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Boot Language
From the outside, Vanya’s childhood looked idyllic: she rode horses with her father in the solitude of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and attended flamboyant operas with her mother in the city. But life for Vanya and her family turned dark when ghosts from her father’s service on a Pacific destroyer in World War II tore her family apart.
Set in postwar California, this is the story of a girl who tried to make sense of her parents’ unpredictable actions―from being left to lie in her own blood-soaked diaper while her Christian Scientist mother prayed, refusing to get medical help to watching her father writhe on his bed in the detox ward, his hands and feet tethered with leather straps―by immersing herself in the beauty and solitude of the wilderness around her. It was only decades later, when memories began to haunt her, that Vanya was able to look back with unflinching honesty and tender compassion for her family and herself. In this elegant, haunting narrative, Erickson invites us to witness it all―from the gripping, often disturbing, truths of her childhood to her ultimate survival.
Set in postwar California, this is the story of a girl who tried to make sense of her parents’ unpredictable actions―from being left to lie in her own blood-soaked diaper while her Christian Scientist mother prayed, refusing to get medical help to watching her father writhe on his bed in the detox ward, his hands and feet tethered with leather straps―by immersing herself in the beauty and solitude of the wilderness around her. It was only decades later, when memories began to haunt her, that Vanya was able to look back with unflinching honesty and tender compassion for her family and herself. In this elegant, haunting narrative, Erickson invites us to witness it all―from the gripping, often disturbing, truths of her childhood to her ultimate survival.
256 pages, Paperback
Published August 21, 2018
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932 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 7, 2018
Many thanks to BookSparks for providing a copy of Boot Language for review!
Boot Language by Vanya Erickson is an incredibly powerful read! Readers are taken back to the author's first moments in life, covered in blood with her devout Christian Scientist mother refusing to call for help. This quick read is such an interesting look into the psychology of a family. The parts creating the whole were each unique and fascinating to behold through the eyes of the author. In many ways, this memoir of Vanya's life gave me a glimpse into the memories of my own childhood. Though her life was vastly different from my own, certain character traits in her parents and within Vanya herself were quite similar to those of myself and my family. Even down to the actual "boot language" or the cadence of her father's steps in her home revealing his mood that particular day, was reminiscent of feelings I've experienced as a child myself. I appreciated the chance to empathize with the author and feel a sense of solidarity, knowing I wasn't completely alone in things I've experienced in life.
My favorite thing about reading this was being able to understand the conflicting feelings Vanya held about her parents. She felt love and had numerous good memories and enjoyable moments with both of her parents, but as many abuse victims know, there are many negative emotions and feelings associated with the memories as well. The author was able to write this in a visceral way, allowing readers to truly experience the topsy-turvy emotions themselves. Not only was I able to understand the story from a child's point of view, I was also able to reflect on Vanya's story as a parent myself. I think as a parent, it truly made some of the treatment the author received even more mind-boggling and hard to fathom.
This is at times an intense read, but a book I'm glad I was able to experience. I love being able to see the world through someone else's eyes, allowing me a new perspective on the lives others lead. I chose to rate Boot Language as a three-star read. I would have liked the end to elaborate a bit more, showing how the author's life progressed. I think she told the story she wanted to share, but I almost felt as if I was left with a cliffhanger, which seemed odd to me for this genre. Overall, this was a very eye-opening memoir and I'm impressed by Vanya's resilience in life, along with her strength in sharing her story with the world.
Boot Language by Vanya Erickson is an incredibly powerful read! Readers are taken back to the author's first moments in life, covered in blood with her devout Christian Scientist mother refusing to call for help. This quick read is such an interesting look into the psychology of a family. The parts creating the whole were each unique and fascinating to behold through the eyes of the author. In many ways, this memoir of Vanya's life gave me a glimpse into the memories of my own childhood. Though her life was vastly different from my own, certain character traits in her parents and within Vanya herself were quite similar to those of myself and my family. Even down to the actual "boot language" or the cadence of her father's steps in her home revealing his mood that particular day, was reminiscent of feelings I've experienced as a child myself. I appreciated the chance to empathize with the author and feel a sense of solidarity, knowing I wasn't completely alone in things I've experienced in life.
My favorite thing about reading this was being able to understand the conflicting feelings Vanya held about her parents. She felt love and had numerous good memories and enjoyable moments with both of her parents, but as many abuse victims know, there are many negative emotions and feelings associated with the memories as well. The author was able to write this in a visceral way, allowing readers to truly experience the topsy-turvy emotions themselves. Not only was I able to understand the story from a child's point of view, I was also able to reflect on Vanya's story as a parent myself. I think as a parent, it truly made some of the treatment the author received even more mind-boggling and hard to fathom.
This is at times an intense read, but a book I'm glad I was able to experience. I love being able to see the world through someone else's eyes, allowing me a new perspective on the lives others lead. I chose to rate Boot Language as a three-star read. I would have liked the end to elaborate a bit more, showing how the author's life progressed. I think she told the story she wanted to share, but I almost felt as if I was left with a cliffhanger, which seemed odd to me for this genre. Overall, this was a very eye-opening memoir and I'm impressed by Vanya's resilience in life, along with her strength in sharing her story with the world.
February 23, 2019
An Exceptional, and Exceptionally Painful Ride.
This memoir is wonderfully executed—a fabulous, thematically beautiful title; great writing with amazing character and situation descriptions; a totally relatable narrator you want to pull out of this life and protect. You can see, touch, hear and feel the pain of the little girl as well as the scars on the adult woman. You hate--and also come to understand if never to approve of--those who hurt her, as she tries so hard to do herself.
It’s a difficult story vividly told. In fact, I couldn’t help but think that much of the memoir would be a very effective backstory for a novel featuring the narrator’s next phase. What happens to a woman raised like that? With models like this—the alluring yet terrifying father who bursts into unbelievable violence and cruelty, the mother (right out of a Tennessee Williams play) who wraps herself in denial by living an alternative life of opera and refinement in full view of her daughter’s suffering. Does mom even know about the scalding baths? Would she react if she did, or simply throw an elegant shawl around her evening clothes and continue out for the night?
The story is told episodically—one horrible incident after another—and as it unfolds could have benefited from more of an intentional narrative arc and selective recounting of incidents rather than what at times becomes a numbing litany of abuse and denial. That said, its theme of eventual insight not being curative, resonates and will not leave you.
I want to read more from this author and I’d encourage her to take her considerable language and observation skills into fiction. She has the chops…and the material.
This memoir is wonderfully executed—a fabulous, thematically beautiful title; great writing with amazing character and situation descriptions; a totally relatable narrator you want to pull out of this life and protect. You can see, touch, hear and feel the pain of the little girl as well as the scars on the adult woman. You hate--and also come to understand if never to approve of--those who hurt her, as she tries so hard to do herself.
It’s a difficult story vividly told. In fact, I couldn’t help but think that much of the memoir would be a very effective backstory for a novel featuring the narrator’s next phase. What happens to a woman raised like that? With models like this—the alluring yet terrifying father who bursts into unbelievable violence and cruelty, the mother (right out of a Tennessee Williams play) who wraps herself in denial by living an alternative life of opera and refinement in full view of her daughter’s suffering. Does mom even know about the scalding baths? Would she react if she did, or simply throw an elegant shawl around her evening clothes and continue out for the night?
The story is told episodically—one horrible incident after another—and as it unfolds could have benefited from more of an intentional narrative arc and selective recounting of incidents rather than what at times becomes a numbing litany of abuse and denial. That said, its theme of eventual insight not being curative, resonates and will not leave you.
I want to read more from this author and I’d encourage her to take her considerable language and observation skills into fiction. She has the chops…and the material.
