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What's Wrong With Wende?

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What’s wrong with Wende? I’ve known since I was young that something was wrong with me. Four-year-olds don’t read newspapers. Ten-year-olds aren’t supposed to be given their Mommy’s wake up pills or slapped at eleven for telling on the man who raped her. I didn’t mean to rob 7-11 when I was fifteen or get kicked out of the Navy at 17. I married too young and was a mommy too soon. Another marriage ended when they arrested him as a serial rapist suspected of murder. Drugs came easy with a direct line to the cook, and an organized crime affiliation. My family can’t believe all I’ve survived, they were told I was dying twice, but God had other plans. This is the true story of my life. It hasn’t always been pretty, and there’s no way to sugar-coat ugly. So, if you’re easily offended or faint of heart, my book may not be for you. If, on the other hand, you think your life is over cause you’ve made a mess of it, turn the page. Have I got a story for you?

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Published March 20, 2025

166 people are currently reading
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About the author

Windell Yvette Beaird

1 book8 followers

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5 stars
158 (50%)
4 stars
86 (27%)
3 stars
44 (14%)
2 stars
16 (5%)
1 star
10 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Michael Slavin.
Author 8 books279 followers
November 3, 2020
Not what I usually read, but a friend told me to read it. So I did and I am glad I did.

It takes a brave person to write a book that is so honest about your family and a very rough childhood. It took a cancer diagnosis for the author to decide to let it all hang out.

This story is as raw as it gets-no sugar coating, abuse, rape, and a very difficult childhood. But it is also a story of hope and survival, as the author with the help of God is able to put these terrors behind her and be very successful. Not part of this story, but the author shares with us that she finds a calling in nursing and helping others.

I have also seen her Goodreads photo and she looks very happy.

So, who is this story for? I feel this story is a valuable read for anyone. About 700,000 are abused every year in the United States. If there is no abuse anywhere around you or the people you know, you are still not far removed. We all need to be educated on abuse and try to be aware of the issue.

Thank you to the author Wende Baird. I hope her courage helps some other child or many.
Profile Image for Laura Hix.
88 reviews11 followers
April 24, 2020
Wende is an acquaintance of mine and her relationship with God is very important to her. She is very passionate about sharing God and what He means to her.

However, this book is not a sermon book.

It is an autobiography. A book about living a life that may not be what people think of when they think of God. Wende will be the first one to tell you that. This is the reason she wrote it. To help others not make the same mistakes she did.

Disclaimer: This book does have some graphic content.

I did not receive anything for this honest review.
Profile Image for Margaret Lewis.
11 reviews3 followers
November 14, 2021
What an Adventure!!!

Thank you for an honest story. I am sorry it was so difficult at times but I can’t apologize for God. He allowed it so He knew what He was doing. Gods will always prevails and I am glad you were brave enough to tell your story.
Profile Image for Sunshine Hoover.
55 reviews2 followers
December 16, 2021
This was a great book! There are parts in it for everyone, I believe. I felt so many different emotions while reading this. I am so happy for the author that things turned around for her. She is the true epitome of one of my favorite quotes that I try to live by. Make your mess your message! Thank you Wende for allowing us to share part in your life story. If you are reading this, I hope you and your family are doing well. ❤️💌❤️



P.S. to answer the title question, there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with Wende!


P.SS. I would LOVE to see a pic of the tattoos 😂😂
4 reviews
October 18, 2021
Awesome testimony

Wende's book was a story about God's redemption, the choices we make and God's power that is able to save. His mercy and grace that brought her and her family through. Her book made me smile, cry and reflect on the price that Jesus paid for us. I'm looking forward to her next one, this one had me from the beginning. Thank you for sharing Wende.
10 reviews
December 19, 2022
there’s nothing wrong with Wende!!

What’s wrong is a society that doesn’t understand uniqueness! A society that does not care for its vulnerable and protects those who abuse others. This is a story told in honesty by someone who has learned to take responsibility for their own actions and choices, it takes a lot of courage to do that. More strength to you wende and love.
1 review
December 25, 2021
Brilliant

This story was full of every emotion you can feel. I have such# respect for this woman. Her story and writing skills were a pleasure to read. I hope she writes another book. Would gladly read it.
306 reviews
February 13, 2022
Very good.

Five *****'s for this autobiography. Tore right through it! I genuinely hope that the author co tumors to prospect in her life. Definitely 1000 percent inspirational!!!!!
Author 3 books1 follower
February 15, 2025
Windell Yvette Beaird’s What’s Wrong with Wende? is a gripping memoir that takes readers on an emotional journey through trauma, addiction, and redemption. With unflinching honesty, Beaird shares her struggles from childhood abuse and rebellious teenage years to near-death experiences and eventual healing.

What makes this book stand out is its raw, unedited storytelling. Beaird’s willingness to lay bare the darkest moments of her life creates an intimate connection with the reader. Her story is heartbreaking, yet ultimately inspiring, as it showcases the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith.

The book resonates deeply with those who have faced hardship, offering a message of hope and survival. Some readers may find the lack of polish distracting, but others will appreciate the authenticity and realness of her words.

Overall, What’s Wrong with Wende? is a powerful testimony of perseverance and grace. If you’re looking for an emotionally charged, faith-driven memoir, this book is worth reading.
309 reviews16 followers
March 13, 2024
Unfiltered experience


What's Wrong With Wende? by Windell Yvette O'Keefe is a memoir that feels like sitting down for coffee with an old friend who has lived an incredible life.

O'Keefe takes us on an unfiltered journey through her life, filled with heartache, resilience, and love amidst chaos. The narrative unfolds like a human experience, through the tumultuous with a touch of humor that surprises.

Perhaps the most striking aspect of O'Keefe's memoir is her ability to find hope in the midst of darkness. Her life's narrative, fraught with challenges ranging from family tragedy to brushes with crime, ultimately finds beauty in the brokenness.
Profile Image for Elisabeth Brookshire.
528 reviews8 followers
September 6, 2021
A very absorbing read

If you can get past all the random question marks at the end of almost every sentence you can really enjoy this book. The author has lived a wild life filled with a lot of heartbreak and pain but she manages to rise above and become a willing servant of God, loving and caring for all those she encounters. I enjoyed reading about her journey and wish her the best.
16 reviews
March 14, 2022
"Shaking my head"

Although I found Wende's story somewhat interesting, I do like reading about other people's lives, all I can do is shake my head. The most intriguing thing about Wende is her solid belief in God, and yet she brought an awful lot of her problems on herself. How can someone know the fire will burn you and still can't help yourself from sticking your hand in it? It appears to be stupidity...but Wende's not a stupid person. I'm still shaking my head.
2 reviews
December 3, 2021
Not very interesting

I just didn’t care for this book and quit about halfway through. Not very well written and reading about constant drug abuse and parental negligence leaves a lot to be desired.
1 review
February 27, 2022
A great read!

It kept my interest! Very good read! I came from a very dysfunctional home ! My dad was very abusive and I have a heart for others surviving the chaos . I've been told I'm a strong person but never felt i
11 reviews
December 28, 2022
inspirational journey

Honest compelling grew to love the author great life lessons touching full of faith would recommend inspiring uplifting tear jearking at times
Profile Image for Jasmin Chrzan.
33 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2023
This memoir started off SO STRONG and then just deteriorated into a religious book. Egh.
1 review1 follower
September 26, 2024
Not interesting at all, its poorly written with more than a few spelling errors .. Aside from that its more than likely full of lies and half truths about the authors family members ... Not worth the money yall, or the time ..
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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