What do you think?
Rate this book
The Relapse: The Hidden Struggle of Escaping a Narcissistic Parent
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
July 29, 2026
This is something that I usually don’t read however when the author reached out to tell me about it I decided to give it a chance. I can’t believe how much I related to part of this. While yes I had a mother who gave us what she could growing up there was still a part where me and her wouldn’t get along because of how she is. This author does an amazing job at capturing the raw emotions of how it is to deal with someone like that and found myself highlighting a few things that stood out to me. A quick and emotional read.
July 14, 2026
The Relapse isn’t a poetry collection you read for pretty metaphors or polished prose, it’s one you read to feel something.
This book is incredibly raw, vulnerable, and painfully honest. Every poem feels like you’re hearing the inner voice of the child who grew up longing for a parent that could never truly meet their emotional needs. It captures something I don’t often see talked about: the constant cycle of healing, setting boundaries, and then “relapsing” into hope that maybe this time things will be different. That idea alone made this collection stand out to me.
What I appreciated most was how emotionally transparent it is. You can feel the anger, grief, guilt, love, disappointment, and acceptance all existing at the same time. It’s a reminder that cutting ties with someone who hurt you doesn’t automatically erase the love you have for them, and that’s one of the hardest parts of healing.
Poetry is incredibly subjective, so not every style will resonate with every reader. This collection leans more toward emotional storytelling than lyrical complexity, but I don’t think that’s the point. The purpose is to give a voice to experiences many people struggle to explain, and I think it accomplishes that beautifully.
If you’ve ever experienced emotional abuse, narcissistic parenting, or the complicated grief of mourning someone who’s still alive, this book may make you feel deeply seen.
This book is incredibly raw, vulnerable, and painfully honest. Every poem feels like you’re hearing the inner voice of the child who grew up longing for a parent that could never truly meet their emotional needs. It captures something I don’t often see talked about: the constant cycle of healing, setting boundaries, and then “relapsing” into hope that maybe this time things will be different. That idea alone made this collection stand out to me.
What I appreciated most was how emotionally transparent it is. You can feel the anger, grief, guilt, love, disappointment, and acceptance all existing at the same time. It’s a reminder that cutting ties with someone who hurt you doesn’t automatically erase the love you have for them, and that’s one of the hardest parts of healing.
Poetry is incredibly subjective, so not every style will resonate with every reader. This collection leans more toward emotional storytelling than lyrical complexity, but I don’t think that’s the point. The purpose is to give a voice to experiences many people struggle to explain, and I think it accomplishes that beautifully.
If you’ve ever experienced emotional abuse, narcissistic parenting, or the complicated grief of mourning someone who’s still alive, this book may make you feel deeply seen.
July 14, 2026
This book completely blew me away. Not only is the author's story incredibly powerful, but her writing is absolutely beautiful. She has such a gift for putting into words emotions and experiences that so many survivors struggle to explain.
What I loved most is that this book doesn't just focus on surviving a narcissistic mother- it shows the peace, healing, and happiness that can come after choosing no contact. Seeing the boundaries she set was incredibly empowering.
So many lines resonated with me, especially "We used to be close until I grew up" and "I'm learning and unlearning all at the same time." I also appreciated that she addressed the guilt many abusive parents use by saying they "could die at any time." It made such an important point: why is the responsibility always placed on the child to make amends?
This book made me feel seen and understood. Whether you've experienced narcissistic abuse yourself or want to better understand someone who has, I highly recommend reading it. Thank you for sharing your story- it will undoubtedly help so many people!
What I loved most is that this book doesn't just focus on surviving a narcissistic mother- it shows the peace, healing, and happiness that can come after choosing no contact. Seeing the boundaries she set was incredibly empowering.
So many lines resonated with me, especially "We used to be close until I grew up" and "I'm learning and unlearning all at the same time." I also appreciated that she addressed the guilt many abusive parents use by saying they "could die at any time." It made such an important point: why is the responsibility always placed on the child to make amends?
This book made me feel seen and understood. Whether you've experienced narcissistic abuse yourself or want to better understand someone who has, I highly recommend reading it. Thank you for sharing your story- it will undoubtedly help so many people!
May 1, 2026
"Millions across the world struggle with narcissistic parents. But I've never heard much about the relapse of all the feelings you feel. It feels like a never ending cycle."
The Relapse by Jackie Guerra is a riveting collection of poems that tell the story of living with a narcissistic parent that are heartbreakingly beautiful, yet full of empowerment at the same time. The word choice is exquisite, describing being stuck in the endless cycle of feeling like you owe your presence and time to the person who gave you your life, despite the hurt they repeatedly cause you. Each poem is captivating, and if I’m being honest had me just staring at my ceiling in silence for a while after reading.
While the poems each have their own stories within them, they all tell the larger story of the journey; from the realization of the emotional abuse, to the attempts at escape, the relapses, and then ultimately the growth of choosing to put an end to the cycle, cutting off the person who causes the pain and refuses to recognize the harm they've caused.
It takes courage to escape the abuse, but even more courage to share the story with the world.
Incredible debut novel, Jackie. <3
The Relapse by Jackie Guerra is a riveting collection of poems that tell the story of living with a narcissistic parent that are heartbreakingly beautiful, yet full of empowerment at the same time. The word choice is exquisite, describing being stuck in the endless cycle of feeling like you owe your presence and time to the person who gave you your life, despite the hurt they repeatedly cause you. Each poem is captivating, and if I’m being honest had me just staring at my ceiling in silence for a while after reading.
While the poems each have their own stories within them, they all tell the larger story of the journey; from the realization of the emotional abuse, to the attempts at escape, the relapses, and then ultimately the growth of choosing to put an end to the cycle, cutting off the person who causes the pain and refuses to recognize the harm they've caused.
It takes courage to escape the abuse, but even more courage to share the story with the world.
Incredible debut novel, Jackie. <3
July 28, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Some books entertain you. Others make you feel seen.
The Relapse is a beautifully written collection of reflections on the lasting impact of narcissistic relationships. While the author shares experiences with a narcissistic mother, these words can just as easily speak to anyone who has lived with a narcissistic parent, guardian, partner, or someone who was supposed to love and protect them.
We grow up believing the people raising us will always have our best interests at heart. Sadly, that isn’t everyone’s story.
I know what it’s feels like to be disposable to a parent. To be needed only when it eased their guilt or made them feel better about themselves, and to have your heart broken over and over while still hoping things would somehow change. This book put so many of those complicated emotions into words in a way that felt both validating and comforting.
There were passages that hit a nerve, but they also soothed one. They reminded me that these experiences are real, that healing isn’t linear, and that we’re not alone in carrying the invisible weight of emotional wounds.
This isn’t a book that promises easy answers. Instead, it offers understanding, compassion, and the quiet reassurance that someone else truly gets it.
If you’ve ever struggled to untangle the effects of a narcissistic relationship, I think this collection will resonate with you. It certainly did with me.
Some books entertain you. Others make you feel seen.
The Relapse is a beautifully written collection of reflections on the lasting impact of narcissistic relationships. While the author shares experiences with a narcissistic mother, these words can just as easily speak to anyone who has lived with a narcissistic parent, guardian, partner, or someone who was supposed to love and protect them.
We grow up believing the people raising us will always have our best interests at heart. Sadly, that isn’t everyone’s story.
I know what it’s feels like to be disposable to a parent. To be needed only when it eased their guilt or made them feel better about themselves, and to have your heart broken over and over while still hoping things would somehow change. This book put so many of those complicated emotions into words in a way that felt both validating and comforting.
There were passages that hit a nerve, but they also soothed one. They reminded me that these experiences are real, that healing isn’t linear, and that we’re not alone in carrying the invisible weight of emotional wounds.
This isn’t a book that promises easy answers. Instead, it offers understanding, compassion, and the quiet reassurance that someone else truly gets it.
If you’ve ever struggled to untangle the effects of a narcissistic relationship, I think this collection will resonate with you. It certainly did with me.
July 8, 2026
The Relapse is a powerful and deeply moving collection that approaches poetry in a way I really appreciated. Rather than feeling like a series of traditional stand-alone poems, each piece unfolds like a chapter in a story, making it easy to become emotionally invested in the author’s journey.
The collection honestly portrays the painful cycle of recognizing toxic behavior, believing things might finally be different, and then relapsing into the hope that a narcissistic mother will change. That push and pull between clarity and hope felt incredibly authentic and captured a reality that many people struggle to put into words.
The writing is raw, vulnerable, and heartfelt without ever feeling forced. Each poem builds on the last, creating an emotional journey through grief, disappointment, and self-awareness. Whether or not you’ve experienced this kind of relationship yourself, the emotions are written in a way that’s deeply relatable.
If you enjoy poetry that tells a story rather than existing as isolated pieces, Relapse is absolutely worth reading. It’s an honest, courageous collection that stayed with me long after I finished the final page.
The collection honestly portrays the painful cycle of recognizing toxic behavior, believing things might finally be different, and then relapsing into the hope that a narcissistic mother will change. That push and pull between clarity and hope felt incredibly authentic and captured a reality that many people struggle to put into words.
The writing is raw, vulnerable, and heartfelt without ever feeling forced. Each poem builds on the last, creating an emotional journey through grief, disappointment, and self-awareness. Whether or not you’ve experienced this kind of relationship yourself, the emotions are written in a way that’s deeply relatable.
If you enjoy poetry that tells a story rather than existing as isolated pieces, Relapse is absolutely worth reading. It’s an honest, courageous collection that stayed with me long after I finished the final page.
July 15, 2026
Jackie Guerra courageously and strategically breaks down how it feels to go through developmental stages of your life while simultaneously experiencing the never-ending cycle of trying to forgive someone who you know deep down will not change. She has outstandingly put into writing the heartbreaking feeling of hoping for someone to become a better version of themself, yet due to their psychological lack of empathy, refuses to do so. Everything about this novel feels so beautifully authentic. I was able to feel the struggle and emotional hardship throughout each one of her poems. I felt as though I was taken along with her in her journey of discovering the traits of narcissism and how they appear in a parent who is expected to unconditionally love, guide, and instill good values in their child. I found myself eager to keep reading and explore each stepping stone that led her to the conclusion that the person she was trying to rekindle her relationship with was a narcissist. This was a truly moving read and a powerful message to those who may be in or have experienced a similar situation of being affected by a narcissistic parent.
August 7, 2026
I finished reading this book and I must say it was very touching. This is a topic seldom discussed and I believe that writing a book on it was a masterstroke... Not only for the topic, but also for the author. Like they say, sharing makes it easier to bear. I guess sharing it with prospective millions goes even further. It doesn't just do this, but it raises awareness among parents and children, a way for parents to self diagnostics and also for children to realize if they are in a similar situation.
My favorite chapters were the ones about being the daughter of opposites and the one on death being uncertain.
Personally, I do prefer a writing style based on paragraphs and longer sentences but this is an exception because it work really well with what the author was trying to convey
I really hope it works out for jackie and her mother realizes things in time... Maybe this book might make her do so, who knows. I guess we can just have faith in the fact that everyone has some good in them
My favorite chapters were the ones about being the daughter of opposites and the one on death being uncertain.
Personally, I do prefer a writing style based on paragraphs and longer sentences but this is an exception because it work really well with what the author was trying to convey
I really hope it works out for jackie and her mother realizes things in time... Maybe this book might make her do so, who knows. I guess we can just have faith in the fact that everyone has some good in them
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 9, 2026
This book is a perfect depiction of what it looks like when suffering from a narcissistic person in your life; how they act, things they say and things they do. I felt like I was recognizing certain things from certain areas of my life that I'd never analyzed before and this book clicked some things for me.
Anyone who thinks they might be suffering from a toxic relationship (romantic, family, friend, etc.) should read The Relapse; it'll clear some things up very quickly.
On the emotional depth aspect, I felt every word that was written. It hit home in many ways and I could feel the pain coming through the pages like it was my own, but also the growth.
Jackie shows what it's like to suffer, awaken, and grow all while dealing with the stages of a toxic relationship and trying to jumble your own life. I truly appreciate her honesty and vulnerability in sharing this poetic reflection of her life, and I highly recommend people to read.
Anyone who thinks they might be suffering from a toxic relationship (romantic, family, friend, etc.) should read The Relapse; it'll clear some things up very quickly.
On the emotional depth aspect, I felt every word that was written. It hit home in many ways and I could feel the pain coming through the pages like it was my own, but also the growth.
Jackie shows what it's like to suffer, awaken, and grow all while dealing with the stages of a toxic relationship and trying to jumble your own life. I truly appreciate her honesty and vulnerability in sharing this poetic reflection of her life, and I highly recommend people to read.
August 1, 2026
Jackie Guerra has written a debut collection that is as courageous as it is heartbreaking. Through vulnerable and unfiltered verse, she explores the painful cycle of loving a mother she cannot love safely, touching on narcissistic parenting, generational trauma, cultural expectations, and the quiet guilt of choosing yourself. Her poems trace the stages of awareness, boundaries, grief, healing, and the relapse into hope, the longing that things could be different.
What struck me most is the honesty. Guerra does not sugarcoat the confusion, the pain, or the exhausting work of breaking cycles and setting painful boundaries. She writes for anyone who has carried the weight of a narcissistic parent and is learning and unlearning all at the same time. Her words made me feel seen and understood.
This collection is an intimate and courageous beginning to what I hope is a long writing journey. I highly recommend it to anyone navigating the difficult path of healing from family trauma.
What struck me most is the honesty. Guerra does not sugarcoat the confusion, the pain, or the exhausting work of breaking cycles and setting painful boundaries. She writes for anyone who has carried the weight of a narcissistic parent and is learning and unlearning all at the same time. Her words made me feel seen and understood.
This collection is an intimate and courageous beginning to what I hope is a long writing journey. I highly recommend it to anyone navigating the difficult path of healing from family trauma.
July 17, 2026
This poetry memoir took me on an emotional journey from beginning to end.
Going into it, I wasn't sure what to expect, and although I've never personally experienced having a narcissistic parent, I felt every emotion Jackie poured into these pages. Her vulnerability is what makes this poetry memoir so powerful. If I found myself emotional as a reader, I can only imagine what it took for her to write and share her story.
One thing that really stood out to me was Jackie's honesty about something that isn't talked about enough; the hope that a narcissistic parent will eventually change. That longing, disappointment, and emotional tug-of-war felt so real, and I appreciate her bringing awareness to that part of the healing. I definitely would recommend this read for someone looking to branch out from what they normally would read.
Going into it, I wasn't sure what to expect, and although I've never personally experienced having a narcissistic parent, I felt every emotion Jackie poured into these pages. Her vulnerability is what makes this poetry memoir so powerful. If I found myself emotional as a reader, I can only imagine what it took for her to write and share her story.
One thing that really stood out to me was Jackie's honesty about something that isn't talked about enough; the hope that a narcissistic parent will eventually change. That longing, disappointment, and emotional tug-of-war felt so real, and I appreciate her bringing awareness to that part of the healing. I definitely would recommend this read for someone looking to branch out from what they normally would read.
August 7, 2026
A complimentary copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
There are times when you read something that leaves you with very little to say—when it calls rather for a stillness that merely looks on as an observer to the experiences of the author.
Jackie Guerra’s The Relapse really can’t be rated with stars because it is a personal witness to a challenge that I am sure many have faced: the disconnect with a parent. While I do not know the pain of such an experience firsthand, I deeply empathize with it.
This book is not for a casual reader. However, I would strongly recommend it to parents who want to take a closer look at what a child considers harmful. This isn’t an instructional book; rather, it is a short, impactful read featuring the raw expressions of a woman trying to navigate her reality while healing from her past.
There are times when you read something that leaves you with very little to say—when it calls rather for a stillness that merely looks on as an observer to the experiences of the author.
Jackie Guerra’s The Relapse really can’t be rated with stars because it is a personal witness to a challenge that I am sure many have faced: the disconnect with a parent. While I do not know the pain of such an experience firsthand, I deeply empathize with it.
This book is not for a casual reader. However, I would strongly recommend it to parents who want to take a closer look at what a child considers harmful. This isn’t an instructional book; rather, it is a short, impactful read featuring the raw expressions of a woman trying to navigate her reality while healing from her past.
July 7, 2026
I'm not someone who grew up with a narcissistic parent so I'm not sure if commenting on the content is actually necessary to a review. The feelings that were on the page were visceral. Every moment of hurt and healing and the moments in between.
I'm not well versed in poetry. I don't read it all that often and I don't understand a lot of the structure of it beyond the basics. The set up to this is similar to "instapoetry" and it reads like a series of diary entries because of both the structure and the language.
This was well done. Poignant and melancholic throughout much of it. The emotions of the author are palpable throughout and its well worth the read, regardless if you're dealing with a narcissist or not.
I'm not well versed in poetry. I don't read it all that often and I don't understand a lot of the structure of it beyond the basics. The set up to this is similar to "instapoetry" and it reads like a series of diary entries because of both the structure and the language.
This was well done. Poignant and melancholic throughout much of it. The emotions of the author are palpable throughout and its well worth the read, regardless if you're dealing with a narcissist or not.
July 12, 2026
This collection of poems is a beautiful, yet raw & honest account of living & escaping a narcissist that I think many should read & try to comprehend. I haven't lived with one but am part of the support structure for a friend who is going through this. So, much resonated with what they have told me, what I have witnessed & it is reassuring that the patten is normal, it is not just them experiencing it
The best line for the book for me "Now I've turned this pain into art" really spoke to me as it just gravitated the meaning of hope for others going through this, that you can make something beautiful out of heartache.
Overall, I think this probably was not only therapeutic for the author to write, but also could be helpful to those going through similar situations.
The best line for the book for me "Now I've turned this pain into art" really spoke to me as it just gravitated the meaning of hope for others going through this, that you can make something beautiful out of heartache.
Overall, I think this probably was not only therapeutic for the author to write, but also could be helpful to those going through similar situations.
August 10, 2026
This book feels like words the author could not express to their narcissistic mother.
It is personal, brave, at times impulsive, later reflective, spiralling, but ultimately universal portrayal of a child's anger and trauma.
The language is very understandable, simple — often more direct than poetic, with sentences that can feel almost deliberately plain but familiar. Perhaps that simplicity is part of what makes the writing feel honest and immediate. Milk and Honey-style, but carries one narrative.
Personally, I could not deeply connect to the writing, however I can imagine this collection being particularly meaningful for someone who is still emotionally tied to a narcissistic parent or trying to articulate feelings surrounding a complicated parent-child relationship.
It is personal, brave, at times impulsive, later reflective, spiralling, but ultimately universal portrayal of a child's anger and trauma.
The language is very understandable, simple — often more direct than poetic, with sentences that can feel almost deliberately plain but familiar. Perhaps that simplicity is part of what makes the writing feel honest and immediate. Milk and Honey-style, but carries one narrative.
Personally, I could not deeply connect to the writing, however I can imagine this collection being particularly meaningful for someone who is still emotionally tied to a narcissistic parent or trying to articulate feelings surrounding a complicated parent-child relationship.
July 3, 2026
**The Relapse**
This is a raw, emotional, and deeply personal look at the complicated process of healing from a narcissistic parent. Jackie Guerra’s writing feels honest and vulnerable, especially in the way she describes the repeated cycles of hope, grief, anger, and disappointment that can happen even after creating distance. The short passages and illustrations make it a quick read, but the emotions behind them stay with you. This book will feel especially validating to anyone who has struggled with setting boundaries, choosing themselves, or grieving the relationship they wished they could have had with a parent.
This is a raw, emotional, and deeply personal look at the complicated process of healing from a narcissistic parent. Jackie Guerra’s writing feels honest and vulnerable, especially in the way she describes the repeated cycles of hope, grief, anger, and disappointment that can happen even after creating distance. The short passages and illustrations make it a quick read, but the emotions behind them stay with you. This book will feel especially validating to anyone who has struggled with setting boundaries, choosing themselves, or grieving the relationship they wished they could have had with a parent.
July 4, 2026
Waking At Nineteen is a deeply personal and emotional read that explores the lasting impact of growing up with a narcissistic parent. What stood out to me most was how raw, honest, and authentic it felt. 🥹♥️
I especially appreciated how the book discusses the recurring urge to forgive and reconnect, even after knowing why boundaries were necessary. It’s a perspective that isn’t talked about enough, and it made the story even more impactful.
Overall, this is a powerful memoir that reminds readers healing isn’t always linear. It takes courage to share a story like this, and I think many people with complicated family relationships will feel seen by it.
I especially appreciated how the book discusses the recurring urge to forgive and reconnect, even after knowing why boundaries were necessary. It’s a perspective that isn’t talked about enough, and it made the story even more impactful.
Overall, this is a powerful memoir that reminds readers healing isn’t always linear. It takes courage to share a story like this, and I think many people with complicated family relationships will feel seen by it.
July 13, 2026
This book goes through the realities of having a narcissist as a mother & first hand experiences. I feel like it was as if I was looking through a mirror during the entire read. This poetry book captures all the real & raw moments. Throughout the entire thing I just found myself flipping through page after page, stuck to it. This book clings close to the heart when it comes to experiences & living through it, I feel like it was very similar to my life & a lot of other daughters can relate to. It goes through all the problems with the mother who is supposed to care unconditionally for their daughter, but comes out to only care about themselves. It is 100% worth the read.
July 16, 2026
Oh my.
This is the first piece of poetry I have read for myself outside of school and it was amazing.
I personally was very lucky to grow up in a truly loving family and can’t relate to the emotions explored in this book but despite there being no personal connection between me and the poem it still enraptured me.
The broken relationship explored within between mother and daughter was fascinating, I loved to read about it because it made me appreciate how lucky I am to come from my supportive family and teach me the struggles others go through.
I would recommend this to anyone and everyone. It is an emotional journey that i believe everyone would benefit from going on.
This is the first piece of poetry I have read for myself outside of school and it was amazing.
I personally was very lucky to grow up in a truly loving family and can’t relate to the emotions explored in this book but despite there being no personal connection between me and the poem it still enraptured me.
The broken relationship explored within between mother and daughter was fascinating, I loved to read about it because it made me appreciate how lucky I am to come from my supportive family and teach me the struggles others go through.
I would recommend this to anyone and everyone. It is an emotional journey that i believe everyone would benefit from going on.
August 2, 2026
This was an absolutely amazing read. The only reason I didn’t finish this in one sitting is because I had things going on.
This is for anyone who has had a narcissistic parent or seen this kind of relationship. It is relatable. It is raw. It hold so much meaning and emotion and honestly asks the huge question.
A lot of people who are faced with that go around in this circle of forgiving and not realizing that these people don’t care.. these people don’t always change. And most times things end unhappily.
I can relate to a lot of this story. I can relate to a lot of how she felt and the questions she had.
Powerful short poem that grasps you… beautiful truly!
This is for anyone who has had a narcissistic parent or seen this kind of relationship. It is relatable. It is raw. It hold so much meaning and emotion and honestly asks the huge question.
A lot of people who are faced with that go around in this circle of forgiving and not realizing that these people don’t care.. these people don’t always change. And most times things end unhappily.
I can relate to a lot of this story. I can relate to a lot of how she felt and the questions she had.
Powerful short poem that grasps you… beautiful truly!
July 6, 2026
Advance Reader Copy Review
This was a beautifully written poetry book that I feel so many who have dealt with narcissistic parents / people in their lives, could relate to.
Especially with the themes of healing and relapsing.
I really loved the way the book flowed through the epiphanies and timeline, I felt like I was brought along through the years.
Overall, this author is very talented and I would recommend this to anyone who feels they would relate to these themes or even knows someone who could relate.
This was a beautifully written poetry book that I feel so many who have dealt with narcissistic parents / people in their lives, could relate to.
Especially with the themes of healing and relapsing.
I really loved the way the book flowed through the epiphanies and timeline, I felt like I was brought along through the years.
Overall, this author is very talented and I would recommend this to anyone who feels they would relate to these themes or even knows someone who could relate.
July 8, 2026
What I appreciated most was the honesty. Many of the poems captured emotions that are difficult to put into words—confusion, grief, anger, self-doubt, and ultimately healing. There were several pieces that felt incredibly relatable and hit with surprising emotional weight.
I would especially recommend this collection to readers who enjoy emotionally driven poetry or who have experienced complicated family dynamics and are looking for work that makes them feel seen and understood.
A thoughtful and heartfelt collection that will likely resonate deeply with the readers who need it most.
I would especially recommend this collection to readers who enjoy emotionally driven poetry or who have experienced complicated family dynamics and are looking for work that makes them feel seen and understood.
A thoughtful and heartfelt collection that will likely resonate deeply with the readers who need it most.
July 9, 2026
What makes this collection so special is how it flows—instead of isolated poems, it unfolds like a narrative chapter book, tracking a deeply personal journey. It tackles the heavy, complex cycle of recognizing toxic family behavior and the painful hope that a narcissistic parent might change.
The writing is completely raw and unforced, weaving through grief, disappointment, and healing in a way that feels universally relatable. It’s a courageous, honest read that completely hooks you from the first page to the last
The writing is completely raw and unforced, weaving through grief, disappointment, and healing in a way that feels universally relatable. It’s a courageous, honest read that completely hooks you from the first page to the last
July 24, 2026
The Relapse is a deeply moving and raw exploration of breaking free from toxic family dynamics. Jackie captures the non-linear process of healing with incredible honesty. A powerful, validating read for anyone who has ever had to set hard boundaries to protect their own peace. This made me relate to my childhood as I’ve also had some struggles and traumas growing up with an adopted family. It was emotional, touching, but definitely powerful and so brave for Jackie to share! I am so proud of her!
August 12, 2026
Wow .
This was a very impactful read. Not a usual poem nor something I would usually read but wow .
Never have I heard/read feelings surrounding narcissistic parents so raw and honest . As someone who relates deeply, it’s hard to put those feelings into words but you have done an incredible job .
This is vulnerable. I felt like a fly on the wall in the authors life .
It sucks that so many people relate to this but it’s a great feeling to know that you’re not alone . I think we need more writing like this .
This was a very impactful read. Not a usual poem nor something I would usually read but wow .
Never have I heard/read feelings surrounding narcissistic parents so raw and honest . As someone who relates deeply, it’s hard to put those feelings into words but you have done an incredible job .
This is vulnerable. I felt like a fly on the wall in the authors life .
It sucks that so many people relate to this but it’s a great feeling to know that you’re not alone . I think we need more writing like this .
May 11, 2026
I loved this book of poems, it really shows raw emotions and thoughts of those who deal with narcissistic parents. As someone who loves psychology and poems, I recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand both sides better. While I was reading it, I felt like I was inside Jackie's brain because of her easy writing which shows real in-life though flow. Thank you Jackie for sharing your story with all of us💜
July 6, 2026
A extraordinary debut poetry book. The author is honest and vulnerable on the page in a way I find inspiring.
I found many of the poems relatable as someone with extensive experience with narcissists, and it was a comfort to read someone else’s experience.
I’d give it a 4 start only because it was a slow start for me personally, but I recommend to anyone planning to read the book that it’s worth it if you continue through the journey she takes us on.
I found many of the poems relatable as someone with extensive experience with narcissists, and it was a comfort to read someone else’s experience.
I’d give it a 4 start only because it was a slow start for me personally, but I recommend to anyone planning to read the book that it’s worth it if you continue through the journey she takes us on.
July 18, 2026
Wow.
This book captures exactly the emotions and feelings that come with growing up with a narcissist parent. Jackie Guerra the author was able to take those emotions and put them on paper. The book shows the pattern of relapse in a way i haven’t seen any other author do before. I recommend this to anyone in a similar situation who’s struggling to find the courage to do no contact with a parent or (family member whomever it may be) to do the no contact and to see it is possible to heal.
This book captures exactly the emotions and feelings that come with growing up with a narcissist parent. Jackie Guerra the author was able to take those emotions and put them on paper. The book shows the pattern of relapse in a way i haven’t seen any other author do before. I recommend this to anyone in a similar situation who’s struggling to find the courage to do no contact with a parent or (family member whomever it may be) to do the no contact and to see it is possible to heal.
July 21, 2026
If you ever wonder what the reality is to live with a narcissist, then this is the book for you! Jackie wrote her personal story of the relationship she has with her narcissistic mother. It was like reading her personal diary of the most emotional and raw moments in her life.
This book embodies what it’s like to suffer, grow and heal from the relationship that’s not healthy. I truly appreciate the author for opening herself up and sharing her complicated relationship she has with her mother!
This book embodies what it’s like to suffer, grow and heal from the relationship that’s not healthy. I truly appreciate the author for opening herself up and sharing her complicated relationship she has with her mother!
July 28, 2026
This is the first piece of poetry i have read and I honestly loved it. As someone who has grown up with a narcissistic mother and am still trying to get away from her i found this book relatable and i was also educated by the actions of a narcissist to help me understand it more. I’m glad the author was able to spread awareness in this area as it has taken me 18 years to realise i am being raised by a narcissistic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews