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Life with Less of Me
From afar, Julie’s formative years looked perfect. A father with a good, steady job. A stay-at-home mother who loved to read. A spacious yard filled with toys and games for her and her two siblings. Yet for those who looked just a little closer, Julie’s house was the one the neighbors whispered about, the place on the block that parents didn’t want their kids to visit.
The front door of Julie’s home hid dysfunction, abuse, alcoholism, neglect, and fear. Her father’s blind selfishness, Jekyll-and-Hyde moods, and fists that left bruises on his wife dominated the home, inflicting daily trauma on the family. Her mother tried her best, but ultimately her husband’s abuse led to lethargy and parental neglect, burdening her children with even more hardship as her autonomy was whittled away.
Abuse doesn’t just affect us in the moment. We carry trauma, and particularly sustained trauma, throughout our lives, sometimes even passing it to the next generation. In "Life with Less of Me," Julianna Burmesch reflects upon how her upbringing influenced her life, its trajectory, and even her health as an adult, through a well documented phenomenon where adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can change a body on the cellular level. Breast cancer and a flesh-eating infection claimed parts of Julie's body, mirroring her mother's ever-shrinking life. Determined not to pass her scars to her own children, Julie fought to educate herself, heal from her past, embrace resilience, and become the successful, fulfilled woman she is today.
The front door of Julie’s home hid dysfunction, abuse, alcoholism, neglect, and fear. Her father’s blind selfishness, Jekyll-and-Hyde moods, and fists that left bruises on his wife dominated the home, inflicting daily trauma on the family. Her mother tried her best, but ultimately her husband’s abuse led to lethargy and parental neglect, burdening her children with even more hardship as her autonomy was whittled away.
Abuse doesn’t just affect us in the moment. We carry trauma, and particularly sustained trauma, throughout our lives, sometimes even passing it to the next generation. In "Life with Less of Me," Julianna Burmesch reflects upon how her upbringing influenced her life, its trajectory, and even her health as an adult, through a well documented phenomenon where adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can change a body on the cellular level. Breast cancer and a flesh-eating infection claimed parts of Julie's body, mirroring her mother's ever-shrinking life. Determined not to pass her scars to her own children, Julie fought to educate herself, heal from her past, embrace resilience, and become the successful, fulfilled woman she is today.
- GenresMemoirNonfiction
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 1, 2026
Life with Less of Me is a profoundly moving, courageous, and beautifully written memoir that explores the lasting impact of childhood trauma while offering an inspiring testament to resilience, healing, and personal transformation. Julianna Burmesch writes with extraordinary honesty and compassion, inviting readers into one of the most difficult chapters of her life while demonstrating the remarkable strength required to break cycles of abuse and build a healthier future.
One of the memoir's greatest strengths is its emotional authenticity. Burmesch does not simply recount painful experiences she thoughtfully examines how childhood abuse, neglect, fear, and instability continue to shape emotional well-being, relationships, identity, and physical health long into adulthood. Her willingness to confront these realities with openness and vulnerability creates a deeply personal story that is both heartbreaking and profoundly inspiring.
Equally compelling is the way the memoir connects personal experience with broader insights into trauma and healing. By exploring the well documented relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and long term health, Burmesch helps readers understand how trauma can affect both the mind and body. This thoughtful integration of personal narrative and scientific understanding gives the memoir an added depth, making it not only emotionally powerful but also educational and deeply meaningful.
Another remarkable quality of Life with Less of Me is its message of hope. Despite enduring unimaginable hardship, including family violence, neglect, breast cancer, and a life-threatening infection, Burmesch's story ultimately becomes one of resilience rather than despair. Her determination to heal, educate herself, and create a healthier future for her own children serves as an inspiring reminder that while trauma may shape our lives, it does not have to define our future.
The writing is heartfelt, reflective, and engaging throughout. Burmesch balances vulnerability with remarkable strength, allowing readers to witness both the pain of her past and the courage that carried her toward healing. Every chapter reflects honesty, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping others understand that recovery is possible, even after years of adversity.
What makes Life with Less of Me especially memorable is its powerful message about breaking generational cycles. Rather than allowing trauma to determine the future, Burmesch demonstrates that healing begins with awareness, courage, and the willingness to choose a different path. That message will resonate deeply with readers facing their own challenges and those supporting loved ones on similar journeys.
Life with Less of Me is an exceptional memoir that combines emotional honesty, personal resilience, and meaningful insight into the long term effects of childhood trauma. Julianna Burmesch has written an important and unforgettable book that educates, inspires, and offers hope to anyone seeking healing after adversity. It is a memoir that deserves to be widely read and shared
One of the memoir's greatest strengths is its emotional authenticity. Burmesch does not simply recount painful experiences she thoughtfully examines how childhood abuse, neglect, fear, and instability continue to shape emotional well-being, relationships, identity, and physical health long into adulthood. Her willingness to confront these realities with openness and vulnerability creates a deeply personal story that is both heartbreaking and profoundly inspiring.
Equally compelling is the way the memoir connects personal experience with broader insights into trauma and healing. By exploring the well documented relationship between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and long term health, Burmesch helps readers understand how trauma can affect both the mind and body. This thoughtful integration of personal narrative and scientific understanding gives the memoir an added depth, making it not only emotionally powerful but also educational and deeply meaningful.
Another remarkable quality of Life with Less of Me is its message of hope. Despite enduring unimaginable hardship, including family violence, neglect, breast cancer, and a life-threatening infection, Burmesch's story ultimately becomes one of resilience rather than despair. Her determination to heal, educate herself, and create a healthier future for her own children serves as an inspiring reminder that while trauma may shape our lives, it does not have to define our future.
The writing is heartfelt, reflective, and engaging throughout. Burmesch balances vulnerability with remarkable strength, allowing readers to witness both the pain of her past and the courage that carried her toward healing. Every chapter reflects honesty, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping others understand that recovery is possible, even after years of adversity.
What makes Life with Less of Me especially memorable is its powerful message about breaking generational cycles. Rather than allowing trauma to determine the future, Burmesch demonstrates that healing begins with awareness, courage, and the willingness to choose a different path. That message will resonate deeply with readers facing their own challenges and those supporting loved ones on similar journeys.
Life with Less of Me is an exceptional memoir that combines emotional honesty, personal resilience, and meaningful insight into the long term effects of childhood trauma. Julianna Burmesch has written an important and unforgettable book that educates, inspires, and offers hope to anyone seeking healing after adversity. It is a memoir that deserves to be widely read and shared
July 1, 2026
Life with Less of Me is a deeply moving, courageous, and profoundly inspiring memoir that explores the lasting impact of childhood trauma while offering a powerful testament to resilience, healing, and hope. Julianna Burmesch shares her story with remarkable honesty, inviting readers into an intensely personal journey that demonstrates how even the deepest wounds can become the foundation for growth and transformation.
What immediately stood out to me was the book's unflinching authenticity. Burmesch doesn't sensationalize her experiences or shy away from the painful realities of domestic abuse, alcoholism, neglect, and the lasting effects of adverse childhood experiences. Instead, she writes with clarity, compassion, and emotional intelligence, helping readers understand not only what happened but also how trauma can shape every aspect of a person's emotional and physical well-being.
I was particularly impressed by the way the memoir connects personal experience with the growing body of research surrounding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and long-term health outcomes. By thoughtfully exploring the relationship between emotional trauma and physical illness, including her own battles with breast cancer and a life-threatening infection, Burmesch offers readers a compelling perspective on the profound ways unresolved trauma can affect both mind and body. Yet throughout these difficult experiences, the book never loses sight of hope, resilience, and the possibility of healing.
Another remarkable strength of the memoir is its focus on breaking generational cycles. Rather than allowing her past to define her future, Burmesch demonstrates extraordinary courage in choosing healing, education, and personal growth. Her determination to create a healthier life for herself and her family transforms this memoir into more than a personal story—it becomes an encouraging reminder that healing is possible, regardless of where life begins.
At its core, Life with Less of Me is far more than a memoir of survival. It is an inspiring story of reclaiming identity, overcoming adversity, and choosing resilience over despair. Honest, compassionate, and deeply impactful, this book will resonate with survivors, healthcare professionals, counselors, educators, advocates, and anyone seeking hope in the face of life's greatest challenges.
What immediately stood out to me was the book's unflinching authenticity. Burmesch doesn't sensationalize her experiences or shy away from the painful realities of domestic abuse, alcoholism, neglect, and the lasting effects of adverse childhood experiences. Instead, she writes with clarity, compassion, and emotional intelligence, helping readers understand not only what happened but also how trauma can shape every aspect of a person's emotional and physical well-being.
I was particularly impressed by the way the memoir connects personal experience with the growing body of research surrounding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and long-term health outcomes. By thoughtfully exploring the relationship between emotional trauma and physical illness, including her own battles with breast cancer and a life-threatening infection, Burmesch offers readers a compelling perspective on the profound ways unresolved trauma can affect both mind and body. Yet throughout these difficult experiences, the book never loses sight of hope, resilience, and the possibility of healing.
Another remarkable strength of the memoir is its focus on breaking generational cycles. Rather than allowing her past to define her future, Burmesch demonstrates extraordinary courage in choosing healing, education, and personal growth. Her determination to create a healthier life for herself and her family transforms this memoir into more than a personal story—it becomes an encouraging reminder that healing is possible, regardless of where life begins.
At its core, Life with Less of Me is far more than a memoir of survival. It is an inspiring story of reclaiming identity, overcoming adversity, and choosing resilience over despair. Honest, compassionate, and deeply impactful, this book will resonate with survivors, healthcare professionals, counselors, educators, advocates, and anyone seeking hope in the face of life's greatest challenges.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Memoirs about abuse are not books I pick up to be entertained; they are books I hope will provide insight into how to grow into a functional human. Life with Less of Me by Julianna Burmesch does provide the reader with a window into her turbulent upbringing. I choose to read these types of memoirs because I am hoping for some wisdom to overcome many of my faults that developed through living in an abusive home.
The book opens with the author and her sister going through her parents home after the death of their mother. She paints a picture of a house that is on the border of belonging to a hoarder. They are packing up belongings to donate, keep, etc. – many items triggering memories.
The book flashbacks to the beginning of Burmesch’s life. The struggles and fear of living in an abusive environment is told through detailed events from being a toddler to a woman in her fifties. I appreciated that she shared her horrific experiences, but each chapter was almost robotic in style – it was told in a detached way, much like relaying facts. There was not a lot of vulnerable emotion, which I was wanting.
I kept waiting for her to share healthy insights into coping strategies I could use in my own struggle, whether that be through therapy or how she reacted to these events… some wisdom she wanted to share.
Another problem I had with the memoir was it did not fully develop the personalities and responses to her dad’s abuse. These are people who are important to her life, but she gives very little detail about them. That information would have helped me connect to her story, to her struggle in growing into a functional, independent woman.
The book left me with a detailed picture of all her struggles, but I had a hard time connecting to her plight due to her aloof writing style.
The book opens with the author and her sister going through her parents home after the death of their mother. She paints a picture of a house that is on the border of belonging to a hoarder. They are packing up belongings to donate, keep, etc. – many items triggering memories.
The book flashbacks to the beginning of Burmesch’s life. The struggles and fear of living in an abusive environment is told through detailed events from being a toddler to a woman in her fifties. I appreciated that she shared her horrific experiences, but each chapter was almost robotic in style – it was told in a detached way, much like relaying facts. There was not a lot of vulnerable emotion, which I was wanting.
I kept waiting for her to share healthy insights into coping strategies I could use in my own struggle, whether that be through therapy or how she reacted to these events… some wisdom she wanted to share.
Another problem I had with the memoir was it did not fully develop the personalities and responses to her dad’s abuse. These are people who are important to her life, but she gives very little detail about them. That information would have helped me connect to her story, to her struggle in growing into a functional, independent woman.
The book left me with a detailed picture of all her struggles, but I had a hard time connecting to her plight due to her aloof writing style.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was a hug from one traumatic childhood to another, reassuring and careful. It was informative and hopeful while still acknowledging that the pain of ACEs never fully leaves us. It was also a reminder that even when we think we have things managed, something can come up that throws us out of balance and we need to take cafe of ourselves and ask for help. There are always those willing to help, be it family, friends, medical professionals, even authors.
There were moments in this book which I could have written about from my own life, specific situations where I thought "almost the exact same thing happened!" So in one way, while I'm sad to know that others had similar experiences, I'm also less alone in what I experienced.
I found it especially connecting to how I always feel like I'm the one who has to be on top of it all. But I've been working on that! Just this weekend I found myself in need of a lift and I reached out to someone. And what do you know...it worked. Was it an instant fix? No. But it was a step to build on, and I'll take that.
Thank you for reaching out through this book. May you be comforted in the love and life around you, and may those reading this book feel like they too are seen and heard.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
There were moments in this book which I could have written about from my own life, specific situations where I thought "almost the exact same thing happened!" So in one way, while I'm sad to know that others had similar experiences, I'm also less alone in what I experienced.
I found it especially connecting to how I always feel like I'm the one who has to be on top of it all. But I've been working on that! Just this weekend I found myself in need of a lift and I reached out to someone. And what do you know...it worked. Was it an instant fix? No. But it was a step to build on, and I'll take that.
Thank you for reaching out through this book. May you be comforted in the love and life around you, and may those reading this book feel like they too are seen and heard.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This memoir is a testimony to resiliency, positivity, and dedication. I am amazed at Julie’s ability to rise above the trauma and significant challenges that have come her way. Her dedication to the children, families, and teaching staff with whom she works, and above all to her family, is admirable and unwavering.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A deliberate and moving memoir. Burmesch expertly shares her story and experiences in a steady, intentional voice. A must read for anyone exploring the long lasting impact of abuse.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a well written memoir of a very troubled childhood. The cycle of abuse is generational and Julie has done a great job of reflecting on her past and breaking that cycle. She is a true survivor!
This is a well written memoir of a very troubled childhood. The cycle of abuse is generational and Julie has done a great job of reflecting on her past and breaking that cycle. She is a true survivor!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews