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Walking on Eggshells: Discovering Strength and Courage Amid Chaos
From one of the stars of A&E’s hit reality show Dog the Bounty Hunter comes an empowering memoir that can inspire others to break the cycle of abuse and forge happiness out of extreme adversity.
The ninth child of bounty hunter Duane Chapman, twenty-five-year-old Lyssa Chapman has overcome an upbringing that can only be called tragic. In her piercing memoir, she shares the details of her harrowing life and offers concrete advice and solutions for readers who feel overwhelmed by their own dysfunctional circumstances.
As a child, “Baby Lyssa” was routinely abandoned and neglected by both of her parents. Things only got worse from there. Walking on Eggshells reveals her nightmare journey from child molestation and physical abuse, to removal from school and confinement at home, to gang rape, flight from protective services, and teen pregnancy. Despite it all, and against incredible odds, Lyssa found her way out of the spiral of bad decisions and worse luck to build a healthy relationship with her mother and father and forge a rewarding, positive life. Using her personal experience as a way to help others, Lyssa concludes the book with frank counsel on finding the straight path, complete with a question-and-answer section that focuses on making proper choices.
An astonishing true story of one young woman’s trek from poverty and abuse to fulfillment and stardom, Walking on Eggshells is heartrending, powerful, and inspiring.
The ninth child of bounty hunter Duane Chapman, twenty-five-year-old Lyssa Chapman has overcome an upbringing that can only be called tragic. In her piercing memoir, she shares the details of her harrowing life and offers concrete advice and solutions for readers who feel overwhelmed by their own dysfunctional circumstances.
As a child, “Baby Lyssa” was routinely abandoned and neglected by both of her parents. Things only got worse from there. Walking on Eggshells reveals her nightmare journey from child molestation and physical abuse, to removal from school and confinement at home, to gang rape, flight from protective services, and teen pregnancy. Despite it all, and against incredible odds, Lyssa found her way out of the spiral of bad decisions and worse luck to build a healthy relationship with her mother and father and forge a rewarding, positive life. Using her personal experience as a way to help others, Lyssa concludes the book with frank counsel on finding the straight path, complete with a question-and-answer section that focuses on making proper choices.
An astonishing true story of one young woman’s trek from poverty and abuse to fulfillment and stardom, Walking on Eggshells is heartrending, powerful, and inspiring.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 7, 2013
82 people are currently reading
696 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
September 18, 2013
I'm conflicted in the rating of this book, I wanted to give it a 4 star but I can't. It is a 4 or 5 for memory of her history. No little feat. She seems sincerely honest and incredibly brave. And I'm glad I read this book. As I used to listen to all these histories in my job, it isn't all that different from a inner city ghetto "norm" for addictions and the life- believe it or not. At least she had some natural outdoors and sibling power. But her celebrity also gives her a huge path out, as do her looks. So as unlucky as she has been, there IS another side of the coin. Sadly, the bar is set even lower for many other girls. And could it be much lower than this?
Especially the moving locations factor beyond the mother abandonment. Horrific! As children need structure and sameness in their routines and surroundings. Even within homeless family life we would always strive to keep placement in one school and one location for at least 3 years running.
I happened to watch the wedding show (Bo)on Dog, the Bounty Hunter- and I saw considerable red flags between the couple and also Beth.
They are all dysfunctional beyond the addictions, especially within the communicating- or screaming. But you have to give them credit for making their own rules to improve. Tough love on all sides.
Leland is the only adult that I can see who avoided the worst lifestyle choices and he did it by removing himself. That's a lesson, readers.
How could you have 12 kids with so many women and not have continuity for any of them? Or as a woman, to keep having kids in 2 or 3 different decades (Barbara)when you abandon them and do NOT adopt them out? Addiction is not the prime reason, just a symptom- it's the need or core for "feeling" drama, I think.
It was hard to read parts of this book because I was also independent, supported myself too, at a very, very young age- but I took easier paths. I thank God everyday that I had a strong will to do so and to forget the abuse and stranger attack/ much else when I needed to do so. You cannot do it alone. The highest power above is your strength, outside of yourself, when you need it. I feel she has discovered that too, at times. More power to her and I hope she makes a success of the projects.
Especially the moving locations factor beyond the mother abandonment. Horrific! As children need structure and sameness in their routines and surroundings. Even within homeless family life we would always strive to keep placement in one school and one location for at least 3 years running.
I happened to watch the wedding show (Bo)on Dog, the Bounty Hunter- and I saw considerable red flags between the couple and also Beth.
They are all dysfunctional beyond the addictions, especially within the communicating- or screaming. But you have to give them credit for making their own rules to improve. Tough love on all sides.
Leland is the only adult that I can see who avoided the worst lifestyle choices and he did it by removing himself. That's a lesson, readers.
How could you have 12 kids with so many women and not have continuity for any of them? Or as a woman, to keep having kids in 2 or 3 different decades (Barbara)when you abandon them and do NOT adopt them out? Addiction is not the prime reason, just a symptom- it's the need or core for "feeling" drama, I think.
It was hard to read parts of this book because I was also independent, supported myself too, at a very, very young age- but I took easier paths. I thank God everyday that I had a strong will to do so and to forget the abuse and stranger attack/ much else when I needed to do so. You cannot do it alone. The highest power above is your strength, outside of yourself, when you need it. I feel she has discovered that too, at times. More power to her and I hope she makes a success of the projects.
May 8, 2013
This is the brave and revealing memoir of a young woman wise beyond her years. It wasn't by her choice, but rather necessity. Lyssa is very honest and revealing in her memoir. She discusses in painful detail the abuse she suffered throughout her childhood and teens, as well as the addictions she has fought. Her life has been a struggle through many horrific situations.
Lyssa is the ninth child of Duane "Dog" Chapman, the famous bounty hunter. From the beginning she was called "Baby Lyssa", a nickname she has carried. Though she always felt close to her father, she was neglected by both parents her entire life.
Growing up in poverty, with drug addictions in many of her role models, Lyssa struggled at every turn. Shuttled between her parents and clinging to an older sister, she ended up an unwed mother on her own; by then she also was deep into her own addictions.
She moved to Hawaii to again live with her father, determined to make a fresh start for herself and her daughter. She became the youngest bounty hunter at the tender age of eighteen, joining her father's family business.
Lyssa later married on the TV show, "Dog, the Bounty Hunter". The abusive marriage did not last. However, it did result in another daughter. She has custody of both daughters, and is making the life for them that she did not have.
At twenty-five, Lyssa Chapman is now a mentor for other young girls and women. Her personal battles have led her to want to reach out to others, helping them to realize their potential and fulfill their dreams. Her book is inspiring and brave. She is an amazing young woman, with much hard-earned wisdom.
Lyssa is the ninth child of Duane "Dog" Chapman, the famous bounty hunter. From the beginning she was called "Baby Lyssa", a nickname she has carried. Though she always felt close to her father, she was neglected by both parents her entire life.
Growing up in poverty, with drug addictions in many of her role models, Lyssa struggled at every turn. Shuttled between her parents and clinging to an older sister, she ended up an unwed mother on her own; by then she also was deep into her own addictions.
She moved to Hawaii to again live with her father, determined to make a fresh start for herself and her daughter. She became the youngest bounty hunter at the tender age of eighteen, joining her father's family business.
Lyssa later married on the TV show, "Dog, the Bounty Hunter". The abusive marriage did not last. However, it did result in another daughter. She has custody of both daughters, and is making the life for them that she did not have.
At twenty-five, Lyssa Chapman is now a mentor for other young girls and women. Her personal battles have led her to want to reach out to others, helping them to realize their potential and fulfill their dreams. Her book is inspiring and brave. She is an amazing young woman, with much hard-earned wisdom.
September 3, 2013
Bought it and read it. LOVED IT!!
October 24, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this book. The struggles that Lyssa went through while growing up are things that no one, especially that young, should have to face. She was so young to be forced to make such adult decisions and be thrust out into a cruel world with no one to look out for her, no one to raise her. While reading this book, I found Lyssa to be a strong woman, a woman for all young ladies to look up to. I admire her strength and the goals that she set for herself and her children. So many people fall into the trap of addiction, homelessness, abuse, that they lose their dreams somewhere along the way, along with their spirit. Lyssa gained the courage to stand up and say that she wants to live, she wants better for her daughters, she wants to help others find a way to live better.
I admire Lyssa Chapman for her spirit, courage, and her strength. She has overcome some of the worst adversities that life can offer. I'd like to thank Lyssa for sharing her life and experiences.
I believe that it would be difficult to read this book and not gain something for yourself emotionally.
I admire Lyssa Chapman for her spirit, courage, and her strength. She has overcome some of the worst adversities that life can offer. I'd like to thank Lyssa for sharing her life and experiences.
I believe that it would be difficult to read this book and not gain something for yourself emotionally.
March 10, 2025
I knew some Lyssa Chapman story because of dogs about Hunter, but there is definitely thing she went through that I didn’t know
February 17, 2021
Wow! Where to begin! Lyssa Chapman endured a life that no one should have to endure. I am completely amazed that she made it through very dark times and has come out of it a better woman! This was an inspiring true story that will break your heart and make you want to hug this amazing woman! Lyssa is truly a survivor who overcame more trials and changed her life for the better. God bless you Lyssa!
August 10, 2014
Lisa,just wanted to say ur book was so great couldn't stop reading it...well I just want to say I can relate in many different ways. First I want to say my dad was a drinker and I remember a lot as a child also...i was a heavy drinker at the age 15 and was beating up on guys I was dating and as I got older it was worse. Until I met the man of my dreams and it took me a hard time to see what I was doing until I beet him up really bad and seen how much pain he was in inside and out but still he was by my side no matter how many times I've hurt him. Even when I had our son I thought I could change and I didn't. I didn't have family to help me either until I woke up and said I can't be like this to the great dad,guy. I don't want our son seeing his mommy always beating up his dad. So we agreed I needed help but I wanted to do it on my own so we both lived in different places I still seen our son all the time and we gave it one yr if I didn't stop I agreed to go in a rehab. It took me 9-10 months to change. We now live back together as a family and its been over 16 years I haven't hit him,arrugued with him,we want to get married someday and I can see it happening...it made me be a stronger women and makes our house a wonderful place to be not growing up the way my life style was... thank u hope to read more of or books...
August 18, 2013
The author of this book has loads of courage as she takes the time to share her very personal story. I gave this book 5/5 stars. I thought the book was well written, easy to follow and had excellent advice. The author is so open you feel like you are her best friend as she shares her story and offers tips on ways to not make the same mistakes she did. She also shows that even a hard upbringing cannot stop you from doing what the Lord has called you to do. I would recommend this book for anyone to read. I think you will enjoy getting to know the author and take away some great lives lessons as well.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
I would like to thank the publisher for the copy of this book I enjoyed reading. I gave an honest review based on my opinion of what I read.
August 13, 2015
This book was amazing!! The trials Lyssa has gone through, has overcome and has forgiven are absolutely remarkable. What a wonderful mother, daughter, sister and person she has become. Many of us would have given up with such dysfunction in our lives but she held strong and let them make her a better person. Such inspiration. I am so grateful I read this book. I hope others do too and realize we can all do hard things. We can all rise above the awful things that happen in life and instead focus on the good and positive that this beautiful world God created for us has to offer.
April 14, 2024
While reading this, it compelled me to feel bad for and proud of Lyssa. But, given that it was written in 2013, it was a little disappointing to learn that…despite her claim that she was ashamed to have traded sex for drugs, she is no longer ashamed to sell herself online. Now, I don’t want to assume that she’s selling herself sexually, but the platform she uses is predominately used for that purpose. Providing girls with healthy alternatives to the life she lived…that platform isn’t it. Still, a tale of dysfunction that leads to a strong and ambitious life…at the time, is still inspiring.
May 10, 2024
Used to be a big fan of the show so this was interesting to read. A lot of it was happening during filming which is hard to believe. Now I have to go back and rewatch the series. It was written pretty well and she does not hold back on any details, even the ones that might paint her and her family in a negative light at the time.
July 25, 2015
Great book, easy read
Great book for every young girl to read. This book gives you insight to what can happen in life, and what can be done to fix it. This book gives hope to everyone struggling through life.
Great book for every young girl to read. This book gives you insight to what can happen in life, and what can be done to fix it. This book gives hope to everyone struggling through life.
September 23, 2019
I was on the hold list at my library for almost 2 months after Beth died to read this book. I learned a lot about "Baby" Lyssa's past, including that she was on drugs during at least one episode of Dog the Bounty Hunter. A must read for fans of the show.
March 9, 2023
I wanted to read it for a while. It took me a day and i really loved it! Family ties, horrible things that nobody should encounter, motherhood and what about Emma?
Seriously, even at ten years old it is a great read!
Seriously, even at ten years old it is a great read!
January 2, 2018
Good read overall and you do learn a lot abt her and her childhood
August 7, 2019
This book will not win any literary awards, but it’s a very interesting book. It’s amazing what some people go through in their lives.
May 25, 2023
This book was an incredibly sad and an emotionally tough read.
July 5, 2019
A must read for those in need
Lyssa writes a very wide open book about herself. From her childhood to adulthood she suffered from abuse, neglect and addiction, just to name a few. She pulls no punches and appears to be very forward in describing her life and those around her. She went to hell and back (several times) to get where she is today. Her addiction is currently in check, but she is very much aware that addiction is a daily uphill battle that will never go away. She has dedicated her life to helping young women in similar situations. She has become a role model. This book is perfect for anyone who is in a bad situation that they feel they can't get out of. Lyssa's life story will help anyone who is willing to help themselves remove themselves from their old life into a new beginning. God bless her.
Lyssa writes a very wide open book about herself. From her childhood to adulthood she suffered from abuse, neglect and addiction, just to name a few. She pulls no punches and appears to be very forward in describing her life and those around her. She went to hell and back (several times) to get where she is today. Her addiction is currently in check, but she is very much aware that addiction is a daily uphill battle that will never go away. She has dedicated her life to helping young women in similar situations. She has become a role model. This book is perfect for anyone who is in a bad situation that they feel they can't get out of. Lyssa's life story will help anyone who is willing to help themselves remove themselves from their old life into a new beginning. God bless her.
October 1, 2019
I have wanted to read this book for awhile now. I knew Lyssa had a hard life and made a lot of bad choices. I was shocked to discover her bad choices were encouraged by her parents. This whole book I found myself asking how anyone could allow and lead their child to these choices. Lyssa made a lot of mistakes but should have had someone looking out for her sooner. The book jumps around a bit from her now to her past and back again. I wish we had followed a straight path from past to now. I wish Lyssa would have included quotes from Dog, Beth and her mom about some of the allegations she made.
June 26, 2017
There, you just read this book.
June 6, 2017
Lyssa openly reveals her dysfunctional childhood and lack of positive role models. She readily admits her mistakes, addictions and view of herself. Full of heartache, setbacks, strength and endurance to overcome chaos and abuse.
Lyssa demonstrates the ability to come out on top. To value herself and putting in the effort to make sure her daughters have a more positive childhood, feel loved and valued.
Lyssa demonstrates the ability to come out on top. To value herself and putting in the effort to make sure her daughters have a more positive childhood, feel loved and valued.
January 11, 2025
This was an inspirational, enjoyable, and fast read! I've bene meaning to read this for years but I'm glad I read it was older and more mature. Although there are heartbreaking stories Lyssa shares, she also shares stories of strength and resilience.
Recently, I started watching the earlier seasons of Dog the Bounty Hunter (which I LOVED as a kid) but through her autobiography and my own personal experiences, I appreciate the show more now.
Recently, I started watching the earlier seasons of Dog the Bounty Hunter (which I LOVED as a kid) but through her autobiography and my own personal experiences, I appreciate the show more now.
September 21, 2025
A very difficult childhood can lead to misfortune. Not for Lyssa Chapman. She tells her childhood struggles living with an addicted, poor mother and two siblings in Alaska. After dropping out of school and getting pregnant in her teens, Lyssa moves to Hawaii to join her dad, 'Dog, the Bounty Hunter.' The rest is history if you watch the TV Show. Lyssa's life is an open book with her wedding and childbirth shownon the popular TV Show.
November 2, 2017
I love the fact that Lyssa could write about her past growing up.
I would like to congratulate Lyss Chapman on her book. It took courage to write about her troubled upbringing. Thanks for inviting us to share your story
I would like to congratulate Lyss Chapman on her book. It took courage to write about her troubled upbringing. Thanks for inviting us to share your story
February 24, 2019
While I did find Lyssa to have an interesting story, I didn't appreciate that she blamed the fact that she did drugs on her family. The story was hard to follow at times as the timeline jumped around. I do hope Lyssa and her family continue to be happy and healthy.
January 28, 2020
it was very startling to me to think of what she had to overcome. I feel it was more than Chaos. Neglect is very hard on kids of any age. I am getting trained in CASA next week and this helped prepare me with some of the instances I might be dealing with.
January 31, 2018
Very good
I think every family is dysfunctional some are worse then others! But with God's help we can make the choice to which we want to follow
I think every family is dysfunctional some are worse then others! But with God's help we can make the choice to which we want to follow
October 12, 2018
What a great book. I love reading true stories, and this was a fast read.
February 6, 2019
Appeared to be an honest heartfelt story. Good read
Good read and down to earth . Her truth. So sad that her childhood was not good. So glad she picked up the pieces
Good read and down to earth . Her truth. So sad that her childhood was not good. So glad she picked up the pieces
April 13, 2019
Loved it!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews