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Wildflower: A Tale of Transcendence
Abducted by her mentally unstable mother, one girl forages her way to the top.
"A gripping account of triumph over adversity that may inspire you to 'dream an impossible dream!'” -Martha Quinn, original MTV VJ, host of the Martha Quinn Morning Show on iHeart80s @ 103.7, San Francisco
"Everyone who loves great literature should read this heart wrenching memoir." - Sean McNamara: Director, Producer: Soul Surfer, The Miracle Season, Spare Parts, Reagan
Spending the night in Juvie wasn't the worst thing to happen to seven year old Teresa that summer. When her much-anticipated cross-country vacation turns to abduction, Teresa is forced to care for her mother, sister and twin brothers. Homeless, abused, and afraid in the slums of San Francisco's Tenderloin district, Teresa finds joy in her adventures while fantasizing of a better life. Keeping this dream alive throughout her childhood is what drives her to end the cycle of abuse and poverty.
"A gripping account of triumph over adversity that may inspire you to 'dream an impossible dream!'” -Martha Quinn, original MTV VJ, host of the Martha Quinn Morning Show on iHeart80s @ 103.7, San Francisco
"Everyone who loves great literature should read this heart wrenching memoir." - Sean McNamara: Director, Producer: Soul Surfer, The Miracle Season, Spare Parts, Reagan
Spending the night in Juvie wasn't the worst thing to happen to seven year old Teresa that summer. When her much-anticipated cross-country vacation turns to abduction, Teresa is forced to care for her mother, sister and twin brothers. Homeless, abused, and afraid in the slums of San Francisco's Tenderloin district, Teresa finds joy in her adventures while fantasizing of a better life. Keeping this dream alive throughout her childhood is what drives her to end the cycle of abuse and poverty.
- GenresMemoirNonfictionAbuse
386 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2021
656 people are currently reading
3519 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
June 11, 2021
Teresa,
I finished reading your book last night and I was up in bed thinking of it all, of you, your life, your siblings.. I wrote you a letter in my mind over and over till I fell asleep.
I have to go to sleep now but I feel I’m missing reading your words and imagining hearing your voice in your italic words.
I only knew you from your countless volunteer hours with Girl Scouts but it was as if you had the superhero suit under the outfits that you wore and i didn’t know. Your bright smile and kindness is all what I remember from our conversations, but that’s what I saw in the book too.
We all have to do our best with the cards we’ve been dealt with to come up with the best version of ourselves at the end of our lives. That’s what I understand about life.
Your cards were pretty hard. You not only became the best version of yourself but you lifted up so many with you too!
You are the Cœur (Kurs) in this world.
Thanks for your heart, imagination, your wisdom, your talent, your faith and love to the world, others and nature. And thanks for sharing it with the world!
Your words will stay with me throughout my life and I hope we all become a Cœur like you ❤️
Much love and gratitude for the amazing you!
(Love to your siblings too)
I finished reading your book last night and I was up in bed thinking of it all, of you, your life, your siblings.. I wrote you a letter in my mind over and over till I fell asleep.
I have to go to sleep now but I feel I’m missing reading your words and imagining hearing your voice in your italic words.
I only knew you from your countless volunteer hours with Girl Scouts but it was as if you had the superhero suit under the outfits that you wore and i didn’t know. Your bright smile and kindness is all what I remember from our conversations, but that’s what I saw in the book too.
We all have to do our best with the cards we’ve been dealt with to come up with the best version of ourselves at the end of our lives. That’s what I understand about life.
Your cards were pretty hard. You not only became the best version of yourself but you lifted up so many with you too!
You are the Cœur (Kurs) in this world.
Thanks for your heart, imagination, your wisdom, your talent, your faith and love to the world, others and nature. And thanks for sharing it with the world!
Your words will stay with me throughout my life and I hope we all become a Cœur like you ❤️
Much love and gratitude for the amazing you!
(Love to your siblings too)
March 16, 2022
Teresa was an incredibly bright , beautiful child full of life, love and curiosity. She wrote a fascinating memoir of growing up in San Francisco in the 60's and 70's. Her story is well written and captivating to read. Her freedom in the city of San Francisco at such a young age might be enviable if it were not for the abuse she suffered at the hands of her mother. One of nine children, Teresa seemed to bear the brunt of a mother prone to rage. Treedy was not the only child her mother abused but it seemed like Teeny Tiny Treedy was more often than not the subject of both verbal abuse and physical violence. She was singled out to do all the shopping, cooking and dishes in addition to her homework from as young as seven and eight.
