a successful businesswoman and, finally, meeting a special man who, for the first time, would provide JoAnn unconditional love and support.
Candid, surprising, and inspiring, Finding What’s Missing is an unbelievable true story of survival, one that will surely illuminate the possibility of happiness, love, and success against all odds.
Finding What’s Missing
I want to start this review by stating this is hard book to read because of explanations of physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse. Be warned before you read this book.
This memoir was written by a strong woman who managed to overcome the odds and persevere. When I say odds, I mean literally. Her siblings didn’t fare as well.
I was lucky to grow up in good conditions. I read a lot about abuse but the book was still shocking. It reminded me of A Child Called It. Both books are less than 200 pages but so full of shocking stories it takes your breath away. In both cases, I was/am not sure what else to write in the review. It feels wrong to say it was a great read. I didn’t enjoy it per say because I felt so bad for what JoAnn and her sibling went through. It was captivating and I read it in 2 hours.
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