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Frock Off: Living Undisguised
With parents tormented by secrets, guilt, and shame, Jo Dibblee quickly learned to protect herself. Faced with her parents' alcoholism, drug abuse, and depression, along with the sexual assault and stalking of an "upstanding" foster parent, Jo began, early in life, to use a coping strategy she now calls frocking. With humor and hope, Jo shares the harrowing rollercoaster of her life story and gives the low-down on frocking-how she learned it and used it to survive, how she found it holding her back and what she had to do to, once and for all, Frock Off. Despite harsh truths, brushes with death and agonizing betrayals, Jo's heart shines through these pages, offering promise, wisdom and inspiration to any reader who has learned to hide and longs to be free.
320 pages, Paperback
First published October 20, 2013
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22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 15, 2014
Reviewed by Michael McManus for Reader’s Favorite
“Frock Off” is a memoir, and memoirs are generally dull. That is certainly not the case with this author’s life story. Born in Western Canada in the last half of the twentieth century Jo-Ann Dibblee faces poor odds of ever having a normal life. Constantly on the move, her family is searching for “the money”, using methods that never succeed. Her parents are drunks, who are more interested in their own squabbles than in the welfare of their children. How they manage to stay one step ahead of Child Protective Services is probably due to the children, and especially Jo-Ann, lying to authorities about their living conditions. To top it off, both parents are suicidal. As a solution to coping with the sometimes unbearable life she is leading, Jo-Ann invents invisible garments that she dons for protection. She keeps layering herself with these “frocks” until the outside world sees only her layers of protection and not her real self. For half a lifetime Jo-Ann works to keep her family together, sacrificing for the sake of her loved ones, until a friend utters these fateful words: “Jo, when is it your turn?” At that point and from then on she works to remove the “frocks” and find a life of her own.
Sometimes this story is so dark that you lose sight of the fact that it is true. However, the way it is told is inspiring and at times heartwarming and even funny. Jo-Ann Dibblee’s method of telling of her life is worthy of note. When she talks about her pre-teen years, you hear the voice of a child in her words, then, as the story progresses and she matures, so does the sound of the voice. I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it to a broad, mature audience.
“Frock Off” is a memoir, and memoirs are generally dull. That is certainly not the case with this author’s life story. Born in Western Canada in the last half of the twentieth century Jo-Ann Dibblee faces poor odds of ever having a normal life. Constantly on the move, her family is searching for “the money”, using methods that never succeed. Her parents are drunks, who are more interested in their own squabbles than in the welfare of their children. How they manage to stay one step ahead of Child Protective Services is probably due to the children, and especially Jo-Ann, lying to authorities about their living conditions. To top it off, both parents are suicidal. As a solution to coping with the sometimes unbearable life she is leading, Jo-Ann invents invisible garments that she dons for protection. She keeps layering herself with these “frocks” until the outside world sees only her layers of protection and not her real self. For half a lifetime Jo-Ann works to keep her family together, sacrificing for the sake of her loved ones, until a friend utters these fateful words: “Jo, when is it your turn?” At that point and from then on she works to remove the “frocks” and find a life of her own.
Sometimes this story is so dark that you lose sight of the fact that it is true. However, the way it is told is inspiring and at times heartwarming and even funny. Jo-Ann Dibblee’s method of telling of her life is worthy of note. When she talks about her pre-teen years, you hear the voice of a child in her words, then, as the story progresses and she matures, so does the sound of the voice. I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it to a broad, mature audience.
June 21, 2014
A fast and engaging read. I would've given it four stars if not for the grammatical and punctuation errors, which always distract me from the writing . The most common one was using an ' before an s when no ' was needed (ie., like a sign over the ladies room that reads, "ladie's"). Shame the editor didn't catch these, along with other problems, as it gives the writing an amateurish vibe.
However, Jo's story of survival is a great one, and many times I found myself teared up, especially the chapter about her close relationship with her adopted grandpa. I'd love to see this book edited properly and re-released; it could raise it from good to great.
However, Jo's story of survival is a great one, and many times I found myself teared up, especially the chapter about her close relationship with her adopted grandpa. I'd love to see this book edited properly and re-released; it could raise it from good to great.
October 20, 2016
I began reading this moving, heartrending, and yet uplifting memoir at the first of the week. Since the only time I have to hold a book in print in my hands is at bedtime, I had not expected to finish it in just a few days, but found it was one I could not put down. The tail of growing up in a highly dysfunctional family, where she was forced to take the adult role in the family as a preschooler is compelling. Frocking off was a survival skill which Jo Dibblee created to survive and remain positive through the most horrendous life experiences imaginably. "Frock Off" is written in a strong, compelling voice, reminiscent of "A Glass Castle." Jo has the ability to bring tears to your eyes and also a smile to your lips as you experience how she turned her lemon of a life into lemonade. Pick up a copy of "Frock off" and learn how frocking off might be applied for assisting you or your loved ones through the inevitable rough patches of your lives.
August 13, 2014
If you want a book that will help you remove the masks that you wear, then this is the book for you! Filled with a powerful story that Jo Dibblee experienced first hand is something that no child should have to go through.
I highly recommend Frock Off to you, giving it 5 stars!
I highly recommend Frock Off to you, giving it 5 stars!
November 7, 2015
Fabulously Frock-a-licious!
"Frock Off" is a captivating and powerful read. Though the weight of the story is most definitely felt, Jo tells the tale with ease (ease that no doubt comes from much wrestling with the story and the issues herself).
Jo's history is rough, but she never leaves the reader any room to feel sorry for her. As in life, Jo's writing in this book keeps moving on, begging the reader to turn the next page, to keep going because there's MORE to come... and it's worth it! Identifying her own frocks and disguises throughout, Jo peels back the layers of masks and abuse, laying bare her heart and her journey.
But ... There's no pity party here!
There are, however, plenty of examples of what can happen when frocks take over your true identity, and even more encouragement to live authentically.
Knowing Jo personally makes the story even more powerful - I've seen some of her defrocking efforts, and I see what living Frock-Free looks like in her life. She's the real deal!
"Frock Off: Living Undisguised" has challenged, encouraged, and inspired me. Just the idea of a frock-a-licious life is very inviting, even if, like Jo has shared of her own defrocking, getting there won't necessarily be easy.
We all wear masks and disguises. Because of that, I believe that anyone can relate to and draw inspiration from Jo's story. I recommend this book (and any of Jo's speaking engagements) for anyone who is ready to embrace a fuller, more genuine life.
Or you might just be curious about how a tiny girl with a silly nickname and severely dysfunctional family can become an internationally-known force of positive change, even in the face of the most daunting of circumstances. That's a great reason to read this book, too!
Frockalicious living awaits, and Jo is proof that it's a fantastic way to live.
"Frock Off" is a captivating and powerful read. Though the weight of the story is most definitely felt, Jo tells the tale with ease (ease that no doubt comes from much wrestling with the story and the issues herself).
Jo's history is rough, but she never leaves the reader any room to feel sorry for her. As in life, Jo's writing in this book keeps moving on, begging the reader to turn the next page, to keep going because there's MORE to come... and it's worth it! Identifying her own frocks and disguises throughout, Jo peels back the layers of masks and abuse, laying bare her heart and her journey.
But ... There's no pity party here!
There are, however, plenty of examples of what can happen when frocks take over your true identity, and even more encouragement to live authentically.
Knowing Jo personally makes the story even more powerful - I've seen some of her defrocking efforts, and I see what living Frock-Free looks like in her life. She's the real deal!
"Frock Off: Living Undisguised" has challenged, encouraged, and inspired me. Just the idea of a frock-a-licious life is very inviting, even if, like Jo has shared of her own defrocking, getting there won't necessarily be easy.
We all wear masks and disguises. Because of that, I believe that anyone can relate to and draw inspiration from Jo's story. I recommend this book (and any of Jo's speaking engagements) for anyone who is ready to embrace a fuller, more genuine life.
Or you might just be curious about how a tiny girl with a silly nickname and severely dysfunctional family can become an internationally-known force of positive change, even in the face of the most daunting of circumstances. That's a great reason to read this book, too!
Frockalicious living awaits, and Jo is proof that it's a fantastic way to live.
November 26, 2014
I chose to read this book as I had gone to an event that the author spoke at. She sounded interesting. This book is about her story and the "frocks" she wore to get through life. In reading, it becomes apparent that every one of us wear "frocks" in order to get through life. Depending on how you deal with things, your frocks may be light weight or as heavy as armor.
It was an interesting read.
It was an interesting read.
December 27, 2024
Incredible read! Jo’s book has stayed with me since reading it…her honesty, resilience, and innocence is evident within her words. What really struck me was her voice-honest and relatable-like sitting down with a friend who isn’t afraid to tell it like it is. Equal parts raw, inspiring and empowering. Jo is a kind and brave soul. A must read-don’t wait….
January 18, 2015
"Frock Off" by Jo Dibblee is one of those stories that you begin reading and start to wonder how in the world one little girl, to adult woman, could have possibly gone through so much. I had the pleasure of meeting Jo Dibblee and her husband Michael at the Readers' Favorite International Book Awards in Miami this past November. I can honestly say that they are both genuine and authentic people and I'm so happy that they found each other.
Jo suffered through moving so many times as a child but still managed to find a few special angels along the way (Mr. Belanger her pretend grandfather and Mom and Dad Berg who wanted to adopt her) who truly cared about her and her welfare. Jo described her failed marriages and finding the love of her life when she met Michael...as all "frocks" were off and Jo could just "be Jo." The cloud of sexual abuse and being scared that her attacker would find her and her children and bring them harm would have totally consumed her had it not been for her frocks or armor and strength. I feel for this woman since she never had a real childhood. She was the caretaker for her alcoholic/drug abusing/mentally ill parents not to mention her younger brother and sisters. Through it all, Jo found a way to protect herself...with her many frocks. This is one strong woman who is empowering others today. I truly enjoyed reading about her journey and found strength in her words.
Jo suffered through moving so many times as a child but still managed to find a few special angels along the way (Mr. Belanger her pretend grandfather and Mom and Dad Berg who wanted to adopt her) who truly cared about her and her welfare. Jo described her failed marriages and finding the love of her life when she met Michael...as all "frocks" were off and Jo could just "be Jo." The cloud of sexual abuse and being scared that her attacker would find her and her children and bring them harm would have totally consumed her had it not been for her frocks or armor and strength. I feel for this woman since she never had a real childhood. She was the caretaker for her alcoholic/drug abusing/mentally ill parents not to mention her younger brother and sisters. Through it all, Jo found a way to protect herself...with her many frocks. This is one strong woman who is empowering others today. I truly enjoyed reading about her journey and found strength in her words.
February 29, 2016
I was lucky enough to meet the author at a book signing and see her speak to a very small town gathering in northern Alberta, Canada. The book was a good read and taught me how resilient a person can be. It took so much courage to speak out and FROCK OFF, which in turn gave me courage to move forward in my own life without any complaints as my struggles are not even close to those of some people's.
October 1, 2015
"A poignant story of self discovery, self liberation and surviving against all odds in life. Very uplifting and inspiring. Frock Off: Living Undisguised by Jo Dibblee is the personal journey of the author who will inspire readers with her story." - Manta Madhaven
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews