Life with Less of Me

by Julianna Burmesch

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.

Genres: Nonfiction

274 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication June 23, 2026

Reviews

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[Julie Z · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Books Forward · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.