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Fierce: A Memoir
From the award-winning author of Change Me into Zeus's Daughter comes this compelling memoir about a single mother determined to break the patterns that she has been taught.
Barbara Robinette Moss grew up in the red clay hills of Alabama, the fourth of eight children, in a childhood defined by close sibling alliances, staggering poverty, and uncommon abuse at the hands of her wild-eyed, charismatic, alcoholic father.
In Fierce, Moss looks at what happens when a child of such a family grows up. At once poetic and plainspoken, Moss, a "powerful writer" ( Chicago Tribune ), paints a vivid, moving portrait of her persistent quest to reinvent her life and rebel against the rural indigence, addiction, and broken dreams she inherited from her parents.
With warmth, insight, and candor, Moss tells the poignant story of finally leaving everything she knew in Alabama to fulfill her ambition to become an artist. It is an odyssey filled with gritty improvisation (bringing her son, Jason, to her night job to sleep on the floor), bittersweet pragmatism (filling her purse on a dinner date with shrimp, rolls, and even a doily, to bring home to a waiting eight-year-old), and staunch conviction and pride (chasing a mail carrier down the street to defend her use of food stamps).
As with many other children of alcoholics, the legacy of her father's alcoholism catches up with Moss, and an abusive relationship -- an inheritance and addiction of its own sort -- threatens to destroy all that she has accomplished. But as Moss learns to cope with her anger and pain, parenthood helps her discover true strength.
Ultimately, Fierce is a warm, honest, and triumphant story, from a writer celebrated for her Southern lyricism, about a woman determined to make it on her own -- to shrug off the handicaps of her childhood and raise her son responsibly and well.
Barbara Robinette Moss grew up in the red clay hills of Alabama, the fourth of eight children, in a childhood defined by close sibling alliances, staggering poverty, and uncommon abuse at the hands of her wild-eyed, charismatic, alcoholic father.
In Fierce, Moss looks at what happens when a child of such a family grows up. At once poetic and plainspoken, Moss, a "powerful writer" ( Chicago Tribune ), paints a vivid, moving portrait of her persistent quest to reinvent her life and rebel against the rural indigence, addiction, and broken dreams she inherited from her parents.
With warmth, insight, and candor, Moss tells the poignant story of finally leaving everything she knew in Alabama to fulfill her ambition to become an artist. It is an odyssey filled with gritty improvisation (bringing her son, Jason, to her night job to sleep on the floor), bittersweet pragmatism (filling her purse on a dinner date with shrimp, rolls, and even a doily, to bring home to a waiting eight-year-old), and staunch conviction and pride (chasing a mail carrier down the street to defend her use of food stamps).
As with many other children of alcoholics, the legacy of her father's alcoholism catches up with Moss, and an abusive relationship -- an inheritance and addiction of its own sort -- threatens to destroy all that she has accomplished. But as Moss learns to cope with her anger and pain, parenthood helps her discover true strength.
Ultimately, Fierce is a warm, honest, and triumphant story, from a writer celebrated for her Southern lyricism, about a woman determined to make it on her own -- to shrug off the handicaps of her childhood and raise her son responsibly and well.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published September 21, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 10, 2018
Barbara Robinette Moss grew up dirt poor in rural Alabama. Here in Texas there is an un-compassionate term for people like her and her family: white trash. She was the fourth of eight children who found their strength in their long-suffering mother who threw herself in between her children and her hard-drinking, abusive husband. This is Moss' personal memoir and also perhaps a therapeutic exercise to make sense of her life and put her demons to rest.
There is much to commend about this book. For all its tragedy, it lacks bitterness. Moss writes about her family members with compassion. She sometimes questions God, but neither is she bitter towards him.
She gives a engaging, colorful account of her upbringing and the early years of her adulthood. She describes her fight to survive an alcoholic father and two abusive marriages. Her life as a single mom, going to school, raising her son the best she can is the best part. You feel their struggle through the poverty, going to college and then graduate school.
But there are gaps. She is living on the edge of financial straits. Then she's not. Where was the transition and how did it happen? She endures relationships with crazy boyfriends and then she's happily married to a stable man with a good job. Where did he come from? How did they meet?
