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Firecracker
Viral mom blogger Brooke Binkley tells her painful story about the domestic violence she endured while simultaneously becoming a public figure and uses her story to highlight the many types of domestic violence that both victims and survivors experience.
On the outside, Brooke was the funny vlogger making moms laugh across the world, but behind closed doors she was experiencing nearly every form of domestic violence that existed. In this painful memoir, she shares her experience with domestic violence and how she planned for six weeks to ultimately escape the abuse. From her first domestic violence-related hospital visit to post-separation abuse, stalking and harassment, Brooke describes what it’s like to be the victim of domestic violence- the leading cause of injury to women- more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
This book answers the nagging question: “How did someone once described as a ‘Firecracker’ become a victim of physical, financial, emotional and sexual abuse?” and “Why did she stay?”
On the outside, Brooke was the funny vlogger making moms laugh across the world, but behind closed doors she was experiencing nearly every form of domestic violence that existed. In this painful memoir, she shares her experience with domestic violence and how she planned for six weeks to ultimately escape the abuse. From her first domestic violence-related hospital visit to post-separation abuse, stalking and harassment, Brooke describes what it’s like to be the victim of domestic violence- the leading cause of injury to women- more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined.
This book answers the nagging question: “How did someone once described as a ‘Firecracker’ become a victim of physical, financial, emotional and sexual abuse?” and “Why did she stay?”
403 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2021
48 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
September 9, 2021
Proof that what we see online is the highlight reel, not reality.
This book provides a fascinating look behind the curtains of the life of viral mom blogger Brooke Brinkley. We’ve all seen her videos and laughed so hard we cried as she gave us a front row seat to the crazy and unpredictable journey that is motherhood.
Her videos were laced with humour, wit, and a fair amount of sarcasm. What we didn’t know, couldn’t know, was the dark truth she was hiding from the world.
In Firecracker: Love Wasn’t Supposed to Hurt, Brooke details the insidious nature of domestic abuse and how easy it can be to find yourself in a place you never thought you’d be. She gives an honest look at how it happened, what she endured and the difficulty she faced when trying to claw her way out of the black hole of an abusive relationship. She brilliantly details the chaotic journey she undertook to find herself again, to trust herself again.
“My abuser was everything I had prayed for …He was everything I had always wanted and he made sure of that.”
From the very first word Brooke draws the reader in and takes us along on the journey of discovering how someone who is seemingly the answer to your prayers can quickly become your worst nightmare without you even realizing it.
Abuse doesn’t just end when you leave though, and Brooke does an excellent job describing the reality of what it takes to leave, how easy it can be to fall into old patterns and how to protect yourself as you start to rebuild your life.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.
This book provides a fascinating look behind the curtains of the life of viral mom blogger Brooke Brinkley. We’ve all seen her videos and laughed so hard we cried as she gave us a front row seat to the crazy and unpredictable journey that is motherhood.
Her videos were laced with humour, wit, and a fair amount of sarcasm. What we didn’t know, couldn’t know, was the dark truth she was hiding from the world.
In Firecracker: Love Wasn’t Supposed to Hurt, Brooke details the insidious nature of domestic abuse and how easy it can be to find yourself in a place you never thought you’d be. She gives an honest look at how it happened, what she endured and the difficulty she faced when trying to claw her way out of the black hole of an abusive relationship. She brilliantly details the chaotic journey she undertook to find herself again, to trust herself again.
“My abuser was everything I had prayed for …He was everything I had always wanted and he made sure of that.”
From the very first word Brooke draws the reader in and takes us along on the journey of discovering how someone who is seemingly the answer to your prayers can quickly become your worst nightmare without you even realizing it.
Abuse doesn’t just end when you leave though, and Brooke does an excellent job describing the reality of what it takes to leave, how easy it can be to fall into old patterns and how to protect yourself as you start to rebuild your life.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my review.
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September 9, 2021Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2021
If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, read this book! Often times we don't perceive what is happening to us because it is so slow and manipulative. Abusers are cunning and sly. Brooke explains how someone who is intelligent and capable can end up in an abusive relationship. I related so much to her story and only wish I had this book to read when I was going through it. There is so much life after escaping. Extremely well written inspirational story of survival!
I received and advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.
If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, read this book! Often times we don't perceive what is happening to us because it is so slow and manipulative. Abusers are cunning and sly. Brooke explains how someone who is intelligent and capable can end up in an abusive relationship. I related so much to her story and only wish I had this book to read when I was going through it. There is so much life after escaping. Extremely well written inspirational story of survival!
I received and advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.
September 9, 2021
I absolutely loved Brooke's story. It's heart breaking and beautiful at the same time. She shares her story with the world of falling in love and then realizing and questioning what love is really suppose to be. Her story of healing is truely inspiring. I would recommend this book to everyone. Especially those questioning their own relationships. There is a lot to learn from this book. And a lot to teach our daughters, and sons, from her story.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 9, 2021
This book was very helpful to see that you never know what someone is going threw. Keep me wanting to read. Breath taking to see how she made it threw her relationship and how she got out of it. I recommend this book to everyone.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2021
This is a great book. It is a true story of the hard times Brooke went through, realizing she was in an abusive relationship. Abuse comes in many forms and this book shares how she recognized this and planned her escape.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 9, 2021
This is the book that every woman should read! It’s such an amazing story of strength and growth! Brooke tells her story like she’s known you your entire life. She explains her thought processes and the diagnoses that her abuser caused as well. Love, love, love this book!
September 9, 2021
This is an amazing book! Represents strength and perseverance!!!!! Love this and Brooke!
I received an advance copy of the book in return for writing the review afterwards
I received an advance copy of the book in return for writing the review afterwards
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September 9, 2021This is one of the BEST books I have ever read! It is informative, heart wrenching and an all around great read!!
September 9, 2021
Amazing! I couldn’t put it down!
January 4, 2022
Thank you.
I definitely recommend this book, even if you aren't in, or have been lucky enough to have never been in, an abusive relationship. It has a lot of good information to be able to share with your teens and to know to look for as they get older and start dating as well. To the author: I am sorry that you went thru all of this but I know this book will help other people realize sooner that it's okay to leave and that things can get better. Thank you for sharing. God bless
I definitely recommend this book, even if you aren't in, or have been lucky enough to have never been in, an abusive relationship. It has a lot of good information to be able to share with your teens and to know to look for as they get older and start dating as well. To the author: I am sorry that you went thru all of this but I know this book will help other people realize sooner that it's okay to leave and that things can get better. Thank you for sharing. God bless
September 10, 2021
This book was so good, I read it in 4 hours. I couldn't put it down. Thank you Brooke for writing a book that is so honest, open and helpful to so many. I was in a marriage sort of like Brookes. This book has helped me see the trauma I went through and also helped me realize that therapy would help me work through a lot that is still affecting me today. This is a must read.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review."
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review."
September 13, 2021
Love the book so far, but I don't understand how anyone can stay with someone like that. The moment he even so much as touched the dog, my ass would be packing up the kids! Its OBVIOUS he poisoned the dog or gave the dog neurological issues from the blatant abuse and kicking! And then to KNOW he abused the children, and still stayed!?!? It took the mom dying (so sad, btw) to finally, FINALLY realizing the need to get out??? The dog, the kids, yourself weren't enough?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2022
Totally relatable
This book hit home for me..like a smack in my face. I've been there. And I still have the scars to show for it. I am so glad I read this book. I bought it because I love Brooke's videos and this was a way to show support but wow!! I love her even more now. If you have ever been in a bad relationship,victim of abuse,etc this book is a must read. Brooke you are amazing. Period.
This book hit home for me..like a smack in my face. I've been there. And I still have the scars to show for it. I am so glad I read this book. I bought it because I love Brooke's videos and this was a way to show support but wow!! I love her even more now. If you have ever been in a bad relationship,victim of abuse,etc this book is a must read. Brooke you are amazing. Period.
September 14, 2021
Couldn’t put this one down. Brooke takes you into her life and shows what it’s like “behind the scenes” for an abused woman. It’s an easy ready that keeps the pages turning! Everyone should read this in or out of a relationship!
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 8, 2021
Read this book in one day, couldn’t stop reading! It’s a real eye opener to how this really happens to people and you have no idea. We watched her videos and read the blogs and couldn’t tell anything was wrong. To have to be two different people all the time walking on egg shells is hard for everyone. Good for her that once she seen it was affecting the kids she found her way out.
October 17, 2021
This book is really good for awareness on domestic violence. I experienced very Very similar experiences in an abusive relationship and had I have known more about this back then I don’t think I would have to live through it. I also noticed that the book she references “Whole Again” has the wrong author, it should say Jackson Mackenzie. This book is definitely a page turner!
November 1, 2021
Eye opening
This book put a lot of things h in perspective for me.. So many things I have lived through.. Some I knew we not ok but others I thought were normal. It's good to know you are not alone and you have a voice.
This book put a lot of things h in perspective for me.. So many things I have lived through.. Some I knew we not ok but others I thought were normal. It's good to know you are not alone and you have a voice.
December 31, 2021
Great read
I recommend this book to anyone who is wondering if there is a way out of the abuse. To anyone who knows someone who is being abused by their spouse but does not know what it really means.
This book hit home for me as I also was in Brooke's situation.
I recommend this book to anyone who is wondering if there is a way out of the abuse. To anyone who knows someone who is being abused by their spouse but does not know what it really means.
This book hit home for me as I also was in Brooke's situation.
July 20, 2022
While no one's story is exactly the same, it's nice to find solace in knowing you're not alone in being a survivor of domestic abuse, and that there are others out there who truly understand what you went through (and still are going through in the aftermath) 💜
February 27, 2023
I strongly believe this book is a MUST READ if you are a young adult, male or female. This book follows Brooke (author) through her real life journey of abuse and her escape from her now former spouse.
The book talks about far more types of abuse than just physical/mental abuse.
The book talks about far more types of abuse than just physical/mental abuse.
October 20, 2021
Absolutely loved this book.
November 13, 2021
Good read
It was a good read and made you think about lots of things you normally wouldn't about being abused if verbal physical
It was a good read and made you think about lots of things you normally wouldn't about being abused if verbal physical
December 28, 2022
Awesome book
This book spoke to me in so many ways, but the biggest thing I got out of it was I will make it
This book spoke to me in so many ways, but the biggest thing I got out of it was I will make it
March 7, 2025
Very good book !!
January 3, 2026
i'm lucky enough to call Brooke one of my great friends, and what strength it took to tell her story. a great read.
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February 4, 2022A must read for anyone
It’s been a while since I have found a book that I couldn’t put down! It’s a must read for everyone.
It’s been a while since I have found a book that I couldn’t put down! It’s a must read for everyone.
December 20, 2023
As a long time follower of Brooke Binkley and her blog...finally sitting down to read this book was nerve wracking. But, man oh man. What an emotional rollercoaster. To see behind closed doors and truly see even bits and pieces of her world was heartbreaking. I commend her for speaking out and telling HER story, in a respectful way...even if her abuser didn't deserve her respect...her children DO. definitely an amazing read, eye opening and heart wrenching. 10/10 would recommend.
September 12, 2021
couldn’t put it down
Love this book. Couldn’t put it down till I finished it and I haven’t read a book in many years. Relatable. An easy flowing read. Recommend it to teenagers you know.
Love this book. Couldn’t put it down till I finished it and I haven’t read a book in many years. Relatable. An easy flowing read. Recommend it to teenagers you know.
September 13, 2021
Couldn't Put it Down
I sat down to read a couple.of chapters before bed... That didnt happen!!! This book is a must read!!! I would highly encourage teenage girls to read this!!!
I sat down to read a couple.of chapters before bed... That didnt happen!!! This book is a must read!!! I would highly encourage teenage girls to read this!!!
September 11, 2021
So worth it!
I’m so glad I got to read this book. I have followed Brooke for a while on Facebook, and this book hits hard. I’m going to have to get a copy of this to my daughter in hopes that it will help her. Please read this book whether you think you need to or not.
I’m so glad I got to read this book. I have followed Brooke for a while on Facebook, and this book hits hard. I’m going to have to get a copy of this to my daughter in hopes that it will help her. Please read this book whether you think you need to or not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews