Can I Come HOME Now?: A True Story of Childhood Trauma

by Barbara Godin

Can I Come Home Now?

In this heart-wrenching yet empowering memoir, author Barbara takes readers on a harrowing journey from the innocence of childhood to the complexities of adulthood, revealing the deep scars left by betrayal and abuse. At just five years old, Barbara's world is shattered as she faces unimaginable trauma at the hands of those who should have protected her. Shuttled between relatives after her family’s disintegration, she becomes a target for predators who exploit her vulnerability, leaving her grappling with a fractured sense of self-worth.
Yet, this is not merely a tale of survival; it is a testament to resilience. Through candid reflections, Barbara unveils the cunning tactics of her abusers while illuminating the profound longing for her mother’s love—always just out of reach. As she navigates a world of dysfunction and ultimately finds herself in an abusive marriage, Barbara’s story transforms into one of hope and healing.
“Can I Come HOME Now?” is a poignant reminder that even in the darkest corners of our past, we can reclaim our voices and forge a path toward a brighter future. Join Barbara on her journey of rediscovery and empowerment, and learn how to rise above the odds to create the life you truly deserve.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir

296 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 2022

About the author

Barbara Godin is a bestselling author, poet, and advice columnist whose work resonates deeply with readers seeking hope, healing, and connection. Her memoir, Can I Come HOME Now?, a #1 Bestseller, chronicles her journey of overcoming abuse and neglect to reclaim her life, inspiring countless readers to rise above their own challenges. Barbara’s latest poetry collection, Seasons of the Heart, captures the beauty and complexity of human emotion, while her Words of Wisdom series, drawn from her beloved “Dear Barb” columns, offers practical guidance and heartfelt insights. A graduate with a B.A. in English, Barbara’s writing blends raw honesty with lyrical grace. When not crafting stories or advice, she enjoys walking, hiking, biking, and spending quiet moments with her cherished cat. Through her words, Barbara continues to touch hearts and illuminate the resilience of the human spirit.


You can learn more about Barbara on her website "barbgodin.com."

Reviews

[Melany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this was such a sad story. The fact that children and adults have to face this alone or even experience this in their lifetime is just heartbreaking. The author shows these betrayals in depth and it truly strikes you. It made me wish I could help and harm the abusers. Breathtaking and heart breaking all at once. I'd definitely check for triggers if you have any, but if you're able to read it I'd suggest this one! I literally could not put it down.

[Mary Munn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, in my opinion, is better written than those of many famous authors that I have read over the years. It made me want to inflict physical harm to those that abused her especially her first abuser who had her thinking she was abusing him. How she ever rose above all the trauma she has suffered, I will never know, but she has, and I admire her greatly for being able to overcome all this childhood trauma. It speaks volumes as to her resolve to overcome and have a good life. I hope this book gives others who have suffered similar fates the inspiration and courage to do the same.

[Sidney Seliger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wild ride. In my opinion, things start off slow (to be fair my normal reads are fast thrillers). I was struggling to get through at about the 30% mark.
After the slow start, I couldn’t put it down. Extremely heavy read. Every trigger warning. The writing was better than famous fiction writers. I think it’s important to remind yourself while reading that this is a true story. It’s easy to separate when reading fiction.
I’ve been putting this off. I’m glad I read it; however, I don’t know that I would recommend the book to a friend.

Only 2 items left over
1. Going in you know it’s childhood trauma. I wish there was something about animal cruelty.
2. I need to know why Lisa went to live with Roger. Everything was coming together and we were left with that and no explanation.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a really hard one to read and has possible triggers of child sexual abuse in it.

The life Barbara and her siblings endured is painful and sad to read about but happens more often than we know about.

The author did all that she could growing up to keep herself as safe as she could where adults failed her as a child and young woman. This book was written with real emotion and detail.

While this was hard to read at times, I was glad to see she overcame these things that happened to her.

[Doris Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A close to home story. Written to mirror the struggles and disappointment many people face alone with no support. As previously written review, the author’s portrayal was exceptional.

[Amber N. Crandall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home

Home is different for everyone. Barbara’s book tells her life of many places she lived and searching for her forever home. Thank you for being vulnerable to your readers and sharing your struggles.

[Madison Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is extremely well written. Once I began reading, I could not stop. The author does a great job sharing her story and the struggles she had to overcome throughout her life. I was very inspired by the courage Barbara had at such a young age. Hopefully, this book will encourage more people to share their stories and help others overcome their struggles. I would recommend this book!

[Chelsea Latimer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a strong woman. The trauma and abuse she went through is crushing. The sympathy and compassion she holds onto is admirable. Sad this is a true story but happy she told hers. Beautifully written. Easy read with each page holding my attention.

[Elizabeth McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great memoir

This book was sad and happy and every emotion in between. I couldn't not put it down. The descriptions of events make you feel as if you are there. Truly gifted writer.

[Gloria Drouin]

Such a great book so many emotions at times a hard read but so worth it I promise you will not regret it !

[Brianna Natrigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

heartbreaking yet incredibly written

this book was very close to home.
i loved this book. and appreciate people writing things like this, because it truly helps.

[LibraryLove · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredible story!!
This book is emotionally triggering for those that can relate to the abuse the author discusses. She was neglected, as well as physically, sexually, and emotionally abused. The system completely failed her, as did her parents. Unfortunately, this happens all too many times, and only a few people are able to pull themselves out of it. Most suffer from a lifetime of PTSD that goes untreated.

[Margaret Agard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written

This well written memoir brings us through a childhood marked with rejection and sexual abuse to some level of peace and healing. As promised, the author overcomes her past leaving the reader with a sense of hope.

[Jeanne Dugal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be an honest story about abuse and how it can happen to a child when they are so vulnerable....if this book can help one person overcome such a traumatic childhood...I believe the author would be happy. I couldnt put the book down once I started it well written!!!!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I Come Home Now by Barbara Godin is a novel about overcoming obstacles and becoming the person you were meant to be. Not everyone's journey is an easy one. Sometimes we are dealt a bad hand but it is through the hard times we learn that we are stronger and are able to find happiness in the little things. Can I come home now is the author's retelling of how she overcame family trauma and was able to reconstruct her definition of family. This story is ultimately about hope and finding a sense of peace with one's past while building a future that you can be proud of. A great read!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can I Come Home Now by Barbara Godin is a novel about overcoming obstacles and becoming the person you were meant to be. Not everyone's journey is an easy one. Sometimes we are dealt a bad hand but it is through the hard times we learn that we are stronger and are able to find happiness in the little things. Can I come home now is the author's retelling of how she overcame family trauma and was able to reconstruct her definition of family. This story is ultimately about hope and finding a sense of peace with one's past while building a future that you can be proud of. A great read!

[Deeds · Rating 5 out of 5]

PHENOMENAL STORY😥

This story was sooo moving, heartbreaking, sad, and above all else just WOW!!. It is so sad😭 that a child/children have to go through this s_it, absolutely wrong, wrong, wrong!!!!. But fortunately for her she was able to come out the other side of her hell in one piece🤗. She is an incredibly strong beautiful person and just a better person!!. Barbara is a PHENOMENAL storyteller and writer!!!. I pray for your strength and well-being. Stay strong beautiful lady!!.

[Sommer French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tragic To Triumphed isn't always easy

I won the book from a Goodreads Giveaway as a ARC ... Here is my review... This story isn't for the weak. I can understand how it could be a too heavy and hard of a read ... But it must be read and shared. Children get lost in the cracks everyday ... For the ones who make it to the other side of abuse ...neglect...and other trauma deserve to habe their story heard. I hope this book help the author heal a little bit more !

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished Barb’s book “When Can I Come Home” recently and I must say it was a difficult read for me. This book was written with Barb’s heart and soul. It was written for a reason to help others. Sharing her childhood journey has totally surpassed any expectations. Describing her childhood and what she endured is a testament that you can move forward with hard work and start your journey of healing. Barb writes with such compassion and feeling. She is a wonderful friend and I’m so proud of her and the woman she is today.

Marilyn Everitt

[Tina Marie Locke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing

This book sucked me in from the very start . My heart breaks for all that Barbara had to endure. Truly an inspirational story and the strength Barbara has had her entire life is phenomenal. I highly recommend anyone that has had any similar childhood traumas to definitely definitely take the time to read and connect to Barbara

[Rhonda Wood · Rating 4 out of 5]

This true story tugged on my heart strings. What Barbara went through and was able to put it all down in words is truly amazing. I can't imagine going through everything and everyone she put up with at such an early age and then into adulthood. I recommend this. It was a quick read and hard to put down.

[Kim Dugal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story of survival!

From the eyes of an elementary teacher, who has worked with many children that have come from challenging homes, I found this book inspiring….never give up on a child….they can overcome with support from outside the home.

[Judy McCall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lost through the cracks in a very difficult life

Society and family services failed her over and over again. I'm so glad that you were able to break the cycle and give your daughter a "normal" life.

[Breanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

Barbara first off, kudos to you for fighting and surviving such a childhood.
Your book was very well written and absolutely heartbreaking to read.
Thank you for sharing your story.

[bri gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

a sad but a common happening of all the trauma kids go through. i’m glad the author was strong enough to be able to share the story for others and i hope her wish at the end comes true ❤️

And I didn’t know she did the dear barb columns 🥹 I used to love those

[Andrea Gonzales · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sad and true account of this authors life and her traumas growing up and into her adult life. I can’t believe the things some people survive and come out on the other side from. A quick read and a page turner for sure!

[Lotey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Це дивно та страшно, але я відчуваю ніби щось вилікувалось в мені. Inner child, yeah?Наче мені потрібно було прочитати ці мемуари.

Крихітна історія про дорослішання та прийняття. Всьому потрібен час⏳

[Evelyn Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well wri

I was so moved by Barbs live. We had many things in common. I am just now finding my way to the top. Thank you Barbara for sharing your story

[Gail murray · Rating 1 out of 5]

Long winded and boaring

[Kaitlyn Burgener · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oof this sad, Merry Christmas I guess