It wasn't all bad though and Teresa felt a fierce connection to the mother who treated her so poorly. It was confusing for Teresa because there were times she hated her mother and other times when she felt sorry for her. There were good times in the summer when the other half of her brothers and sisters returned. Their mother took them on long trips during the summer vacation so they got to see much of the country.
She was an adorable, resourceful child and was able to overcome but never forget the road to where she is now. The ending was abrupt and condensed and I took one star for that.
It wasn't all bad though and Teresa felt a fierce connection to the mother who treated her so poorly. It was confusing for Teresa because there were times she hated her mother and other times when she felt sorry for her. There were good times in the summer when the other half of her brothers and sisters returned. Their mother took them on long trips during the summer vacation so they got to see much of the country.
She was an adorable, resourceful child and was able to overcome but never forget the road to where she is now. The ending was abrupt and condensed and I took one star for that.
March 23, 2021
‘Wildflower: ‘ -Dr Teresa Van Woy
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- 5 stars
⚠️ Emotional and physical child abuse, including prolonged descriptions of neglect ⚠️
“You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your own environment. You can make life what you want it to be.” -Napoleon Hill
One of 9 children, Teresa recounts her experience growing up, moving from state to state in the USA, living in constant fear of her mother’s unreliable, often turbulent moods; attributed to her poor, fluctuating mental health.
This book is powerful. A stunning memoir of resilience, faith and a burning ferocity to not only survive but to thrive. Teresa’s spirit is captivating and relentlessly determined to break the cycle of abuse she found herself consumed by, at the hands of her mother. In her own words “[mother’s] monster never retreated back inside her like it used to. It took up permanent residence, making itself known throughout the house.”
Despite the dark undertones, this memoir is hopeful and inspiring. The layout was excellent; short, succinct, chronological chapters laced with thought provoking philosophical quotes that personified a particular stage in Teresa’s life. I especially loved the frequent use of photos- this made the memoir all that more personable and therefore, investable.
Undeniably, ‘Wildflower’ provides an invaluable lesson in humanity and moreover, in everyone’s shared responsibility in safeguarding vulnerable children. May we be kind, always.
Thank you to the inspiring author, Teresa for gifting me this exceptional memoir.
A 5 star read that shouldn’t be missed.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- 5 stars
⚠️ Emotional and physical child abuse, including prolonged descriptions of neglect ⚠️
“You are the master of your destiny. You can influence, direct and control your own environment. You can make life what you want it to be.” -Napoleon Hill
One of 9 children, Teresa recounts her experience growing up, moving from state to state in the USA, living in constant fear of her mother’s unreliable, often turbulent moods; attributed to her poor, fluctuating mental health.
This book is powerful. A stunning memoir of resilience, faith and a burning ferocity to not only survive but to thrive. Teresa’s spirit is captivating and relentlessly determined to break the cycle of abuse she found herself consumed by, at the hands of her mother. In her own words “[mother’s] monster never retreated back inside her like it used to. It took up permanent residence, making itself known throughout the house.”
Despite the dark undertones, this memoir is hopeful and inspiring. The layout was excellent; short, succinct, chronological chapters laced with thought provoking philosophical quotes that personified a particular stage in Teresa’s life. I especially loved the frequent use of photos- this made the memoir all that more personable and therefore, investable.
Undeniably, ‘Wildflower’ provides an invaluable lesson in humanity and moreover, in everyone’s shared responsibility in safeguarding vulnerable children. May we be kind, always.
Thank you to the inspiring author, Teresa for gifting me this exceptional memoir.
A 5 star read that shouldn’t be missed.
May 8, 2021
Remarkable Spirit
The author's childhood was plagued by poverty, abuse, mental illness of a mother, unstable living conditions and yet she persevered. I am not sure how many could rise above it all but she did. As an adult, successful and living the life she made happen through her determination, she puts into perspective her past. She gleans from the past the positive experiences , relies on her steadfast faith and intelligence, and moves beyond the terrible treatment no one deserves. A truly remarkable woman who chose not to wallow in pity and defeat but forge her destiny despite the challenges. This book is a very worthwhile read. Her journey is an inspiration that life may not deal us the best circumstances but what we do with that life is ultimately up to us to meet the challenges and carve our path toward fulfillment.
The author's childhood was plagued by poverty, abuse, mental illness of a mother, unstable living conditions and yet she persevered. I am not sure how many could rise above it all but she did. As an adult, successful and living the life she made happen through her determination, she puts into perspective her past. She gleans from the past the positive experiences , relies on her steadfast faith and intelligence, and moves beyond the terrible treatment no one deserves. A truly remarkable woman who chose not to wallow in pity and defeat but forge her destiny despite the challenges. This book is a very worthwhile read. Her journey is an inspiration that life may not deal us the best circumstances but what we do with that life is ultimately up to us to meet the challenges and carve our path toward fulfillment.
January 28, 2021
There is more to this story than just the abuse and poverty. Teresa is able to capture the bring to light the good in some challenging and difficult situations. There is also an underlining theme of random acts of kindness that are truly uplifting. Like all good memoirs, "Wildflower" is complex and touches on many different emotions.
December 27, 2020
If you read "Educated," and/or "The Glass Castle," and were moved by the ability of a woman to rise above despair solely by grit and determination, then please add this memoir to your reading list. Her journey through periods of starvation that led to dumpster diving for discarded food, and a childhood of horrible emotional abuse and physical violence is both heart wrenching and inspirational. Where one might become jaded, bitter and mistrustful, readers follow along in this memoir and celebrate as the author makes hard choices that lead to a life of joy, acceptance, and abundance. Caveat: I was a witness to a portion of the events in this book. Reading details of the years prior to my entry into the author's life were beyond difficult. Knowing that she triumphed over a childhood of pain brings me the utmost happiness.
June 25, 2021
Your Success Story
I was a school counselor and was always enamored with the resilience of children. I reported abuse many times and did not hesitate to cal CPS. Children are powerless in where and who they live with. Helping children find their internal voice and learn ways to cope is important.
I admired you ability to learn your need to find your own way through determination, music, and just plain courage. I am sorry you had to endure this abuse. I was always amazed at how children defended their parent and felt guilt. I often said you deserve respect.
Your story helps others know to seek help, stand up for yourself, and live a life you create with respect and love.
Thanks for writing the tough times and the success story you created.
Diane Kornesczuk
I was a school counselor and was always enamored with the resilience of children. I reported abuse many times and did not hesitate to cal CPS. Children are powerless in where and who they live with. Helping children find their internal voice and learn ways to cope is important.
I admired you ability to learn your need to find your own way through determination, music, and just plain courage. I am sorry you had to endure this abuse. I was always amazed at how children defended their parent and felt guilt. I often said you deserve respect.
Your story helps others know to seek help, stand up for yourself, and live a life you create with respect and love.
Thanks for writing the tough times and the success story you created.
Diane Kornesczuk
February 9, 2021
Beginning with a tumultuous exodus from Florida to San Francisco with her eight siblings in a travel trailer, chaotically organized by her mentally ill mother, Dr. Teresa Thompson Van Woy’s Wildflower shows us the life of an abused child and the healing power of love. With unflinching honesty, Dr. Van Woy describes bearing the brunt of her mother’s abuse while trying to seem normal. Ultimately her book is an anthem to rising above fear and anger into kindness, happiness and success as an adult. Wildflower reminds us of the power of small acts of kindness and the resilience of the human spirit.
January 2, 2021
We knew something wonderful was unfolding. Teresa's story kept us laughing and crying as she read each chapter. With a brave gift for weaving darkness and light into a page-turner, she takes us along in that unstable camper packed full of nine hungry kids, driven by their unbalanced mom, on a trip across the country destined for homelessness. From the slums of the amazing city she explores, a little girl finds bits of hope and grace to help her escape her mother's abuse.
A wonderful book that belongs curled up with you on long winter’s nights. I highly recommend it.
A wonderful book that belongs curled up with you on long winter’s nights. I highly recommend it.
January 2, 2021
Teresa's story of success after tremendous abuse is awe inspiring. "Wildflower" is an emotional ride from the low, low's of maternal abuse, lack of food, and incredible cruelty the story will make your stomach clench and your eyes weep. But Teresa made it out of this maternally driven mess to be a successful medical doctor, an accomplished multi-media artist and an inspirational person. A wonderful written, wonderfully told story. It gives me hope that we can all do something to make the world a better place.
June 26, 2021
A page-turner, for sure. An authentic, raw, powerfully evocative, memoir of triumph over adversity.
... “just as the movie Pippi Longstocking began...I sat upright in my chair watching the strongest girl in the world beat up a crew of pirates while fantasizing I was her—strong, brave, independent, and funny. "
Based on the audio read of this book, I am guessing Teresa's fantasy became her reality. A brave, independent, funny, and strong woman.
Her book is a great read, I will continue to share it with friends who are looking for a new book to read.
... “just as the movie Pippi Longstocking began...I sat upright in my chair watching the strongest girl in the world beat up a crew of pirates while fantasizing I was her—strong, brave, independent, and funny. "
Based on the audio read of this book, I am guessing Teresa's fantasy became her reality. A brave, independent, funny, and strong woman.
Her book is a great read, I will continue to share it with friends who are looking for a new book to read.
August 9, 2021
I keep saying I am not going to read anymore books about dysfunctional families but here I can
This one had me crying at the end the story is sad and Teresa is a very strong person, at the age of 7 she was cooking all the meals for her family of nine siblings. Most kids that age can't boil water much less cook meatloaf, lasagne. During the beatings she gets regularly from her Mother she keeps doing things that are only going to make her beating last longer but she is such a strong personality she just can't keep from calling her Mother the horrible person she is.
This one had me crying at the end the story is sad and Teresa is a very strong person, at the age of 7 she was cooking all the meals for her family of nine siblings. Most kids that age can't boil water much less cook meatloaf, lasagne. During the beatings she gets regularly from her Mother she keeps doing things that are only going to make her beating last longer but she is such a strong personality she just can't keep from calling her Mother the horrible person she is.
March 29, 2021
GREAT MEMOIR THAT GIVES HOPE...
In this memoir, Teresa pulls me into the story as if I were right there with her, wanting to give her a hug. It's a book about Hope and forgiveness. A book about following your dreams and never giving up on what you believe in. Teresa did a great job inspiring me as I'm sure she will with Anyone who reads her story. My only hope is that she writes a second book. I don't give 5 Stars very often, but this is worth every
In this memoir, Teresa pulls me into the story as if I were right there with her, wanting to give her a hug. It's a book about Hope and forgiveness. A book about following your dreams and never giving up on what you believe in. Teresa did a great job inspiring me as I'm sure she will with Anyone who reads her story. My only hope is that she writes a second book. I don't give 5 Stars very often, but this is worth every
January 8, 2021
What a story! I read this book in a few days - I couldn't put it down. My heart broke for this little girl dealing with poverty, homelessness, and a physically and emotionally abusive mother. It was easy to love and cheer for her because of her fighting spirit and inner kindness. This is an inspiring story!
February 19, 2021
An astonishing mémoir
This narrative is astonishing: first with a poignant description of intense scènes and feelings formed in extraordinary circumstances, then a detailed description of the resulting mental anguish, finally proving the saying ‘whatever struggles you survive will make you stronger.’
This narrative is astonishing: first with a poignant description of intense scènes and feelings formed in extraordinary circumstances, then a detailed description of the resulting mental anguish, finally proving the saying ‘whatever struggles you survive will make you stronger.’
June 18, 2021
Fantastic!
This book was so riveting that I could not put it down. Teresa is a gifted writer and Avery amazing young lady. She is also very brave to tell her story. There are way too many abusive parents in this world; I wish there was something more that could be done about them.
This book was so riveting that I could not put it down. Teresa is a gifted writer and Avery amazing young lady. She is also very brave to tell her story. There are way too many abusive parents in this world; I wish there was something more that could be done about them.
July 27, 2021
Must read!!!
This book had my attention with every single word I read. It's sad to read about how harsh a parent cant treat their child. Above all you can be a better person and live a better life no matter how you were treat as a child. This book gives so much insight of how you should treat people. You never know when you will touch someone's life.
This book had my attention with every single word I read. It's sad to read about how harsh a parent cant treat their child. Above all you can be a better person and live a better life no matter how you were treat as a child. This book gives so much insight of how you should treat people. You never know when you will touch someone's life.
July 29, 2021
Wildflower
Wow, what a tough book to read. My heart goes out to the author, I can't imagine how painful writing this book must have been. I guess the happy ending is the strength and faith it took to get past the horrible childhood and bloom like a wildflower. You are certainly an inspiration, Dr. Van Woy!
Wow, what a tough book to read. My heart goes out to the author, I can't imagine how painful writing this book must have been. I guess the happy ending is the strength and faith it took to get past the horrible childhood and bloom like a wildflower. You are certainly an inspiration, Dr. Van Woy!
December 24, 2020
An amazing story of faith, determination and perseverance by a little girl who had a dream and worked really hard to make it come true! The true meaning of never stop believing that you can make your dreams come true ❤️ I absolutely love this story and highly recommend the book!❤️
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December 24, 2020This book is Fantastic!! It is amazingly well written and has your attention till the last page.
What an amazing story and a great read. Thank you for your courage by sharing such a difficult time in your life. WILDFLOWERS is a must read...
What an amazing story and a great read. Thank you for your courage by sharing such a difficult time in your life. WILDFLOWERS is a must read...
January 25, 2021
This is such a compelling and inspirational memoir. I could not put it down and stayed up until 3am the first night I started reading it. The images and storied stay with you and Teresa does a great job of taking you on a journey of her life. A truly great read!
January 31, 2021
Very well written! The author captured my heart through her story of her childhood. It shines a light on child abuse and how we can overcome the negative and turn into a positive. How God can use people and little things to get us through.
February 18, 2021
I loved this book. The most important thing to me in a book - is whether the author bring a character to life. She brought several to life. Ofter painfully so ... as her story runs deep.
I felt her spirit/ drive to free herself from such constant suffering almost tangible.
I felt her spirit/ drive to free herself from such constant suffering almost tangible.
March 20, 2021
This book was EXCELLENT! Teresa’s writing was so easy to read, her story inspiring. I hung on every word & only put the book down when I had to until it was finished.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
April 5, 2021
Uniquely raw and compelling memoir. Brilliant writing and an amazing girl and now woman. Finding the beauty and adventure in San Francisco at such a very young age, so much to love.
If you liked this you'll also like IO Tillet's book 'Darling Days, A Memoir'
If you liked this you'll also like IO Tillet's book 'Darling Days, A Memoir'
April 19, 2021
Great book!
What a journey. This book will take you from one side of the country to the other along the way you will discover a strong little girl who will teach you to never give up.
What a journey. This book will take you from one side of the country to the other along the way you will discover a strong little girl who will teach you to never give up.
April 27, 2021
Fantastic
Fantastic and inspiring. Loved the way she detailed her experiences- was like living along side the author. The pictures throughout helped highlight her life and put faces behind the names.
Fantastic and inspiring. Loved the way she detailed her experiences- was like living along side the author. The pictures throughout helped highlight her life and put faces behind the names.
June 9, 2021
My heart broke then soared
I loved this book, very heartfelt.and wonder how she survived to become who she is today. Wonder what was wrong with her mother and how the dad left all the kids with her knowing the mom was nuts.
I loved this book, very heartfelt.and wonder how she survived to become who she is today. Wonder what was wrong with her mother and how the dad left all the kids with her knowing the mom was nuts.
June 9, 2021
Amazing memoir!
What an inspirational life story! The author overcame so much. Great success story but sad at the same time. I enjoyed this book even though some parts were very hard to read. The happy ending made it worth it though. Awesome book!
What an inspirational life story! The author overcame so much. Great success story but sad at the same time. I enjoyed this book even though some parts were very hard to read. The happy ending made it worth it though. Awesome book!
July 7, 2021
One of the best books I've read
This book was heartbreaking & fascinating at the same time. I was in awe at how strong Teresa really was,or she would have never survived. I'm so happy that she took steps to remove herself from the abuse.God Bless her.
This book was heartbreaking & fascinating at the same time. I was in awe at how strong Teresa really was,or she would have never survived. I'm so happy that she took steps to remove herself from the abuse.God Bless her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews