An Ability to Rise Risé was named after the opera star Risë Stevens. It was as if her mother knew that Risé was not meant to be written into the family’s tragedies. In fact, from a young age Risé found a way to rise above the chaos, abuse, and molestation of her childhood, eventually escaping the weight of her family, and learning to love and believe in herself. This story is a testament to her deep determination and innate courage.
Well written, inspiring memoir. From a poor, abusive family she rises up to achieve success all on her own. A child that survived molestation, rape and really didn't experience any motherly or fatherly love she beat the odds and became a strong, successful person. Written in first hand, i enjoyed this book.
Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I think it is incredibly brave to have put your life story on paper for the world to read. You are an inspiration Risa and i feel privileged to have met you!! Thank you again for sharing your life with us!! o
I loved this story, I found it to be truly inspirational and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who feels that they cannot overcome the problems of their past. I know this woman, and she is the real deal!! Thank you Risa!! You rock!! Merri
Couldn't put it down, but I am confused as to why she never explained why being so cruel to other people made her feel better as a child. Poor sibs. However, God bless this family
and “rise” up and take control of their futures Many don’t survive to write about their childhood and take action to bring attention to the world to bring awareness to what hidden horrors children endure
This book was so enthralling that I read it all in one day! You can't look away! It touches your very heart strings and leaves you with some profound words of wisdom. A must read!
I loved this book. If ever there was a true about a phoenix rising from the ashes, this is it. Rise Meyers overcame so many obstacles to claim the life she now has. There were times I cried for her, and times I cheered for her. Everyone who has ever faced adversity can learn from her story.
This was a hard book to read because of all the abuse that went on between the siblings and parents, especially the mother. I don’t know why the main character Rise’ didn’t just run away when she had the chance. Not a feel good book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
How one women survived an abusive family and managed to succeed outwardly. Sad at the end since she obviously physically survived but has not ever found the love she so desperately needs.
This book is rich! I say that because of it's at times heartbreaking and tragic details, the strength of the author even as a child to endure and not give up, always striving for better and more and because, despite the lack in her own early years, she knew how to care for and about others while learning to love herself. I found Rise Myers memoir to be a captivating read although certainly not easy in terms of the often heartbreaking experiences she lived through. It is well written, well edited and presents as a 5 star literary meal : You don't want to see it end yet you are satisfied when it does! I am so glad the author persevered in her search for the safety, stability and quality of life that ALL kids deserve and that she continues to use not only her past but her present day successes as a way to help others. In doing so, she no doubt makes the journey less painful for other victims out there. My best wishes for your continued success to Rise Myers should she happen to see this. You are a gift!
I did not select this book for any particular reason, except that it was nonfiction, but I am so glad that I read it.
This lady's account of true grit and survival from childhood into her sixties reminded me that so many others have it worse than I.
Rise suffered true pain, loss, grief, abuse, and exclusion by the people who were supposed to be the ones she could trust and rely on for support. Instead, they hurt her worse than anyone else ever could have.
Literally transforming herself from a caterpillar into a butterfly, this is a gripping and inspirational story. If you cannot find something to be grateful for after reading this book, you are not looking hard enough....
Rise endured the kind of childhood that would have snuffed the will to live for for other children in similar situations. She numbed the emotional damage with alcohol and drugs for years always seeking a way out.from her dysfunctional family trying in any way she could to make and steal money. Along the way she meets some good people but wondering if she is ever really worthy of love. Her story spans decades and at times the reader roots for her, at other times we feel her pain and struggle to make sense of her existence. A mesmerizing read, I couldn't stop
'Rise' is the title and also a mispronunciation of her real name Ris'e. I don't think the keyboard actually does the accent. But along with constant fumbles with her name, Rise is fighting for her identity! Nothing to do with Everest, but a formidable journey ever breathless against terrible abuse, poverty, rejection, dirt and addictions. If only a few young women could pick this book up, find part of Rise's story to relate to and gain strength and encouragement for their metamorphosis, then Rise's struggles to tell her story have not been in vain! A 'good read'!!
If you're wondering if this is worth your time to read, the answer is yes. The writing is smooth and clear, the voice of the author well presented. I tend to enjoy reading as a form of escapism, looking for uplifting stories or romance. I hesitated briefly when I was considering this title, I was concerned that I would find the depictions of abuse upsetting. I'm glad I chose to read it anyway. I found it sad to read, but not triggering, and the ending is uplifting. I commend the author on her bravery in sharing her story. Do yourself a favor and read it.
This book is like the last several I have read about families that look like mine. I keep reading about people who have survived the most horrible abuse I can think up and come out of it with a new normal that you always think is the way your friends grow up but are seldom true. As adults it is our responsibility to make a life that doesn't fall into the old familiar ways we were raised.
I read this book in about six hours. Once I realized how the story of Rise’s life was unfolding I didn’t really want to finish the book. It’s horrifying and heartbreaking. The fact that she came out of it when so many of her family members didn’t, is amazing all by itself. But it’s still so sad that she doesn’t have the family connections that the rest of us have. Thank you for sharing the unvarnished truth of your life with us.
Triggers for some survivors and inspiration for most
Rise Myers story is of harsh venomous treatment by siblings, caretakers and "deviants" in her childhood and young adulthood. But the "secret sauce" is how she stored every positive thing said or done by neighbors, and others and her resilience to recall the evidence that she was special and worth while as an antidote to the poisonous words, acts and abuse of her child's body, mind and spirit.
The way she wrote the book it was as if she was just talking to you, telling her story. I appreciated that, and the fact she didn't mince words. Her experiences were often difficult, and relatable for me. She roped me in and I had to see the outcome. I was cheering for her!
Many people have lived abusive live and it is always great to hear you can live though it and event thrive. It is a light hard to get a grip on just how many people have lived through some type of abuse. We as a people need to find a way to grow and accept what makes us all different from each other
This story was so, so moving, entertaining and interesting!!!. It was also so sad😭 and would really just piss you off and make you want to go postal on these crazy ass people. Rise is just like her name she ROSE above it all like a PHOENIX!!. She is a great person and she should be very proud of herself for continuing to RISE!!!.
In too many ways, this book reminded me of my life. I never found the strength , mentally or physically to get away from it or the memories. I wish I had. This book has made me understand that in order to do this, you have to Forgive and LET GO. God, give me the strength to do this. God bless you Rise. May the rest of your life be beautiful!