Hi Cea… I’ve read both of your books, I’m almost finished Nearly Normal. I had to reach out and tell you how much I’ve enjoyed reading your memoirs. I found the first book interesting but it felt to me as though you were leaving a bit out. This comes from someone who’s lived a childhood less than normal as well, with an alcoholic mother that had mental issues. I had many Barrys growing up! But the honesty I found in Nearly Normal was astounding! Though we’re nothing alike, I found so much of me in your story. I was no beauty queen growing up, just an average girl, but had absolutely no self esteem. I discovered at an early age I was gay, which was fine but the choices of partners I went on to make in my life were not mine. Just like you they chose me. I always wondered why I failed so miserably at relationships! I never had therapy, I’m from a generation where therapy wasn’t cool! Your 2nd book brought a lot of light to my own life as an adult. You were strong from the get go, I admire your resilience as a child and as a young adult to know right from wrong in spite of your upbringing. You had the will to survive, to battle your darkness into submission! I succumbed to mine and drowned it in alcohol for the better part of my life. I was a well functioning alcoholic with suitcases full of baggage! Even when I found someone special I loved, I would self implode and cheat and lie because down deep I felt I didn’t deserve that person. I guess we’re more similar than I thought! LOL!… Anyway you see what I mean by the light I saw in your book! I admire you, you’re a beautiful lady inside and out! As we age the demons recess I found, I’ve been sober for almost 10 years now and in a good relationship for 26 years. I wish you more than nearly normal for you! I wish you peace and happiness. Thank you for the light. 🙂

Ann
damselflychronicles.com