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Dysfunctional
What does one do when all odds are stacked against you from the beginning? In Tamara Brown's case, the answer was simple enough; she would have to make her own way. Being raised by her grandmother and never getting to meet her dad, Dysfunctional tells the story of Tamara's early childhood years as she struggles to overcome the void left by her parents' abandonment, which transformed her into a seemingly uncaring young lady. But was she this atrocious teenager, or was it just a way to mask the pain she endured.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2010
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 20, 2012
Tamara Brown has come from a long line of deceit and secrecy. With no father in sight and a mother who gave her up shortly after birth, she is raised by her grandmother until her teen years. Suddenly, her mom decides that Tamara must move back home with she and her boyfriend. With not much respect for the person who left her, Tamara is viewed by her mother as a problem child. Tamara is made to handle all of the household chores and deal with the advances of grown men in her home. The conditions in her home cause her to become emotionally empty. The situation gets worse when she becomes pregnant and is sent away to a home for problem girls. At many points, it is as if Tamara and her mother are in a competition to see who can destroy each other's life first. Tamara concocts elaborate schemes to secure her revenge on ALL those who hurt her and make up for everything she feels she has been cheated out of.
Dysfunctional by Tameka Oliver is definitely a story that sheds light on the complexities of family dysfunction. The description on Amazon of the title says that you find yourself rooting for Tamara on minute and then against her the next. This is exactly how I felt while reading. The treatment of her by the adults entrusted with her care was unjustified. On the other hand, the lengths she went through to avenge herself were equally unwarranted. Tamara's capacity for revenge is frightening and you will never believe who functions as her accomplices. It seems as if Tamara has grown to become the most conniving of them all in order to survive and we get to read just about every detail of her plans through her journal. This story will cause a mix of emotions so much so that at times you don't approve of anyone's actions and are left asking how family can do these things to each other. This installment chronicles Tamara's life from a girl to her young adult years, so I would love to find out what happens to her as she progresses further in life. I will surely be reading the next book in this series to find out more about her next round of schemes to get what she wants out the life.
4.5 stars
Ondrea L. Davis, Reviewer
Dysfunctional by Tameka Oliver is definitely a story that sheds light on the complexities of family dysfunction. The description on Amazon of the title says that you find yourself rooting for Tamara on minute and then against her the next. This is exactly how I felt while reading. The treatment of her by the adults entrusted with her care was unjustified. On the other hand, the lengths she went through to avenge herself were equally unwarranted. Tamara's capacity for revenge is frightening and you will never believe who functions as her accomplices. It seems as if Tamara has grown to become the most conniving of them all in order to survive and we get to read just about every detail of her plans through her journal. This story will cause a mix of emotions so much so that at times you don't approve of anyone's actions and are left asking how family can do these things to each other. This installment chronicles Tamara's life from a girl to her young adult years, so I would love to find out what happens to her as she progresses further in life. I will surely be reading the next book in this series to find out more about her next round of schemes to get what she wants out the life.
4.5 stars
Ondrea L. Davis, Reviewer
July 22, 2012
Deeply Disturbed
Tamara Brown was raised by her grandmother until her teen years. This is when her mom decides it's time for her to come back home. In addition to abandonment issues, she returns to deal with several forms of abuse. What happens when one internalizes so much disappointment?
Tameka Oliver has penned a story that demonstrates how deeply affected an individual is by dysfunction. Tamara Brown didn't have the typical childhood. Even though I didn't always agree with Tamara's actions, they made for a great read. You're guaranteed to experience a range of emotions with "Dysfunctional." The twists make a great page turner and the ending leaves you in a state of shock.
Reviewed by: Jas
Tamara Brown was raised by her grandmother until her teen years. This is when her mom decides it's time for her to come back home. In addition to abandonment issues, she returns to deal with several forms of abuse. What happens when one internalizes so much disappointment?
Tameka Oliver has penned a story that demonstrates how deeply affected an individual is by dysfunction. Tamara Brown didn't have the typical childhood. Even though I didn't always agree with Tamara's actions, they made for a great read. You're guaranteed to experience a range of emotions with "Dysfunctional." The twists make a great page turner and the ending leaves you in a state of shock.
Reviewed by: Jas
June 5, 2012
Dysfunctional by Tameka Oliver-Hicks was phenomenal! I was so caught up in the life of Tamara Brown that I escaped reality for a while (sorry son).
It is a definite page-turner and the ending BLEW MY MIND!
Tameka did a GREAT job!!
Expect great things from this author.
It is a definite page-turner and the ending BLEW MY MIND!
Tameka did a GREAT job!!
Expect great things from this author.
August 27, 2012
Full review to come later. But this was a hard book for me to rate. It just barely made 3 stars for me.
*Updated*
Dysfunctional is the story of Tamara Brown from her early teen years through her early twenties. She gets a diary for her fourteenth birthday so the reader is able to follow her exploits. This includes more than dysfunction. I believe Tamara is psychotic. This drama-filled book has calculated revenge that includes murder and abuse to which Tamara doesn't bat an eye. When I first started reading this book, I didn't like it at all. Tamara's diary entries seemed a little too mature at first to me. Then it did begin to sound like the ramblings of someone much younger. I didn't like the narrative when it wasn't Tamara's diary entry. I think it would have flowed much better if the entire book was diary entries or entirely narrative with sparse diary. I say this because the narrative wasn't in third person all the way through. Sometimes it sounded like Tamara telling those parts. Then there were several parts that had nothing to do with Tamara. For example, there is a large section about her aunt Alexis and her dealing with a pregnancy and conflict with her boyfriend. This did not directly impact Tamara and did not further the story at all. Another section dealt with a disturbing attack on another aunt by the aunt's new husband. Some of Tamara's story did involve this aunt but it still contained too much irrelevant story.
Now the inconsistencies in character development bothered me as well. Tamara was raised until the age of 12 by a strong-willed grandmother. So I saw a lot of parallels with Tamara and grandma's handling of situations: fight first, talk later. But the girl's aunts (who were raised by the same woman) were weak-willed and needy, giving in to abuse and being used by no good men. Tamara was smarter (street wiser) than all of them at only fourteen.
Also, I didn't see Tamara as abused. She is definitely used by her biological mother as a housekeeper and babysitter. But everything she does or allows, especially with the males in her life is calculated and for a purpose. Tamara says several times that she is street smart, and that is definitely what she is. From beginning to end, Dysfunctional shows Tamara as always having the upper hand or planning to get the upper hand. She always has a plan. She trusts no-one and uses everyone. People who think they're her friend are just her pawns. That's something the book doesn't show, how does Tamara get so many different people to do whatever she wants? Everywhere she goes she easily gets people to do things that involve felonies, and she gets away with everything unscathed. I think Tamara could've easily gotten caught in several situations but this is fiction, so she doesn't. Tamara is not a very likeable character. She's mean, unfeeling and disrespectful, so I don't know how she gets her loyal minions. But she and the book have entertaining drama for sure. The only thing that kept me reading was the promise of her next plan. Toward the end Tamara is at her best at being bad. It reads like a soap opera drama at this part. It becomes less "hood" (for lack of a better word) and more "beverly hills" dysfunctional. Some parts were predictable, some parts shocking, some parts implausible. I don't read a lot of urban lit. I picked this up for a change of pace. I would recommend this book for those who like non-stop drama and purely ignorant folks causing trouble for no reason, because there is a lot of it in this book.
*Updated*
Dysfunctional is the story of Tamara Brown from her early teen years through her early twenties. She gets a diary for her fourteenth birthday so the reader is able to follow her exploits. This includes more than dysfunction. I believe Tamara is psychotic. This drama-filled book has calculated revenge that includes murder and abuse to which Tamara doesn't bat an eye. When I first started reading this book, I didn't like it at all. Tamara's diary entries seemed a little too mature at first to me. Then it did begin to sound like the ramblings of someone much younger. I didn't like the narrative when it wasn't Tamara's diary entry. I think it would have flowed much better if the entire book was diary entries or entirely narrative with sparse diary. I say this because the narrative wasn't in third person all the way through. Sometimes it sounded like Tamara telling those parts. Then there were several parts that had nothing to do with Tamara. For example, there is a large section about her aunt Alexis and her dealing with a pregnancy and conflict with her boyfriend. This did not directly impact Tamara and did not further the story at all. Another section dealt with a disturbing attack on another aunt by the aunt's new husband. Some of Tamara's story did involve this aunt but it still contained too much irrelevant story.
Now the inconsistencies in character development bothered me as well. Tamara was raised until the age of 12 by a strong-willed grandmother. So I saw a lot of parallels with Tamara and grandma's handling of situations: fight first, talk later. But the girl's aunts (who were raised by the same woman) were weak-willed and needy, giving in to abuse and being used by no good men. Tamara was smarter (street wiser) than all of them at only fourteen.
Also, I didn't see Tamara as abused. She is definitely used by her biological mother as a housekeeper and babysitter. But everything she does or allows, especially with the males in her life is calculated and for a purpose. Tamara says several times that she is street smart, and that is definitely what she is. From beginning to end, Dysfunctional shows Tamara as always having the upper hand or planning to get the upper hand. She always has a plan. She trusts no-one and uses everyone. People who think they're her friend are just her pawns. That's something the book doesn't show, how does Tamara get so many different people to do whatever she wants? Everywhere she goes she easily gets people to do things that involve felonies, and she gets away with everything unscathed. I think Tamara could've easily gotten caught in several situations but this is fiction, so she doesn't. Tamara is not a very likeable character. She's mean, unfeeling and disrespectful, so I don't know how she gets her loyal minions. But she and the book have entertaining drama for sure. The only thing that kept me reading was the promise of her next plan. Toward the end Tamara is at her best at being bad. It reads like a soap opera drama at this part. It becomes less "hood" (for lack of a better word) and more "beverly hills" dysfunctional. Some parts were predictable, some parts shocking, some parts implausible. I don't read a lot of urban lit. I picked this up for a change of pace. I would recommend this book for those who like non-stop drama and purely ignorant folks causing trouble for no reason, because there is a lot of it in this book.
June 14, 2013
I read the version of this book that has has Dysfunctional one and two. Dysfunctional is not really a strong enough word to describe Tamara and her family! I didn't like Tamara at all in the beginning but soon discovered the cause of all her craziness was not just her, it was inherited! She had been abused, raped, molested, neglected, and used and it turned her into a hardened person. Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned however and she exacted the most vicious revenge on on her nemesis. She was clever and conniving, smart and slick but she def handles her own! The second part of this series was packed with so many twists and turns it made me feel like I had vertigo! I couldn't put it down as I got deeper into it. The cycle of dysfunction definitely has yet to be broken here but it makes for an interesting read. Since we were left hanging in book two I expected the promise of a book 3 and eagerly anticpate it.
April 29, 2013
This is one of those Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde stories. I read this story and was thinking to myself, Tamara Brown has ISSUES. But this is what happens when her mother Jeanette never wanted her daughter (Tamara). Dysfunctional is full of drama (with some scenes very comical).
Questions that were roaming through my mind (hopefully they'll be addressed in her second/third book) were as follows:
1. Will Tamara get help for the abandonment she suffered?
2. Will the law ever catch up to Tamara?
Another thought that ran through my mind was thank God I haven't met anyone like Tamara. If I did, I might have to write my death certificate.
Anyway, great job Tameka and look forward to reading to the sequels.
Questions that were roaming through my mind (hopefully they'll be addressed in her second/third book) were as follows:
1. Will Tamara get help for the abandonment she suffered?
2. Will the law ever catch up to Tamara?
Another thought that ran through my mind was thank God I haven't met anyone like Tamara. If I did, I might have to write my death certificate.
Anyway, great job Tameka and look forward to reading to the sequels.
July 25, 2012
Deeply Disturbed
Tamara Brown was raised by her grandmother until her teen years. This is when her mom decides it's time for her to come back home. In addition to abandonment issues, she returns to deal with several forms of abuse. What happens when one internalizes so much disappointment?
Tameka Oliver has penned a story that demonstrates how deeply affected an individual is by dysfunction. Tamara Brown didn't have the typical childhood. Even though I didn't always agree with Tamara's actions, they made for a great read. You're guaranteed to experience a range of emotions with "Dysfunctional." The twists make a great page turner and the ending leaves you in a state of shock.
Reviewed by: Jas
Tamara Brown was raised by her grandmother until her teen years. This is when her mom decides it's time for her to come back home. In addition to abandonment issues, she returns to deal with several forms of abuse. What happens when one internalizes so much disappointment?
Tameka Oliver has penned a story that demonstrates how deeply affected an individual is by dysfunction. Tamara Brown didn't have the typical childhood. Even though I didn't always agree with Tamara's actions, they made for a great read. You're guaranteed to experience a range of emotions with "Dysfunctional." The twists make a great page turner and the ending leaves you in a state of shock.
Reviewed by: Jas
September 15, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. This book I could not put down because of the all the drama that took place. I was kind of frustrated at first because the book had errors but I was informed that a new edited version was able to download so I deleted the old one and received the new and boy was it on like popcorn. To avoid spoiling the book for others, all I can say is if you have the old version, request the new one and enjoy. I loved reading about this dysfunctional family. I know it is fiction but the flow of the story is good. You must pay attention because you are going for a ride.Tamara is two kinds of crazy. Great job! Tameka Hicks.
August 24, 2012
The grammar in this book was horrible. I did my best to overlook that and read the story and it took me quite some time. The story was all over the place. There were over 15 characters and most of them had small meaningless parts. Some of the characters names were mentioned, but you wouldn't find out who they were until pages later. The one thing I can say is this book is filled with non-stop drama from the very beginning to the end. Just be prepared to switch topics and characters quickly.
May 1, 2013
The book is about a girl who is victim of mental, emotional, sexual abuse, abandonment and her determination to avenge those who caused her to become Dysfunctional. The story is told by 1st person (main character) and a narrator. The story picks up steam and soars. It is suspenseful, believable and captivating. The beginning of the story is slow, confusing and hard to follow. This affected the overall rating. The ending is masterpiece! I look forward to reading more books by this author.
May 19, 2012
I enjoyed this book. Makes me glad I do not have a teenage girl, though. lolol This teenager had such a devious mind that she was dangerous. I thought the book was well written and held my attention until the end.
September 10, 2012
This book was riveting. I found that I couldn't put it down. I didn't want to read on because of the things the character was doing, but at points she seemed justified. It is a real twist on your conscience and a very bizarre read.
September 11, 2012
I could not finish this; it has no merit whatsoever. I'm not going to waste time listing flaws, but I will say that this reads like a high school creative writing project--one that is the product of a desperate all-nighter.
September 27, 2012
Wow!!!. Make me want to call my mother every day.
January 23, 2016
I enjoyed the story of a young girl who had no concience of the things she did and how she used people for her gains.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews