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My So Called Mum: Child abuse, Love & My Great Britain
Writing this memoir has to be one of the hardest things I have ever achieved. Out of respect for the dead, this story has been told exactly how it happened. I was born in 1985 in Lancashire, England, to two alcoholic parents. Having selfish parents left me exposed to abuse, poverty and crime. My loving grandparents helped me the best they could at the weekends, but life was barely survivable. Spending most of my life on a rough estate, bad influence pulled me between good and evil. Falling in love during a life of hell, my heart filled like a balloon that carried me to a greater good. What you will read is no sweet lullaby. It will repulse and shock you. I fought with every ounce of strength to survive with betrayal and evil around every corner.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2019
269 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
September 22, 2021
His life was dreadful while he is not a good writer.
The author is willing to publish his second book to continue narrating his life from the age 17 until 30 , so if you are reading this I want to tell you I am so sorry for what you were passing through .
The author is willing to publish his second book to continue narrating his life from the age 17 until 30 , so if you are reading this I want to tell you I am so sorry for what you were passing through .
August 23, 2020
An interesting read
Just a bit of love from his parents and this boy's life could have turned out so different. I really enjoyed this book but felt it just cut short at the end, I was looking for more pages to find out what happened then I read that a part 2 is going to be written about his later years so I will be purchasing that when it comes about. There is a news article about his friend from Liverpool at the end of the book and I was shocked to find she was from the same area I grew up in. RIP Linda, so sad
Just a bit of love from his parents and this boy's life could have turned out so different. I really enjoyed this book but felt it just cut short at the end, I was looking for more pages to find out what happened then I read that a part 2 is going to be written about his later years so I will be purchasing that when it comes about. There is a news article about his friend from Liverpool at the end of the book and I was shocked to find she was from the same area I grew up in. RIP Linda, so sad
October 9, 2022
I'm on a quest to read a variety of memoirs, and this came my way through a recommendation. Albeit, in summary - it could be better, but evidently it's self published - so give the writer their dues. The writing style didn't flow smoothly; there were typos, there were huge exaggerations to the point where I rolled my eyes - the author writes that '8 year olds were robbing cars'. Meh, this was Preston in the 90s not Sao Paolo.
There was also a bit of a double standard, the author would talk about his parents and their dubious behaviour but it felt like he purposely didn't begin to explain his own tribulations - it glossed over inbetween from saying he hung around in the wrong gangs, to then at the end saying he had multiple convictions and court fines... err what? It started to make me think, perspective is everything, saying he was disadvantaged but continually skipped school and his parents didn't care - but when he left his last school they both turned up to blame each other? He left a council flat to live in a hostel because his girlfriend wasnt there? His girlfriend left him because they argued and her family were out for his blood. I don't know, by the end the book read like an Eastenders storyline.
I was also really p'd off having read about 6 different individuals referred to as a 'black man' or 'Muslims', but no other people in the book were described by their ethnicity or religion, that taints the book for me - nobody should be writing like that these days.
I'm surpised amazon haven't pulled the book for that alone. 2 stars for writing a compelling story, but a shame it wasn't well constructed or proof checked - an editor would have made it good.
There was also a bit of a double standard, the author would talk about his parents and their dubious behaviour but it felt like he purposely didn't begin to explain his own tribulations - it glossed over inbetween from saying he hung around in the wrong gangs, to then at the end saying he had multiple convictions and court fines... err what? It started to make me think, perspective is everything, saying he was disadvantaged but continually skipped school and his parents didn't care - but when he left his last school they both turned up to blame each other? He left a council flat to live in a hostel because his girlfriend wasnt there? His girlfriend left him because they argued and her family were out for his blood. I don't know, by the end the book read like an Eastenders storyline.
I was also really p'd off having read about 6 different individuals referred to as a 'black man' or 'Muslims', but no other people in the book were described by their ethnicity or religion, that taints the book for me - nobody should be writing like that these days.
I'm surpised amazon haven't pulled the book for that alone. 2 stars for writing a compelling story, but a shame it wasn't well constructed or proof checked - an editor would have made it good.
June 8, 2020
One powerful story of survival
Thank you for sharing your story with the world ! I can’t imagine the pain and torment you went through ! No child should have to live like you did , but your story is a truly incredible journey of a young man surviving no matter what ! It will encourage others to have an inner strength and to get through life and keep standing up and fighting how ever hard it seems, I wish you all the best and hope your life is now a better one ! and look forward To reading the next instalment.
Thank you for sharing your story with the world ! I can’t imagine the pain and torment you went through ! No child should have to live like you did , but your story is a truly incredible journey of a young man surviving no matter what ! It will encourage others to have an inner strength and to get through life and keep standing up and fighting how ever hard it seems, I wish you all the best and hope your life is now a better one ! and look forward To reading the next instalment.
August 14, 2020
Heartbreaking yet inspiring.
Despite all the odds, a young man grew up to become insightful, truthful and I suspect, a genuinely wonderful member of society. I will deffo look out for more by this author. For now, well done Joesph, lived through similar and you have the talent to put it into words. I get the feeling your Grandmother and Linda are both proudly watching over you. Truly wish you all the happiness possible.
Despite all the odds, a young man grew up to become insightful, truthful and I suspect, a genuinely wonderful member of society. I will deffo look out for more by this author. For now, well done Joesph, lived through similar and you have the talent to put it into words. I get the feeling your Grandmother and Linda are both proudly watching over you. Truly wish you all the happiness possible.
March 6, 2022
Well that ended rather abruptly. Whilst I appreciate Joseph telling his story, and some parts must have been really hard to re-live, I don’t think I could go on to read the next one as I didn’t feel it was very well put together. Time lines seemed all over the place, it fixated on something for a few chapters then would rush through something else. Not for me but I wish him the best of luck in life.
June 10, 2022
Couldn't put it down
Such a rivoting read and from someone with barely any education, Joseph has faced so much adversity in his short life it's unbelievable!
I can't wait to read the next book, I didn't want his story to end there, I want to see how he goes from such a hopeless situation to being a published author!
Well done Joseph for telling your brutal and painful story! Please hurry with the next book!!
Such a rivoting read and from someone with barely any education, Joseph has faced so much adversity in his short life it's unbelievable!
I can't wait to read the next book, I didn't want his story to end there, I want to see how he goes from such a hopeless situation to being a published author!
Well done Joseph for telling your brutal and painful story! Please hurry with the next book!!
October 4, 2020
Behind every broken boy are parents that should be arrested!
Harrowing story but I hope through sharing your story it will help professionals stay step ahead of dysfunctional, cruel and deal with unacceptable parenting.
I am left feeling worried and hopeful that your life turned out ok.
Harrowing story but I hope through sharing your story it will help professionals stay step ahead of dysfunctional, cruel and deal with unacceptable parenting.
I am left feeling worried and hopeful that your life turned out ok.
June 3, 2021
Sad account of a wasted childhood
This author captures the destitute and destruction he had through his childhood. Candidly honest and very well written, the more you read the less you’re likely to put it down. Here’s to his next book, which can only describe a better life than what he experienced during his childhood.
This author captures the destitute and destruction he had through his childhood. Candidly honest and very well written, the more you read the less you’re likely to put it down. Here’s to his next book, which can only describe a better life than what he experienced during his childhood.
July 17, 2021
Life on your own
The story of the young lads journey was a road of destruction. All down to selfish parents who chose their addictions before kids.
Through his journey he was brave and learnt how to protect himself.
This still happens to children today, but most choose to ignore. Please read this to see why I gave 5 star
The story of the young lads journey was a road of destruction. All down to selfish parents who chose their addictions before kids.
Through his journey he was brave and learnt how to protect himself.
This still happens to children today, but most choose to ignore. Please read this to see why I gave 5 star
October 16, 2022
Hard truth of a fucked up Britain
God bless you, I hope you succeed in life as well as possible, I had a different upbringing but I still suffered trauma and abuse, I send a big hug to you and wish you all the success in the world. You are very brave even if you don't feel like you are.
God bless you, I hope you succeed in life as well as possible, I had a different upbringing but I still suffered trauma and abuse, I send a big hug to you and wish you all the success in the world. You are very brave even if you don't feel like you are.
May 9, 2020
Highly recommended
This is a well written story which is really upsetting at times but I really enjoyed reading it , I hope that the author writes the next part of his life to share with us.
This is a well written story which is really upsetting at times but I really enjoyed reading it , I hope that the author writes the next part of his life to share with us.
May 16, 2020
Mixed up kid
An interesting read about a lad growing up in an dysfunctional family.
The book was interesting but ruined by numerous typos and bad spelling mistakes.
I do wish him loads of luck for the future, and maybe an update on the coming years.
An interesting read about a lad growing up in an dysfunctional family.
The book was interesting but ruined by numerous typos and bad spelling mistakes.
I do wish him loads of luck for the future, and maybe an update on the coming years.
February 14, 2021
Excellent read
An example of how childhood is so important for your future. The voice of children needs to always be listened to. Joseph you were so brave writing this. What a strong man. Read and digest. Keep your child safe, secure and loved.
An example of how childhood is so important for your future. The voice of children needs to always be listened to. Joseph you were so brave writing this. What a strong man. Read and digest. Keep your child safe, secure and loved.
February 20, 2021
Sad read
This book is a heart felt story, Your story is very traumatising I can’t imagine what you had to deal with as a very young child. I really hope you found safely and a loving family
This book is a heart felt story, Your story is very traumatising I can’t imagine what you had to deal with as a very young child. I really hope you found safely and a loving family
February 20, 2022
Absolutely brilliant
Absolutely loved thinking and read it in one night, I'm from Preston and knew the area he grew up in , loved the total honesty from the author.Good luck in your future projects Joseph ,I can't wait to read your next book .God bless x
Absolutely loved thinking and read it in one night, I'm from Preston and knew the area he grew up in , loved the total honesty from the author.Good luck in your future projects Joseph ,I can't wait to read your next book .God bless x
April 21, 2022
Excellent true story heart breaking and necessary
Great writer and engaging since page one, makes you feel inside the story line.
Can't wait for the second part
Thank you for sharing your survival story!
Great writer and engaging since page one, makes you feel inside the story line.
Can't wait for the second part
Thank you for sharing your survival story!
May 24, 2022
So sad
I have read this book and it has taught me so much .I think Joseph tried so hard in every way ,he knew right from wrong yet he was so young and fought hard against all he came up against .
I will continue to follow his journey ,such an educating story.
I have read this book and it has taught me so much .I think Joseph tried so hard in every way ,he knew right from wrong yet he was so young and fought hard against all he came up against .
I will continue to follow his journey ,such an educating story.
August 11, 2022
book is interesting but far too many typos
I am 22% through this book at the moment and the content is good but I’m having to submit typos & punctuation every three or four pages. Not good enough and spoils the read.
I am 22% through this book at the moment and the content is good but I’m having to submit typos & punctuation every three or four pages. Not good enough and spoils the read.
March 24, 2023
good read
Was good read hard in places but if you
Come from this world u understand if you don’t then reading this book can give u some understanding and maybe some compassion for how kids get dragged into a world they wasn’t meant to live
Was good read hard in places but if you
Come from this world u understand if you don’t then reading this book can give u some understanding and maybe some compassion for how kids get dragged into a world they wasn’t meant to live
April 22, 2023
Well written, good story
This is a true story of a horrible childhood growing up with very little support. I'm looking forward to the next book. To see how Joseph turns his life around. Well worth a read
This is a true story of a horrible childhood growing up with very little support. I'm looking forward to the next book. To see how Joseph turns his life around. Well worth a read
April 21, 2020
It was a okay , I did fill rather Depressed after reading it ,
May 31, 2020
Brilliant read
Great read couldn’t put it down really recommended book feel like you know the author after few chapters well done
Great read couldn’t put it down really recommended book feel like you know the author after few chapters well done
June 10, 2020
Heart breaking
To have hope ripped away at every turn will break most people.the fact he is still alive is a testament to the human spirit.
To have hope ripped away at every turn will break most people.the fact he is still alive is a testament to the human spirit.
June 14, 2020
Honest
Very honest book. Lots of experiences that many of us can relate to from that time. Certainly worth a read.
Very honest book. Lots of experiences that many of us can relate to from that time. Certainly worth a read.
June 17, 2020
Wow
What an extraordinary story so far......
Emotional, shocking, and very sad at times.
I hope this young man has now found the right path
What an extraordinary story so far......
Emotional, shocking, and very sad at times.
I hope this young man has now found the right path
June 28, 2020
Heard breaking
Knowing family members around me and gave me love whilst turned the other cheek was worse than the abuse at the hands of my mother. It's them i cant
n forgive
Knowing family members around me and gave me love whilst turned the other cheek was worse than the abuse at the hands of my mother. It's them i cant
n forgive
June 29, 2020
A sad story
Such a sad story of a boy who wanted to be loved. His mother cared only about herself. I hope he found a way forward
Such a sad story of a boy who wanted to be loved. His mother cared only about herself. I hope he found a way forward
July 28, 2020
Family
Really interesting read. Showing the love and hate amongst family, very sad when you can't rely on the one person who should be there for you....your mother....
Really interesting read. Showing the love and hate amongst family, very sad when you can't rely on the one person who should be there for you....your mother....
September 11, 2020
Read this in two days. I couldn’t put it down.
It was a emotional read with ups and down even made me cry..
It was a emotional read with ups and down even made me cry..
Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews