From the Inside Flap
"When you hit rock bottom, you have nowhere to go but up."
In Nowhere but Up, Pattie Mallette shares for the first time in detail about the pain and abandonment she experienced as a child, the sexual abuse she suffered for years, the severe depression she wrestled with as a teen, the deep struggles she faced as a single mom, and the faith she's learned to cling to through dark times. With raw honesty, she spills the truth about a lifetime of moments that were punctuated by pain yet permeated with grace--and the journey that's brought her to where she is today.
From the Back Cover
It's not just teen moms who struggle or need to find hope. Whether you're a single mom, an addict, or a victim of abuse . . . whether you're on the verge of bankruptcy or the brink of divorce . . . whether you're in a dysfunctional family or the product of a broken home . . . whether you battle depression or struggle with anxiety . . . whether you live in fear or hide in shame . . . whether you've been abandoned, rejected, or ignored--there is hope.
It doesn't matter where you find yourself today--how broken, hurting, wounded, or ashamed you are. If God can help me find my way up, I promise, He can do the same for you.
*****
You may know her only as Justin Bieber's mom, but Pattie Mallette has an incredible life story of her own. Her story will inspire you to believe that everything broken can be made whole again, that there are no lost causes, and that even in the darkest of places, there is hope.
My Star Rating: 5 Stars
My Review:
I found this memoir to be very well written, and not just a story of, "look at what happened to me." There's a purpose here, and it's to show that there is hope. God can take our brokenness and turn it into something beautiful. He redeems, restores, and makes things new. It's beautiful to read how God worked in Pattie Mallette's life, and so inspiring -- a truly remarkable story, by a truly remarkable woman.
Pattie's voice is easy to read, and it took no time at all to get through the book. She's honest, sincere, and puts herself in a vulnerable place sharing intimate details of her life. It was like sitting with a friend, talking over coffee. There were times when I smiled from ear to ear, and other times when I couldn't help but shed a tear. I also enjoyed the family photos that were included, and found myself turning to them several times as I read the book.
Pattie's story is one that needs to be heard, and I'm thankful she shared it. Though no one's experience is ever identical, I'm sure there are many people who can relate to Pattie's life journey in some way. It's inspiring and encouraging to think of her story having a positive impact on someone's life.
God's love, redemption, and grace are truly amazing, and Pattie Mallette's story is a perfect testimony to that. It's a story worth reading, and I highly recommend it!
**Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest opinion.**
**Available from booksellers September 2012.**
I've seen this book all over but haven't read it yet. I was waiting for a review from someone I knew b/c I just wasn't sure if I'd like it - so thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Susan! : )
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