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The Pink Elephant In the Middle of the Getto: My Journey Through Childhood Molestation, Mental Illness, Addiction, and Healing
The Pink Elephant in the Middle of the Getto is more than a story. It is a journey through a life filled with hurt, pain, drugs, mental illness, verbal, physical and sexual abuse. It is an up close and personal look at the impact our words and actions have on others. It uncovers what most never want exposed. It sheds light on those who are living their life in darkness. And, it gives anyone dealing with loved ones in darkness a different perspective. Despite her trials and tribulations, TiTi has managed to make a positive difference in her life, and the lives of others. She is determined to succeed. The truth is - she always has been.
- GenresNonfiction
190 pages, Paperback
First published January 3, 2014
82 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
January 3, 2016
Jaw-droppingly honest
I had to download her book after seeing the author's emotionally raw and inspiring Facebook video on her life. But I must say that NOTHING prepared me for this level of raw honesty. As a Masters Addiction Counselor and psychoeducator for budding clinicians, I am floored, humbled, and in awe. I promise that as soon as I am set with a steady university gig, this will be required reading. Well done!
Heads up for technical- the style is very reminiscent to you telling your story in your step work. I don't think it detracts from it at all. It is like she's sitting next to you telling her life.
I had to download her book after seeing the author's emotionally raw and inspiring Facebook video on her life. But I must say that NOTHING prepared me for this level of raw honesty. As a Masters Addiction Counselor and psychoeducator for budding clinicians, I am floored, humbled, and in awe. I promise that as soon as I am set with a steady university gig, this will be required reading. Well done!
Heads up for technical- the style is very reminiscent to you telling your story in your step work. I don't think it detracts from it at all. It is like she's sitting next to you telling her life.
January 8, 2016
I came across the author through a Facebook post where she shared a brief synopsis of her life with just note cards. I was so taken aback and touched at her raw emotion that I ran to find this book as soon as she mentioned it at the end. This book was incredible! By the time I'd finished maybe a third of it, my heart felt like it couldn't take anymore reading all this woman had gone through- and at that point she was only 17 years old! Titi Ladette articulated her journey with passion and honesty and tugged at my heart strings more than a few times. Her story is not just for those who may have similar experiences with drug abuse, sexual abuse or a hard knock life story of their own but for any one who has struggled in life or still struggling. This is an eye opening account of what happens in families and communities every day. If this woman can live to tell her story-i swear there's truly hope for us all.
March 27, 2016
This memoir was painful to read. And, more than other recovery/survival stories I've read, this one impressed on me just how fragile recovery is.
This is self-published book is no literary masterpiece, but in its imperfect form it represents a feat of admirable strength. Written in prison, it's the therapeutic confessional of a woman who is struggling with addiction and recovering from trauma, abuse, and untreated mental illness. More in the style of a journal than a novel, she outlines her journey from infancy to adulthood with insight and thoroughness, documenting the many internal and external factors that fueled her lifelong addiction and self-destructive behavior.
To those familiar with the deprivations plaguing America's poorest African American communities, this story presents no newsflashes. But it's a vivid case study of how multiple factors intertwine to entrap a person (and her kids) in a vicious cycle of addiction and abuse; and it's surely a testament to human resilience.
This is self-published book is no literary masterpiece, but in its imperfect form it represents a feat of admirable strength. Written in prison, it's the therapeutic confessional of a woman who is struggling with addiction and recovering from trauma, abuse, and untreated mental illness. More in the style of a journal than a novel, she outlines her journey from infancy to adulthood with insight and thoroughness, documenting the many internal and external factors that fueled her lifelong addiction and self-destructive behavior.
To those familiar with the deprivations plaguing America's poorest African American communities, this story presents no newsflashes. But it's a vivid case study of how multiple factors intertwine to entrap a person (and her kids) in a vicious cycle of addiction and abuse; and it's surely a testament to human resilience.
January 14, 2016
Hard for me to read based on the series of traumas the author recounts. The way this was written, seemed like it was more a work of therapy than inspired literature. Nonetheless it was chalk full of information and brought to light a topic that is a pink elephant in the middle of the ghetto.
I applaud her work in taking on the topic, and sharing her life story and journey. It is not like Push by Sapphire, but a first person account of her relationship with family, her community, struggle with mental health issues and addiction. Hard but interesting read. Wish there was a call to action at the end of the book though.
I applaud her work in taking on the topic, and sharing her life story and journey. It is not like Push by Sapphire, but a first person account of her relationship with family, her community, struggle with mental health issues and addiction. Hard but interesting read. Wish there was a call to action at the end of the book though.
January 10, 2016
Quick and informative read
This was a difficult and emotional read for me. I found myself both empathizing with the author and feeling frustrated as she seemed to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. I'm glad that I stuck it through until the end and I wish the author nothing but the best. I think the overall message is a good one and I hope it makes a difference.
This was a difficult and emotional read for me. I found myself both empathizing with the author and feeling frustrated as she seemed to repeat the same mistakes over and over again. I'm glad that I stuck it through until the end and I wish the author nothing but the best. I think the overall message is a good one and I hope it makes a difference.
January 9, 2016
Read this book. Read this book regardless of your background or history. I downloaded this book after I saw her emotional Facebook video. I cannot even put into words how this book made me feel. Read it. Feel the emotions she felt for yourself.
February 7, 2020
Miss Ladette has the solution!
This book is the reality African-Americans living in America today! TiTi is very honest about her experiences living in urban America! I cringed every time she relapsed and would depend on men to give her self worth. I was rooting for her every time she got herself together, and almost cried or got angry when she would relapse again! But not having knowledge to cope during rough times or depression bouts always led her back to using because self medicating had always been the answer to make her feel better. Being an addict had her wanting more.It was an endless cycle for which she has put an end to, Thank God! I feel that everyone, no what race needs to read this book either to help end the cycle, or just to get insights into the urban culture. You will also get an understanding why kids living in these conditions don't reach their potential. I think every white teacher who has African-American students in their classes and teach in urban schools should read this book!
This book is the reality African-Americans living in America today! TiTi is very honest about her experiences living in urban America! I cringed every time she relapsed and would depend on men to give her self worth. I was rooting for her every time she got herself together, and almost cried or got angry when she would relapse again! But not having knowledge to cope during rough times or depression bouts always led her back to using because self medicating had always been the answer to make her feel better. Being an addict had her wanting more.It was an endless cycle for which she has put an end to, Thank God! I feel that everyone, no what race needs to read this book either to help end the cycle, or just to get insights into the urban culture. You will also get an understanding why kids living in these conditions don't reach their potential. I think every white teacher who has African-American students in their classes and teach in urban schools should read this book!
February 5, 2017
Intense read.
TiTi Ladette wove a strong tale about her life growing up, showing how sexual abuse by a family member, the absence of her parents, and various other life circumstances contributed to years of mental illness and addiction. She shares in this book her story, and her methods for healing, as well as statistics in relation to the African American community and resources for help, including the foundation she herself built from her experiences. Very intense read, and very eye-opening.
TiTi Ladette wove a strong tale about her life growing up, showing how sexual abuse by a family member, the absence of her parents, and various other life circumstances contributed to years of mental illness and addiction. She shares in this book her story, and her methods for healing, as well as statistics in relation to the African American community and resources for help, including the foundation she herself built from her experiences. Very intense read, and very eye-opening.
April 20, 2025
This was a very difficult read for me, a test of my own patience. While I commend TiTi for constantly pushing forward and seeking help down the line, her journey is not easy to understand. There were moments when I slammed the book down (metaphorically) over another relapse or person(s) who took advantage of her. It wasn't the addiction that I couldn't empathize with but the lack of knowledge made available to her that truly made my blood boil.
Still, I finished it and am inspired by her researching common problems within the Black community and using it as the foundation of her work.
Still, I finished it and am inspired by her researching common problems within the Black community and using it as the foundation of her work.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2016
This book is incredible and I believe can help many women find themselves and begin to heal from the pain in their lives, I am... completely compelled to search out the hidden things of my own life, and to trust God for truth and healing. Great for those who identify ourselves as addicts or alcoholics. May God bless you as yo read.
September 18, 2018
Bravely written insight into private persons world.
This book is highlights the complex growth of individuals and the impact on them from a very early age. A lot of these cycles are repeated in other countries and books like this educated all on life choices. Well done on your progress and thank-you for sharing.
This book is highlights the complex growth of individuals and the impact on them from a very early age. A lot of these cycles are repeated in other countries and books like this educated all on life choices. Well done on your progress and thank-you for sharing.
September 30, 2023
whoa
This is a must read. Not only for African Americans but for all. It’s like she broke down the power of her addiction and how her mental illness and her self esteem issues played a big part of it. The problem is the stigma of both subjects because we don’t know much about it. This helps
This is a must read. Not only for African Americans but for all. It’s like she broke down the power of her addiction and how her mental illness and her self esteem issues played a big part of it. The problem is the stigma of both subjects because we don’t know much about it. This helps
May 7, 2022
We all have a story to tell, and she did an amazing job sharing hers. Some of it was hard to read through emotionally for me, but after a short break I would jump back in. I absolutely love this book and am grateful she shared so much personal information with the world.
December 28, 2016
Great read
The book was a great read and told a story that many of us in the back community go through but it is never talked about.
The book was a great read and told a story that many of us in the back community go through but it is never talked about.
June 14, 2017
Repeat of tragic mess
It was something that I was hurrying up to read. It was very draining to read very sad story. Glad she is getting help.
It was something that I was hurrying up to read. It was very draining to read very sad story. Glad she is getting help.
June 17, 2017
Wonderful read
The Writer bared her sole in this read. Mental health and addiction in the black community now has a window
The Writer bared her sole in this read. Mental health and addiction in the black community now has a window
July 7, 2017
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July 29, 2017
Wow...just wow
A very sad but real story that needs to be told more often..deep..and could not stop Reading! I hope she got her life back got and is still clean today!!
A very sad but real story that needs to be told more often..deep..and could not stop Reading! I hope she got her life back got and is still clean today!!
September 21, 2018
Wow!
This is a cautionary tale. Treat your children, with love. Help them to grow up, not in an abusive environment. If not, this could happen to your child.
This is a cautionary tale. Treat your children, with love. Help them to grow up, not in an abusive environment. If not, this could happen to your child.
March 21, 2019
Great book. Touching story. Topics that need to be talk about more
August 30, 2019
Amazing
Simply amazing. This book is a testimony that deserves to be heard. I wish the author many years of continued success, sobriety and healing.
Simply amazing. This book is a testimony that deserves to be heard. I wish the author many years of continued success, sobriety and healing.
January 9, 2017
Heartbreaking and yet triumphant
It is heartbreaking to read all the horrible things she lived through as a child and her life as a drug addict. She writes openly and candidly. One of the reasons I believe we are on Earth is to come to know our Savior Jesus Christ and to help others want to know him through our actions and the life we lead. Titi wrote "I had to look back over my life and see it was God that kept me and protected me from death all those times I should have been dead. But mainly, God protected me from myself. When everything in me wanted to die, he persistently instilled in me the will to give it one more try. Today, I truly believe that God has chosen me to break cycles of abuse in my family and in my community at large. I no longer feel the rage I once did. I continue to seek therapy for unresolved issues, stay in the 12-step process, and worship my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." She certainly has come to know Christ and with his grace and the other programs available she can make choices that bring her happiness. Keep up the good work Titi and may God continue to guide your path and you continue to follow him.
It is heartbreaking to read all the horrible things she lived through as a child and her life as a drug addict. She writes openly and candidly. One of the reasons I believe we are on Earth is to come to know our Savior Jesus Christ and to help others want to know him through our actions and the life we lead. Titi wrote "I had to look back over my life and see it was God that kept me and protected me from death all those times I should have been dead. But mainly, God protected me from myself. When everything in me wanted to die, he persistently instilled in me the will to give it one more try. Today, I truly believe that God has chosen me to break cycles of abuse in my family and in my community at large. I no longer feel the rage I once did. I continue to seek therapy for unresolved issues, stay in the 12-step process, and worship my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ." She certainly has come to know Christ and with his grace and the other programs available she can make choices that bring her happiness. Keep up the good work Titi and may God continue to guide your path and you continue to follow him.
December 29, 2016
Beating The Elephant strong>
This was a very graphic book that had me on the verge of not finishing it, I found myself feeling sorry for the child but as the book progresses I found myself getting very angry with her as a adult. She made very poor decisions with choosing the men in her life, I don't want to judge her because everyone has a story to tell and everybody life isn't or wasn't perfect. I felt so sorry for her children because they watched their mom struggle with this addiction for years, I wanted so bad to just slap her and say Wake Up!!
I pray that anyone that is going through this type of situation talk to someone, go to meetings, get the help, because that Pink Elephant will destroy your life. And put God First because without him you can't make it.
This was a very graphic book that had me on the verge of not finishing it, I found myself feeling sorry for the child but as the book progresses I found myself getting very angry with her as a adult. She made very poor decisions with choosing the men in her life, I don't want to judge her because everyone has a story to tell and everybody life isn't or wasn't perfect. I felt so sorry for her children because they watched their mom struggle with this addiction for years, I wanted so bad to just slap her and say Wake Up!!
I pray that anyone that is going through this type of situation talk to someone, go to meetings, get the help, because that Pink Elephant will destroy your life. And put God First because without him you can't make it.
February 14, 2016
Raw and real. Ms. Ladette puts herself out there, all of herself out there - that takes a lot of courage. Addiction is a horrible thing which destroys not only the user but has devastating ripple effects for all who love and surround them. The only reason I didn't give this 5 stars is because of the editing. Some areas of the book were a bit too polished and were not as authentic as the words written by the author herself. I felt that parts of the book had been re-written by an editor and the voice of the author was lost. Wishing success for Ms. Ladette and permanent freedom from addiction. You are a brave and strong woman.
March 16, 2016
Interesting story of the struggles of addiction, mental health issues, and molestation. It took courage to be real and share this story. However I am glad she did. Unfortunately many have similar stories. She has a way of writing that truly captures the reader.
Interesting story of the struggles of addiction, mental health issues, and molestation. It took courage to be real and share this story. However I am glad she did. Unfortunately many have similar stories. She has a way of writing that truly captures the reader. I also bought this book after her Facebook post with index cards. it was truly moving.
Interesting story of the struggles of addiction, mental health issues, and molestation. It took courage to be real and share this story. However I am glad she did. Unfortunately many have similar stories. She has a way of writing that truly captures the reader. I also bought this book after her Facebook post with index cards. it was truly moving.
December 29, 2016
The things in life that make you who you are!
This was a very raw look at how abuse of any kind shapes who we often become in life. The author has gone to hell and back but the good thing is God did not give up on her. It was a difficult read for me because I guess I can't relate, never been abused in any of the ways she was but I thank God she had the courage to write it. May she forever stay sober and vigilant and never slip back into her old life. Never assume you will always get time ,Grace and mercy extended. God bless you TiTi Ladette!
This was a very raw look at how abuse of any kind shapes who we often become in life. The author has gone to hell and back but the good thing is God did not give up on her. It was a difficult read for me because I guess I can't relate, never been abused in any of the ways she was but I thank God she had the courage to write it. May she forever stay sober and vigilant and never slip back into her old life. Never assume you will always get time ,Grace and mercy extended. God bless you TiTi Ladette!
December 29, 2016
Amazing
For this to be a real life story, I found this book interesting! My heart goes out to TiTi Ladette. I hate the fact that you went thru all of this, over and over again. I especially loved the fact that you had to start LOVING YOURSELF for you to wake up and realize that the cycle would not be broken until you did. This is truly a testimony for others. I pray your continued strength in the Lord. I think others will enjoy reading this book! I will recommend this book to others! :-)
For this to be a real life story, I found this book interesting! My heart goes out to TiTi Ladette. I hate the fact that you went thru all of this, over and over again. I especially loved the fact that you had to start LOVING YOURSELF for you to wake up and realize that the cycle would not be broken until you did. This is truly a testimony for others. I pray your continued strength in the Lord. I think others will enjoy reading this book! I will recommend this book to others! :-)
January 10, 2016
Read it in one afternoon. I hope many people read this book and the world can begin to see what devastation is brought to the lives of victims of sexual abuse. We need to stop hiding this crime and its effects in the shadows.
This is a gut-wrenching account of the internalization of guilt and shame felt by survivors of sexual abuse. You just can't say someone is a prostitute or addict in judgement. You need to understand what is behind it.
This is a gut-wrenching account of the internalization of guilt and shame felt by survivors of sexual abuse. You just can't say someone is a prostitute or addict in judgement. You need to understand what is behind it.
January 31, 2016
Touching Story
I was born and raised in ATX therefore this story/testimonial is touching. I really enjoyed this read. I really hate that the author had to experience such things in her life. It all started so early for her which seem so unfair. All I kept thinking toward the end of the story was.....But God! He knew and He knows. I am so happy He taught you how to love you. You are a Blessing and a Masterpiece.
I was born and raised in ATX therefore this story/testimonial is touching. I really enjoyed this read. I really hate that the author had to experience such things in her life. It all started so early for her which seem so unfair. All I kept thinking toward the end of the story was.....But God! He knew and He knows. I am so happy He taught you how to love you. You are a Blessing and a Masterpiece.
March 31, 2016
A difficult read in more ways than one. The subject matter is graphic at times and the author, I believe, did her best to tell her story, but editing is lacking. Either way - as a foster mom, this memoir is eye opening to not only the kids entering our family, but to the mom (and dad) on the other side. It helped me better understand many aspects of a life I haven't lived. And the message that God redeems our brokenness and ugliness and uses our stories for his glory is precious.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews