Left

by Bonnie Thompson

Bonnie Thompson was nine years old when she realized her dad secretly wanted to be her mom. And that her mom, numb in her own pain, was unreachable by Bonnie and her older sister.
Bonnie experienced endless trials and losses in her dad transitioning into a woman; her parents' divorce; a vacant mother who brought a monster into the house; the loss of her baby sister; bullying at school; heartache; and daily isolation. She became the parent of her parents.
Stark. Unsentimental. Gritty. The story of a young girl forced to survive by using her wits. For readers of Educated, The Glass Castle, Wild, and Maid-this unusual and powerful memoir of resilience is impossible to set down.

Genres: Nonfiction

464 pages, Paperback

Published January 16, 2025

Reviews

[_sassy_39 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left, written by Bonnie Thompson, is a memoir of childhood survival. In it, the author recounts her early years and the challenges of growing up in a family that looked ordinary on the surface but was far from it. Her parents and sister formed her immediate family, yet even as a young child, Bonnie sensed that her father wished to live as a woman.

When her parents separated, neither Bonnie nor her sister received any explanation. On a shopping trip with her father, Bonnie noticed him drifting into a trance in the women’s department, especially when looking at lingerie and he even purchased it. Meanwhile, her sister Cheryl became pregnant at just sixteen and soon left home, leaving Bonnie alone with her mother. Reading the challenges faced by Bonnie felt like a rollercoaster ride.

The writing is vivid and immersive, making me feel as though I were walking beside the author through her memories. It is heartbreaking to witness a young girl forced to survive on her own resourcefulness. Bonnie’s mother seemed emotionally absent, and this memoir serves as a wake-up call to other mothers/parents to be more attentive to their children. I deeply appreciate Bonnie’s courage in sharing her story.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

t says something about a book when you look at your annotations/bookmarks and the last one is "wow". Left by bonnie thompson is a memoir about her chaotic and traumatic childhood with two emotionally unavailable parents and an extremely limited social network of friends or family to lean on. At nine Bonnie's parents split up, her mom starts dating an abusive man and her dad begins a long and difficult transition to become a woman. Bonnie is left to her own devices, endangered, neglected and not properly provided for by either of her parents who were too preoccupied with everything going on in their own lives to give Bonnie the care or attention she needed. Somehow Bonnie survived and went on to write this book, sharing her painful journey and touching readers with her strength and perseverance.

It is well written with excellent narration. Pacing is good, though I felt the end was a bit slower than the rest of the story as it focuses more on her adult life. I would definitely recommend this one!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Goodreads for giving me the chance to read this book. At times this book was difficult to read because it made me angry. I felt for Bonnie, growing up with parents so consumed in their own lives that they could not show love. Grandparents are supposed to love their grandchildren and be there for them, but Bonnie didn’t even have that in her life. Bonnie, I wish you didn’t have to go through such a painful life, but glad that you could persevere. Such a touching read!

[Barb Drummond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bonnie Thompson’s Left is a profoundly moving and unforgettable memoir. Her bravery in sharing such an intimate journey is remarkable, and her genuine voice makes you feel as if you’re walking beside her through every moment. I often wanted to reach out and hug her or hold her hand. Her story is one of resilience and humanity that will leave you reflecting long after you close her book.