September 14, 2018
I can’t in all good conscience give Boot Language any rating higher than two stars. Although the author went into excruciating detail about her abusive, dysfunctional family, and I have no doubt that she suffered, particularly at the hands of her father, she left some gaps in the readers understanding about when and where some incidents took place—in town or on the ranch? Mother present or absent? But worse than that was the faulty editing. The most glaring mistake was Ernest Hemmingway, more than once, and often the editor missed some cutting-and-pasting errors that made mush of some sentences. If the reader is willing to look past such errors for the narrative, this memoir is a fast read and does present an interesting contrast between a father who loves the mountains and the land, and a mother who was a New York City debutante and is independently wealthy. This contrast sets up conflicting emotions in the author and her siblings which, to me, is the most interesting part of the story.
August 31, 2018
Thank you very much BookSparks for sending me Boot Language in exchange for an honest review. I was heartbroken reading about this sweet little girl who wanted nothing but love from her father. Growing up with a mother who was a Christian Scientist and an alcoholic father, I am in awe that Vanya not only survived it but faced it and then wrote about it! How strong and brave is that? To have to relive these moments must have been hard, so thank you Vanya for sharing your story with us.
March 27, 2019
Ms. Erickson is a master at creating tension on the page. I was constantly concerned that something worse was going to happen, instigated by her unpredictable and often unkind father. She clearly conveyed what it was like to live with not knowing what the consequences of any of her actions - or of family members - would be. I was frustrated by her mother’s not protecting her and attempts to make up for chaos with visits to the opera. And, although nothing totally morbid and blood curdling happened, this book was definitely a thriller. Hats off the Erickson for a well-crated first book.
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September 16, 2018 Wow. I love this voice, that beautiful writing, telling a painful and truthful story. The ending was beautiful. Perfect. The language, narrative style and images carried the deepest and hardest parts into my heart. Life breathed into that precious child who enriched by the wisdom of the writer’s adult self blesses the pages. As she rides across the grassy meadows and into the forest, wonders, hides as she watches her own family unravel, we see it happening, feel it. I can breathe again when she stands up and makes space for herself, makes it safely out and moves into the world away form this one. I rooted for her to find a soft place to land, after which she will most certainly have a lot more to wrestle with. Book 2?
August 26, 2018
As children, we look to our parents to help gently guide us in a direction that leads us to becoming successful adults. But what if our parents are traveling in two separate directions? For Vanya Erickson, that was her childhood. Growing up with a mother who centered her life around her Christian Science belief and a father who was an alcoholic, Vanya was left to sift through emotions and navigate life as best she could.
Finding solstice in her summer ranch life, and a closeness with her younger sister, Erickson is a middle child who battles between feeling invisible and finding her gumption. This is a story of true inner strength, and how, despite obstacles, a child can flourish and find victory on her own.
From the very first page, I was captivated by Erickson’s story. Her rawness and vulnerability is so lyrically portrayed that the reader can’t help but fall in love with her. There were many times I found myself crying for the emotional pain she suffered as a child, as well as the inner struggle she felt to be “good enough” and “lovable enough”.
With all the dark undertones in each chapter, this memoir is surprisingly uplifting. This is a story that validates just how resilient children can be. Reading like a novel, this is a memoir that is not easily forgotten.
Finding solstice in her summer ranch life, and a closeness with her younger sister, Erickson is a middle child who battles between feeling invisible and finding her gumption. This is a story of true inner strength, and how, despite obstacles, a child can flourish and find victory on her own.
From the very first page, I was captivated by Erickson’s story. Her rawness and vulnerability is so lyrically portrayed that the reader can’t help but fall in love with her. There were many times I found myself crying for the emotional pain she suffered as a child, as well as the inner struggle she felt to be “good enough” and “lovable enough”.
With all the dark undertones in each chapter, this memoir is surprisingly uplifting. This is a story that validates just how resilient children can be. Reading like a novel, this is a memoir that is not easily forgotten.
August 9, 2018
This book grasped me from the beginning. Seeing the different parenting styles that Vanya had gone through was interesting. How her mother was against medicine seemed to pop out to me the most. I have heard of people who believe in natural healing, and that God will heal you. I understand that for some this is hard to grasp, and honestly when I read about that part I felt conflicted. Part of me says yes if you are severely sick like Vanya was when she was a baby, that medical attention should be sought. One the other side I feel that everyone has their own opinion and they have the right to follow through with that opinion. Boot Language was well written and I recommend it as a read.
August 23, 2018
The author wrote a memoir that details growing up with an abusive alcoholic father and a religious mother that doesn't believe in modern medicine, but instead on natural healing. The author's craving for love from her parents, no matter how badly she was treated, was heartbreaking and the raw emotions came through in the writing of this amazing memoir.
August 28, 2018
Such a wonderful memoir about the struggles growing up. This is a very opinionated story. Especially when it comes to the health of a child. But this story definitely grasps you.... keeping your intrigued till the end. The different parenting styles and just the experience of it all is a fabulous read!!! Definitely speaks to the parent in me for sure....
August 14, 2018
A good read!
September 10, 2018
This month begins a Blog Tour I am participating in called #MagicofMemoir2018 and so a very special thank you to BookSparks for including me in this awesome Blog Tour. As part of the Blog Tour I will be receiving five memoir review copies for free in exchange for am honest review. As always all opinions here and on all my other social media platforms are my own.
The Magic Of Memoir 2018 Blog Tour started out with an absolute stunner of a book. I was sent Boot Language by Vanya Erickson. Before I get into my review I would like to put out a warning that this book may be upsetting for people who can not handle topics of child abuse (both verbal and physical), and the effects of growing up with an alcoholic parent.
My Review:
When I first received my review copy of Boot Language I was struck by how odd the title seemed to me. I couldn’t make sense of the two words put together but figured it had something to do with Vanya the author growing up on a ranch in the Sierra Nevadas. The title later makes heartbreaking sense and sums up both Vanya and I’m sure her younger sister KK’s system of surviving their childhood.
Vanya Erickson tells the story of her childhood in the 60′s and early 70′s up until the time of her father’s death in this emotionally raw and often anxiety inducing memoir. Vanya a middle child had two brothers and two sisters. In her memoir you see that herself and sometimes her little sister are the focus of sick twisted games of abuse played by her alcoholic father. Vanya’s mother is also an important role in her upbringing but offers her no safe haven from any danger or unpleasantness in the world due to her strict Christian Science beliefs. Her mother believes everything can just be prayed away. At many times throughout the book it is hard to determine which parent is doing more damage, the enabler mother or the abuser father.
The most interesting aspect of this book for me was the complex relationship that Vanya really explored through her writing of her and her father. She really strives to understand her own thoughts and feelings on how a little girl who was so hurt and terrified by such a cruel man could still want to earn his love and respect. It is a really unique a special window that allows us to see the complex emotions and damage done to children of abuse and alcoholism.
The title of the memoir “Boot Language” comes from Vanya’s developed ability over time to determine how dangerous her father was by the sound his boots made as they scraped across the floor entering the house. These sounds gave her insight to how drunk he was, how much danger she was in of being hurt, and how much time if any she had to hide if need be. this had to me one of the most heartbreaking and emotionally grating passages of the book. The realization that children this young need to learn how to survive their own parents is so awful and despicable.
In the end the book addresses what it it is like for children of alcoholics to deal with a parent who is dying from their years of alcohol abuse and then come to terms with their death.
This memoir was beautifully written and if it had to be summed up in one word I would choose haunting. Vanya Erickson opens the door for readers to see the most painful memories of her childhood, given to her by parents who shouldn’t have had the privilege of such wonderful children. While her memories are her own unique experiences her story is also such a beautiful and strong testimony to the effects of alcohol abuse on a family and the perseverance of the human spirit.
The Magic Of Memoir 2018 Blog Tour started out with an absolute stunner of a book. I was sent Boot Language by Vanya Erickson. Before I get into my review I would like to put out a warning that this book may be upsetting for people who can not handle topics of child abuse (both verbal and physical), and the effects of growing up with an alcoholic parent.
My Review:
When I first received my review copy of Boot Language I was struck by how odd the title seemed to me. I couldn’t make sense of the two words put together but figured it had something to do with Vanya the author growing up on a ranch in the Sierra Nevadas. The title later makes heartbreaking sense and sums up both Vanya and I’m sure her younger sister KK’s system of surviving their childhood.
Vanya Erickson tells the story of her childhood in the 60′s and early 70′s up until the time of her father’s death in this emotionally raw and often anxiety inducing memoir. Vanya a middle child had two brothers and two sisters. In her memoir you see that herself and sometimes her little sister are the focus of sick twisted games of abuse played by her alcoholic father. Vanya’s mother is also an important role in her upbringing but offers her no safe haven from any danger or unpleasantness in the world due to her strict Christian Science beliefs. Her mother believes everything can just be prayed away. At many times throughout the book it is hard to determine which parent is doing more damage, the enabler mother or the abuser father.
The most interesting aspect of this book for me was the complex relationship that Vanya really explored through her writing of her and her father. She really strives to understand her own thoughts and feelings on how a little girl who was so hurt and terrified by such a cruel man could still want to earn his love and respect. It is a really unique a special window that allows us to see the complex emotions and damage done to children of abuse and alcoholism.
The title of the memoir “Boot Language” comes from Vanya’s developed ability over time to determine how dangerous her father was by the sound his boots made as they scraped across the floor entering the house. These sounds gave her insight to how drunk he was, how much danger she was in of being hurt, and how much time if any she had to hide if need be. this had to me one of the most heartbreaking and emotionally grating passages of the book. The realization that children this young need to learn how to survive their own parents is so awful and despicable.
In the end the book addresses what it it is like for children of alcoholics to deal with a parent who is dying from their years of alcohol abuse and then come to terms with their death.
This memoir was beautifully written and if it had to be summed up in one word I would choose haunting. Vanya Erickson opens the door for readers to see the most painful memories of her childhood, given to her by parents who shouldn’t have had the privilege of such wonderful children. While her memories are her own unique experiences her story is also such a beautiful and strong testimony to the effects of alcohol abuse on a family and the perseverance of the human spirit.
October 27, 2018
Big thanks to getting this free copy from BookSparks in exchange for my honest review!!
I am a big fan of memoirs, and when I heard this one was being compared to Educated and The Glass Castle I knew that I had to check it out! I was hooked from the beginning of Vanya's story where she was almost left to die as a baby! There were so many hard parts of this book about her upbringing and I just wanted to give Vanya comfort and a hug.
A particular spot that really got me - "Ever since Dad had fallen in love with the Sierras, he had become a thief, each day stealing into our lives and taking something of value. Today it was love. What would it be tomorrow?" I cannot imagine the things that Vanya went through and don't how I would have made it through if I were in her shoes as a kid. The abuse and hardships she faced with her family are hard to swallow and it took me awhile to get through this book for that reason. But I am glad she was able to share her experiences and have this creative outlook to maybe process some experiences. Vanya is a tough woman and all of her experiences shaped her into the resilient and strong woman she is today. This book really makes you think about your life and reflect on your childhood and experiences - at least it had that effect on me. I am so grateful for the life I have been given and for the chance to get a glimpse into other's lives and experiences from these tough memoirs.
I am a big fan of memoirs, and when I heard this one was being compared to Educated and The Glass Castle I knew that I had to check it out! I was hooked from the beginning of Vanya's story where she was almost left to die as a baby! There were so many hard parts of this book about her upbringing and I just wanted to give Vanya comfort and a hug.
A particular spot that really got me - "Ever since Dad had fallen in love with the Sierras, he had become a thief, each day stealing into our lives and taking something of value. Today it was love. What would it be tomorrow?" I cannot imagine the things that Vanya went through and don't how I would have made it through if I were in her shoes as a kid. The abuse and hardships she faced with her family are hard to swallow and it took me awhile to get through this book for that reason. But I am glad she was able to share her experiences and have this creative outlook to maybe process some experiences. Vanya is a tough woman and all of her experiences shaped her into the resilient and strong woman she is today. This book really makes you think about your life and reflect on your childhood and experiences - at least it had that effect on me. I am so grateful for the life I have been given and for the chance to get a glimpse into other's lives and experiences from these tough memoirs.
November 12, 2020
This enjoyable revenge memoir jumps back and forth in time and lacks descriptive details. The author’s father doesn’t love her. We never learn why and apparently, neither does she. She seems to blame herself for a serious accident that happened to her mother, and there is some evidence that she is careless with other things as well. Maybe this is why he is impatient and unkind but her behavior doesn’t seem to justify his. More likely, he behaves badly because he is seriously ill, a hopeless and downward-spiraling alcoholic, destined to die of his addiction in his early fifties. But the author doesn’t ever gain insight into why their relationship is toxic and instead presents harrowing anecdotes, one after the other, poetically and luridly describing his outrages without wondering how he became so trapped and self-destructive. Then, toward the end, her mother doesn’t seem to like her very much either, but again, we don’t learn why. The book is long on rich descriptions of place and emotional events, and short on background details. Exactly how many siblings does she have? Was the heifer used to feed the family? How rich is her mother? Was her father’s property development project a success? What do the different characters look like? Although it was an enjoyable read, I felt a bit frustrated by the end.
September 6, 2018
Thank you @booksparks for my review copy|
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“Dad suddenly entered the kitchen, his boots impatient. His disdain for Life had been translated into a sort of boot language, and I swear they spoke to me. I could discern different heel pressures, balances, and gaits. Dad’s boots alerted me to his moods and gave me time to prepare.” Vanya Erickson
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Vanya Erickson’s memoir is absolutely heartbreaking. Balanced between a distant Christian Scientist mother and an abusive, alcoholic father. This coming of age story punched me right in the gut. Vanya’s story was written incredibly well, I wanted to take her away and mother her.
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I can’t really say I loved it as it was so raw and heartbreaking. I inhaled this relatively short book. I’m not sorry I read this memoir. It gave me a look into what was a thankfully, unknown world to me. I am giving it 3 1/2 🌟’s. The only thing that keeps me from a four star rating is I was left wanting one more chapter...
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“Dad suddenly entered the kitchen, his boots impatient. His disdain for Life had been translated into a sort of boot language, and I swear they spoke to me. I could discern different heel pressures, balances, and gaits. Dad’s boots alerted me to his moods and gave me time to prepare.” Vanya Erickson
.
Vanya Erickson’s memoir is absolutely heartbreaking. Balanced between a distant Christian Scientist mother and an abusive, alcoholic father. This coming of age story punched me right in the gut. Vanya’s story was written incredibly well, I wanted to take her away and mother her.
.
I can’t really say I loved it as it was so raw and heartbreaking. I inhaled this relatively short book. I’m not sorry I read this memoir. It gave me a look into what was a thankfully, unknown world to me. I am giving it 3 1/2 🌟’s. The only thing that keeps me from a four star rating is I was left wanting one more chapter...
July 17, 2019
Marketed as a top ten debut memoir for 2018, Boot Language is anything but. It reeks of potential exaggeration, faulty memory, and one sidedness. While it purports to tell the story of the author’s relationship with her alcoholic abusive father (along with very little about her spoiled and odd mother), it can’t have been all bad growing up in a home where music lessons, ballet lessons, a summer ranch with horses were routine. In the summer the children were even permitted to run a tab at the local restaurant near the ranch. As someone who also grew up with a parent who returned from WWII with a terrible relationship with alcohol, some of her stories were relatable. However, the worst of this book is that there is no humor in it. It’s all dramatic pain. Give this one a pass.
September 3, 2020
The author has some beautiful turns of phrase, but in general it was not a well written book. In the first half I couldn't even figure out what she was trying to get across. In the second half it was finally clear how dysfunctional her family was, but the author didn't manage to look outside of her own adolescent feelings enough for me to understand what was going on with anyone else, or even between her and anyone else.
The editor failed, too. Her Mom is "a cripple" after an accident, but then suddenly she's not, and it's never mentioned again.
If it hadn't been a very short book I wouldn't have finished it.
The editor failed, too. Her Mom is "a cripple" after an accident, but then suddenly she's not, and it's never mentioned again.
If it hadn't been a very short book I wouldn't have finished it.
August 31, 2018
I enjoy memoirs. Especially memoirs that are about parents and religion. Vanya had an abusive, alcoholic father and a mother who was a Christian Scientist. Both parents were very polarizing.
Vanya's story is heartbreaking and for me it is also very familiar. Vanya is a very talented writer and I appreciate her sharing her story.
Thanks to BookSparks for sending me this free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Vanya's story is heartbreaking and for me it is also very familiar. Vanya is a very talented writer and I appreciate her sharing her story.
Thanks to BookSparks for sending me this free copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2018
In her memoir, Boot Language, Vanya shares the story of her childhood, at the hands of an alcoholic father and Christian Scientist mother. This was an honest, raw memoir about the effects of abuse on a young child. Her continued need for her parents’ love and acceptance, despite how they treat her, is heartbreaking. This was an emotional, moving read about her struggles to understand and overcome her complicated relationship with both her parents. A great start to the #magicofmemoir2018 tour.
November 14, 2018
Boot Language is a beautifully written coming of age memoir that I recommend unequivocally. Erickson's powerful writing captures the drama, passion and suffering of a young girl as she struggles with an alcoholic father and a mother who does not always offer the support and protection her daughter deserves. At the same time the author's words capture the beauty of her California surroundings and her love for horses. As corny as it may sound, I could not put it down! Enjoy!
January 17, 2020
Boot Language by Vanya Erickson demonstrates through the author's use of language how powerfully words impact us. In her childhood Erickson learned at least two languages: the cloying descriptions of life offered by her Christian Scientist mother and her father's language of emotional despotism and desperation. Erickson grows fluent in both enough so writes from a place of compelling honesty without recrimination. Definitely a book to read.
November 8, 2018
Excellent read. The author really knows how to draw you in. I was hooked from the beginning and could not put this down. It's heart breaking to see life through the eyes of a child growing up with an alcoholic father and a mother who believes God will cure every ailment. Through her struggles she grows up to be strong though and overcome everything she's been through.
September 2, 2021
Vanya Erickson shares her story of growing up with a father who was mentally, physically, and emotionally abusive. He also was a raging alcoholic. The book was “fine” but I would have liked to know how she overcame all that baggage. I feel like that part of the story is important in this type of book.
January 2, 2019
I won this through a giveaway on Goodreads. I liked the book, but, it sort of felt like it was more of a way to purge the stories for the author's therapy/recovery the way that it jumped around. I would recommend it to people that do like reading memoirs though.
April 4, 2019
Beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. I would love to see this as a movie.
July 10, 2019
I could relate to this author as her father was an alcoholic and a bully. He was very demeaning to her and was vocal about never being pleased with her.
July 17, 2019
Easy, quick read, but I didn't get enough info about why the author's dad acted the way he did to satisfy me.
February 28, 2020
Really intense and easy read. Couldn't put it down.
July 9, 2019
Won in a giveaway
So normally I would never pick up a book like this. I tend to avoid sad books like the plague. And you can immediately tell this one will be sad. Detailing a young girl's interactions with her increasingly abusive father, we see her and her siblings grow up in a dangerous household. However, we see a girl who is doing her best, even when it's not good enough for her father. We see someone with growing passions and a sense of what is right and wrong.
Erickson's language is beautiful and her thoughts are real and tangible. I was heartbroken reading her struggles, but fought with her to get through them. I initially felt an obligation to read the giveaway win, but then found myself devouring it, sadness and all.
So normally I would never pick up a book like this. I tend to avoid sad books like the plague. And you can immediately tell this one will be sad. Detailing a young girl's interactions with her increasingly abusive father, we see her and her siblings grow up in a dangerous household. However, we see a girl who is doing her best, even when it's not good enough for her father. We see someone with growing passions and a sense of what is right and wrong.
Erickson's language is beautiful and her thoughts are real and tangible. I was heartbroken reading her struggles, but fought with her to get through them. I initially felt an obligation to read the giveaway win, but then found myself devouring it, sadness and all.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews