Urban Tidepool

by Nancy Mullen

Growing up in the chaos of family addiction, mental illness, domestic violence, and death of both parents will shape the life of any child. Urban Tidepool leads readers through a story that could have easily ended in tragedy, but instead ends in creation, connection, and hope. Stretching across a ten year time frame, Urban Tidepool delivers a tough story with grit and humor, and reminds us all that we are surrounded by kids struggling to get through and by heroes who make it possible for them to do so, and that the Universe gives us exactly who we need, exactly when we need them. Not only is it possible to survive such darkness, it is possible to go on to lead with your light.

341 pages, Paperback

Published October 29, 2020

Reviews

[Dawn Littlefield · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful and sad story but also one of hope, resilience and the importance of reaching out and not giving up on young people in crisis. Highly recommend for anyone working in education, outreach and teen counseling.

[Myia Sittig · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story isn't for everyone, it's traumatic but hopeful. At times you will forget you are reading a memoir. The writer is vulnerable and letting readers see what no child should have to go through. Drugs, violence and unacceptable behavior. It will make you angry, sad and happy.

[Peter Kwiatkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Urban Tidepool offers a glimpse inside the life of someone bumping through life in the face of multiple unhealthy and problematic relationships. Rather than a neatly wrapped “feel good” conclusion, it leaves you with a better understanding of one persons personal struggles. For me personally, this privileged view into Nancy’s story helps me better understand folks who have gone through certain similar situations, and it brings an awareness to the fact that “difficult to deal with” youth may be going through so many things that we either can’t see or might not understand.

Despite the difficult subject matter, I found it easy to read as far as the way it’s written. Nancy’s humor is scattered throughout the book, and I found several laughable moments right alongside some of the most difficult to read details, which made such a book more comfortable to read.

This is a great book for anyone working with youth, for social workers, teachers, or anyone who just wants to understand the struggles of someone growing up in an abusive household, teen homelessness, etc.

Definitely worth the read!

[Kyle Wresinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most amazing things I have ever read. I could not put it down--literally, no hyperbole.

Nancy Mullen shares her story with such vulnerability, honesty, and raw emotion that even though you know she prevails--she had to, to be able to write, as you'll constantly remind yourself--you keep reading just to make sure she's okay. She touches on deep, important, uncomfortable, and gut-wrenching issues with the perfect balance of awareness, softness, resilience.

Her story is, unfortunately, not unique. But her method of telling it is. Her rising from it is. The impact it had on her is. The impact she's had in the world is.

Buy this book. Read this book. You're doing yourself a disservice by not getting to know Nancy Mullen. You will love her instantly. You'll hurt with her. You'll cry with her. You'll grow with her. Then you'll love with her, and you'll share in the life and the love she has generated. And it will be amazing.

[Chet Taranowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

What is it like to grow up with a sociopath brother and an alcoholic father? It doesn't sound pleasant. This is a great book if you want to get a perspective on these issues. But as a literary experience it is grim and exhausting. Still, you just have to admire the author for surviving. Reading about the author's job as a social worker with LGBT kids was one of the best parts.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a life Nancy Mullen has led. She tells her story with brutal, beautiful honesty, which is the only way to appreciate the light at the end of the tunnel. This is a book that makes you pause and know, somewhere in your mind that you can’t quite understand, that certain people are meant to lead others to the light.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put it down! I was pulled in from the first page. A story that could have had a much different ending. A must read.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough read, beautifully written.

[Margaret Jankauskis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A testament to the resiliency of the human spirit. Devastating yet compelling story. Prepare to shed some tears.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh man. what one person had to endure alone. why???? nancy's resilience is astounding. nancy is the real deal, the salt of earth.