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Scars
Nadia Bruce-Rawlings has written a collection of stories with a dark humor and candor that only someone with a survivor’s gratitude can. She takes us on a journey that cracks open family secrets, illustrating the evolution of dysfunction from its very core. She reminds us, as children we do not get to choose our surroundings, while relying on our parents for protection, love, and nurturing, preparing us for our own adult journey into the world, and that more times than not, this isn’t the case. Because parents get abused and scarred, by their parents who got abused and scarred, by their parents, and so on. And with each generation the trauma grows, becoming a collection and a reflection of an ongoing tradition of generational abuse.
This book is written based on Nadia’s experiences on the front lines of her own personal battles with child abuse, domestic violence, molestation, addiction, crime, cutting, incarceration, and recovery. After hitting a bottom so hard with only two options left, life or death. Nadia drives home the sad and brutal truth that not everyone gets that choice. Many do not live to tell. This book is written for them, an epitaph. This book is also a love letter and a promise that there is hope for a better life, written for the ones that are still out there, still fighting their way in, and not out, who have lost their way, and still collecting scars.
This book is written based on Nadia’s experiences on the front lines of her own personal battles with child abuse, domestic violence, molestation, addiction, crime, cutting, incarceration, and recovery. After hitting a bottom so hard with only two options left, life or death. Nadia drives home the sad and brutal truth that not everyone gets that choice. Many do not live to tell. This book is written for them, an epitaph. This book is also a love letter and a promise that there is hope for a better life, written for the ones that are still out there, still fighting their way in, and not out, who have lost their way, and still collecting scars.
102 pages, Paperback
First published October 24, 2014
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 13, 2015
What is the psychic burden of loving a monster? What if the monster is your father, brother, son?
In "Scars" Nadia Bruce-Rawlings holds the intensity of that question in a headlock of poetic prose that is crisp, patient, torn and ripe. In her work, the burden of sorrow goes light and blurry like the heroin days she writes about, but with little interest in redemption. In stories like these, redemption is a cheap replacement for the deliverance she seeks: an open door, a startling pill in the form of a Jesus, a heroin angel who will hold her hand while she sings, drilled holes in her bones. Deliverance.
In "Scars" Nadia Bruce-Rawlings holds the intensity of that question in a headlock of poetic prose that is crisp, patient, torn and ripe. In her work, the burden of sorrow goes light and blurry like the heroin days she writes about, but with little interest in redemption. In stories like these, redemption is a cheap replacement for the deliverance she seeks: an open door, a startling pill in the form of a Jesus, a heroin angel who will hold her hand while she sings, drilled holes in her bones. Deliverance.
July 5, 2021
"Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls;the most massive characters are seared with scars"
TW: domestic violence, child abuse
I sat down for a while, staring at the ceiling , waiting for the right choice of words to come my way. I was in the dark . My mind went blank, my throat got choked and hands trembled everytime I started to write down words. "Scars"... A five letter word that encapsulates a zillion emotions!! Scars...A badge of honor of a survivor! Scars.. the epitaph to living for the one's who lost their way!!
What should I say? Where should I start? Should I speak about the night I shed bucket of tears, after undergoing a cathartic experience right from a irreparable loss? Or about the horrific, heart-stopping moments I encountered through this book wrapped in illuminating words that got etched in my mind??
Dear Nadia , take a bow. I could not fathom how painful it is to rip off the band aid and show us the scars - to open the doors of your childhood suffering, give us a tour through the traumatic, painful battles ,the memories that once haunted you but also the ones that lead you to the path of light, overcoming all the barriers like a true soldier . Scars were your reward,your beauty marks!!
This book rewards you with the need to to be grateful in life! It enlightens you to stay strong amidst all the toughest battles. It inspires you to clutch on to even the last piece of straw, even when you're at a situation where your life is at stake. It motivates you to start over from scratch.
Inspiring, horrific yet stunning, this poetic prose is a must read. Recommended!!
TW: domestic violence, child abuse
I sat down for a while, staring at the ceiling , waiting for the right choice of words to come my way. I was in the dark . My mind went blank, my throat got choked and hands trembled everytime I started to write down words. "Scars"... A five letter word that encapsulates a zillion emotions!! Scars...A badge of honor of a survivor! Scars.. the epitaph to living for the one's who lost their way!!
What should I say? Where should I start? Should I speak about the night I shed bucket of tears, after undergoing a cathartic experience right from a irreparable loss? Or about the horrific, heart-stopping moments I encountered through this book wrapped in illuminating words that got etched in my mind??
Dear Nadia , take a bow. I could not fathom how painful it is to rip off the band aid and show us the scars - to open the doors of your childhood suffering, give us a tour through the traumatic, painful battles ,the memories that once haunted you but also the ones that lead you to the path of light, overcoming all the barriers like a true soldier . Scars were your reward,your beauty marks!!
This book rewards you with the need to to be grateful in life! It enlightens you to stay strong amidst all the toughest battles. It inspires you to clutch on to even the last piece of straw, even when you're at a situation where your life is at stake. It motivates you to start over from scratch.
Inspiring, horrific yet stunning, this poetic prose is a must read. Recommended!!
May 9, 2015
My mom bought this book and lent it to me. I cried a few times while reading Nadia's book. It is sincerely written and I am sure will help others who may be experiencing similar situations in their real life, and for those who have not had these experiences, I think it will be enlightening and make you appreciative if you have not had these experiences. Bravo Nadia for such a brave and well-written literary work!
October 27, 2015
So much rawness and pain in these simple words. But also hope.
June 8, 2021
Firstly, I'd like to make a special shout-out for the title of this book. As soon as I saw the title, I could not stand not to know further, the story behind it. It compelled me to read the whole book in one sitting and that's how I bought my copy of this novel "Scars". A very small word with a deep meaning, this was enough to enticed me to buy this wonderful piece of work.
This novel is a prefect blend of prose and poetry, encompassing the stormy life of Nadia, all the way right from childhood to this day. This novel is written based on Nadia's experiences, giving insight into her struggling life, all the way from childhood to adulthood. The book drips of terror abuse and uncertainty the author has lived throughout. With self-esteem, self-worth and everything at stake, the author portrayes the brutal and painful truth she had been gone through while fighting her own personal battles with child abuse, domestic violence, molestation, addiction, crime, cutting, incarceration, and recovery.
This book is beautifully written. Although it was heartbreaking to know the dark and painful story of someone, but it touched my heart and really inspired me, knowing about all the horrors Nadia went through, she survived. You can learn a lot from her journey, some really beautiful and inspiring things are there in this book. One of the most important thing is, you will understand the true meaning of Hope. This book brings hope in your life.
We all have some bad phases in our life and it's sometimes difficult to know our purpose or the meaning of life, we must thrive and move forward. And what better way than to learn from those who have lived and shared their words of wisdom.
If you haven’t read this book, I have to insist you pick it up right away. I wish I could write more about this book, but I just can't explain the amazingness of it with my simple, unworthy words. I read this book two times from start to finish and it's is such an uplifting, pure and emotional book. Highly recommend!
This novel is a prefect blend of prose and poetry, encompassing the stormy life of Nadia, all the way right from childhood to this day. This novel is written based on Nadia's experiences, giving insight into her struggling life, all the way from childhood to adulthood. The book drips of terror abuse and uncertainty the author has lived throughout. With self-esteem, self-worth and everything at stake, the author portrayes the brutal and painful truth she had been gone through while fighting her own personal battles with child abuse, domestic violence, molestation, addiction, crime, cutting, incarceration, and recovery.
This book is beautifully written. Although it was heartbreaking to know the dark and painful story of someone, but it touched my heart and really inspired me, knowing about all the horrors Nadia went through, she survived. You can learn a lot from her journey, some really beautiful and inspiring things are there in this book. One of the most important thing is, you will understand the true meaning of Hope. This book brings hope in your life.
We all have some bad phases in our life and it's sometimes difficult to know our purpose or the meaning of life, we must thrive and move forward. And what better way than to learn from those who have lived and shared their words of wisdom.
If you haven’t read this book, I have to insist you pick it up right away. I wish I could write more about this book, but I just can't explain the amazingness of it with my simple, unworthy words. I read this book two times from start to finish and it's is such an uplifting, pure and emotional book. Highly recommend!
April 23, 2021
𝑻𝒊𝒕𝒍𝒆: Scars
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: Nadia Bruce-Rawlings
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
Scars penned by the author Nadia Bruce-Rawlings is a story that is well justified with its name. This book tells readers that some scars are permanent and they may stay with us but we should stop being a victim and should rise above our suffering. Nadia's childhood was not that good. She was given scars not by stranger but her own father. When her mother got sick, her father tried to stay sober but the alcohol kept bringing the devil in him. Her father who had spent some time in prison came to her house with her in Bakersfield. Nadia had thought that he might have changed but he was still the same. He touched her in the wrong places.
Author has discussed how trauma can pass from one generation to another so it is very important to be healed. Language of the book is lucid and easy to follow. Narration is smooth. Cover photo of the book is nice with many family secrets. Scars is a perfect prose and poetry collection that gives a wonderful message of not giving up. Keep hope for a better life and one day everything will be alright.
Please be advised that book contains mature and sensitive content. If you have been a part of abuse, you may feel strong emotions while reading.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5
𝑨𝒖𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒓: Nadia Bruce-Rawlings
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘:
Scars penned by the author Nadia Bruce-Rawlings is a story that is well justified with its name. This book tells readers that some scars are permanent and they may stay with us but we should stop being a victim and should rise above our suffering. Nadia's childhood was not that good. She was given scars not by stranger but her own father. When her mother got sick, her father tried to stay sober but the alcohol kept bringing the devil in him. Her father who had spent some time in prison came to her house with her in Bakersfield. Nadia had thought that he might have changed but he was still the same. He touched her in the wrong places.
Author has discussed how trauma can pass from one generation to another so it is very important to be healed. Language of the book is lucid and easy to follow. Narration is smooth. Cover photo of the book is nice with many family secrets. Scars is a perfect prose and poetry collection that gives a wonderful message of not giving up. Keep hope for a better life and one day everything will be alright.
Please be advised that book contains mature and sensitive content. If you have been a part of abuse, you may feel strong emotions while reading.
𝑴𝒚 𝑹𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈: 5/5
April 24, 2021
Scars
By
Nadia Bruce-Rawlings
My Review:
Scars is a story that is riveting. This book will keep you on the edge the whole time until you finished it. Author has lived in many countries. When she was living with her family in Egypt as eight years old, she remembered one beating. Her mother's nose was broke, her siblings fled the house but Nadia was too young to be out at night time in Cairo.
After Nadia has grown up, now her father is 80 years old. She remembered all the beating that her mother suffered because of her father, the abuse that family has to go through because of him. Even though her mother had to leave the world but she guided Nadia by becoming her guardian angel. Sometimes, God sends us few people in our life that acts as angel and help us to come out of our misery and live a grateful life.
Nadia's story is fast paced. Written in approx 100 pages, this story is full of mix emotions. It can leave you with wet eyes especially if you are a sensitive person. Those who survive the trauma motivates others to come out of their misery. This book is written with a hope to help others. It's a gripping story that you should add to your tbr right away.
My Rating: 5/5
By
Nadia Bruce-Rawlings
My Review:
Scars is a story that is riveting. This book will keep you on the edge the whole time until you finished it. Author has lived in many countries. When she was living with her family in Egypt as eight years old, she remembered one beating. Her mother's nose was broke, her siblings fled the house but Nadia was too young to be out at night time in Cairo.
After Nadia has grown up, now her father is 80 years old. She remembered all the beating that her mother suffered because of her father, the abuse that family has to go through because of him. Even though her mother had to leave the world but she guided Nadia by becoming her guardian angel. Sometimes, God sends us few people in our life that acts as angel and help us to come out of our misery and live a grateful life.
Nadia's story is fast paced. Written in approx 100 pages, this story is full of mix emotions. It can leave you with wet eyes especially if you are a sensitive person. Those who survive the trauma motivates others to come out of their misery. This book is written with a hope to help others. It's a gripping story that you should add to your tbr right away.
My Rating: 5/5
April 24, 2021
Scars written by the author Nadia Bruce-Rawlings is a collection of prose and poetry and author has shared her story in this book. Stories revolves around the molestation by her father when she was just a child. When Nadia was five years old, she was sitting on her father's lap not knowing that there is something wrong. When her mother saw that, she tried to keep her away from her father so she can protect her. But one morning, her mother didn't wake up. She was a cancer patient and lost her life. In this book, Nadia has discussed about physical scars on her body. Although she has recovered but the scars will always remain a part of the survivor.
This book is to instill hope in those who are still a victim of suffering or abuse. It was an emotional read with heavy emotions at times. This book is an inspiration to lead a better life. While reading this, I got inspired to help someone who is suffering. I really appreciate author's guts to share her story with everyone. This is a must read book. Readers will definitely take away something from this book. Title of the book couldn't have been better than this. It's a worth reading story.
This book is to instill hope in those who are still a victim of suffering or abuse. It was an emotional read with heavy emotions at times. This book is an inspiration to lead a better life. While reading this, I got inspired to help someone who is suffering. I really appreciate author's guts to share her story with everyone. This is a must read book. Readers will definitely take away something from this book. Title of the book couldn't have been better than this. It's a worth reading story.
July 26, 2017
Honest, Open & Heartbeaking
Reading the stories of the things that Nadia went through to get to where she is today is heartbreaking. Having endured years of abuse, she has a story of hope.
Reading the stories of the things that Nadia went through to get to where she is today is heartbreaking. Having endured years of abuse, she has a story of hope.
August 30, 2016
Raw. Powerful. Best read from front to back - not skipping around. That way you get the full effect of redemption and a hopeful way forward. It takes immense guts to put all your scars out there for the world to view. Thank you, Nadia!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews