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Ironing Out My Life: Child Abuse and How it Affected Everything Thereafter
Kate Russell's third memoir explores the effects of child abuse. Beginning with her parent's upbringing, chronicling her life, ending in present day, Kate reveals traits, habits and mindsets that developed as the result of early childhood trauma. Long estranged from her abusers, Kate examines choices she made, masks she donned, and the outcome of her efforts through the lens of a survivor in recovery. For anyone who was physically, emotionally, spiritually, intellectually or psychologically abused. Especially those who cope by sweeping their past under the rug.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 14, 2025
Reviewed by C.R. Hurst for Readers’ Favorite
Ironing Out My Life: Child Abuse and How It Affected Everything Thereafter is a difficult book to read and I mean that in the best possible way. In it, Kate Russell shares harrowing stories of her childhood that not only provide emotional impact but also made me understand how abuse will besiege those abused with self-doubt and anxiety in their adult lives. In a very real way, the book forces readers to “fall down the rabbit hole” with the author, making reading visceral and inspirational. Those who have not experienced such abuses will better understand their profound impact; those who have will find inspiration in knowing that the author’s continual personal growth may be possible for them too.
What I appreciated the most about Ironing Out My Life is Kate Russell’s remarkable honesty when dealing with her troubled past. So many memoirs avoid revealing disturbing details, perhaps for fear of upsetting family members and friends, or for fear of triggering distress from those who suffered similar abuses. However, Russell never reveals those details for their shock value. Instead, she reveals them so that we might better understand them and her. I also found the insights that she has gathered as an adult especially affecting. For instance, Russell wonders why she cannot move forward in her career as an actress, but realizes that “fear stifles creativity” and she is “imprisoned by the past.” Yet she keeps going, keeps moving forward to a better future. I wish her well.
Ironing Out My Life: Child Abuse and How It Affected Everything Thereafter is a difficult book to read and I mean that in the best possible way. In it, Kate Russell shares harrowing stories of her childhood that not only provide emotional impact but also made me understand how abuse will besiege those abused with self-doubt and anxiety in their adult lives. In a very real way, the book forces readers to “fall down the rabbit hole” with the author, making reading visceral and inspirational. Those who have not experienced such abuses will better understand their profound impact; those who have will find inspiration in knowing that the author’s continual personal growth may be possible for them too.
What I appreciated the most about Ironing Out My Life is Kate Russell’s remarkable honesty when dealing with her troubled past. So many memoirs avoid revealing disturbing details, perhaps for fear of upsetting family members and friends, or for fear of triggering distress from those who suffered similar abuses. However, Russell never reveals those details for their shock value. Instead, she reveals them so that we might better understand them and her. I also found the insights that she has gathered as an adult especially affecting. For instance, Russell wonders why she cannot move forward in her career as an actress, but realizes that “fear stifles creativity” and she is “imprisoned by the past.” Yet she keeps going, keeps moving forward to a better future. I wish her well.
May 5, 2025
A Tale of Overcoming Tremendous Odds
“Ironing Out My Life” is an excruciatingly detailed recounting of childhood trauma and abuse. It is chronicled through a first person view by the author Kate Russell, from childhood through puberty and teenage years, and into adulthood. While it can be difficult to be a witness to the highly dysfunctional family in which Kate grows up in, it is quite gratifying to discover the ways in which Ms. Russell learns to deal with the damage done and to grow into a loving, highly functioning, hard-working adult. We witness her journey as she overcomes addictions to drugs and alcohol, toxic mindsets and habits, and uneasy relationships, to become sober, well adjusted, and healthy. Her hard work, dedication, and striving for excellence are inspiring and are well worth the read.
“Ironing Out My Life” is an excruciatingly detailed recounting of childhood trauma and abuse. It is chronicled through a first person view by the author Kate Russell, from childhood through puberty and teenage years, and into adulthood. While it can be difficult to be a witness to the highly dysfunctional family in which Kate grows up in, it is quite gratifying to discover the ways in which Ms. Russell learns to deal with the damage done and to grow into a loving, highly functioning, hard-working adult. We witness her journey as she overcomes addictions to drugs and alcohol, toxic mindsets and habits, and uneasy relationships, to become sober, well adjusted, and healthy. Her hard work, dedication, and striving for excellence are inspiring and are well worth the read.
August 23, 2025
I loved this book!! It was so raw and heartbreaking. It was also very uplifting at times. The writer has so much clarity about her experience. This memoir is so thoughtfully thorough. You feel like you are taken on a ride with this character that happens to not be fictional. I’ve read her two other books and this one is my favorite!!! If you like memoirs this is the book to read.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews