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The Child I Left Behind: A Mother's Journey Toward Healing & Forgiveness
What happens when childhood ends at nine?
The Child I Left A Mother’s Journey Toward Healing & Forgiveness by Anjalia McGoldrick is a deeply moving memoir that will captivate readers with its raw honesty, resilience, and ultimate redemption.
This book tells the extraordinary story of a young girl forced into adulthood far too soon. By the age of nine, she was navigating responsibilities no child should endure. Pregnant at 13 and a mother struggling for survival at 16, her life was a series of trials that could have easily broken her.
Yet, through sheer determination and an unyielding spirit, she overcame the odds stacked against her. Escaping an abusive relationship, she rebuilt her life and rose from poverty to become a successful entrepreneur, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and metaphysician.
While this is a story of triumph, it’s also an exploration of the emotional scars left by her struggles—wounds that lingered and shaped her understanding of healing, forgiveness, and spirituality.
McGoldrick’s journey invites readers into the depths of despair and lifts them to the heights of personal growth and transformation.
This isn’t just a memoir—it’s a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. If you’re drawn to stories about overcoming adversity, emotional healing, and the courage to forgive, this book is a must-read.
Find your strength within these pages—start reading!
The Child I Left A Mother’s Journey Toward Healing & Forgiveness by Anjalia McGoldrick is a deeply moving memoir that will captivate readers with its raw honesty, resilience, and ultimate redemption.
This book tells the extraordinary story of a young girl forced into adulthood far too soon. By the age of nine, she was navigating responsibilities no child should endure. Pregnant at 13 and a mother struggling for survival at 16, her life was a series of trials that could have easily broken her.
Yet, through sheer determination and an unyielding spirit, she overcame the odds stacked against her. Escaping an abusive relationship, she rebuilt her life and rose from poverty to become a successful entrepreneur, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and metaphysician.
While this is a story of triumph, it’s also an exploration of the emotional scars left by her struggles—wounds that lingered and shaped her understanding of healing, forgiveness, and spirituality.
McGoldrick’s journey invites readers into the depths of despair and lifts them to the heights of personal growth and transformation.
This isn’t just a memoir—it’s a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. If you’re drawn to stories about overcoming adversity, emotional healing, and the courage to forgive, this book is a must-read.
Find your strength within these pages—start reading!
336 pages, Hardcover
First published April 29, 2025
About the author
Anjalia McGoldrick
1 book7 followersAnjalia McGoldrick overcame extraordinary odds. Pregnant at thirteen, a mother at fourteen, and determined to escape an abusive relationship by sixteen, she began rebuilding a life that once seemed impossible. With only an eighth-grade education, she went on to become an entrepreneur, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, metaphysician, and award-winning author.
Her memoir, The Child I Left Behind: A Mother’s Journey Toward Healing & Forgiveness, chronicles her extraordinary journey from childhood trauma, abuse, poverty, abandonment, and generational pain to education, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and a life devoted to helping others heal.
The book won two 2025 International Impact Book Awards: Best Memoir: Trauma & Healing Journeys and Best Inspirational: Overcoming Adversity. In 2026, Anjalia was named a finalist for 2026 International Impact Book Awards Author of the Year.
Anjalia's own healing journey has deeply shaped the way she understands the wounds people carry beneath the surface. Through her work as a psychotherapist and author, she explores the connection between childhood experiences, shame, self-abandonment, overachievement, and the exhaustion that can come from carrying too much for too long.
Today, Anjalia is passionate about helping women who carry too much reconnect with themselves, heal the wounds beneath their patterns, and reclaim the lives they were meant to live.
Her message is simple: your past may have shaped you, but it does not have to define you. Healing does not erase what happened—it changes what becomes possible.
Heal the Child Within. Reclaim Your Life Ahead.
Her memoir, The Child I Left Behind: A Mother’s Journey Toward Healing & Forgiveness, chronicles her extraordinary journey from childhood trauma, abuse, poverty, abandonment, and generational pain to education, entrepreneurship, motherhood, and a life devoted to helping others heal.
The book won two 2025 International Impact Book Awards: Best Memoir: Trauma & Healing Journeys and Best Inspirational: Overcoming Adversity. In 2026, Anjalia was named a finalist for 2026 International Impact Book Awards Author of the Year.
Anjalia's own healing journey has deeply shaped the way she understands the wounds people carry beneath the surface. Through her work as a psychotherapist and author, she explores the connection between childhood experiences, shame, self-abandonment, overachievement, and the exhaustion that can come from carrying too much for too long.
Today, Anjalia is passionate about helping women who carry too much reconnect with themselves, heal the wounds beneath their patterns, and reclaim the lives they were meant to live.
Her message is simple: your past may have shaped you, but it does not have to define you. Healing does not erase what happened—it changes what becomes possible.
Heal the Child Within. Reclaim Your Life Ahead.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 18, 2025
The Child I Left Behind is a compelling and amazing journey back in time through the author's life. The ability to feel and share in the journey through the words on the pages had me looking forward to the free time in my day that I could allocate to returning to the book and the content within it. The amazing resilience and strength lying underneath the author's fragile exterior and the unfolding as she connected with her inner strength and now shares the journey with others is a tribute to the power of the mind and the powers of nature, higher callings, and perseverance. I truly resonated with the author and her journey as she bares her soul in such a way that it feels like you are reading a novel, but I would find that I needed to consciously remind myself, this is a heart-lifting memoir, and not just a story, which is an example of the capability within us all. This book struck so many chords, and I hope that there is a sequel because it was that powerful, and I believe the journey is just beginning.
