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Girl, Uncoded: A Memoir of Passion, Betrayal, and Eventual Blessings
For fans of true crime memoir comes a gripping tale of one woman’s harrowing and spiritual journey of resilience after she learns that she was a victim of a sex crime—and her husband was the culprit.
At sixteen, Caroline longed to meet the man who owned the apartment she was hanging out at with her teenage friends. The one they said was a stripper, a fact that intrigued her. From the moment she saw Gary Richard, she craved his attention—and once their eyes met, he was all she wanted.
Months later, she was dismayed to discover that she was pregnant. But she had Gary Richard, she reassured herself, and he was all she needed to be okay. A belief that didn’t change even when, holding their week-old son, she sat in court and watched him face charges for stolen property. This was her family, her life; so when Gary Richard’s lawyer suggested a ploy to show the judge he was a changed man, she agreed. At seventeen years old, she became a wife.
Over the next nine years, Caroline’s identity and dreams of a fairy-tale life became twisted by adultery, betrayal, poverty, court cases, and lies. And then, one evening, the reality of her marriage finally became clear to her after a sergeant revealed she was the victim of one of her husband’s crimes—statutory rape—and her son’s DNA was the evidence the prosecution needed to convict him.
At sixteen, Caroline longed to meet the man who owned the apartment she was hanging out at with her teenage friends. The one they said was a stripper, a fact that intrigued her. From the moment she saw Gary Richard, she craved his attention—and once their eyes met, he was all she wanted.
Months later, she was dismayed to discover that she was pregnant. But she had Gary Richard, she reassured herself, and he was all she needed to be okay. A belief that didn’t change even when, holding their week-old son, she sat in court and watched him face charges for stolen property. This was her family, her life; so when Gary Richard’s lawyer suggested a ploy to show the judge he was a changed man, she agreed. At seventeen years old, she became a wife.
Over the next nine years, Caroline’s identity and dreams of a fairy-tale life became twisted by adultery, betrayal, poverty, court cases, and lies. And then, one evening, the reality of her marriage finally became clear to her after a sergeant revealed she was the victim of one of her husband’s crimes—statutory rape—and her son’s DNA was the evidence the prosecution needed to convict him.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 22, 2024
75 people are currently reading
2661 people want to read
About the author
Brandi Dredge
1 book15 followersBrandi Dredge is a mom, encourager, and author dedicated to empowering survivors through storytelling and service. Her journey is a testament to resilience, and she shares her experiences to inspire and uplift others facing similar challenges. She enjoys swimming in the deep end of mystical thoughts, wading into emotions to pen poetry, and sipping a strong cup of coffee. She is a member of The National Association of Memoir Writers, The Junior League, and the National Coalition to End Child Marriage, contributing her voice to important causes close to her heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 14, 2024
I received a free copy of, Girl, Uncoded, by Brandi Dredge, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. When she was sixteen, Caroline fell in love with Gary Richard, a man she thought was her prince charming, her knight in shining armor. Gary Richard she found out, is neither of those things. What a read, such a wild ride., a very interesting story, about young love, or lust.
July 21, 2024
Girl Uncoded: A Memoir of Passion, Betrayal, and Eventual Blessings is a captivating and inspiring read. The author’s journey through passion, heartbreak, betrayal, and ultimately, redemption is both raw and honest, drawing you in with its real and intense narrative from the very first page.
The memoir offers a compelling look at the challenges and triumphs faced by the author, who grows and gains strength throughout her story. Her vulnerability is shown through the writing, making her resilience and strength in the face of betrayal deeply moving.
This book is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to find light even in the darkest of times
Thank you to the publisher She Writes Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley
The memoir offers a compelling look at the challenges and triumphs faced by the author, who grows and gains strength throughout her story. Her vulnerability is shown through the writing, making her resilience and strength in the face of betrayal deeply moving.
This book is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to find light even in the darkest of times
Thank you to the publisher She Writes Press for providing an advance reader copy via NetGalley
August 7, 2024
This is a personal story and I applaud the author for her bravery in writing it. Teen pregnancy with a common criminal husband and statutory rape, not realized until some years later. However, as a reader I wasn’t engaged too much in the sparing writing style and the story never really grabbed my attention enough for me to want to read on.
October 23, 2024
Girl, Uncoded: A Memoir of Passion, Betrayal, and Eventual Blessings by Brandi Dredge. Thanks to @booksparks #fallpopup for the gifted copy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Caroline meets the man of her dreams when she’s sixteen. She starts a life with him when she becomes pregnant, despite their age difference. Her marriage is not the fairy tale life she thought it would be; full of poverty, betrayal, and court cases.
I sped through this memoir, feeling for Caroline but also angry while I was reading. I have not read many memoirs on teen pregnancy, but this one has a lot more to it as Caroline was also a victim of a sex crime, while it took her sometime to understand that. This was a brave memoir where the author laid everything out on paper. It’s so easy for young women to fall in with the wrong men, but way harder to fall out.
“Through the glass of time, his reflection had come clear. He was a man who broke trust and shattered souls.”
Girl, Uncoded is available now.
Caroline meets the man of her dreams when she’s sixteen. She starts a life with him when she becomes pregnant, despite their age difference. Her marriage is not the fairy tale life she thought it would be; full of poverty, betrayal, and court cases.
I sped through this memoir, feeling for Caroline but also angry while I was reading. I have not read many memoirs on teen pregnancy, but this one has a lot more to it as Caroline was also a victim of a sex crime, while it took her sometime to understand that. This was a brave memoir where the author laid everything out on paper. It’s so easy for young women to fall in with the wrong men, but way harder to fall out.
“Through the glass of time, his reflection had come clear. He was a man who broke trust and shattered souls.”
Girl, Uncoded is available now.
October 1, 2024
This book is a true crime memoir all about our main character as she describes her "relationship" with an older man. She goes on to describe all about how he groomed her but since it was told through her point of view we really got to see how she though it was true love. This young girl really though that she was in love and it was tragic to read especially when the man of her dreams was very inappropriate with his age difference. This is a classic case of Stockholm syndrome and I found myself screaming at her to get out when she had the chance. It was tragic to read about her being in "love" when everything about their relationship was inappropriate. Over the course of nine years we really find out her infatuation, her passion, but also her strength as she was able to break free of the connection she had to this man. It's really shines a light on how easy it is for predators to pray on those around them and also how they blind their victims. I really wish the main character had had someone to talk to that would have been able to help her get out of this or at least see the dangers that was taking place. I love this book because I found myself screaming at the main character and wishing desperately that she would get help. This book is viewed through almost rose colored glasses since it is told from the victim's point of view which put a new twist on memoirs of dysfunction. I feel that this is the kind of book that every teen girl needs to read and needs to be on the lookout for because not everyone will be your friend. Great read and I'm so sad that the author had to go through this however I'm glad she felt the strength to share her story and hopefully she will be able to help anyone else going through the same situation. What I really liked was how the author did finally decide to do the right thing for herself and her family. Even though I had a lot of mixed emotions towards our main character it didn't change my feelings towards this book. I loved her story even though it was super tragic. Great read and I think that all parents should read this book.
July 4, 2024
★★★☆☆ (3.5)
*Disclaimer: ranking/ratings are for my tracking purposes only. This was someone's life and experience and I cannot "rank" their lived experience.
This was a very powerful read, and it takes you immediately with that first chapter. I had to keep reminding myself that this was a memoir and not fiction because some of the things these men were doing were just so outlandish and harmful. We follow 16-year-old Caroline's relationship with a much older man from the start, and the ongoing struggles their relationship faces - a young mother and teen pregnancy, financial burden, infidelity, but crucially, Gary Richard's repeated arrests and investigations for sexual assault against teenage girls.
I think there is a very interesting discussion on "victimhood" and what being a "victim" means - for outsiders, law enforcement, lawyers etc. it's very easy to apply this label of victim as we are objectively aware of the black and white definition of their actions; a 24-year old man had unprotected sex with a 16-year old. However, for the 16-year old, who at this point is married to her abuser, remembers her own context surrounding the same scenario: she wanted to be with him. It must be incredibly difficult to detach the context of your relationship and family from the actions of a rapist. Caroline states it well, when she discusses that she wasn't crying or hurt or injured from these attacks, so how could she be a victim? And the stigma surrounding victimisation and victimhood is very strong, particularly with women. Repeatedly, women who are abused are interrogated as to whether they really were, why they didn't do anything to stop it. Being a victim becomes synonymous with guilt, weakness and shame.
This book also discusses how Caroline's relationship with God and the Church really helps her to overcome this shame and her past; I'm not religious, so whilst this was a little bit lost on me, I think it's good that she managed to find hope and light in this situation, as well as showcasing that Caroline's rose-tinted views of the people around her (e.g., those in her women's group) were rose-tinted, and as much as she thought they were together and sorted and she was "failing", all of these women had the same insecurities.
I think this is an interesting read; the writing itself was a bit stilted and jarring at times - it jumped quite drastically timelines wise and mentioned pieces of information (e.g., how many siblings Caroline had) that wasn't previously explained, but it doesn't negate the message that one is not defined by their past choices, relationships or struggles, and there is always light.
Huge thank you to She Writes Press for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
cw// sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, grooming, rape, domestic violence
*Disclaimer: ranking/ratings are for my tracking purposes only. This was someone's life and experience and I cannot "rank" their lived experience.
This was a very powerful read, and it takes you immediately with that first chapter. I had to keep reminding myself that this was a memoir and not fiction because some of the things these men were doing were just so outlandish and harmful. We follow 16-year-old Caroline's relationship with a much older man from the start, and the ongoing struggles their relationship faces - a young mother and teen pregnancy, financial burden, infidelity, but crucially, Gary Richard's repeated arrests and investigations for sexual assault against teenage girls.
I think there is a very interesting discussion on "victimhood" and what being a "victim" means - for outsiders, law enforcement, lawyers etc. it's very easy to apply this label of victim as we are objectively aware of the black and white definition of their actions; a 24-year old man had unprotected sex with a 16-year old. However, for the 16-year old, who at this point is married to her abuser, remembers her own context surrounding the same scenario: she wanted to be with him. It must be incredibly difficult to detach the context of your relationship and family from the actions of a rapist. Caroline states it well, when she discusses that she wasn't crying or hurt or injured from these attacks, so how could she be a victim? And the stigma surrounding victimisation and victimhood is very strong, particularly with women. Repeatedly, women who are abused are interrogated as to whether they really were, why they didn't do anything to stop it. Being a victim becomes synonymous with guilt, weakness and shame.
This book also discusses how Caroline's relationship with God and the Church really helps her to overcome this shame and her past; I'm not religious, so whilst this was a little bit lost on me, I think it's good that she managed to find hope and light in this situation, as well as showcasing that Caroline's rose-tinted views of the people around her (e.g., those in her women's group) were rose-tinted, and as much as she thought they were together and sorted and she was "failing", all of these women had the same insecurities.
I think this is an interesting read; the writing itself was a bit stilted and jarring at times - it jumped quite drastically timelines wise and mentioned pieces of information (e.g., how many siblings Caroline had) that wasn't previously explained, but it doesn't negate the message that one is not defined by their past choices, relationships or struggles, and there is always light.
Huge thank you to She Writes Press for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
cw// sexual abuse, sexual abuse of a minor, grooming, rape, domestic violence
December 11, 2024
For fans of true crime memoirs, Girl Uncoded offers a gripping and poignant journey of survival. Brandi Dredge recounts her harrowing experience of learning that she was a victim of a sex crime—and that her husband was the perpetrator. This memoir is an emotional rollercoaster, beautifully written and compelling, making it an essential read for those interested in the true crime genre.
I found the book easy to read and deeply moving, but I was also frustrated at times with the people around Brandi, and even with Brandi herself. The passivity in response to the obvious signs of her sexual abuse as a minor was uncomfortable and, frankly, unacceptable. Dredge does a powerful job depicting the nuances of an abusive relationship, highlighting the power imbalance and the subtle, yet clear, signs of manipulation and control. These chapters are not only relatable but serve as an important exploration of the complexities of abuse.
One thing that really stands out is Dredge’s love for her children, which shines through every page. However, I occasionally found myself disagreeing with some of her decisions, particularly regarding how she evaluated the risks her ex-husband posed to her children. At times, she came across as naive, and this frustration added another layer to the memoir. I do value the honesty she provides even if some of her choices were questionable.
Finally, while I understand that Brandi’s faith played a pivotal role in her survival and recovery, I didn’t particularly enjoy the preachy tone that emerged toward the end. As much as I respect her journey, I was more interested in reading a true crime memoir than a promotion of organized religion. That said, this is a powerful and eye-opening account that many will find valuable, especially those who relate to her experiences.
Thank you to Brandi for her honesty & bravery; thank you to NetGalley & SheWritesPress for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Out on 10/22/2024!
I found the book easy to read and deeply moving, but I was also frustrated at times with the people around Brandi, and even with Brandi herself. The passivity in response to the obvious signs of her sexual abuse as a minor was uncomfortable and, frankly, unacceptable. Dredge does a powerful job depicting the nuances of an abusive relationship, highlighting the power imbalance and the subtle, yet clear, signs of manipulation and control. These chapters are not only relatable but serve as an important exploration of the complexities of abuse.
One thing that really stands out is Dredge’s love for her children, which shines through every page. However, I occasionally found myself disagreeing with some of her decisions, particularly regarding how she evaluated the risks her ex-husband posed to her children. At times, she came across as naive, and this frustration added another layer to the memoir. I do value the honesty she provides even if some of her choices were questionable.
Finally, while I understand that Brandi’s faith played a pivotal role in her survival and recovery, I didn’t particularly enjoy the preachy tone that emerged toward the end. As much as I respect her journey, I was more interested in reading a true crime memoir than a promotion of organized religion. That said, this is a powerful and eye-opening account that many will find valuable, especially those who relate to her experiences.
Thank you to Brandi for her honesty & bravery; thank you to NetGalley & SheWritesPress for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Out on 10/22/2024!
October 28, 2024
Girl, Uncoded
A Memoir of Passion, Betrayal, and Eventual Blessings
by Brandi Dredge
Pub DateOct 22 2024
She Writes Press
Biographies & Memoirs| Christian| True Crime
Netgalley and She Writes Press provided me with a copy of Girl, Uncoded for review:
*Trigger Warnings, Abuse, Rape, Child Sexual Assault*
This was one intense read, but an important one as well, so let's get right into it.
When Caroline was sixteen, she yearned to meet the owner of the apartment she was hanging out in with her friends. This man was rumored to be a stripper, which intrigued her. Gary Richard caught her attention from the moment they met, and once they were eyes-to-eye, she craved his attention.
She was shocked to discover that she was pregnant just months later. However, Gary Richard was all she needed, she assured herself. Her belief remained unchanged even as she sat in court watching her husband face theft charges while she held their infant son. Because this was her family and her life, she agreed to Gary Richard's lawyer's ploy to prove he had changed. She became a wife at the age of seventeen.
During the next nine years, Caroline's identity and dreams of a fairy-tale life were twisted by adultery, betrayal, poverty, court cases, and lies. One evening, a sergeant revealed to her that she'd been the victim of one of her husband's crimes-statutory rape-and her son's DNA was the evidence needed to convict him.
If you’re looking for a light read this is not that, but if you’re looking for a book that gets deep, yet offers hope then I highly recommend Girl, Uncoded!
Five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
A Memoir of Passion, Betrayal, and Eventual Blessings
by Brandi Dredge
Pub DateOct 22 2024
She Writes Press
Biographies & Memoirs| Christian| True Crime
Netgalley and She Writes Press provided me with a copy of Girl, Uncoded for review:
*Trigger Warnings, Abuse, Rape, Child Sexual Assault*
This was one intense read, but an important one as well, so let's get right into it.
When Caroline was sixteen, she yearned to meet the owner of the apartment she was hanging out in with her friends. This man was rumored to be a stripper, which intrigued her. Gary Richard caught her attention from the moment they met, and once they were eyes-to-eye, she craved his attention.
She was shocked to discover that she was pregnant just months later. However, Gary Richard was all she needed, she assured herself. Her belief remained unchanged even as she sat in court watching her husband face theft charges while she held their infant son. Because this was her family and her life, she agreed to Gary Richard's lawyer's ploy to prove he had changed. She became a wife at the age of seventeen.
During the next nine years, Caroline's identity and dreams of a fairy-tale life were twisted by adultery, betrayal, poverty, court cases, and lies. One evening, a sergeant revealed to her that she'd been the victim of one of her husband's crimes-statutory rape-and her son's DNA was the evidence needed to convict him.
If you’re looking for a light read this is not that, but if you’re looking for a book that gets deep, yet offers hope then I highly recommend Girl, Uncoded!
Five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
November 4, 2024
In this memoir, evaluating someone’s life story presents its own unique challenges. Unlike fiction, these are real events, and only the author can truly assess their significance. My review centers on the writing style and the author's skill in engaging the reader while honing in on key moments without unnecessary detail.
I found the book quite compelling; it often felt like fiction despite being rooted in the author’s life. The pacing was just right, with context introduced when needed, and the short chapters kept me wanting more.
That said, readers should be mindful that the book delves into potentially triggering themes. The protagonist, Caroline, initially infatuated with Gary Richard (a pseudonym), exemplifies the struggle to recognize abuse. It’s easy to spot the warning signs from an outside perspective, but Caroline, married at just 17 and head over heels in love, becomes entangled in a complex web. Her husband, charming and seemingly caring, ultimately reveals a darker side that leads to serious repercussions.
This memoir serves as a poignant reminder of the difficulties faced by those in abusive relationships and highlights the vital need to protect young people from such situations. It underscores the importance of guidance and boundaries, even when young individuals may resist them.
Overall, this memoir is a captivating read that offers deep insights into love, deception, and the intricacies of human relationships.
Thank you to @booksparks and the author for sending me a copy!
I found the book quite compelling; it often felt like fiction despite being rooted in the author’s life. The pacing was just right, with context introduced when needed, and the short chapters kept me wanting more.
That said, readers should be mindful that the book delves into potentially triggering themes. The protagonist, Caroline, initially infatuated with Gary Richard (a pseudonym), exemplifies the struggle to recognize abuse. It’s easy to spot the warning signs from an outside perspective, but Caroline, married at just 17 and head over heels in love, becomes entangled in a complex web. Her husband, charming and seemingly caring, ultimately reveals a darker side that leads to serious repercussions.
This memoir serves as a poignant reminder of the difficulties faced by those in abusive relationships and highlights the vital need to protect young people from such situations. It underscores the importance of guidance and boundaries, even when young individuals may resist them.
Overall, this memoir is a captivating read that offers deep insights into love, deception, and the intricacies of human relationships.
Thank you to @booksparks and the author for sending me a copy!
November 11, 2024
*Paperback
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
TW: SA, Abuse, Statutory R@pe, Gaslighting & manipulation, adultery
“It was what I believed every male wanted. It was what my Papaw Clyde had wanted when he touched me when I was seven years old. It was what boys had encouraged me to do from the time I was 12 years old. I knew they thought my body was a toy designed to please them. So I went along. At least I felt seen and valued, even if only for those brief moments.”
“Why are you always the one accused?”
Thanks so much to Book Sparks for allowing me to be part of this book tour.
This book is described as “A memoir of passion, betrayal, and eventual blessings.” I couldn’t put it down, it was powerful and well-written. I finished it in one day, took just a few hours.
I was hooked right away. My stomach immediately turned when she discussed her 1st experience with “Gary Richard” and the closet component to it, how disgusting and what a betrayal of trust. The whole thing was a bit triggering TBH. Unfortunately, it is going to be triggering for way more people that a lot of people realize. SA is a serious topic that has been coming to light more and more and it seems that the perpetrators of these terrible acts and finally being held accountable.
The trauma this woman endured throughout her life was so sad but her resilience, her persistence and faith were so uplifting. The author was so brave and ultimately ended up taking her life back…it was hard but she made it.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
TW: SA, Abuse, Statutory R@pe, Gaslighting & manipulation, adultery
“It was what I believed every male wanted. It was what my Papaw Clyde had wanted when he touched me when I was seven years old. It was what boys had encouraged me to do from the time I was 12 years old. I knew they thought my body was a toy designed to please them. So I went along. At least I felt seen and valued, even if only for those brief moments.”
“Why are you always the one accused?”
Thanks so much to Book Sparks for allowing me to be part of this book tour.
This book is described as “A memoir of passion, betrayal, and eventual blessings.” I couldn’t put it down, it was powerful and well-written. I finished it in one day, took just a few hours.
I was hooked right away. My stomach immediately turned when she discussed her 1st experience with “Gary Richard” and the closet component to it, how disgusting and what a betrayal of trust. The whole thing was a bit triggering TBH. Unfortunately, it is going to be triggering for way more people that a lot of people realize. SA is a serious topic that has been coming to light more and more and it seems that the perpetrators of these terrible acts and finally being held accountable.
The trauma this woman endured throughout her life was so sad but her resilience, her persistence and faith were so uplifting. The author was so brave and ultimately ended up taking her life back…it was hard but she made it.
July 28, 2024
Thank you to the author & NetGalley.com for this Advanced Readers Copy.
I’d like to firstly acknowledge the bravery the author had in sharing her story with us. It is heart-wrenching, eye opening and allows you to understand the traumatic things that have shaped her into who she is today. There were MANY times in which I truly wanted to reach into the book and shake the author, before reminding myself of the gaslighting and grooming she went thru to influence her decisions throughout this journey.
The writing style felt like a rough draft. Despite the beautiful way with words woven throughout the story disguised as internal monologue, it felt like it lacked in descriptive detail, and story-telling nature. My average read time for any book is 2-4 days, this took me 10 because so many other things became priority over finishing this.
As someone who is not religious, I found myself skimming the whole last 20% of the book, only looking for any hints of closure. I understand the authors beliefs are different than mine and respect fully the need to involve this information but it was an immediate turn off for me.
There will be someone out there who needs this story. I was not that person and that is okay ♥️
I’d like to firstly acknowledge the bravery the author had in sharing her story with us. It is heart-wrenching, eye opening and allows you to understand the traumatic things that have shaped her into who she is today. There were MANY times in which I truly wanted to reach into the book and shake the author, before reminding myself of the gaslighting and grooming she went thru to influence her decisions throughout this journey.
The writing style felt like a rough draft. Despite the beautiful way with words woven throughout the story disguised as internal monologue, it felt like it lacked in descriptive detail, and story-telling nature. My average read time for any book is 2-4 days, this took me 10 because so many other things became priority over finishing this.
As someone who is not religious, I found myself skimming the whole last 20% of the book, only looking for any hints of closure. I understand the authors beliefs are different than mine and respect fully the need to involve this information but it was an immediate turn off for me.
There will be someone out there who needs this story. I was not that person and that is okay ♥️
October 24, 2024
Girl, Uncoded is a beautiful, vulnerable and viscerally raw reflection of one woman’s complicated journey in reckoning with the truth at the root of her entire life - she was a teenage victim of a sex crime.
I devoured this book in one afternoon, as Caroline’s story is so utterly heartbreaking and mesmerizing all at once. At 16, she falls for an older man, who is mysterious and charming. In a matter of months he’s gotten her pregnant and married her in a ploy to stay out of jail. Her story, and her life, continues to crumble from there.
Brandi Dredge does a wonderful job of sharing this story with honesty and a critical eye on the many ways that humans will live in denial if it means not having to face the most painful of truths. You cannot stop rooting for Caroline to find her happy ending, but this is no fairy tale - nothing is magically solved for her, even when she does make the hardest decisions of her life.
Genuinely this is a fantastic memoir for autumn tbr lists. One that cannot be missed if you enjoy true crime and stories of the human spirit persevering.
Many thanks to @booksparks for sharing a copy and having me as part this #FallPopUp tour.
I devoured this book in one afternoon, as Caroline’s story is so utterly heartbreaking and mesmerizing all at once. At 16, she falls for an older man, who is mysterious and charming. In a matter of months he’s gotten her pregnant and married her in a ploy to stay out of jail. Her story, and her life, continues to crumble from there.
Brandi Dredge does a wonderful job of sharing this story with honesty and a critical eye on the many ways that humans will live in denial if it means not having to face the most painful of truths. You cannot stop rooting for Caroline to find her happy ending, but this is no fairy tale - nothing is magically solved for her, even when she does make the hardest decisions of her life.
Genuinely this is a fantastic memoir for autumn tbr lists. One that cannot be missed if you enjoy true crime and stories of the human spirit persevering.
Many thanks to @booksparks for sharing a copy and having me as part this #FallPopUp tour.
November 2, 2024
Shocking & unputdownable: Girl, Uncoded kept me flipping the pages to see whether the author would break out of the cycle of manipulation and abuse with her husband. When she met him at age 16, he was already in his 20s. A few months later, she was pregnant. So began a situation all to familiar to victims of such abuse—everything seems great, then she finds evidence of him cheating (often with teenagers), he smoothes it over and promises it didn’t happen or he will change, she stays with him and things go back to idyllic for a while, then he gets arrested again, repeat repeat repeat. 😭
The positive for this story compared to so many others was the unwavering support from the author’s family. They were always ready to help her, watch the kids, go to court, lend a shoulder to cry on. Yet the manipulation of her husband often overcame the love of her family. I cheered for her finally realizing she had been a victim of his crimes all along, despite how hard that truth was to acknowledge. In the end, she also finds a deep faith that finally freed her from her past.
The positive for this story compared to so many others was the unwavering support from the author’s family. They were always ready to help her, watch the kids, go to court, lend a shoulder to cry on. Yet the manipulation of her husband often overcame the love of her family. I cheered for her finally realizing she had been a victim of his crimes all along, despite how hard that truth was to acknowledge. In the end, she also finds a deep faith that finally freed her from her past.
July 18, 2024
How do I rate a memoir?! 4/5 but again - how do I rate it! An incredible redemptive tale of profound personal growth.
What a wild and raw journey - one that I think brought unique perspectives and considerations into the mix.
From the beginning I was rooting for the author, and from the beginning her ex-husband read like an episode of Dateline or 20/20 (seriously). It’s an intense memoir but one that is quite redemptive when all is said and done. It’s lovely seeing the author grow in her power and prowess as she grows.
There are some content warnings, including SA & gr00ming. The latter is a significant component of the memoir. It’s a tough read because it’s heartbreaking to read about, but again: the author is able to process through it in her writing in ways that are admirable and reflect her growth.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishes for offering me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a wild and raw journey - one that I think brought unique perspectives and considerations into the mix.
From the beginning I was rooting for the author, and from the beginning her ex-husband read like an episode of Dateline or 20/20 (seriously). It’s an intense memoir but one that is quite redemptive when all is said and done. It’s lovely seeing the author grow in her power and prowess as she grows.
There are some content warnings, including SA & gr00ming. The latter is a significant component of the memoir. It’s a tough read because it’s heartbreaking to read about, but again: the author is able to process through it in her writing in ways that are admirable and reflect her growth.
Thank you to NetGalley and publishes for offering me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 24, 2024
“I wanted to believe his version was the truth, so maybe that’s why after every confrontation, I always ended up feeling bad that I had accused him.” Oomph.
“I know you may not be able to see it right now, but someday you will.” ‼️‼️
This memoir is so raw and real and the vulnerability that the author must feel in having released her story into the world…man I applaud her bravery.
Reading this brought me right back to my own teenaged years and the mistakes and horrible decisions I made at that time. I tried to read this through those eyes and not the eyes of experience because that would have made it much more difficult to get through.
The moral of the story from this memoir is that you see what you want to see, and sometimes faith heals. It won’t fix the wrongs or the hurts but it can give you the strength to power on, even in the bleakest of circumstances.
Thank you to @BookSparks for the #gifted copy.
“I know you may not be able to see it right now, but someday you will.” ‼️‼️
This memoir is so raw and real and the vulnerability that the author must feel in having released her story into the world…man I applaud her bravery.
Reading this brought me right back to my own teenaged years and the mistakes and horrible decisions I made at that time. I tried to read this through those eyes and not the eyes of experience because that would have made it much more difficult to get through.
The moral of the story from this memoir is that you see what you want to see, and sometimes faith heals. It won’t fix the wrongs or the hurts but it can give you the strength to power on, even in the bleakest of circumstances.
Thank you to @BookSparks for the #gifted copy.
August 31, 2024
This was a very raw powerful read, and I was pulled in within the first chapter. Girl, Uncoded: A Memoir of Passion, Betrayal, and Eventual Blessings follows Caroline from age 16 to her mid-twenties and let me tell you, it's quite a ride. The story kicks off with Caroline's infatuation with Gary Richard, an older man with a questionable past. What unfolds over nine years is a tale of shattered illusions and harsh realities.
The author doesn't shy away from tough topics - teen pregnancy, legal troubles, you name it. It's a raw look at how easily young love can turn into a nightmare. Girl, Uncoded is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to find light even in the darkest of times.
Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for offering me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The author doesn't shy away from tough topics - teen pregnancy, legal troubles, you name it. It's a raw look at how easily young love can turn into a nightmare. Girl, Uncoded is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to find light even in the darkest of times.
Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for offering me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 29, 2024
Summary:
A 17-year-old girl falls in love with a 24-year-old man—and begins years of trauma, broken trust, and hidden truths that eventually become revealed. A memoir of a woman’s life of choices and consequences.
Title: Girl, Uncoded
Author: Brandi Dredge
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: No spice
Tropes:
Memoir
Generational Trauma
Poverty Cycle
Triggers:
Adultery
Statutory r@pe
Cyclone of poor choices
Whitney’s Thoughts:
This is an important story of a young girl who was sucked in by a predator and narcissist, but more importantly how she fought for her children and her own peace and clawed out of the circumstances she was in. That said, I wish there had been a bit more editing for flow and overall writing style, and the focus on religion at the end felt a little out of place. Thank you She Writes Press for the gifted copy!
A 17-year-old girl falls in love with a 24-year-old man—and begins years of trauma, broken trust, and hidden truths that eventually become revealed. A memoir of a woman’s life of choices and consequences.
Title: Girl, Uncoded
Author: Brandi Dredge
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5
Spice: No spice
Tropes:
Memoir
Generational Trauma
Poverty Cycle
Triggers:
Adultery
Statutory r@pe
Cyclone of poor choices
Whitney’s Thoughts:
This is an important story of a young girl who was sucked in by a predator and narcissist, but more importantly how she fought for her children and her own peace and clawed out of the circumstances she was in. That said, I wish there had been a bit more editing for flow and overall writing style, and the focus on religion at the end felt a little out of place. Thank you She Writes Press for the gifted copy!
October 9, 2024
I love memoirs. Learning about other people’s lives, especially other women, helps me put my life into perspective, and I often learn more about my own self than I did before. Brandi Dredge opens up about her teenage pregnancy, her marriage, domestic abuse, and moving on to make decisions for her and her family. Dredge notes that she’s condensed the timeline of events some for the book. There were many parts where I just wanted more detail to understand what her family (mostly her parents) were thinking. I wanted to give her a big hug and tell her I was proud of her, and that she was a good mother and made good decisions for her children.
I do recommend reading this book- but please check trigger warnings prior if you are sensitive to some topics.
Thanks to BookSparks for a copy in exchange for an honest review! This book drops on 10/22!
I do recommend reading this book- but please check trigger warnings prior if you are sensitive to some topics.
Thanks to BookSparks for a copy in exchange for an honest review! This book drops on 10/22!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2024
Both jaw-dropping and captivating, this story takes us on an emotional journey. It is an honest and vulnerable account of a young life in a terrible mess. The main character’s growth throughout the book is remarkable, I couldn’t help but cheer her on. Caroline’s much older husband faces repetitive arrests and sexual assault allegations against teenagers. When she learns of statutory rape, she wonders how she can be a victim when she wanted the relationship. What a tightrope to walk because when we’re 16, we know all, right? I don’t believe she was a victim but am thankful her circumstances were able to get a predator off the streets. Because of her faith, she was able to overcome the shame of her past. The story could have flowed better but the point is the same, when all else fails, there is always hope. Shine on!
October 22, 2024
Girl, Uncoded is a tale of a sixteen year old girl who made a decision and chose a path that affected her for the rest of her life. Her life is unimaginable to me and it was hard to see her struggle with all of the bad things that happened to her. Finally with self-healing, and with the help of a lot of good people who came into her life, she was able to turn her life around.
This was a very well written story that I am sure was hard to write. The reader takes on all the highs and lows with Caroline and struggles right along with her. Even though it was sometimes hard to read, it ends on a positive note of redemption and healing.
If you like to read memoirs, this would be a great one to read. You will be rooting for Caroline all the way. I enjoyed this story very much!
This was a very well written story that I am sure was hard to write. The reader takes on all the highs and lows with Caroline and struggles right along with her. Even though it was sometimes hard to read, it ends on a positive note of redemption and healing.
If you like to read memoirs, this would be a great one to read. You will be rooting for Caroline all the way. I enjoyed this story very much!
October 26, 2024
Gosh, this memoir is heartbreaking and infuriating and redeeming all in one. As someone who lived as a child of a teen mom (though there wasn’t an inappropriate age gap like this story) and also a mom who didn’t pick decent men for herself and to be around her children, there were a lot of things I could relate to in some way and gave me a different point of view. I think it was incredibly brave to write this, and I am so glad that the author was able to break away from the situation and better hers and her family’s lives. I think it was a difficult but good story and that it could really help someone in similar circumstances. Thanks to Booksparks for sending me a copy! Girl Uncoded published this week.
November 2, 2024
The first thing that comes to my mind is "Wow". Girl, Uncoded by Brandi Dredge is a powerful memoir that chronicles the author’s journey through profound challenges and eventual triumphs. Dredge recounts her experiences with raw honesty and vulnerability, addressing themes of passion, betrayal, and personal growth. The memoir explores the complexities of relationships and the resilience required to navigate life’s unexpected twists. Dredge’s narrative is compelling and heartfelt, offering readers a glimpse into her transformative journey towards self-discovery and healing. Overall, Girl, Uncoded is a poignant and inspiring read that resonates long after the final page.
October 14, 2024
“When you tell your story, you must start from the beginning.”
Thank you @booksparks for this gifted ARC (publication date: 10/22/24).
I commend Brandi for telling her harrowing story. I cannot imagine how challenging it must have been for her to experience all of the tragedies and then relive them by writing this memoir. In all honesty, I did not love the writing style and the dialogue felt somewhat inauthentic. However, I am glad Brandi was able to tell her story, share her truth, and find God.
Thank you @booksparks for this gifted ARC (publication date: 10/22/24).
I commend Brandi for telling her harrowing story. I cannot imagine how challenging it must have been for her to experience all of the tragedies and then relive them by writing this memoir. In all honesty, I did not love the writing style and the dialogue felt somewhat inauthentic. However, I am glad Brandi was able to tell her story, share her truth, and find God.
October 20, 2024
An engaging read that felt like a conversation with the author. I could barely put it down because the pages turned effortlessly!
The story connected to me in a real way, unlike some memoirs or other true crime stories that clearly feel like they are happening to other people. This felt like I was right there with the author and I got it. I understand what she was telling me and it was an experience that stuck with me for days!
The story connected to me in a real way, unlike some memoirs or other true crime stories that clearly feel like they are happening to other people. This felt like I was right there with the author and I got it. I understand what she was telling me and it was an experience that stuck with me for days!
October 27, 2024
This book was such a raw and heartbreaking memoir that showed domestic violence and how a DV relationship can unfold. The book was captivating, and her story was incredible, the resilience and how hard it would have been to write this book. I feel everyone needs to read this book to gain an understanding of how DV dynamics work and how women can’t ‘just leave’ the relationships. It is definitely a story of survival and I am so glad I picked this one up.
July 16, 2024
After meeting the man of her dreams at age 16, Caroline sets out to make him her own. But she didn’t bargain for all that came with him as she struggled to accept his troubling reality. She shares her teen pregnancy struggle and eventual marriage to him as they build a life. There are bigger problems coming that help her turn to God to get through.
September 4, 2024
Have you ever been wondering why somebody stays with their partner, although the partner is obviously a liar, adulterer or even a criminal? In this memoir you might find some answers how obsessive love mixed with fear of the unknown, insecurity and the need to feel loved might lead somebody to endure circumstances that from the outside look insufferable.
July 5, 2024
I really appreciate this book because it is so unapologetically honest and raw. The book grapples with thoughts, and raw emotions of a young girl forced into adult situations too soon.
The author shares her incredible journey of her life opens her difficult past to share with the rest of us.
The author shares her incredible journey of her life opens her difficult past to share with the rest of us.
July 27, 2024
Wow! This book was SO POWERFUL! Hesrt-wretching and raw whule inspirational and uplifting at the same time. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! This woman's journey and resilience is a beacon of hope to many
October 23, 2024
lovely portrayal of a young life
I read this book and how it was presented with truth kindness and love. I hope this is the beginning of more books from this lovely young woman. May God continue to bless her life.
I read this book and how it was presented with truth kindness and love. I hope this is the beginning of more books from this lovely young woman. May God continue to bless her life.
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