She hops and skips. Where she focuses the story, the reading is quite vivid. But there are two many loose ends. Raising her young son, we see a Mama Bear with her arms wrapped around her baby cub. Then he's a teenager and sidelined. Was she too involved with her psychopathic lovers to notice her son anymore?
In all, we see a woman's story of how she unraveled and put herself back together again. Very good. But she could have connected more of the dots and tied up the loose ends. Too many gaps intrude upon the overflow.
There is much to commend about this book. For all its tragedy, it lacks bitterness. Moss writes about her family members with compassion. She sometimes questions God, but neither is she bitter towards him.
She gives a engaging, colorful account of her upbringing and the early years of her adulthood. She describes her fight to survive an alcoholic father and two abusive marriages. Her life as a single mom, going to school, raising her son the best she can is the best part. You feel their struggle through the poverty, going to college and then graduate school.
But there are gaps. She is living on the edge of financial straits. Then she's not. Where was the transition and how did it happen? She endures relationships with crazy boyfriends and then she's happily married to a stable man with a good job. Where did he come from? How did they meet?
She hops and skips. Where she focuses the story, the reading is quite vivid. But there are two many loose ends. Raising her young son, we see a Mama Bear with her arms wrapped around her baby cub. Then he's a teenager and sidelined. Was she too involved with her psychopathic lovers to notice her son anymore?
In all, we see a woman's story of how she unraveled and put herself back together again. Very good. But she could have connected more of the dots and tied up the loose ends. Too many gaps intrude upon the overflow.
December 31, 2008
I was able to review this book for our newspaper when it came out and was privileged to know a bit more of the backstory, having heard Moss speak. I found this book even more gripping than the first memoir, as it gave kind of a "rest of the story" completeness to the first. This almost felt more raw than the first.
January 13, 2013
Zany, intense, and quirky artist's memoir. Wow. See how a child breaks out of dysfunctional family patterns. I read non-fiction almost exclusively. This one won't disappoint if you are interested in memoir and survival. Great regional descriptions-from Alabama to Iowa.
September 2, 2022
Another great memoir by this author, who also wrote Change Me into Zeus's Daughter: A Memoir. This one deals more with her adult life and was a bit more organized, which I liked. Though I didn't like the section about her son and his friends partying at her house when they were in high school. Call me no fun, but I REALLY disagree with parents allowing drinking of alcohol at home for underage children. I'm sick of this nonsense of "they're going to drink, they might as well do it at home *~where it's safe~*." No, they won't drink if you SET RULES and ENFORCE THEM. I never had a drop of alcohol in high school. And no, I didn't attend a single party. Yet, I'm still happy and successful. I hope Moss' son Jason is well-adjusted, too (it sounds like he is). I just REALLY disagree with allowing those parties at her house.
July 31, 2014
Wow...this was indeed fierce.
I can only admire Ms. Moss for this beautifully written memoir of how her extremely turbulent childhood affected her adult relationships with men and how she finally was able to break her addiction to unstable, pain-filled relationships. I also admire her for apparently being an excellent mother to her son, although they had to go on food stamps while Ms. Moss struggled to get her art degree. (I was incredulous at how downright mean her neighbors were--the postman who would announce loudly to the neighbors that he was delivering food stamps to her; the mean notes left at her door that she was a parasite, living off the government. Couldn't they see she was working her way through college, with a son to feed? Very sad that they had zero empathy...)
This book gave me a look inside a kind of life that I have been blessed to be unfamiliar with: extreme poverty, alcoholism, violence, and the later-in-life effects it has on the children who survive such childhoods. It was striking to me, how much Barbara and her siblings still loved their father, despite his meanness. It was also quite a revelation how Barbara finally made the connections between her mom's stoic devotion to a very-not-nice-man, and her own addiction to bad relationships. It was as if she were reliving her childhood: because, as an adult, she kept trying to fulfill her need for her dad's affection by falling in love with crazy, mean guys and desperately trying to please them. I am so thankful she got help and worked through that horrible pattern, which she learned from her mother.
As an onlooker, you can say, "She (and people like her) are CRAZY for going back to these abusive/no-good men." And yes, they kind of are. But reading her story helps the reader understand WHY.
Again, I admire Ms. Moss immensely for breaking the cycle. This was a very good book, which I highly recommend. I wish her only the best!
I can only admire Ms. Moss for this beautifully written memoir of how her extremely turbulent childhood affected her adult relationships with men and how she finally was able to break her addiction to unstable, pain-filled relationships. I also admire her for apparently being an excellent mother to her son, although they had to go on food stamps while Ms. Moss struggled to get her art degree. (I was incredulous at how downright mean her neighbors were--the postman who would announce loudly to the neighbors that he was delivering food stamps to her; the mean notes left at her door that she was a parasite, living off the government. Couldn't they see she was working her way through college, with a son to feed? Very sad that they had zero empathy...)
This book gave me a look inside a kind of life that I have been blessed to be unfamiliar with: extreme poverty, alcoholism, violence, and the later-in-life effects it has on the children who survive such childhoods. It was striking to me, how much Barbara and her siblings still loved their father, despite his meanness. It was also quite a revelation how Barbara finally made the connections between her mom's stoic devotion to a very-not-nice-man, and her own addiction to bad relationships. It was as if she were reliving her childhood: because, as an adult, she kept trying to fulfill her need for her dad's affection by falling in love with crazy, mean guys and desperately trying to please them. I am so thankful she got help and worked through that horrible pattern, which she learned from her mother.
As an onlooker, you can say, "She (and people like her) are CRAZY for going back to these abusive/no-good men." And yes, they kind of are. But reading her story helps the reader understand WHY.
Again, I admire Ms. Moss immensely for breaking the cycle. This was a very good book, which I highly recommend. I wish her only the best!
March 15, 2011
I haven't read Moss' previous memoir, Change Me Into Zeus's Daughter, which apparently provides more back story about her childhood and is more highly acclaimed than this follow-up work. Fierce does stand alone, however, and you needn't read the first to appreciate the second. Even though her life circumstances could lead many people to self pity, Moss never goes there and keeps the tone matter-of-fact. Several events are memorable. (I appreciated the garbage can story. For many readers, the neighbors involved will resemble a strict home owner's association and people like that are found all over.)
The writing is not complex. There were times when the sharing of her story felt a bit disjointed, as if she hadn't quite reached a truly deep understanding of some of the events in her life or perhaps therapy and healing has softened some of the hard details in the re-telling. Many of the stories of her childhood seemed to be in sharper focus than the more recent events. This could be simply the difference of looking through the eyes of a child versus an adult. It could even be that after writing the first book which dealt with her childhood, this second part of her memoir lost some of the immediacy and drive to share her life history. I did struggle a bit with really understanding Moss' choices (her attraction to abusive men) but that's due to my background.
Adult children of alcoholics will perhaps appreciate Moss more and have a greater understanding of her poor choices. It was nice to know that her life has reached a place of healing from her past and she is in a healthy relationship.
Highly Recommended, but it might be better to read her first book before this one.
http://shetreadssoftly.blogspot.com/
The writing is not complex. There were times when the sharing of her story felt a bit disjointed, as if she hadn't quite reached a truly deep understanding of some of the events in her life or perhaps therapy and healing has softened some of the hard details in the re-telling. Many of the stories of her childhood seemed to be in sharper focus than the more recent events. This could be simply the difference of looking through the eyes of a child versus an adult. It could even be that after writing the first book which dealt with her childhood, this second part of her memoir lost some of the immediacy and drive to share her life history. I did struggle a bit with really understanding Moss' choices (her attraction to abusive men) but that's due to my background.
Adult children of alcoholics will perhaps appreciate Moss more and have a greater understanding of her poor choices. It was nice to know that her life has reached a place of healing from her past and she is in a healthy relationship.
Highly Recommended, but it might be better to read her first book before this one.
http://shetreadssoftly.blogspot.com/
November 21, 2016
I read Moss' first book, Change Me Into Zeus's Daughter, several years ago. It has since become one of my favorite books, and I longed to read this one since I finished the first. I have only just been able to get my hands on a copy.
Fierce gives great insight on what it is like to live in the aftermath of an abusive childhood. I admire Moss' will and the way she was able to raise her son after having such a dysfunctional childhood herself. It felt awful to see her falling into the same patterns of abuse as her mother, such as putting up with several dead-beat boyfriends and an abusive husband.
In the end, I did not enjoy this book as much as Moss' first, but I did still enjoy seeing the people from the first book continue to live on in this one. It was a bit sad to see where some of them ended up, particularly her older brother Stewart, who had developed an alcohol addiction.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for those who had liked books such as Change Me Into Zeus's Daughter, The Glass Castle, or Angela's Ashes.
Fierce gives great insight on what it is like to live in the aftermath of an abusive childhood. I admire Moss' will and the way she was able to raise her son after having such a dysfunctional childhood herself. It felt awful to see her falling into the same patterns of abuse as her mother, such as putting up with several dead-beat boyfriends and an abusive husband.
In the end, I did not enjoy this book as much as Moss' first, but I did still enjoy seeing the people from the first book continue to live on in this one. It was a bit sad to see where some of them ended up, particularly her older brother Stewart, who had developed an alcohol addiction.
I enjoyed this book and would recommend it for those who had liked books such as Change Me Into Zeus's Daughter, The Glass Castle, or Angela's Ashes.
February 6, 2011
The second memoir by this author. Her Turn me Into Zeus's Daughter was a 5 star book.
"Jason gets angry when I talk about inherited sins. "What kind of God punishes children for the sins of the father?"
But God isn't doing the punishing. The fact is, we lived so close, breathed in our parents' insanity, we became infected. God isn't saying, I'm going to punish you because your father was a crazy alcoholic who shot himself in the head. God is saying, you will suffer because your father was a crazy alcoholic who shot himself in the head. It's a warning, something to clue you, make you pay attention to your own actions---be aware that you might not be acting in your best interests, or the best interests of your children.
Moss grew up in the deep south, one of eight children. She lived in poverty and yet dreamed of becoming an artist and eventually a writer. Her books are of redemption and hope for any one who has suffered trauma in their lives.
"Jason gets angry when I talk about inherited sins. "What kind of God punishes children for the sins of the father?"
But God isn't doing the punishing. The fact is, we lived so close, breathed in our parents' insanity, we became infected. God isn't saying, I'm going to punish you because your father was a crazy alcoholic who shot himself in the head. God is saying, you will suffer because your father was a crazy alcoholic who shot himself in the head. It's a warning, something to clue you, make you pay attention to your own actions---be aware that you might not be acting in your best interests, or the best interests of your children.
Moss grew up in the deep south, one of eight children. She lived in poverty and yet dreamed of becoming an artist and eventually a writer. Her books are of redemption and hope for any one who has suffered trauma in their lives.
April 20, 2014
Fierce, a memoir written by Barbara Robinette Moss is a very well written description of strength, integrity, and bravery in the pursuit of life. From a childhood of abuse and poverty, Moss had to learn to become independent and strong in the face of trouble. She grew up to find herself in troubling relationships and addiction for people who hurt her. With the help of her family and the realization that she must stay strong to take care of her son, Moss had no choice but to stand up for herself. Her story was eye-opening in a way that it showed the less glamorous parts of life and how love and strength can overcome them. I enjoyed reading her story and feeling like I could see her life like a movie. It flowed very well and showed vulnerable emotions that are very hard to share. I have a lot of respect for Barbara Moss and her memoir, and I certainly recommend this book for anyone who wants to read a riveting story of accomplishment and bravery.
February 4, 2018
Well worth reading following "Change Me into Zeus's Daughter". Together they present as complete a picture as possible of Barbara Robinette Moss's life story, as she tragically died of cancer just five years after this book was published. She had been working on a third book about her mother and grandmother. Although her stories are often tragic and heartbreaking, she clearly communicates the importance of love, overcoming hardship and never giving up on your dreams.
March 5, 2009
This is the authors second book about her life as a girl from a poor family with an alcoholic father in Alabama. It is really interesting to read and even though I've never been poor or really known anyone who drinks, I found myslef strangely relating to a lot of the things she says. It is all true and was a fast and touching read.
December 5, 2011
I'm not even sure what to say about this book. A memoir about a single mother who works to over come her childhood and the trauma placed upon her by having an abusive, alcoholic father.
I haven't read her first memoir but I think I'm going to try and find a copy. It's a quick read and the author is very honest about her issues and her own pattern of destructive behavior in the men she choses.
I haven't read her first memoir but I think I'm going to try and find a copy. It's a quick read and the author is very honest about her issues and her own pattern of destructive behavior in the men she choses.
December 5, 2009
Well-written to the point quick-read memoir is a must-read for alcoholics and anyone raised by and/or living with an alcoholic. Must-read by those raised in an angry household and/or those in adult relationships with others that are angry, very angry.
April 18, 2011
Moss is the finest author; I wish she'd written more than the two books. Reading her, your heart breaks, but she never feels sorry for herself. This book wasn't long enough. I wanted it to go on for a 1,000 pages!
April 4, 2013
Many sections were well written, but over all the worK does not hold together. The chapters do not flow together, and while the intent may have been to write short stories the effect was ragged and uneven.
November 23, 2009
Neither great nor horrible; she could have gone through and compartmentalized repeated tales, instead of rehashing them every few pages, but oh well.
January 14, 2010
Excellent look into the life of a woman who has overcome abuse, family alcoholism, poverty, and the struggles of being a single parent... Well written.
March 15, 2011
Loved this real life story of Barbara and her family.
September 10, 2012
a little hard to read--heartbreak and dysfunction squared. It's the overcoming that redeems this memoir. This woman has been through a lot.
January 23, 2013
This was a memoir about a woman fighting her inner demons as a result of her upbringing. Her father was an alcoholic, they were poor and there were 7 kids. She always chose unstable & abusive men.
June 10, 2013
Loved the way she overcame!
August 16, 2013
I read this book quite a few years ago, touching memoir of the obstacles single mothers and troubled families struggle with everyday.
November 17, 2014
A great memoir. Prose is deceptively simple. The complexity, in fact, is inherent in the simplicity within the fabric of the work—exactly what we all wish to accomplish in writing a memoir.
October 9, 2019
Heartfelt memior on her life eith an alcoholic. father, living in poverty most of her life
January 28, 2017
This book changed my life when I was sixteen I'm twenty four now. It's my favourite book and probably always will be. Definitely you must read this book, has a big impact.
October 15, 2025
“It wasn’t the amount of time spent on one piece that mattered, it was the accumulation of years.” (224)
“It’s terrible inside, Mom.”
“I didn’t come to see your house. I came to see you.” (197)
“Art defines a culture, don’t you think?” (63)
“I don’t reckon I’ll ever be all right.” He sucked in a breath and let it out slowly. “I thought I was going to make it this time.” (55)
“Months went by. I helped Mother…weeded the garden…I spent more time than ever daydreaming, but when I opened my eyes and left the dream behind, I couldn’t see a future at all. My life had come to a standstill.” (13)
Found: Foxburg Library autumn fair book sale. Foxburg, Pennsylvania
“It’s terrible inside, Mom.”
“I didn’t come to see your house. I came to see you.” (197)
“Art defines a culture, don’t you think?” (63)
“I don’t reckon I’ll ever be all right.” He sucked in a breath and let it out slowly. “I thought I was going to make it this time.” (55)
“Months went by. I helped Mother…weeded the garden…I spent more time than ever daydreaming, but when I opened my eyes and left the dream behind, I couldn’t see a future at all. My life had come to a standstill.” (13)
Found: Foxburg Library autumn fair book sale. Foxburg, Pennsylvania
January 18, 2020
I did not enjoy Barbara Moss's first book, but I'm so glad I gave this one a chance. The writing flowed so much better and I found myself not wanting it to end.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews