MICHELLE BRUNO

 Ellen Newhouse captures the truth of living amidst dysfunction and abuse with her beautifully painted and poetic words. These words draw the reader in and create a desire for more, even though they describe many unimaginably painful episodes. She has strung together a sparkling beaded necklace, alternating humor with horror, memory with hindsight, love with betrayal, all through deft narrative and storytelling. I found myself cheering for her along the way and marveling at her resilient strength, her courage, and her capacity for love despite everything. What a role model!

MICHELLE BRUNO