Review: Life can indeed get better, if you dare yourself to dream.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 02 5, 2013
Amelia's Story was a tough read for me. In fact, I had downloaded it some time ago, but only opened it recently. Even then, it took me quite some time to get through it. I had to read it in spurts. Hurting an innocent child, either physically or mentally, makes me downright crazy. Even though I knew that was the subject matter and the story would make me squeamish, I was compelled to read it.The relationship between a mother and a child is supposed to be a wonderful thing. Sacred. The thought that any parent, let alone the one that gave birth to you, can behave so horrifically seems out of the realms of reality. Yet, with all of the mental illnesses out there, it is more common than we know. It is also disturbing that Amelia and Jake suffered through so many years of abuse before anyone intervened - a move that sent Amelia away, but left the others to suffer in her place.Where I find inspiration though, is in the spirit of Amelia. It seems as though she was the chosen one for her mother's wrath, yet in many ways, she ended up becoming the parent at her young age. The nurturer for her siblings, especially Jake, who seemed to worship her. Through the horrific details of her life, she was still able to find moments of happiness and joy, giving them hope.She is a true testament that we can overcome even the worst of times. That life can indeed get better, if you only dare yourself to dream.