Learning to be Human

by Laurie Ann Butcher

This book is a compilation of memories, told as short stories, that give a detailed account of true life experiences living within a dysfunctional family, and what was learned. Memories of sibling rivalry, envy, hatred, mental and physical abuse. Alcohol and drug abuse. Depression, schizophrenia, suicide and death. Sexual abuse, abortion and child grooming. A lifetime of lessons learned with a seventeen year period.

378 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 30, 2021

About the author

Laurie Ann Butcher lives in Yorkshire, England with her husband, and is the author of ‘The Guardians Series’ featuring ‘Darkness’, ‘The Lingering Shadows’ and ‘The Mists of Avalon’. Available individually, the books are also available as a trilogy… ‘The Guardians Trilogy’. The series blends together mythology, history, magic, fated-mates, immortality and romance with a sprinkling of paranormal and supernatural, and a dash of alternate realities.

The youngest of six, she grew up in a dysfunctional family surrounded by hatred, anger and envy, and watched her mother and older sister buckle under the weight of mental illness. She suffered from trauma on numerous occasions throughout her life which resulted in repetitive nightmares. Physically and mentally abused by a narcissistic brother, bullied at school, and groomed by the neighbourhood paedophile, she grew up believing that what she experienced on a daily basis was normal. Her memoir, ‘Learning to be Human’, was written with the intention of helping young people recognise different forms of abuse and manipulation, and to help parents understand that they are more than parents… they are teachers.

Reviews

[Phil Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a rollercoaster of emotions, from anger to sadness. following the little girl as she grows up. being a fly on the wall in her life. Love the format with the little reflections at the end of each chapter. looking forward to more from this author.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was one of the most depressing books, no sense of hope whatsoever, that I have ever read. And although I know it is at least partially true, much was hard to believe. How does the book start out with such seemingly vivid memories of a toddler? And throughout the entire book, memories were told consistently in the voice of 13-year-old from her actual ages of 2 to 21. Why did
i finish the book? I do not know. Maybe just trying to figure out where she was going with the strange format.

[Reign Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional but worthwhile read

This was an extremely heartbreaking book to read, but worth it to see and hear everything the main character, Laurie, had been through and how she persevered. The ending of the book had me in tears. I don't regret reading it and will read it again in a heartbeat.

[Bridget Holbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good

If you like first hand biographies you will like this book. Well written, this book will hold your interest. The author writes of her childhood , adolescents and you g adult life growing up in a dysfunctional family.

[Tracie XXEst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

I had to stop reading this at times because it was just too much. How could people treat one another so horribly? It was heartbreaking. Exceptionally well written. Highly recommended.

[Kelly Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unsettling but brilliant book. Heartbreaking

I have just read my own life story written by a stranger
Childhood sexual abuse ruins lives. I've reached out for help whilst reading this book.

[Sheila Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

sad but a good read

It always amazes me, when I read this kind of book, how little we know of what goes on behind closed doors….including mine

[Tania Bitmead · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the book , at some stages the writing seemed disjointed and out of sync.

[Thelma Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

😥😥😥😥

A very sad story of a very dysfunctional family......bit boring in places but I was compelled to read it all and see what happened. Worth a read

[Tanya Bjerke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a life this author lived!