As All Hell

by Marlayna Glynn

Following Marlayna Glynn Brown's wildly beloved award-winning Overlay and City of Angeles memoirs, Big As All Hell And Half Of Texas continues Glynn Brown story. This final volume candidly explores the pertinent societal question: how does an ill-equipped adult child of alcoholics navigate life after a childhood fraught with abuse, scarcity and neglect?

Continuing her engrossing journey from the moment City of Angeles ends, Glynn Brown shares the vignettes of her life - replete with enlightening mistakes, edifying consequences, forgiveness and personal redemption. Big As All Hell And Half Of Texas is an honest and inspirational account of Glynn Brown's ultimately successful battles with depression, divorce, single parenting, and ill-fitting love affairs.

"This memoir is a journey in self-examination lived not as a victim but as a searcher always hoping that the universe will smile the next day. The author asks several questions of herself. Perhaps the most searing query is, "Why am I not enough?" The answer suggested is that finding someone who sees any one of us as enough is a challenge that may consume a lifetime. And, perhaps, even more critically, is that moment when we find that we are more adequate than we believed, that those who reject are more deeply wounded or lost than we imagined. Marlayna's tale is compelling, painful, joyous, and riveting." - R. Vincent

Genres: Memoir, Biography, Nonfiction, Autobiography, Biography Memoir

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2014

About the author

Marlayna Glynn is a memoirist, publisher, and award-winning photographer. Immediately upon publication Marlayna's first memoir, Overlay: One Girl's Life in 1970s Las Vegas, was honored by the Next Generation Indie Book Awards with an Overcoming Adversity award.

Marlayna's published journey includes more than 60 books. In 2017, she founded Birthright Books, LLC, a ghostwriting agency to help others design their memoirs.

Marlayna's articles have been featured on Huffington Post, PBS Next Avenue, Elephant Journal, and The Good Men Project. Her work has been translated into many different languages and is available in audio format.

Marlayna travels extensively, but can sometimes be found in Austin, Texas with her twin flame, Allen, and their Maine Coon, Luchador.

Find Marlayna's short film People That do Something, which is based on a chapter from Overlay, on Marlayna's Youtube channel. To contact Marlayna please visit www.birthrightbooks.pub.

Reviews

[Robin Burke · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I've actually had to stop reading a book, because it's just that bad. The only people who would be able to relate to this woman are those with borderline personality disorder or who are complete narcissists.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in audio format (all 3 books actually) via audible.com. I strongly recommend the audios as the narrator brings the story to life like a movie. Audios also allow us to read and still get things done.

Here I am in book 3 of Marlayna Glynn Brown's memoirs of her life...

In Book 1, Overlay - We read about the little girl Marlayna . How she grew up , what kind of life she had, how her parents raised or didn't raise her and the abuse she took as she grew up in Las Vegas back in the 1970s and her attempted suicide as a teen.

In Book 2, City of Angeles - We read about Marlayna moving to live with her Mother in Los Angeles. Then we read about Marlayna falling in love and making a family. She bought a house and raised 4 kids. Then we learn what happened to that marriage.

In Book 3, Big as all Hell and Half of Texas - We learn how Marlayna was able to pick herself and her kids up and move to another state and a whole new beginning. Marlayna's kids grow up and of people who come and go in Marlayna's life as friends and/or lovers. We also learn how Marlayna's depression blew up on her.

This entire series has been an eye opener for me. What a strong woman Marlayna had to be to overcome all her problems that happened in her life. The life events that happened to her which made her the strong woman she is today is amazing. I can truly understand the need to write this series and I can also see how Marlayna's history can help others.

This is one fantastic series! The author Marlayna Glynn Brown did a fantastic job writing this memoir in such a way that it is more like a novel. This is the best memoir I have ever read! The narrator, Abby Elvidge delivered a flawless series making this read easy on the ears and very memorable. I loved her multiple voices and accents too! I was really pleased to see the same narrator for the complete series. Great job ladies and thank you giving us all the chance to read about your life Maralayna! You are one strong woman!!! You made me laugh and cry with you thru your journey. I grew up with all these facts in your books and they are spot on. Every time another major event happened in history in your book, I said to myself, I remember that! All three books are 5 star reads!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the third of the 3, and like the second wasn't as good as the first (I think because in that one she is a child, it's harder to imagine!) but was really good. It was somewhat hard trying to keep track of the different boyfriends, especially since she always kept in contact with them after they broke up (which I think often was a bad idea, for her) and when she'd start talking about one that was about 5 boyfriends ago, I often didn't know who he was, only the name was familiar. But I definitely recommend these 3 books to just about anyone, fun to read, good books.

[D · Rating 1 out of 5]

Boring and so unrealistic

the first few chapters I thought this might be good. how many single mothers or fathers can afford to lay in bed for six months pay no attention to their children.,and have No income. throughout this book she falls i move mane times over travels all over with no visible means of income, buys and sells her homes on a whim.

[Colette · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I enjoyed this the least of the author's three memoirs. From my perspective, the author is somewhat irresponsible in her assertions about depression and should not be speaking as an expert when she is NOT a mental health counselor. I think she should have stuck with her own story rather than trying to generalize and preach about depression. Along that vein certain aspects of her illness and recovery felt glossed over or omitted and resolutions to her understandable co-dependency issues inadequately addressed. For example, she is nearly starving to death, literally and unable to get out of bed but is resistant to psychotropic medication, yet the reader hears nothing of how she copes with day to day aspects of working , paying bills, raising children other that brief glimpses here and there, and then, on her death bed at the doctor's office, she has a realization that she'll lose her children if she goes to the hospital so she pulls it together just like that. I respect that this is one woman's story and she has a right to tell it however she chooses, but certain parts seemed occluded and didn't ring true, which therefore interfered with my ability to savor this third memoir installment the way I did her first. It also felt like a journal that should be shared with a therapist more than a memoir.

[Jessi Nill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great finish to the story and yet it leaves it open for the author to continue telling her story. I enjoy reading books from this author and really admire that no matter what had happened there's no obvious sense of regret or blame of others. If you have read the first two books by this author you know the various things she has overcome to get to this book. Yes we all have regrets but you move on and that's exactly what the author has done. Her story may not be the perfectly planned inspiring story most people expect but it is inspiring to see what the author is handed and how she manages it all. From the post-divorce relationships she has in this book to the jobs and job losses, there's so many times she could have given up, or blamed others but I love how honest and raw she is about how she's feeling or what she did even if in hindsight it wasn't the right decision. I like how she has such a conversational tone that you feel like you are reading something from a friend rather than a stranger. You don't have to read the first two books to enjoy this but I recommend you do!

[Cathy L · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that this is my favorite of Marlayna Glynn Brown's trilogy feels a bit 'unfaithful' -- since I loved the first two books. It is in this book, however, that I truly found so much of my current self... my life... my struggles, my opportunities... my failings... my learnings... my desires... sy strengths, my successes, my challenges -- ME. I highlighted so many of the author's words, as I want to be able to back and easily find the wisdom that Marlayna so generously and soulfully shares with her readers. I am moved... touched... inspired... Truly, I am on journey with a friend, and look forward to her next book so that we can pick up our 'conversation', and our adventure, once again.

[Maureen Shields Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Texas and beyond

What an interesting series of events! Ms. Glynn Brown shows her human side. While she is a very strong woman, she shows us that despite strength, the walls can crack. They don't fall, because she is aware enough to seek repair. But the delicateness of human beings is that we sometimes falter. Be it sadness, sickness, sordidness, or simply survival, we can succeed! I hope that by reading this book, you gain a greater awareness of the similarities we all share despite feeling like the lone sheep away from the flock. Look within and find the wherewithal to find the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. We cannot plan life, we can simply act! Age and maturity will carry you the rest of the way.

[Patricia Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as good as Overlay

Clearly, I found Marlayna to be a different person,changed in many ways...as life and what it throws at you does. I loved the spunkyness, can do attitude, nothings going to stop me Marlayna. She was absent from this book. She seemed whiny, her actions self defeating. She was street smart and outwitted people in Overlay....quite the opposite in this book....gone were her wise beyond her years attributes. I understand that an abusive, neglected childhood hurts a child's psyche but to all of a sudden become naive of the world? She made better decisions at 6yrs old!!!

[Linda Webb · Rating 2 out of 5]

I tried but I finally had to give up. This is the most depressing memoir of a woman who has made repeated bad choices with men, not moved beyond her terrible childhood, didn't know how to love herself, and suffered from depression. I've read some very good memoirs about people who have had depression and I came away with a deeper understanding of the tragedy of the human condition within depression. However, I just wanted to shake some sense in Marlayna. Stop looking for love from men, and love yourself. And when God speaks to you, listen, and do something about it.
I was also bothered by the several grammatical errors, wrong words used , etc. poor copy reading.

[Sarah Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this book of Marlayna's life, I still stand by what I said after reading the first book. I wanted so badly to reach into the book so many times & give her a hug & tell her everything would be ok. She has been crapped on by many people in her life in more ways than one, but came out on top with a big "Screw You!" I hope one day to meet Ms. Brown as she is living proof that life goes on no matter what and if you get knocked down, you have to get up, dust yourself off, chin up and go on!

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the process the author went through to a point of self realization and self love. Though there were many times I found myself shaking my head, asking myself, "why can't she just see it?" I also understand the struggle of self deception. Often times we can't see the obvious answers that are right in front of us due to our own clouded judgment and skewed perceptions. Congrats to the author on finding a path that's right for her!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Marlayna Glynn Brown! I love that after all she's been through in her life, at the end of her third memoir, she doesn't spend time blaming others, but recognizes that she is responsible for the outcome of her life! I was so impressed with her that I contacted her on facebook and we have had a few nice chats! I would love for her to come and speak in front of my co-workers! I would especially love for my students to meet her! She has been through what many of them have!!!

[Lisa James · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sequel to City of Angeles chronicles Marlayna's life after her divorce, & her years in Texas. It chronicles her battles with depression, her loves, her experiences, & sometimes does not paint a pretty picture. I learned from her that for depressive personalities, it's important to own your depression, & to seek help for it instead of being in denial about it, because that will kill you.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo Marlayna! As I neared the last chapters, I said to myself, "Now it is time for Marlayna to laugh."
Then, I read Around the Bend......I can't wait to have share more tears, only this time of joy and laughter.

[Jeni Sanderson rutjens · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3rd book in the Series, and it doesn't disappoint. I very much sympathized with the Depression Ms. Brown deals with. It helped me learn to deal with my own depression a bit better. The "Monster Under the Bed" is always there, just don't feed it.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third installment of Ms. Brown's life was not a disappointment. Trying to naviagate life as the child of "alcoholic parents" while making her own mistakes that she shares willingly along with the life lessons she has learned along the way. Keep on writing!!!

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

painful memoir that was read at an appropriate time, following Robin Williams' death. A journey in the life of a single mom and her battles with depression it is laid pretty bare, with lots of details. It is a little rough to read, but is relatable.

[Elizabeth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Depressing, not sure why I kept reading, the writer seems to be so self centered, starts out really caring about her children but later hardly mentions them. She makes so many mistakes in life over and over. ( the same ones)

[Carrie Lorenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love her voice and her story. This is 3rd in a series of memoirs which I highly recommend. She is my hero and inspiration.

[Sandra Klar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly engaging glimpse into the life of an individual pressing onward despite periods of crippling depression and the anxiety and self-doubt of the in-between periods.

[Kim Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

good read

[Stacy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Third book in the memoir trilogy. I liked the first and second book. After this one, I think I need a break from this narrative. It seemed like she only made one logical choice (to finally take medication for her depression) in this whole book which covered her 30s and 40s. Illogical choices are hard for me to understand I guess, and I just reaaaaally wanted her to make better choices at this point in her life. I liked one point she made - that people will treat you as well or as poorly as the boundaries you set allow them to treat you. She does seem to have learned from her mistakes. I just wish she had learned those lessons in her 20s and saved herself a lot of pain (and me, in reading about it).

[Brigid · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't quite know what to expect when I started this book. The book was very woe-is-me for the first half or more, which is not my style and I can't stand that attitude in others. It was also frustrating that the author didn't seek out help when they clearly needed it, and was disappointing to read that they had no one in their life that would step in to help when they couldn't do it themselves. However, it was an eye opening experience on mental illness and what others go through. Makes me grateful for my own health and support system.

[Rita Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need you in my life.

You are very brave,bold,a good mother,and wife. Your life I see me in you. The part raising the kids alone most time. Try to get a real love. Then we break. Yes did the same. The pain it truly hurt. Your mom. My mom did same. But you did what need to be done. I give you a biggest gold star. I wish I can be more brave like you. I can say yes as today very very depress, my kids mean to me my husband too. I alone. I say why a lot. But you are on your way to find you. Good. Ready set go!!!!!.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enthralling Real Life

Following the memoirs of Marlayna Glynn Brown is a fascinating look at the ups and downs of a true human. I've read her previous works and continue to marvel at her emotional strength. The fact she has found her true face and a way to help others is wonderful. The ability to make others laugh and cry with you shows up in her writing. Well worth the read, after all we're only human.

[Jessica Burstrem · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honest and humble

At times I absolutely disagreed with the author. I disagreed with her choices and her attitudes. But even though she generally knew that her readers would do that-- and did the same of herself-- she shared those painful moments all the same. Thus she seems more honest than I suspect that memories generally are.

And just as much as I felt differently from her, I saw myself in her at other times too. She shared these questionable moments because likely many of her readers would identify with one or another of them, and ultimately, the lessons that she learned, and shares, can benefit us as well. Her humility prevents her from coming across as pedantic. Her writing is eminently readable. I was pulled into the book inadvertently from the first sentence and couldn't-- and didn't want to-- put the book down for more than one hundred pages. (I was looking for the back cover text and started reading the first page instead almost involuntarily.) This is a mark of true skill, and whatever I might think of the author's perspectives, I must appreciate and honor that.

[Patsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story of a single mom and her depression.

This is my first book read by this person. I now know she has many books and awards. I have it 4 stars as too me there was too little said about her 4 children. Just some here and there and some of sharing visits with father. He seems be a spoiled selfish Mommy's boy. I'm sure this added too her life struggle. In subject of children I don't know any teens who quietly pack and move on short notice without some protest. Very little how they coped with the extremely long separation, new men in her life and hard times. Either they were conditioned not to ever complain or just afraid too speak up. I might add this book gives little too how they turned out. I feel that could be a whole book itself.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a common shortcoming throughout this trilogy that Marlayna Glynn Brown begins threads then just drops them to move on to another topic. In this third
book, she dwells too much in self-pity and spends too much time philosophizing, causing the story to drag at times. That said, her style is engaging and
Abby Elvidge's performance is a perfect match for it. I've no regrets spending the time listening to this trilogy.

NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for this unbiased review.

[Mollie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Depression is real

Depression is real

I started reading this book right after Robin Williams committed suicide without really knowing what the book was about. It wasn't a particularly happy book but it drew me in and held me captive. I think everyone has had a touch of depression at some point in their life, I know that I have. This book has inspired me to be more aware of my own feelings and those of others.