I Know a Girl: Memoir

by Amy Sadd

Let's sit down and talk. Grab a cuppa Coffee, Beer, Tequila?
These are some stories you want to hear! Let me tell you how I came to know this Girl... Her dreams, her nightmares and everything in between.
My short stories are just right for the car pickup line, waiting at the doctor, or even a few minutes alone with me before work.
They are filled with trauma, adventure, and healing. Compare it to the journey of WILD, by Sheryl Strayed, but without all the hiking!

From skydiving to a near drowning, from the loss of a child to finding new hope and a completely new life, I take you on the ups and downs of my life story, as seen by only me.

Some books tell you how to be strong. I Know a Girl shows you. I left America with a suitcase, so many scars, and the stubborn hope that I could want to live again. My abused and lonely existence is poured out to you as raw and real as if we were sharing coffee in Mississippi or a beer in Mexico. My truths are unfiltered, and my journey doesn’t just define my I rise up forged in the kind of resilience that only comes from being knocked down too many times. I lay my life bare—not just for me, but for every woman who’s ever fought to endure. The cracks in my broken road may just help you discover your own way home.

In I Know a Girl, Amy Sadd writes of her abuse, trauma, and devastating losses including infant loss and surviving suicide attempts with raw unflinching honesty. But this isn’t just a story of her suffering. It is about surprising places where healing shows up. Watching monarch butterflies migrate at the top of a mountain in Mexico, she saw her own fragile persistence take flight. Standing before whales surfacing from the deep, she understood resilience in a new way. And when cliff divers hurled themselves into uncertain waters, she recognized the courage it takes to keep leaping back into life. With raw truth and unexpected beauty, Amy shares how trauma, grief, and survival shaped her and how family, both found and rediscovered, gave her a place to belong. This memoir isn’t neat redemption; it’s the messy, luminous path of staying alive and finding meaning where no one expected it.

206 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

Amy is a writer whose work is rooted in resilience, healing, and the search for meaning after hardship.

Her journey has carried her from a California childhood to a small Nebraska town to life on the coasts of both Mississippi and Old Mexico. With many challenges along the way: Surviving abuse, enduring profound personal losses, and rebuilding after a traumatic brain injury. Through it all, she has learned to see strength where others might only see struggle, and that perspective

threads through everything she writes.

Amy has earned her associates degree in Human Services, A Psych Tech II certificate, a certified Nurses assistant, and a bachelors with an emphasis in psychology. She is currently in ongoing graduate studies for her Master's Degree in life coaching. Amy combines personal experience with academic insight, exploring themes of healing, perseverance, and human connection.

Her background also includes time in the Marine Corps, which taught her discipline and combined with her inner grit, she has qualities that have carried her through the hardest chapters of her life without defining her entire story.

Amy writes for readers who want more than entertainment. Her stories and reflections offer honesty, compassion, and encouragement to those navigating their own trials, while also celebrating the courage it takes to begin again. Whether she is drawing from her Midwestern roots, her years of study, or her new life in Mexico, she writes with a voice that honors the past while looking forward with hope.

When she isn’t writing, Amy continues to invest in her own growth and in the lives of others, using her experiences to inspire, encourage, and remind people that brokenness does not have to be the end of the story.

Reviews

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one hit different.

I Know a Girl isn’t just a memoir....it’s a heartbeat on paper. Amy Sadd doesn’t tell her story like she’s trying to make you understand… she lets you feel it. Every scar, every fall, every moment she somehow chooses to get back up.

It’s raw in a way that makes you stop.... and breathe, and maybe even cry a little. There’s pain, yes....but there’s also freedom. Hope. Those small, impossible flickers of light that somehow keep glowing even when everything else goes dark.

Amy’s writing feels like sitting across from a friend over coffee, hearing her say things most people never find the courage to say out loud. It’s heavy and healing all at once....the kind of book that doesn’t just stay on your shelf, it stays in your chest.

5 stars for honesty, bravery, and reminding us what survival really looks like. 💔➡️💫

thank you so much Amy Sadd & Hayling BookStorm for this incredible opportunity.

All opinions are my own ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[Debbie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by the author’s stories. She speaks of such things that most people do not have to live through. She is the epitome of what I call strong. She put her heart and soul out there for the world to see and I think that is very very brave. In life, people don’t always tell the hard stories of what they have been through. Most are too ashamed, scared, or not able to. This author put it out there for all of us to not only read but to try to understand another person’s story that isn’t pretty but is real, honest, raw and emotionally riveting. I was lucky enough to be able to arc read this for her and I am very honored that she entrusted me with her story. Everyone needs to read this story. You will finish it with a changed perspective on other people’s trauma.

[Michaela Ruff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, Amy Sad, has told her own story in this book. A story that touches your heart. She shows here that despite every obstacle that crosses your path in life, you can overcome it. You get to know her weak moments, but also her very strong moments. Her writing style is fluid, making this memoir a real page-turner. There were moments when a tear welled up while reading. It is a moving but oh so beautiful story. Dear Amy, you can be very proud of yourself and everything you have achieved. This book will stay in my thoughts for a long time, in a positive way. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to look into your life.

[tattooedbooknerdgirl35 (Amanda Lynn) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My honest review on this amazing story; I was blown away with Amy’s collection of stories about her life and everything she’s been through. She had me captivated the whole story, I was so in awe of everything she has been through and how she still can be so uplifting and so giving.

This book dives into a lot of tough issues like abus3, child abus3, su1c1de talk and other tough stuff, so keep that in mind cause your mental health matters.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

It took strength to write this. unfiltered, raw, heart wrenching strength. I can't imagine for one minute how someone could endure these things in life.
And to find themselves and find a half fulfilling life after everything, is truly amazing.
this book hurt my heart, tore at my emotions, had me in tears. It made me look at my life and think the things I went through weren't anything compared.
I feel blessed to be able to read this a an arc. blessed, that this author found strength to write these words.

[Caitlin Enloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir that doesn’t just tell a story it gives you a piece of someone’s soul. ✨

“I Know a Girl” by Amy Saad is a memoir that is as brave as it is beautifully written. Amy opens up her life to the reader with honesty, vulnerability, and strength and it’s impossible not to feel every word.

This book is a reminder that our stories, even the painful ones, matter. Amy’s voice is raw and authentic, and her willingness to share her journey makes this memoir not only impactful, but also deeply inspiring. 💫

Reading this felt like being invited into someone’s heart and handed a piece of their truth. It’s the kind of memoir that stays with you long after you finish, urging you to reflect on your own story, resilience, and healing.

💫 Vulnerable, powerful, and beautifully human. This book is a reminder that our stories matter. 📖

[Cindy M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a story of resilience. This is a story about when life gives you lemons, find the ingredients and make lemonade! What a beautiful and inspiring memoir!

[Lenette Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a memoir of trauma and inspiration. Amy shows that anything is possible and it's never too late to do whatever your heart desires.

[Lynn Wendland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a true account of a person that has had trauma and her journey through the trauma. It is a light for others that struggle with trauma and the journey through it to reach who they can be. A story of a survivor to help others!!!

[herbookcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book truly moved me. The resilience of this woman is beyond words! Going through so many difficulties during her childhood clearly shaped the rest of her life. Throughout the story, I saw a young girl simply trying to find her place, a mother wanting the best for her children, and a strong woman constantly seeking change and holding onto the hope of a better life, even with the dark cloud that seemed to follow her. I had the chance to chat with her through our socials and she's an amazing and generous woman!

[Jasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC REVIEW**

I Know a Girl by Amy Sadd broke me open and gently put the pieces back together.💔🩹 This memoir is raw, unfiltered, and deeply personal. I cried so much reading it because it felt like she was telling parts of my own story.

Amy doesn’t just survive—she fights, feels, and keeps moving forward with a quiet strength that’s unforgettable.💪 Her words are beautifully vulnerable, and her journey through trauma, loss, and healing is told with unflinching honesty and grace. I just wanted to reach into the pages and hug her.🤗 Her story isn’t easy to read, but it’s so important to witness. Every chapter feels like a quiet conversation over coffee ☕ with someone who’s lived through hell and still found her way back to hope.🌅

This isn’t just a story of healing—it’s messy, real, and incredibly moving.💞 Amy’s strength and openness let you feel every word. Her reflections on trauma, grief, and survival are powerful reminders that healing is possible and that your story matters too.✨

I highly recommend I Know a Girl to anyone navigating deep trauma, loss, or just needing a reminder that hope is still possible—even in the darkest places.🌑➡️🌤️

Thank you to Amy Sadd & Hayling BookStorm for the ARC. All thoughts are my own.
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🌿 Favorite Quotes:

“My dreams matter. My story matters. And it’s never too late to claim what was always meant to be mine.”
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“I know the little girl version of myself that shadowed me for many years, trying to pull herself out of her past. Trying to find her way.  And using me to live out her dreams. I am that little girl with the big dreams of migrations and safety. I am also the woman who chooses how my life looks today.”
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“when I hear their voices, I remember the hardest and best thing I ever accomplished. I raised them, and I kept all us alive. They may not have had the childhood of their dreams, but they are chasing and living their own dreams today. I am so proud of them.”
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“I am not healed. I am healing.“
“I am not whole. But I am no longer shattered.”
“I am not what the world once told me I had to be.”
“I am who I am. And I know her now. I know her well.”
“I am the girl who was lost and still found her way home.”
“I am the girl who stared into the eyes of fear and said, “Not today.”

[nicolasarahh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella was a little different to what I’m used to reading but I could not put it down. I was totally invested to know if Amy had a positive outlook on life in the end and I was happy to learn it does get better for her. A lot of it was pretty sad and upsetting and maybe even could be a little triggering for some.

I personally would have liked to know more about what trauma she experienced so I could have more of an understanding of her but I also understand as it was a memoir, some trauma is hard to write about as it also makes you feel like you’re reliving the trauma. Her relationship with her mum and family was so heartbreaking, I really did feel for her.

As much as Amy may not think this, it does sound like she’s had a wonderful life even through the struggles she faced, she experienced some amazing things. She should be so proud at the strength she has inside herself. Pretty inspiring novella.

Here are some quotes from the book that I absolutely loved, “Sometimes the ugliest shells hold the most beautiful treasures.“ pg 31 “ Do not let the things that happened before affect your opportunity today, I whispered to myself.“ pg99 “ My dreams matter. My story matters. And it’s never too late to claim what was always meant to be mine.” pg113 💙💙 #arc #arcbook #memoir #iknowagirl #booktok

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Know a Girl is Amy Sadd's story about overcoming life long suicidal thoughts and finally finding a sense of belonging in Mexico! Amy Sadd is a very talented story teller. I felt like we were at the kitchen table trading stories and going down memory lane. My heart broke a little at the very beginning when she touched on her birth story with her mom, and then later in the book when she told the story about kidney stones on the move from CA to NE. My mind could not phantom her mom leaving her at the hospital to continue the road trip. The hospital almost had to call child services! I enjoyed the stories about her two daughters especially their trip to Paris for Louboutins! I saved money and went to buy a pair (ended up coming back with 2) in NYC! The most uncomfortable shoes my broke self has ever walked in! I enjoyed all of her adventure stories all over Mexico. I'm so happy that she found a home to call her own in Mexico, and realized just how special she is regardless of it never being taught or felt by the ones who only job was to do that! I also made sure I hugged my daughter a little tighter when I finished the book.

[Oops I ARC'd Again · Rating 5 out of 5]

!! ARC REVIEW !!

Brave, raw, and transformative.

Reading I Know a Girl felt like talking to your confidant and breathing for the first time. Amy Sadd doesn’t just tell her story, she opens the door to every moment of trauma, loss, and survival, laying it bare for the world to see. It’s raw, unflinching, and impossible not to feel deeply.

What struck me most is the honesty. Sharing trauma is hard enough with people you trust, but Amy does it openly, without filters or excuses. Each page reminded me that vulnerability is strength, and that even the darkest experiences can be transformed into resilience and hope. Her journey is messy, heartbreaking, and deeply human, yet there’s a quiet power in every chapter, proof that survival isn’t just about getting through, it’s about moving forward.

This book doesn’t offer easy comfort or tidy answers, it offers truth. And that truth is inspiring. It makes you reflect, feel, and quietly aspire to your own kind of bravery. If you want a memoir that lingers, that challenges, and that leaves you moved in ways words often fail to capture, I Know a Girl is essential reading.

[Sigy George · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Know a Girl by Amy Sadd is a raw and fearless memoir that lays bare the author’s journey through trauma, abuse, loss, and faith. From a painful childhood to life as a Marine and a mother who has known both love and unbearable loss, Sadd tells her story without flinching. Her prose is powerful and emotional, drawing readers into the chaos and courage of survival.

What makes this book unforgettable is Sadd’s refusal to surrender her spirit. Even in moments of despair, she searches for meaning, hope, and God’s presence in the ruins. The chapters flow like journal entries written with tears and healing.

It’s not an easy read, nor is it meant to be. It’s a testament to the human will to keep living, loving, and believing, even when the world offers no reason to.

A story that hurts, heals, and humbles, all in one breath.

[Samantha Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Know A Girl is a deeply moving memoir that comes straight from the heart. Through a series of short stories, Amy Sadd shares the struggles, pain, and resilience that have shaped her life. Each chapter is filled with raw emotion, pulling readers into her journey and allowing them to feel every moment right alongside her.
Sadd’s writing is direct and powerful, emotionally grounded, making her experiences all the more relatable.
This memoir serves as a reminder to women everywhere that you can leave, that things do get better, and that even in your darkest moments, you are never truly alone.

Trigger warnings: baby loss, domestic violence, suicide, and other sensitive topics.
Despite these heavy themes, Amy’s story shines with hope. Her determination to rebuild her life and ultimately find peace in Mexico offers a message of strength and renewal.
I highly recommend I Know A Girl to anyone who has faced hardship or heartbreak. It’s an inspiring reminder that healing is possible and that brighter days truly do come.

[Ashley Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is real and raw, it talks about all the hard things she went through in life to finally find herself and who she is. Sometimes life is so dark and feels like the world is closing in on us. We don’t always make the right decision but every decision we make helps shape us to who we are today.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an inspirational and easy read, pretty much appropriate for most anyone as there is nothing titillating or overtly obscene within its pages despite the author being a victim of abuse by several people.
It did not get five stars because it needs some minor further editing and there is also a bit of repetition in there.
I wish Amy the best!

[Casey Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring, heartbreakingly beautiful book. These short stories are life snippets and give us a tiny glimpse into her world. They’re filled with emotion, grit, Grace and Faith. Another book I think everyone should read.

[Lynn Grass · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! It takes you from heartbreak to cheering her on!
A must-read! Share it with your family and friends.
You can feel the raw emotions in this book!

[Lynn Grass · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Love, Love- This book broke my heart and it made me cheer her on!
A must-read. A must share- get yours today

[Lizzie Hammerstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am Amy😭💖💖

This book was chosen for my book club and it is my first memoir that I have ever read. I usually stick with historical fiction. BUT- This book Wrecked me completely. I cried so much throughout this book. It is absolutely spectacular and such a gut wrenching read. Totally relatable and just so utterly captivating. It is raw and heavy. She went through so much abuse, trauma, mental health issues and devastating losses but in the midst of her messy path she found strength, resilience and hope. 6⭐️ read for me. I absolutely loved this book. And I feel like everyone should read it. 💖💖💖