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Independence: A Memoir of Secrets, Discovery and Forgiveness
In November of 2014, nearing the thirty-fifth anniversary of the untimely death of her father, Deb learns the devastating news that the man she knew and loved as her biological father was not her DNA match. This unforeseen key unlocked a life-long secret to her inexplicable childhood experiences with a narcissist mother and intensified her four-decade search for understanding of a mother-daughter relationship. Independence is a memoir of secrets kept by a mother, discovered by the daughter and a quest to find forgiveness and acceptance for the unknown. This heartfelt story of one woman’s journey unfolds as she uncovers the motive of her mother’s bizarre and unpredictable behavior and secrets. Independence delves into the impact maternal emotional and psychological abuse has on a child’s life and how interrupted adolescent development sends a child to escape inward, resulting in developing negative internal messages of shame, fear, and never feeling good enough. This poignant narration reveals a child’s resilience and an adult’s quest to find solace, and the true meaning of family.
- GenresNonfiction
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 11, 2020
7 people are currently reading
370 people want to read
About the author
Deb Landry
6 books12 followersDeb Landry is executive consultant and operational coach, podcast host, certified parenting coach, and activist for children’s rights. She is the author of a memoir, Independence, A Memoir of Secrets, Discovery and Forgiveness, three children’s books, Yankee Go Home, The Snapdragon Princess co-authored with Kim Parrish and the bestselling award-winning Sticks Stones and Stumped. Her new character education children’s book, Summer’s Shadow, is scheduled to be released in late 2020.
Deb other works include several interactive children’s awareness plays on character education and bullying prevention.
Prior to her current position as President and CEO of Bryson Taylor Inc. and Crossroads, Deb led several medical organizations, medical schools, and private practice as the CEO, COO and Executive Director spanning over four decades and managing budgets of 50 million and a staff of 200.
A humanitarian and philanthropist, Landry specializes in bullying and harassment prevention and safe school climate planning. She has lobbied for legislation in the state of Maine and throughout the U.S., serving on ad hoc committees and works as an advocate for children, youth and teens who are affected by bullying, harassment or discrimination.
Deb knows first-hand how childhood trauma can psychologically affect the growth of youth and has spent over twenty years as the co-founder and Executive Director of Crossroads, a youth character education nonprofit with a focus on developmental education to raise resilient and respectful youth.
Deb other works include several interactive children’s awareness plays on character education and bullying prevention.
Prior to her current position as President and CEO of Bryson Taylor Inc. and Crossroads, Deb led several medical organizations, medical schools, and private practice as the CEO, COO and Executive Director spanning over four decades and managing budgets of 50 million and a staff of 200.
A humanitarian and philanthropist, Landry specializes in bullying and harassment prevention and safe school climate planning. She has lobbied for legislation in the state of Maine and throughout the U.S., serving on ad hoc committees and works as an advocate for children, youth and teens who are affected by bullying, harassment or discrimination.
Deb knows first-hand how childhood trauma can psychologically affect the growth of youth and has spent over twenty years as the co-founder and Executive Director of Crossroads, a youth character education nonprofit with a focus on developmental education to raise resilient and respectful youth.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
October 30, 2020
Independence: A Memoir of Secrets, Discovery and Forgiveness (Kindle Edition) by Deb Landry is an incredibly well written memoir of a tale and childhood full of hidden truths and secrets. You get to delve into the author's childhood as she reveals the torment she went through. Nothing seemed to make sense during her childhood. Powerfully written with compelling emotion, this book will make you think about the impacts of a dysfunctional childhood and how people can survive and even thrive. Riveting, passionate and enpowering, there is nothing about this book that is halfhearted. The author writes with emotion, depth and encouragement. Highly recommend for an inspirational and intriguing read.
November 2, 2020
“Independence: A Memoir of Secrets, Discovery and Forgiveness” by Deb Landry is a really moving book about her journey through her childhood incomprehensible experiences. Thirty-five years after the untimely death of her dad, she discovered that in fact he was not her biological father. And that began her path from secrets to her recovery. This book is a collection of memories and experiences in her whole life that led to a quest to find the truth.
You should know that although this is an emotional writing, it covers sensitive topics such as child abuse and its consequences in life: guilt, shame, loss of confidence and security, among others. But the aim of the book is to spread knowledge and awareness about this behavior. In author´s own words: “It is my hope that in reading this book, you may begin to recognize signs of psychological abuse or personality disorders within relationships. With this knowledge, we can therefore be better equipped to help ourselves and others find the support they deserve—especially for our children”.
Anyway, once I started reading it was difficult to stop because I wanted to know everything about this touching story of life. I am thankful to the author for telling us her personal story in such a stirring way
You should know that although this is an emotional writing, it covers sensitive topics such as child abuse and its consequences in life: guilt, shame, loss of confidence and security, among others. But the aim of the book is to spread knowledge and awareness about this behavior. In author´s own words: “It is my hope that in reading this book, you may begin to recognize signs of psychological abuse or personality disorders within relationships. With this knowledge, we can therefore be better equipped to help ourselves and others find the support they deserve—especially for our children”.
Anyway, once I started reading it was difficult to stop because I wanted to know everything about this touching story of life. I am thankful to the author for telling us her personal story in such a stirring way
November 6, 2020
“Independence: a Memoir of Secrets, Discovery and Forgiveness” is an insightful and thought-provoking book written by Deb Landry. In this beautiful narrative, the author relates in the form of memoirs her experiences as an abused child and her journey of self-discovery and change.
The shocking fact of discovering that the man she knew and loved as her father wasn’t biologically related to her triggered a series of events that led to unveiling a long-hidden secret. This revelation allowed her to achieve a certain understanding of her mother’s behaviour during her childhood and the uneasy relationship they had.
The book tackles some controversial and not frequently discussed topics such as psychological child abuse. And it does it in such a manner that, I’m sure, will change the readers’ minds and hearts forever. The book is wonderfully written as it accurately transmits feelings of dispair, sadness, degradation, and finally strength and personal success. I really enjoyed reading this work and I recommend it.
The shocking fact of discovering that the man she knew and loved as her father wasn’t biologically related to her triggered a series of events that led to unveiling a long-hidden secret. This revelation allowed her to achieve a certain understanding of her mother’s behaviour during her childhood and the uneasy relationship they had.
The book tackles some controversial and not frequently discussed topics such as psychological child abuse. And it does it in such a manner that, I’m sure, will change the readers’ minds and hearts forever. The book is wonderfully written as it accurately transmits feelings of dispair, sadness, degradation, and finally strength and personal success. I really enjoyed reading this work and I recommend it.
November 7, 2020
35 years after her father dies, Deb Learns that he was not in fact her biological father. This revelation causes her to reflect on her past and her fraught relationship with her mother her entire life. Deb begins to view her mother’s behavior, that was uncaring at the least, and bizarre at the worst in a new light and the continuing revelations from her mothers as well as her own memories of Deb’s childhood. This book deals with childhood trauma, emotional abuse, and the deep scars it can leave upon a person that will follow them into adulthood.
I think most of us have suffered through some form of childhood trauma, and as adults it is hard to revisit those memories. However, for our own personal healing, it is important to do so and understand why we feel certain things in certain situations. To that end, I find it helpful in reading about others who have had similar experiences and how they dealt with them. This book is a very emotional one, but the author writes in a gentle manner, not abrasive or rash and so the book, sort of gently flows and takes you along for the ride.
I think most of us have suffered through some form of childhood trauma, and as adults it is hard to revisit those memories. However, for our own personal healing, it is important to do so and understand why we feel certain things in certain situations. To that end, I find it helpful in reading about others who have had similar experiences and how they dealt with them. This book is a very emotional one, but the author writes in a gentle manner, not abrasive or rash and so the book, sort of gently flows and takes you along for the ride.
January 8, 2021
A melancholic tale of the past
This is a story from the author of the award-winning-winning Sticks Stones and Stumped, Deb Landry. Her story recounts her life from age seven, being subjected to constant abuse, fear, emptiness by her mom till she discovers years later that her beloved father isn’t her biological father and how reacts to that discovery. Written in thirty-seven pages, I was of the opinion that I was in for a long melancholic narration only for me to see how astray my thoughts had gone when I realized that the one hundred and seventy-four paged prose actually had in its, lots of mystery, intrigue, thrills, and suspense. She claims in the foreword that writing a book of this nature was difficult and I wondered a bit till it hit me hard that she might not be referring to the literal sense but how painful it might have felt for her to recount her experiences, I would not wish her experience on my worst enemy. It’s really an eye-opener to the abuse that some people are subjected to on the blindside of the world. Indeed her title Independence sums up her final state.
This is a story from the author of the award-winning-winning Sticks Stones and Stumped, Deb Landry. Her story recounts her life from age seven, being subjected to constant abuse, fear, emptiness by her mom till she discovers years later that her beloved father isn’t her biological father and how reacts to that discovery. Written in thirty-seven pages, I was of the opinion that I was in for a long melancholic narration only for me to see how astray my thoughts had gone when I realized that the one hundred and seventy-four paged prose actually had in its, lots of mystery, intrigue, thrills, and suspense. She claims in the foreword that writing a book of this nature was difficult and I wondered a bit till it hit me hard that she might not be referring to the literal sense but how painful it might have felt for her to recount her experiences, I would not wish her experience on my worst enemy. It’s really an eye-opener to the abuse that some people are subjected to on the blindside of the world. Indeed her title Independence sums up her final state.
November 4, 2020
Independence is a touching biographical story where Deb Landry, the author, narrates her abusive childhood and how her own inner strength and determination helped her to go through this difficult childhood. As an adult, she even discovered that her dad was not his biological father, along with other secrets and lies her mother had covered.
It is a moving and touching story that has made me cry and laugh at the same time. The descriptions are so accurate that I was able to fully understand how the author was feeling. As you turn over the pages, you will feel that you are there accompanying Deb Landry in her quest to find the truth and in her journey to recovery.
It’s worth mentioning that the author, in fact, has co-founded an organization where she has developed different programs to help teenagers and young adults live a happy and satisfying life. I found this story incredibly captivating and powerful. I strongly recommend it!
It is a moving and touching story that has made me cry and laugh at the same time. The descriptions are so accurate that I was able to fully understand how the author was feeling. As you turn over the pages, you will feel that you are there accompanying Deb Landry in her quest to find the truth and in her journey to recovery.
It’s worth mentioning that the author, in fact, has co-founded an organization where she has developed different programs to help teenagers and young adults live a happy and satisfying life. I found this story incredibly captivating and powerful. I strongly recommend it!
November 4, 2020
Independence is a moving story with a strong female character as a protagonist.
Totally gripping and crafted in an easy English language, this tale deals with a topic that may be familiar to us or anybody we know. Even though this is fiction, the theme is a common one.
Always looking for forgiveness and understanding her mother’s narcissism and bad attitude for almost four decades, Deb has learnt to be resilient.
In November 2014, she learned her father was not her biological Dad and her inexplicable childhood experiences started to make sense to her. Life-long secrets start to unfold and Deb’s emotions slowly to be understood.
This story is definitely a touchy and motivational one. It teaches us that childhood issues make an impact on our lives, even when we are adults.
Each of the 37 chapters is more captivating than the last one. They all hooked me up until the last page. I loved Indepence!
Totally gripping and crafted in an easy English language, this tale deals with a topic that may be familiar to us or anybody we know. Even though this is fiction, the theme is a common one.
Always looking for forgiveness and understanding her mother’s narcissism and bad attitude for almost four decades, Deb has learnt to be resilient.
In November 2014, she learned her father was not her biological Dad and her inexplicable childhood experiences started to make sense to her. Life-long secrets start to unfold and Deb’s emotions slowly to be understood.
This story is definitely a touchy and motivational one. It teaches us that childhood issues make an impact on our lives, even when we are adults.
Each of the 37 chapters is more captivating than the last one. They all hooked me up until the last page. I loved Indepence!
November 6, 2020
A true story about dysfunctional families
In Independence: a Memoir of Secrets, Discoveries and Forgiveness, Deb Landry shares with her readers her own personal struggles when she found out the person she called ‘dad” wasn’t her biological father. She tells us the ups and downs of her life after receiving such shocking and unexpected news. She also talks about her repeated attempts to heal her relationship with her mother.
This book opens our minds because it shows us the truth behind every family. It also shows us the strength of love and how it can move mountains.
Perhaps writing this story helped the author to give a closure to her own personal experience. Personally, I believe that this text could encourage anyone to move on if they are going through a similar experience.
I found this piece of writing sincere. To me, reading this book was moving.
I recommend this reader to young adults who don’t feel comfortable in the role they play within their own families.
In Independence: a Memoir of Secrets, Discoveries and Forgiveness, Deb Landry shares with her readers her own personal struggles when she found out the person she called ‘dad” wasn’t her biological father. She tells us the ups and downs of her life after receiving such shocking and unexpected news. She also talks about her repeated attempts to heal her relationship with her mother.
This book opens our minds because it shows us the truth behind every family. It also shows us the strength of love and how it can move mountains.
Perhaps writing this story helped the author to give a closure to her own personal experience. Personally, I believe that this text could encourage anyone to move on if they are going through a similar experience.
I found this piece of writing sincere. To me, reading this book was moving.
I recommend this reader to young adults who don’t feel comfortable in the role they play within their own families.
November 8, 2020
Author Deb Landry wrote a really moving and engaging book which leaves you on the verge of tears. It is the kind of book that you should read with a hot cup of tea and a box of tissues. “Independence: A Memoir of Secrets, Discovery and Forgiveness” is an autobiographical novel that shows you that resilience is possible to achieve. Divided into thirty-seven parts and thanks to the amazing author’s writing ability to guide you in her darkest moments, you can easily imagine what she has lived and experiment her feelings.
This book tells the story of Deb, a thirteen-year-old girl, who after her father’s death she finds out that he is not her biological father. This terrible secret leaves her at the edge of the abyss, with a bad relationship with her narcissist mother and an effort to understand her inexplicable behaviour.
To sum up, this book should be read by everyone, especially parents to increase self-esteem in their kids. I would thoroughly recommend it!
This book tells the story of Deb, a thirteen-year-old girl, who after her father’s death she finds out that he is not her biological father. This terrible secret leaves her at the edge of the abyss, with a bad relationship with her narcissist mother and an effort to understand her inexplicable behaviour.
To sum up, this book should be read by everyone, especially parents to increase self-esteem in their kids. I would thoroughly recommend it!
November 6, 2020
Independence: A Memoir of Secrets, Discovery and Forgiveness by Deb Landry is an emotional novel that keeps you at the edge of your seat until the end. The story starts when Deb, the main character and the author, learns the news that the man she knew and loved as her biological father was not her DNA match. Deb takes you on a compassionate journey about her personal story and all the struggles she had to go through. Living in a time when you have to keep everything under the carpet, she teaches you how to survive the lies, the abuse and the devastating childhood.
This is a very well-written novel and has a powerful message to all women out there creating her own organization to help other people.
What I liked most about it is the amount of inspiration I was able to feel through the 37 chapters of this amazing story. This novel is a must read.
This is a very well-written novel and has a powerful message to all women out there creating her own organization to help other people.
What I liked most about it is the amount of inspiration I was able to feel through the 37 chapters of this amazing story. This novel is a must read.
November 14, 2020
This is the kind of book that keeps my attention from first up to the very last page. Independence: A Memoir of Secrets, Discovery and Forgiveness by Deb Landry is a wonderfully written book about the author herself. It is very interesting because is the author's true to life story and she wrote about her personal journey about how she discovered some secrets that even I myself was surprised.
The book was heavily emotional, I found myself in tears at some point. And the message was also deep and meaningful. I loved that it talks about the family and the value of good parenting. It also widened my perspective about some psychological aspects shown in this book. What I absolutely loved about it is that the author's way of writing was so compelling and because it is the author's personal experience, the writing was even more heart-felt and that's what makes it more beautiful.
The book was heavily emotional, I found myself in tears at some point. And the message was also deep and meaningful. I loved that it talks about the family and the value of good parenting. It also widened my perspective about some psychological aspects shown in this book. What I absolutely loved about it is that the author's way of writing was so compelling and because it is the author's personal experience, the writing was even more heart-felt and that's what makes it more beautiful.
November 23, 2020
Very good but sad memoir
This book was well written. The author did a very thorough job explaining her childhood, her mother's issues and her recovery from her childhood. Her research on her biological father was superb. Thank you to Goodreads, Ms. Landry and the publisher for the free book.
This book was well written. The author did a very thorough job explaining her childhood, her mother's issues and her recovery from her childhood. Her research on her biological father was superb. Thank you to Goodreads, Ms. Landry and the publisher for the free book.
September 29, 2020
Child abuse comes in many forms. Landry shares her struggles growing up with a narcisstic, possibly sociopathic mother and an uninvolved, distant father. This is not a book full of negativity but of triumph and accomplishment. This e-book was received from Goodreads.
October 14, 2020
Great book
September 3, 2020
Amazing story of resilience
Independence is a well written book of perseverance and discovery. Would recommend to anyone interested in memoirs, ancestry, books on women empowerment, and to all parents. It is never too late to find yourself.
Independence is a well written book of perseverance and discovery. Would recommend to anyone interested in memoirs, ancestry, books on women empowerment, and to all parents. It is never too late to find yourself.
November 26, 2021
lots of insight and how finding the truth helps one life. Glad i read it.
January 11, 2022
Good read
Enjoyed this book. This book was well written and an easy read. I look forward to reading more of her books
Enjoyed this book. This book was well written and an easy read. I look forward to reading more of her books
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews