Stephanie Thornton Plymale

The most fascinating, captivating, gut wrenching, heart breaking tales are those that are true. Such as Stephanie Thornton Plymale's memoir - American Daughter.

Stephanie and her five siblings grew up in chaos - neglect, abuse, hunger, homelessness, extreme poverty and more. Their mother fought many demons - substance abuse, alcoholism and mental illness.

Despite the odds, Stephanie educated herself, got married, had children, ran a college and lived an enviable life. From the outside looking in, she was a success. But like that old saying goes - she was '...like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath."

It was not until she was in her fifties that Stephanie decided to try and find answers, reasons, cement her sketchy memories and finally ask her mother for truths This was a last chance as her mother was dying.

What she found was not at all what she expected. She learned more about her family, discovered relatives and saw her mother in a different light as she grew to know her as a person with her own struggles and demons. Stephanie found answers, healing and reconciliation. And herself.

This is not an easy read, so gentle readers be forewarned. But it's a true read. I am sure that Stephanie's story will resonate with many readers - for what happened to her and perhaps themselves. Sadly, there are many children living the same childhood she did.

It's impossible to judge someone's life. I applaud her honesty in sharing her life and her goal to "inspire others to share their stories, receive support and feel empowered by their ability to survive, forgive, heal, transcend and live the life of their dreams."

This was a five star read for me. If you enjoyed North of Normal, Educated or The Glass Castle, you'll enjoy American Daughter.… (meer)

American Daughter
A Memoir of Intergenerational Trauma, a Morher’s Dark Secrets, and a Daughter’s Quest for Redemption

Stephanie Plymale speaks from the heart and shares a touching and moving chronicle of her survival from a horrendous childhood.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

SUMMARY
American Daughter is Stephanie Thornton Plymale’s memoir. Her childhood was a series of nightmares, thanks to a mentally-ill mother who was in and out of jails and psych wards. Stephanie experienced neglect, hunger, poverty, homelessness, truancy, foster homes, abuse, and inadequate education.

Stephanie now in her fifties is successful and has risen above her horrendous childhood. Stephanie and her mom have been estranged during most of Stephanie’s adult life. But that all changed with a phone call from her mother telling her that that she was terminal ill. This call set Stephanie on a road of discovery about her mom, allowing for reconciliation and healing.

“But at the moment, I could only stand as if rooted in the middle of the room, overwhelmed by a desire so fierce it was like a revelation. This, I thought. I want this. And one day I’ll have it. “

REVIEW
AMERICAN DAUGHTER is a touching chronicle of Stephanie’s dreadful childhood. I appreciate her ability and her willingness to share some brutally honest revelations with us. She speaks from the heart and shares a moving story. Her writing is clear and concise.

One of the most amazing thing about this story is that Stephanie is okay. Despite everything she experienced as a child, she had the strength and fortitude to rise above her past and survived. She not only survived but flourished. She is a successful business women, an educator, and a happy wife and mother. How did she do that?

The story of her childhood is wrenching. This book is difficult to read in places but it’s real, and people need to know and understand what happens in situations where a parent is mentally-ill, and with children in the foster care. The “system” failed Stephanie and her family. They fell between the cracks. She was failed by the school system, the child protection system, the legal system, and the healthcare system We need to take action to prevent this from happening to others. If you liked books like Educated or Glass Castles you will find this book intriguing and thought provoking.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Publisher Greenleaf Book Group and River Grove Books
Published February 11, 2020
Review www.bluestockingreviews.com… (meer)