Baked in Pain: Your Traumatic Past May Just be the Fuel You Need to Soar

by Amanda Dambuza

In Baked in Pain, Amanda takes readers through the emotional roller-coaster, which was her life growing up in apartheid South Africa. A product of abandonment and rejection, she goes very deep in narrating the abuse she suffered as a child and the negative scripts that were fed to her over the years. She further explores, supported with research the way these messages can be internalised and become the truth. She flips the lid on what is expected of victims of abuse and challenges the notion of "once abused always abused" as she reflects on her own life as a mother, wife and an internationally celebrated business woman. What would happen when Amanda finally summonses the courage to break free from her old life, in search of a relationship with her mother and a brighter future? Would she find what she’s looking for? Amanda’s candid recollections bare her soul, the deep faith and courage that carried her from her earliest days as a young child to her current life. It is an applaudable universal story. In a time where all forms of abuse remain rife, this book provides incredible inspiration and lessons that will motivate the reader to use their traumatic past as the fuel they need to soar and live a life filled with purpose and to be of service to others. Buy your copy of Baked in Pain today!

218 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2018

Reviews

[Mogau · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book at all. Although this is a story of hope and triumph, it is so badly written. The details are all over the place. I felt like I was being teased with glimpses into the author’s life.
Regarding her childhood, she gives brief recollections and fails to provide substantial content that would allow the reader to appreciate (and experience ) the story fully.

I am left with many blanks, especially when it comes to her success. She simply says “I worked very hard and with dedication and commitment to grow my career. I moved up the ladder rather swiftly in my corporate career”. Pg 107.

Well lots of people work hard, but not everyone (especially those who come from impoverished backgrounds as hers) become successful. She should’ve expounded on her journey so that people would not only be inspired but get the necessary tools to turn their lives around-which is what this book is about.

I picked up this book with much eagerness, and I’m rather disappointed. A ghost writer would have done this story so much justice.

[Paballo · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the beginning I didn't get to it as I'd hoped. It was not descriptive, didn't give me the emotions I expected and the author didn't give me time to take in the information as she moved on quickly to something else. It was as if she wanted to get over the childhood memories and move on quickly....it got interesting from when she was in high-school...Otherwise, it's a good book and necessary for us who feel giving up on our selves is a better option after a life of challenges.

[Pumza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words are not enough. I'm in awe of the author. She laid bare her past in this book. I do not know how anyone can be able to rise against such odds. She's a warrior.

[Masa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An eye opener of a girl who was determined to live and she did.

[Ineza Chanella · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading

[Duduzile · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful and inspiring book about Amanda Dambuza…. a must read. She shares her traumatic childhood and journey to becoming the phenomenal woman that she is.

[Snexo · Rating 4 out of 5]

An inspirational book indeed. It made me believe that i trully can achieve my dreams.

[Madonna Hadebe]

Fuck you. Where is the damn book ?

[Olwethu Leshabane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Link to a review and conversation I had with Amanda Dambuza - https://open.spotify.com/episode/1Q5F...