Like a Wave We Break: A Memoir of Falling Apart and Finding Myself by Jane Chen, Oct. 14, 2025; Rodale, NetGalley
A memoir of a woman trying to heal from a father with unreasonable expectations for his child and who routinely dealt out physical punishment, slapping and hitting her for any mistakes.
Themes: - surviving the emotional consequences of unusually harsh treatment of a father to a child
- ways the author tried to compensate for her lack of self-worth in her adult life
- what worked temporarily for healing, and what seemed to work finally, in the end
I was moved by the writer trying so hard in different places, countries, to find some way to put her mind at ease. Meditation, retreats, visits with various gurus and persons who claimed to be able to cleanse - all these helped only a little, and only for a while.
The accomplishments that gave her joy were a new found love of surfing, in many different places and countries. And her very worthwhile work in developing and distributing an incubator for at risk newborns in third world countries.
Her journey of self discovery and self healing took a while. I admired her grit and determination, and the way she handled her terrible childhood memories. So well written, this book was read in almost one sitting, as I became more and more intrigued and caught up in her story.
ARC from Soho Press
I did read a book with the theme of suspecting their child of murder, sort of. in Defending Jacob the main character is a man defending his son from an accusation, but the mother suspects that her son did it.
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The memoir sounds moving, thanks for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a happy reading week
The Jane Chen book sounds like an emotional read, a good memoir is always one I will gravitate towards.
ReplyDeleteLike a Wave We Break sounds good! I don't choose to do most books with a parent dealing with 'bad' kids. Feels like bad luck? I can't imagine their trauma. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThe memoir sounds like a tough, emotional read - but then, I think the thriller about a parent suspecting their son capable of murder also must be heartbreaking! Have a great week, Harvee.
ReplyDeleteYes, the trauma of a harsh childhood is one I know well. Water, especially the waves on the beach, is so healing. I'm glad she found her peace. Yes, parents of children must find it hard to realize their child is capapable of such violence. Hopefully, they come to some kind of peace. You had some heavy reads this week. You're obviously a thoughtful reader. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI would not be able to read Like A Wave We Break, but glad you liked it. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThe Jane Chen book looks really good. Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteHmm, I can't think of any similar books off-hand, but I'm sure there must be some classic mysteries... 🤔 It's such a horrible situation to imagine being in, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI am glad Jane Chen was finally able to find something that helped her find peace after an abusive childhood.
ReplyDeleteWhat Boys Learn is a book I probably would have a hard time reading because of the themes in the story.
The first book sounds like an emotional read that I will pass on reading. I appreciate reading your thoughts on it.
ReplyDeleteLike a Wave We Break sounds like a book I'd both love and hate. I've read several books this year about abusive relationships. How can parents justify such behavior in their heads? My b.i.l. let slip one way that his father tortured him as a child. His pain was still so raw.
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