Dave Barnes – BS, MS.
Dave Barnes – BS, MS.
July 30, 2025
Anjalia shares her memoir so bravely with the reader. It’s an emotional book to read and I found myself crying for her, wanting to protect her, and finally cheering for her transformation of mind and spirit. So many pieces of the book were so relateable, and in letting her light shine, she brings encouragement to me. I’m so thankful for her practice in our town, and reading about her journey on her way to building this safe space for others makes me appreciate even more the strength it took to get here and just how big her heart is for healing others. Angelia you are amazing!!
August 24, 2025
What inspires me most is not just what she endured, but what she became: a psychotherapist, a metaphysician, a healer. To go from abuse and poverty to a life of purpose shows us all that pain doesn’t get the final word. If you need hope that your story isn’t over, read this.
April 15, 2025
As soon as I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. The Child I Left Behind is nothing less than a work of art. This is a raw telling of what it truly means and looks like to endure cycles of abuse, trauma, poverty, and emotional warfare. Anjalia holds nothing back and bares her heart and soul to share the reality of what it takes to break such cycles, grow, and learn in all stages of life. Astounding.
April 11, 2025
ABSOLUTELY OUTSTANDING READ!!! I could not put the book down and each chapter had me wanting more. What Anjalia endeared and overcame will resonate with so many. Decades of trauma and the power of self healing all wrapped into one lifetime and one book. I don’t know how she did it but I am praying for more from this author in the future.
December 10, 2025
This book encompasses true grit and determination, as told in the harrowing account of the author’s journey. Thank you, Anjalia, for having the courage to share your struggles and triumphs, so that others may know they are not alone and that there is always hope. I value you as the amazing and gifted person that you are, and as a trusted and generous entrepreneur, director and colleague.
Lisa Kirkner, LPC, Life in Balance Counseling & Wellness Center
Lisa Kirkner, LPC, Life in Balance Counseling & Wellness Center
June 3, 2025
In this powerful memoir, the author opens up about her harrowing experiences with trauma and domestic abuse. Her world was shaken when she discovered that the man she believed to be her father was not her biological parent. Following her parents' divorce, her mother moved in with a man named Percy—who soon revealed himself to be a source of pain and turmoil.
The author found relief only in Percy’s absence. When Charlie entered her life, she was yearning for love and someone to save her. However, what began as hope quickly turned into horror. At just thirteen, she became pregnant with Charlie’s child. After the birth of her daughter, Lea Nicole, her mother stepped in to help—but Charlie’s possessiveness and cruelty grew worse, especially when it came to their baby. His explosive temper began to tear their fragile family apart.
This deeply moving memoir explores whether the author can find the strength to break free from a toxic relationship. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for others trapped in similar situations—encouraging them to reclaim their courage and seek freedom. The author’s unfiltered honesty brings raw emotion to every page, making her pain and resilience palpable.
For anyone searching for peace, healing, or inspiration, this book is a must-read.
The author found relief only in Percy’s absence. When Charlie entered her life, she was yearning for love and someone to save her. However, what began as hope quickly turned into horror. At just thirteen, she became pregnant with Charlie’s child. After the birth of her daughter, Lea Nicole, her mother stepped in to help—but Charlie’s possessiveness and cruelty grew worse, especially when it came to their baby. His explosive temper began to tear their fragile family apart.
This deeply moving memoir explores whether the author can find the strength to break free from a toxic relationship. Her story serves as a beacon of hope for others trapped in similar situations—encouraging them to reclaim their courage and seek freedom. The author’s unfiltered honesty brings raw emotion to every page, making her pain and resilience palpable.
For anyone searching for peace, healing, or inspiration, this book is a must-read.
April 27, 2025
The Child I Left Behind is a very well-written and powerful story that is impossible to put down once you start it. It manages to be heart-breaking, yet incredibly inspiring at the same time. I believe that anyone who takes the time to read it will take something valuable away from the experience - I know that I did!
July 10, 2025
The Child I Left Behind by Anjalia McGoldrick is not just a memoir — it is a powerful, unfiltered look at how one woman’s unwavering spirit carried her from the depths of hardship to a place of healing, forgiveness, and personal triumph. This book is raw, relatable, and deeply human — an essential read for anyone who believes that no matter how difficult the beginning, life can still be reshaped with courage and determination.
Anjalia’s early years were marked by experiences that most adults would struggle to endure. Forced to grow up too soon, she navigated situations that robbed her of the carefree innocence every child deserves. Becoming a mother in her early teens, trapped in a cycle of instability and pain, she could have easily remained stuck in those circumstances. But instead of letting those struggles define her, she found the strength to rise, one hard-earned step at a time.
What truly makes this memoir remarkable is its honesty. Anjalia doesn’t sugarcoat her story — she takes the reader through the rawness of her hardships, from broken relationships to moments of complete despair. But alongside those struggles, she also shows the quiet victories, the internal battles fought and won, and the growth that comes from facing life’s harshest realities head-on. Her journey out of poverty and into the role of a successful entrepreneur and mental health professional is not presented as an overnight transformation, but as the result of resilience, reflection, and relentless effort.
Beyond her personal achievements, McGoldrick also opens a window into the deeper, emotional layers of healing. She reflects on the lasting impact of childhood wounds, the complicated process of learning to forgive — both herself and others — and the hard-won understanding that true healing requires vulnerability. Her journey reminds us that forgiveness is not weakness, but an act of immense strength, and that healing is not about erasing the past, but learning to live with it on our own terms.
For anyone who has faced adversity, struggled to break free from their circumstances, or wondered if it’s ever truly possible to rewrite your story, The Child I Left Behind is living proof that the answer is yes. Anjalia’s story is not only inspiring — it’s a testament to the fact that healing, growth, and success are available to anyone willing to fight for them.
This memoir is a gift to readers — honest, uplifting, and a reminder that no matter where you come from, your future is still yours to create.
Anjalia’s early years were marked by experiences that most adults would struggle to endure. Forced to grow up too soon, she navigated situations that robbed her of the carefree innocence every child deserves. Becoming a mother in her early teens, trapped in a cycle of instability and pain, she could have easily remained stuck in those circumstances. But instead of letting those struggles define her, she found the strength to rise, one hard-earned step at a time.
What truly makes this memoir remarkable is its honesty. Anjalia doesn’t sugarcoat her story — she takes the reader through the rawness of her hardships, from broken relationships to moments of complete despair. But alongside those struggles, she also shows the quiet victories, the internal battles fought and won, and the growth that comes from facing life’s harshest realities head-on. Her journey out of poverty and into the role of a successful entrepreneur and mental health professional is not presented as an overnight transformation, but as the result of resilience, reflection, and relentless effort.
Beyond her personal achievements, McGoldrick also opens a window into the deeper, emotional layers of healing. She reflects on the lasting impact of childhood wounds, the complicated process of learning to forgive — both herself and others — and the hard-won understanding that true healing requires vulnerability. Her journey reminds us that forgiveness is not weakness, but an act of immense strength, and that healing is not about erasing the past, but learning to live with it on our own terms.
For anyone who has faced adversity, struggled to break free from their circumstances, or wondered if it’s ever truly possible to rewrite your story, The Child I Left Behind is living proof that the answer is yes. Anjalia’s story is not only inspiring — it’s a testament to the fact that healing, growth, and success are available to anyone willing to fight for them.
This memoir is a gift to readers — honest, uplifting, and a reminder that no matter where you come from, your future is still yours to create.
June 30, 2026
The Child I Left Behind: A Mother's Journey Toward Healing & Forgiveness by Anjalia McGoldrick is one of those rare memoirs that stays with you long after you've turned the final page. It is raw, unflinching, and deeply moving, a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most devastating circumstances. This is not an easy read, but it is an essential one.
The book tells the extraordinary story of a young girl forced into adulthood far too soon. By the age of nine, she was navigating responsibilities no child should endure. Pregnant at 13 and a mother struggling for survival at 16, her life was a series of trials that could have easily broken her. And yet, through sheer determination and an unyielding spirit, she overcame the odds stacked against her. Escaping an abusive relationship, she rebuilt her life and rose from poverty to become a successful entrepreneur, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and metaphysician.
What makes this memoir so powerful is McGoldrick's willingness to be vulnerable. She doesn't sugarcoat her past or present herself as a flawless hero. She shares her struggles with honesty and humility, exploring the emotional scars left by her struggles, wounds that lingered and shaped her understanding of healing, forgiveness, and spirituality. This is a story of triumph, but it's also an exploration of the pain that comes before the triumph, the moments of doubt and despair that make the eventual victory all the more meaningful.
McGoldrick's writing is clear, evocative, and deeply personal. She invites readers into the depths of despair and lifts them to the heights of personal growth and transformation. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. You feel every moment of her pain, her fear, her anger, and ultimately, her hope. The emotional journey is so vivid that I found myself pausing frequently, just to absorb what I had read.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is its exploration of forgiveness, both of others and of oneself. McGoldrick doesn't offer easy answers or platitudes. She honestly wrestles with the question of how to forgive when the wounds are deep and the scars are permanent. Her journey toward forgiveness is messy and complicated, and that's what makes it so real and so inspiring.
The book tells the extraordinary story of a young girl forced into adulthood far too soon. By the age of nine, she was navigating responsibilities no child should endure. Pregnant at 13 and a mother struggling for survival at 16, her life was a series of trials that could have easily broken her. And yet, through sheer determination and an unyielding spirit, she overcame the odds stacked against her. Escaping an abusive relationship, she rebuilt her life and rose from poverty to become a successful entrepreneur, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and metaphysician.
What makes this memoir so powerful is McGoldrick's willingness to be vulnerable. She doesn't sugarcoat her past or present herself as a flawless hero. She shares her struggles with honesty and humility, exploring the emotional scars left by her struggles, wounds that lingered and shaped her understanding of healing, forgiveness, and spirituality. This is a story of triumph, but it's also an exploration of the pain that comes before the triumph, the moments of doubt and despair that make the eventual victory all the more meaningful.
McGoldrick's writing is clear, evocative, and deeply personal. She invites readers into the depths of despair and lifts them to the heights of personal growth and transformation. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. You feel every moment of her pain, her fear, her anger, and ultimately, her hope. The emotional journey is so vivid that I found myself pausing frequently, just to absorb what I had read.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is its exploration of forgiveness, both of others and of oneself. McGoldrick doesn't offer easy answers or platitudes. She honestly wrestles with the question of how to forgive when the wounds are deep and the scars are permanent. Her journey toward forgiveness is messy and complicated, and that's what makes it so real and so inspiring.
April 28, 2025
Reading The Child I Left Behind felt like meeting the child inside of me — the one who had waited in silence for decades, hoping someone would come back for her.
This book is not entertainment. It is not intellectual theory. It is a living prayer — a sacred witnessing of what happens when we stop trying to outrun our own pain and, instead, turn inward with open hands and an unflinching heart.
As someone who has lived through profound trauma, who has mothered, nursed, grieved, built, broken, and risen again — both in my personal life and through the soul work of shadow integration, Turning Within, and Inner Child healing — this book was not just a mirror. It was a companion. It walked with me through my own hidden corridors.
What moved me most was the dignity the author restores to the child within — not through false hope, not through spiritual bypassing, but through a deliberate and sacred act of seeing. Each page is a reclamation. Each word, a thread stitching back parts of the self that so many of us were taught to exile or abandon.
I wept not because I was broken — but because I was being called home.
This is the kind of book that leaves you with more strength, not less — the strength that comes when survival is no longer a shameful secret but a sacred ceremony. When the past is not erased, but honored and transformed.
If you are on the journey of trauma recovery, shadow work, inner child reparenting, or the slow, holy work of learning how to belong to yourself again — The Child I Left Behind is not just a book you will read. It is a companion you will carry in your heart.
This book matters.
My journey matters.
Your journey matters.
And every lost child within us deserves the kind of sacred remembrance that these pages offer.
With all my heart,
Sheila Tucker
(RN, CEN, Trauma Survivor, Shadow Work Practitioner, Wellness Advocate, Student of the Sacred Reclamation of Self)
This book is not entertainment. It is not intellectual theory. It is a living prayer — a sacred witnessing of what happens when we stop trying to outrun our own pain and, instead, turn inward with open hands and an unflinching heart.
As someone who has lived through profound trauma, who has mothered, nursed, grieved, built, broken, and risen again — both in my personal life and through the soul work of shadow integration, Turning Within, and Inner Child healing — this book was not just a mirror. It was a companion. It walked with me through my own hidden corridors.
What moved me most was the dignity the author restores to the child within — not through false hope, not through spiritual bypassing, but through a deliberate and sacred act of seeing. Each page is a reclamation. Each word, a thread stitching back parts of the self that so many of us were taught to exile or abandon.
I wept not because I was broken — but because I was being called home.
This is the kind of book that leaves you with more strength, not less — the strength that comes when survival is no longer a shameful secret but a sacred ceremony. When the past is not erased, but honored and transformed.
If you are on the journey of trauma recovery, shadow work, inner child reparenting, or the slow, holy work of learning how to belong to yourself again — The Child I Left Behind is not just a book you will read. It is a companion you will carry in your heart.
This book matters.
My journey matters.
Your journey matters.
And every lost child within us deserves the kind of sacred remembrance that these pages offer.
With all my heart,
Sheila Tucker
(RN, CEN, Trauma Survivor, Shadow Work Practitioner, Wellness Advocate, Student of the Sacred Reclamation of Self)
August 12, 2025
Uplifting story that will give you hope for the future and encouragement to go an extra mile and overcome any life situation!
A true story, yet hard to grasp that this life story has really happened. Even more surprising is the inapprehensible willpower of the author – a teenager with humble beginnings and without any resources - determined to turn her life around. With perseverance, hard work, grit and determination, the author turns her life around - she succeeds in everything she focuses on – gets the needed skills and qualifications, builds businesses and provides a prosperous life for her and those around her…
However, one area in her life remains painful - she could not figure out why her only child is rejecting her!? As always, she is in a quest for an answer to this most important question in her life. Years passed until the author comes across the phrase “Parental Alienation” and a “light bulb” immediately turns on in her head – this is what was going on with her only child. A poor child was “robbed” of her loving mother for life… Parental alienation, silent and not easily recognized for most of the times, is something that leaves scars on the kids for life... It is beyond comprehension, that the alienating evil acts are done on innocent kids for some selfish, revengeful reasons by the "dominant parent".
The unbearable pain, the guilt and the overwhelming emotions are inside the author for most of her life…. and once again, the author finds her unique way to deal with the pain, the guilt and the deep wounds. Even more surprising is that she finds the answer to be inside her; and only then, her true healing starts.
I do recommend this powerful life story to everyone. It gives you hope - no matter what you deal with – there is a better future coming. There is a solution for everything, waiting to be discovered.
A true story, yet hard to grasp that this life story has really happened. Even more surprising is the inapprehensible willpower of the author – a teenager with humble beginnings and without any resources - determined to turn her life around. With perseverance, hard work, grit and determination, the author turns her life around - she succeeds in everything she focuses on – gets the needed skills and qualifications, builds businesses and provides a prosperous life for her and those around her…
However, one area in her life remains painful - she could not figure out why her only child is rejecting her!? As always, she is in a quest for an answer to this most important question in her life. Years passed until the author comes across the phrase “Parental Alienation” and a “light bulb” immediately turns on in her head – this is what was going on with her only child. A poor child was “robbed” of her loving mother for life… Parental alienation, silent and not easily recognized for most of the times, is something that leaves scars on the kids for life... It is beyond comprehension, that the alienating evil acts are done on innocent kids for some selfish, revengeful reasons by the "dominant parent".
The unbearable pain, the guilt and the overwhelming emotions are inside the author for most of her life…. and once again, the author finds her unique way to deal with the pain, the guilt and the deep wounds. Even more surprising is that she finds the answer to be inside her; and only then, her true healing starts.
I do recommend this powerful life story to everyone. It gives you hope - no matter what you deal with – there is a better future coming. There is a solution for everything, waiting to be discovered.
June 10, 2025
The Child I Left Behind by Anjalia McGoldrick
📚🌟
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Wow, I just finished reading *The Child I Left Behind*, and I’m still inspired by this incredible story of resilience, healing, and hope. 🥰🤩
👉This powerful memoir takes us deep into the life of Anjalia McGoldrick—someone who faced unimaginable hardships from a very young age. Imagine being nine years old and already carrying responsibilities no child should bear. By 13, she was pregnant, and at 16, she was a struggling young mother trying to survive in a world that often felt unforgiving. 💔
👉Despite these overwhelming challenges, Anjalia’s story is one of triumph. Through sheer determination, inner strength, and a relentless spirit, she escaped an abusive relationship, broke free from the cycle of poverty, and transformed her life. Today, she’s a successful entrepreneur, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and metaphysician—proving that even the deepest wounds can become the foundation for growth and purpose. 🌱✨
👉What touched me most is her journey of healing—how she confronted her emotional scars, learned to forgive, and embraced spirituality as a tool for transformation. Her story reminds us that no matter how dark our past may be, there is always a path toward light and renewal. 💖
👉This isn’t just a memoir; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness. If you’re inspired by stories of overcoming adversity, personal growth, and finding hope amid hardship, this book is a must-have in your collection.
👉Open these pages and discover the strength within us all—her journey will inspire you to heal, forgive, and thrive. 🙌
Happy reading 😁😁
#bookreview
📚🌟
Rating:5/5
Review:
👉Wow, I just finished reading *The Child I Left Behind*, and I’m still inspired by this incredible story of resilience, healing, and hope. 🥰🤩
👉This powerful memoir takes us deep into the life of Anjalia McGoldrick—someone who faced unimaginable hardships from a very young age. Imagine being nine years old and already carrying responsibilities no child should bear. By 13, she was pregnant, and at 16, she was a struggling young mother trying to survive in a world that often felt unforgiving. 💔
👉Despite these overwhelming challenges, Anjalia’s story is one of triumph. Through sheer determination, inner strength, and a relentless spirit, she escaped an abusive relationship, broke free from the cycle of poverty, and transformed her life. Today, she’s a successful entrepreneur, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and metaphysician—proving that even the deepest wounds can become the foundation for growth and purpose. 🌱✨
👉What touched me most is her journey of healing—how she confronted her emotional scars, learned to forgive, and embraced spirituality as a tool for transformation. Her story reminds us that no matter how dark our past may be, there is always a path toward light and renewal. 💖
👉This isn’t just a memoir; it’s a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of forgiveness. If you’re inspired by stories of overcoming adversity, personal growth, and finding hope amid hardship, this book is a must-have in your collection.
👉Open these pages and discover the strength within us all—her journey will inspire you to heal, forgive, and thrive. 🙌
Happy reading 😁😁
#bookreview
June 18, 2026
The Child I Left: A Mother’s Journey Toward Healing & Forgiveness is one of the most powerful and emotionally honest memoirs I have read in a long time. From the very first pages, Anjalia McGoldrick draws readers into a life marked by unimaginable hardship, yet what shines through most is her incredible strength and resilience.
I was deeply moved by her willingness to share the painful realities of her childhood, teenage pregnancy, poverty, and abusive relationships. None of it is sugarcoated, which makes her story all the more impactful. What could have been simply a story of survival becomes something much deeper—a testament to the human capacity for healing, growth, and transformation.
What stood out to me was the way McGoldrick reflects on the emotional wounds that linger long after the visible struggles have ended. Her insights into forgiveness, spirituality, and self-discovery felt genuine and hard-earned. She doesn't present healing as a simple or linear process, but as a journey filled with setbacks, lessons, and ultimately hope.
The author's transformation from a young girl burdened with responsibilities beyond her years into a successful entrepreneur, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and metaphysician is inspiring. More importantly, her story serves as a reminder that our past does not have to define our future.
This memoir is heartbreaking, uplifting, and deeply inspiring all at once. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys true stories of courage, personal growth, and the remarkable power of forgiveness.
I was deeply moved by her willingness to share the painful realities of her childhood, teenage pregnancy, poverty, and abusive relationships. None of it is sugarcoated, which makes her story all the more impactful. What could have been simply a story of survival becomes something much deeper—a testament to the human capacity for healing, growth, and transformation.
What stood out to me was the way McGoldrick reflects on the emotional wounds that linger long after the visible struggles have ended. Her insights into forgiveness, spirituality, and self-discovery felt genuine and hard-earned. She doesn't present healing as a simple or linear process, but as a journey filled with setbacks, lessons, and ultimately hope.
The author's transformation from a young girl burdened with responsibilities beyond her years into a successful entrepreneur, psychotherapist, hypnotherapist, and metaphysician is inspiring. More importantly, her story serves as a reminder that our past does not have to define our future.
This memoir is heartbreaking, uplifting, and deeply inspiring all at once. I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys true stories of courage, personal growth, and the remarkable power of forgiveness.
October 27, 2025
"The Child I Left Behind: A Mother's Journey Toward Healing & Forgiveness" is a deeply engaging memoir that traces Anjalia’s path through pain, truth, and redemption. Her world was shaken when she discovered that the man she had always believed to be her father was not her biological parent. When a man named Percy moved in with her mother, Anjalia soon realized he was more than just a friend—and his presence brought turmoil into her life.
Percy’s behavior turned abusive, and though Anjalia confided in her mother, her pleas were ignored. His toxicity impacted her childhood in painful ways. When Charlie entered her life, she hoped he would be her savior. But soon, his controlling and possessive nature emerged, and when Anjalia became pregnant as a teenager, her struggles only deepened. Early motherhood, coupled with Charlie’s dominance, made life even harder, despite her mother’s attempts to help.
This memoir will deeply resonate with readers who have endured childhood trauma or survived abuse. Anjalia’s strength and resilience shine throughout her story, offering a powerful message of hope and perseverance. Her journey of healing, self-discovery, and determination to create a safe and secure life for herself and her family makes this book an inspiring read for anyone seeking courage and renewal.
Percy’s behavior turned abusive, and though Anjalia confided in her mother, her pleas were ignored. His toxicity impacted her childhood in painful ways. When Charlie entered her life, she hoped he would be her savior. But soon, his controlling and possessive nature emerged, and when Anjalia became pregnant as a teenager, her struggles only deepened. Early motherhood, coupled with Charlie’s dominance, made life even harder, despite her mother’s attempts to help.
This memoir will deeply resonate with readers who have endured childhood trauma or survived abuse. Anjalia’s strength and resilience shine throughout her story, offering a powerful message of hope and perseverance. Her journey of healing, self-discovery, and determination to create a safe and secure life for herself and her family makes this book an inspiring read for anyone seeking courage and renewal.
March 24, 2026
The Child I Left Behind is a powerful and deeply affecting memoir that chronicles a journey through unimaginable hardship toward healing, self discovery, and ultimately, forgiveness. Anjalia McGoldrick presents her story with remarkable honesty, inviting readers into the raw realities of a childhood cut short and the long lasting impact of early trauma.
What stands out most is the author’s resilience. From navigating adult responsibilities at an age when innocence should have prevailed, to overcoming abuse and rebuilding her life against overwhelming odds, McGoldrick’s journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her transformation from survival to professional and emotional empowerment adds a profound dimension to the narrative.
Beyond its personal story, the memoir offers meaningful reflections on healing and the complexities of forgiveness. It does not simplify pain but instead acknowledges the depth of emotional scars while demonstrating that growth and renewal are possible.
This is more than a memoir it is a testament to strength, perseverance, and the enduring capacity of the human spirit to rise, rebuild, and redefine itself. A compelling and inspirational read for anyone drawn to stories of resilience and transformation.
What stands out most is the author’s resilience. From navigating adult responsibilities at an age when innocence should have prevailed, to overcoming abuse and rebuilding her life against overwhelming odds, McGoldrick’s journey is both heartbreaking and inspiring. Her transformation from survival to professional and emotional empowerment adds a profound dimension to the narrative.
Beyond its personal story, the memoir offers meaningful reflections on healing and the complexities of forgiveness. It does not simplify pain but instead acknowledges the depth of emotional scars while demonstrating that growth and renewal are possible.
This is more than a memoir it is a testament to strength, perseverance, and the enduring capacity of the human spirit to rise, rebuild, and redefine itself. A compelling and inspirational read for anyone drawn to stories of resilience and transformation.
April 27, 2025
The road to healing rarely, if ever, takes you in the direction you ever thought it would.
This extraordinary story of Anjalia's journey through neglect, abuse, overwhelming guilt, heartbreak, rejection and grief is told with remarkable honesty and openness allowing the reader to feel the intensity of emotions she so aptly describes.
Anjalia has such an incredible talent in describing her journey and the characters in the book, you feel as if you are right there with her on her path toward healing. Her ability to show compassion and understanding even for those who didn't or couldn't give her what she needed provides the reader with an authentic connection to her that is often missing in similar stories. You might just cry, I sure did.
This book shows the indomitable spirit, exceptional ability, unrivaled inner strength, and uncommon sense of commitment the author demonstrates by bringing healing and light, not only to herself, but also to those making their own journey through life's struggles. I recommend this book to anyone who has had difficult struggles in their life and is looking for hope.
Barbara L. Seals, LPC, LMFT, Retired
This extraordinary story of Anjalia's journey through neglect, abuse, overwhelming guilt, heartbreak, rejection and grief is told with remarkable honesty and openness allowing the reader to feel the intensity of emotions she so aptly describes.
Anjalia has such an incredible talent in describing her journey and the characters in the book, you feel as if you are right there with her on her path toward healing. Her ability to show compassion and understanding even for those who didn't or couldn't give her what she needed provides the reader with an authentic connection to her that is often missing in similar stories. You might just cry, I sure did.
This book shows the indomitable spirit, exceptional ability, unrivaled inner strength, and uncommon sense of commitment the author demonstrates by bringing healing and light, not only to herself, but also to those making their own journey through life's struggles. I recommend this book to anyone who has had difficult struggles in their life and is looking for hope.
Barbara L. Seals, LPC, LMFT, Retired
May 23, 2025
I read this book in a single day because it was impossible to put down. This memoir broke my heart, inspired me, and left me deeply grateful that stories like hers are being told. Anjalia’s voice is steady, authentic, and full of hard-won wisdom. Her words will give other survivors language for the pain they’ve carried silently, and her journey is for anyone craving stories of resilience, transformation, courage, or simply an unforgettable story told beautifully. Anjalia doesn't just recount her experiences, she shows you on every page that healing is messy, nonlinear, and still so worth fighting for. What made this memoir stand out the most to me is not the trauma Anjalia endured on so many levels, but the way she kept showing up and loving the world afterwards. How she refused to let her past hold her back from her future. And how she found the strength and grace to help others rise too. The Child I Left Behind is a powerful reminder of what people are capable of surviving - and becoming. A must-read for anyone who believes in the power of healing, and for those who are still learning how.
February 24, 2026
My heart was breaking while reading this. As a mother and grandmother, I can't even comprehend the author's challenges. Her healing process was so interesting. As a mother and grandmother, I can deeply relate to the emotional journey portrayed in the text. The author's challenges are monumental, and while they may seem unimaginable, they offer a profound insight into the resilience of the human spirit. The healing process she undergoes is not just a personal story; it’s a testament to the strength we all potentially possess in the face of adversity.
Reading about her experiences can be incredibly enlightening and inspiring. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope for healing and growth. I encourage you to explore this narrative; it may resonate with your own experiences or those of someone you care about. Engaging with such raw, honest emotions can foster empathy and understanding, helping us appreciate the journey of overcoming and rebuilding. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this powerful process of healing unfold.
Reading about her experiences can be incredibly enlightening and inspiring. It reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope for healing and growth. I encourage you to explore this narrative; it may resonate with your own experiences or those of someone you care about. Engaging with such raw, honest emotions can foster empathy and understanding, helping us appreciate the journey of overcoming and rebuilding. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this powerful process of healing unfold.
March 19, 2026
The Child I Left Behind is a profoundly moving and emotionally powerful memoir that captures the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity. Anjalia McGoldrick shares her story with remarkable honesty, guiding readers through a childhood marked by hardship and responsibility far beyond her years. The narrative is both raw and inspiring, drawing readers into a journey that is as heartbreaking as it is transformative.
What makes this memoir particularly impactful is its depth of reflection on healing and forgiveness. Beyond the story of survival, the book explores the lasting emotional effects of trauma and the complex process of rebuilding one’s life. The progression from struggle to self awareness, and ultimately to personal and professional transformation, adds a powerful sense of hope and purpose. This is not just a story of overcoming adversity, but one of growth, resilience, and the courage to reclaim identity and create a meaningful life.
What makes this memoir particularly impactful is its depth of reflection on healing and forgiveness. Beyond the story of survival, the book explores the lasting emotional effects of trauma and the complex process of rebuilding one’s life. The progression from struggle to self awareness, and ultimately to personal and professional transformation, adds a powerful sense of hope and purpose. This is not just a story of overcoming adversity, but one of growth, resilience, and the courage to reclaim identity and create a meaningful life.
April 28, 2025
The Child I Left Behind is not just a memoir; it’s a masterclass in courage, resilience, and the power of grit and transformation. Anjalia’s willingness to delve deep into her shadows and share her journey is a profound gift to anyone seeking to reclaim their story and find healing. In a world where this story has become all too common, it’s one that must be told.
This book goes beyond survival—it’s a call for all of us to confront the chains that bind us, to rewrite narratives that no longer serve, and to embrace the brilliance awaiting on the other side of pain. Witnessing Anjalia’s journey is both an honor and an inspiration, as her story invites others to embark on their own path toward forgiveness and self-love. —Steven Twohig, Founder of Mastering Change and EMP, Author of Turning Within
This book goes beyond survival—it’s a call for all of us to confront the chains that bind us, to rewrite narratives that no longer serve, and to embrace the brilliance awaiting on the other side of pain. Witnessing Anjalia’s journey is both an honor and an inspiration, as her story invites others to embark on their own path toward forgiveness and self-love. —Steven Twohig, Founder of Mastering Change and EMP, Author of Turning Within
May 19, 2025
The Child I Left Behind captivated me with every turn of every page. It was well written and very moving in the way the author told her story. I was saddened by the challenges, struggles and abuse such a young child endured.
The struggles of being a 'child' parent could not be illustrated more clearly in the book. The author experienced so much pain and struggle in her very young life that it is amazing that she was able to pull herself up against all the odds. She knew that education would help to free her from her life of poverty and give her options. She not only received multiple degrees, but created a financial independence. This book is an education and should definitely be on your book club list! Thanks to Anjalia McGoldrick for sharing her very personal and intimate journey.
The struggles of being a 'child' parent could not be illustrated more clearly in the book. The author experienced so much pain and struggle in her very young life that it is amazing that she was able to pull herself up against all the odds. She knew that education would help to free her from her life of poverty and give her options. She not only received multiple degrees, but created a financial independence. This book is an education and should definitely be on your book club list! Thanks to Anjalia McGoldrick for sharing her very personal and intimate journey.
April 27, 2025
A MUST READ!
Anjalia McGoldrick‘s The Child I Left Behind: A Mother’s Journey Toward Healing & Forgiveness is an incredible book in which the reader experiences the author’s miraculous journey of healing by following the path that calls her, no matter how extreme it may be. The horrific experiences in childhood and early life often lead many survivors to repeat patterns of dysfunction which continues long into adulthood. Anjalia, however, trusts her spiritual guidance to bravely free herself from the past, and to live the life she was meant to live. The.Child I Left Behind is a well written, powerful book of pain, courage, and incredible resilience. Anjalia, you are utterly amazing and I thank you for sharing your memoir with the world!
Erin Sullivan, LCSW
Anjalia McGoldrick‘s The Child I Left Behind: A Mother’s Journey Toward Healing & Forgiveness is an incredible book in which the reader experiences the author’s miraculous journey of healing by following the path that calls her, no matter how extreme it may be. The horrific experiences in childhood and early life often lead many survivors to repeat patterns of dysfunction which continues long into adulthood. Anjalia, however, trusts her spiritual guidance to bravely free herself from the past, and to live the life she was meant to live. The.Child I Left Behind is a well written, powerful book of pain, courage, and incredible resilience. Anjalia, you are utterly amazing and I thank you for sharing your memoir with the world!
Erin Sullivan, LCSW
April 30, 2025
After reading The Child I Left Behind, what comes to mind is the quote from Rocky Balboa- "It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward." And although this memoir isn't directly related to boxing, the author, Anjalia, has certainly been through her fair share of rounds, enduring abuse on multiple levels. This is the story of a resilient young woman who did what she had to do in order to survive... persevering in the face of continuous adversity. I found the book to be an engaging and heartfelt read. Also inspiring, and served as a reminder that we must reclaim the lost or abandoned parts of ourselves, if we expect to heal and become whole again. Highly recommend.
April 29, 2025
A deeply vulnerable and harrowing examination of one's life and journey from childhood through motherhood in which the author confronts her guilt, pain, and trauma. Through this introspective and healing work, we, the audience, are given a front row seat to witness how one can transcend guilt and shame in order to achieve acceptance and self-love. A must-read for anyone who has struggled with events from their upbringing, who has struggled to feel as though they were enough as a parent, or who has struggled with codependency in their relationships. A raw and beautiful depiction of the human condition and finding inner peace. A heart-wrenching, yet hopeful account.
April 28, 2025
The Child I Left Behind- Anjalia's soul bearing memoir is her truth! This is her life, told through a framework of pain and passion, lies and love, hurdles and achievements, painful truths and peace. Anjalia's family dynamics are influenced by the past, and numerous relationships that were either sought and cultivated or blessed to her. She provides insight and pathways to all who need to move beyond pain and transform loving relationships that are of utmost value. D. Pappas, BS, RDH
August 4, 2025
Powerful, Inspiring.
Anjalia’s powerful storytelling is both heartbreaking and deeply inspiring, shedding light on resilience, loss, and the enduring strength of a mother’s love. Her words uplift and remind us of the human spirit’s incredible capacity to heal and hope.
Anjalia’s powerful storytelling is both heartbreaking and deeply inspiring, shedding light on resilience, loss, and the enduring strength of a mother’s love. Her words uplift and remind us of the human spirit’s incredible capacity to heal and hope.
August 24, 2025
When I finished, I sat quietly for a long time. Her words, you are not broken, you are wounded, and wounds can heal, still echo inside me. This book isn’t just something you read; it’s something you carry with you. I will be recommending it to everyone who needs hope.
August 28, 2025
Reading this book felt like sitting across from a friend, hearing her share the hardest truths of her life, and realizing you’re not alone in yours. The tenderness, the honesty, the raw humanness of it all, it lingers long after the last page. A must-read for anyone carrying hidden wounds.
August 23, 2025
From the first page, I felt my chest tighten. To lose childhood at nine is unimaginable, yet Anjalia McGoldrick makes you feel it. Her courage in sharing such a private wound is extraordinary. I cried, I grieved, and I came away believing that even the most shattered beginnings can lead to wholeness.
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