“This is not the type of book I would ordinarily read however I am thankful that I did.  This is a story of survival amidst the most horrific abuse possible both emotional and physical from one’s own mother.  Throughout this ordeal, Mamie has managed to stay focused on her freedom and a life much better off. Maintaining a positive outlook and with a huge amount of perseverance, Mamie eventually breaks free from her mother’s hold.

Throughout her story, Mamie vividly recounts many of the sordid details of her experience both the good and the bad. Expertly written this book needs to be read for others to understand that while life can be cruel, you and you alone can choose your destiny.

In so many respects I am glad that Mamie had the courage to write her story not only to put the past behind her but to share her experience with others.  Mamie never gave up no matter what the odds and eventually led a normal life filled with unconditional love from her husband Doug, daughter Kecia and of course their family dog Maggie.”

-Mike and Manuela Noel, Authors of “See It, Like It, Do It”

 

“A Courageous Autobiography that Should Inspire Us All

Reflections of Mamie, A Story of Survival, is at once a Mommie Dearest book to end all Mommie Dearest books, and a story of a daughter’s indomitable spirit and refusal to be destroyed by the vile, evil monster who gave her birth. Again and again that creature seizes Mamie’s hair, beats, rages, insults, and utters filthy lies about her, and the author never quite succumbs to despair or hatred. I kept thinking, “Surely this time she will have to give in to this despicable beast, especially since she gets no protection at all from her father.” But no, she never did, even when her mother crept into her room at night and invaded her sleep and dreams. Eventually I realized the author possessed a remarkable nobility and magnanimity of character, something neither of her parents possessed, though perhaps her older brother Herb did.

This is a great book for many reasons, too many to cover fully here. One reason it’s great is its overriding message: On page 124 Mamie vows that if she survives her mother’s vicious, homicidal attacks, “I would become the best person I could possibly be,” including a loving mother herself someday. She vows as well that she will “Never Give Up” and will use her own experiences with abuse to help others “stop the pattern of abuse in its tracks” (296), whether it applies to people or animals. Furthermore, the author has been a dreamer all her life and urges others never to give up on their dreams. Her own mother told her repeatedly she was too stupid and without talent ever to be a writer. As Adkins notes, she has been vindicated by having not one but two books published and featured at prestigious book signings.

Another notable feature of her courageous autobiography is its psychological acuity. On page 127, Mamie observes that “it was this need for her [mother’s] love that kept me alive.” How perceptive! She goes on to tell how for many years, she struggled to recover painful lost memories of a life of abuse, and how she passed from one failed relationship with a man to another, seeming to make the same mistake over and over. Fortunately, “My saving grace was my firm resolve to keep my dreams alive” – a goal she ultimately achieved in triumphant fashion.

Whatever you do, don’t miss this book.”

-John Rosenman

 

“Shocking and heart-rending.

From the time Mamie was a baby, her mother was inflicted with an insane desire to hurt her. She hurt her in every way possible—with savage physical beatings and blistering, demoralizing verbal attacks. When Mamie finally got the courage to report her, she was not believed. I can understand why. Nobody in their right mind would do what Mamie’s mother did to her child.

Her mother was exceptionally adept at knowing Mamie’s every move, and was able to thwart each and every attempt at escape, until at last, after several attempts, Mamie finally made it to Florida. I heaved a sigh of relief. Thank goodness she had managed to get away and was free at last. But did she stay away? No. When Mamie couldn’t make it on her own, rather than allow her boyfriend’s kind and willing parents to help her, Mamie went back to her mother.

Abusers seem to have some instinctive ability to recognize victims of abuse, and target them, so it did not surprise me to read that Mamie’s husband beat her. What I found particularly disgusting was that Mamie’s mother aided and abetted him.

I found it very hard to understand why Mamie kept going back to her mother. Why couldn’t she cut the ties that bound them forever and leave and never look back?

Two ultra-powerful emotional forces were at work here. Mamie’s unconditional love for her mother, and her desperate need for her mother’s love—or at least approval; and her mother’s uncontrollable passion to inflict pain on Mamie.

I can only say Mamie, you are an amazing person and I am so happy you’ve found your knight in shining armor.”

-Trish Jackson

 

“Reflections of Mamie – A Story of Survival by Rosemary Mamie Adkins is the story of a little girl who didn’t get the love she wanted from her mother. No, what she received were harsh, mean words and beatings that were executed in a way that wouldn’t make them visible to other people. This memoir is heart-breaking in the beginning, and shows how much a little girl had to suffer and how easy it is to make a kid think everything is her fault. The story then slowly starts to show how things in life can still improve, how even hurt souls can slowly heal and dare to hope again. Life is never truly perfect, which you can also see in the memoir, but there are always opportunities and the story of Mamie shows the reader that there is always hope.

People who have an interest in memoirs and people who would like to know how to overcome their own damaged past should have a look at Reflections of Mamie – A Story of Survival by Rosemary Mamie Adkins as it is a tale full of hope and encouragement, but also of sadness. The writing style is nice, the words flow well, and you won’t have a problem relating to the author, especially if you have had some similar experiences in your life.”

-Kim Anisi

 

“Reflections of Mamie” is the story of a young girl who spends her entire life searching . . . no, pleading for her mother’s love and approval, but instead receives only physical, mental, and emotional abuse in return. Yes, Mamie’s mother, a woman of high standards, and an even higher opinion of herself, engages her twisted mind and self-justifying ways to make little Mamie’s life a living hell.

However, Mamie is not about to be so easily broken and finds escape in the serenity and solitude of the beach and the call of the moving surf. And when such excursions are not available, she finds comfort in imaginary friends, who support her through the most unbearable times. And, of course, there is a blocking out mechanism that shelters Mamie enough to temporarily deliver her into a void of internal safety.

Nevertheless, this unsettling tale is more a story of hope as Mamie’s fighting spirit leaves the reader in awe at the young girl who comes to life on the tear-stained pages. True, it was a painstaking, difficult endeavor for the author to write such a revealing and personal story, but Rosemary “Mamie” Adkin’s intention is to try to help any other unfortunate soul whose childhood lacked the common and inherent love of a caring and decent mother. It is more than commendable that our Mamie seeks the higher ground of her childhood dilemma by proving to others that they still have a chance for love and happiness in a sometimes callous and uncertain world.

Indeed, it is perplexing that a mother could maltreat such a needy and devoted child as Mamie. But, then again, certainly a dark heart is difficult to illuminate . . . even by the wonderful radiance of one’s own little girl. For shame!”

-Peter Heal

 

Reflections of Mamie-A Story of Survival is a sad and joyous personal account of growing up under the worst kind of adversity. It is a story of survival during times of extreme suffering and deprivation that will leave you feeling Mamie’s anguish.
A must read for anyone with a difficult childhood or anyone wanting to understand the cycles of abuse!

-S. Allan Kane, MD

 

Reflections of Mamie: A Story of Survival is an excellent five star memoir that is written in a highly engaging narrative form and I feel so fortunate that I had a chance to read it. It is a brave account of Mamie’s experience of living through horrendous physical and emotional abuse as a child and young adult in the 50s and 60s. It is a story written to open the door of communication and provide an invitation, even a calling, to other victims of abuse to also share their story. Mamie writes about the difficulties she experiences in dredging up these frightening memories of abuse, but she also shares the need and relief she feels sharing her story rather than leaving the impact of the abuse buried deep within the interior of her psyche to haunt her and cause her further harmful stress.

One gets the idea from reading her story that if she can move out of abuse toward creating a positive environment with loving relationships in her adult life, that others can do the same. I love the way she addresses the reader throughout her sharing and brings you into her close confidence. It is this warm closeness with her readers in which she instills confidence and empowerment in anyone who has experienced abuse to be strong and work toward a better life through sharing with others whom they can trust.
I highly recommend this memoir for anyone who has experienced abuse as well as to anyone who needs to understand what people abused as children go through. This book says what many others will not say, reveals the abuse experience as it is lived, and leaves you with the clear understanding that you need in order to be sensitive and knowledgeable on this issue with anyone you might know who has been abused. I plan to recommend it in my coaching as an empowering example of a person who has found her strength in life despite the many hardships she endured and who understands the power of sharing one’s life feelings with others who care that can lead to a transformation toward happiness.

-Martha Love, author of “What’s Behind Your Belly Button? A Psychological Perspective of the Intelligence of Human Nature and Gut Instinct”

 

This book is a must read whether from a general interest point of view or from the perspective of an abused personality. Every emotion from despair to hope is aptly expressed in this tell all memoirs and you may even be surprised at the amount of humor Mamie managed to sprinkle between the lines! Mamie talks to her reader, inviting her inside her life to get the inside track into the psyche of the abused child.

-Linda Hales

 

I have read Reflections of Mamie thoroughly through once and in some sections I reflected on the Mamie’s paradox several times.
The author’s paradox is that she never gave up, she never gave up loving her mother. A tearjerking story right to her mother’s only salty tear at the end of her life. Despite all the physical abuse she took at the hands of her narcissistic sick mother, notwithstanding constant chicanery, deceit, sadism, and through wickedness, love for her mother endured. This is a valuable enlightening journal that every girl, young women, and mothers must read. Unvarnished and truthfully reveled tribulations, told with just the right touches of welcome humor.
This was not an easy book for me to experience and review. It forced me to relive moments of frustration and ways to finally escape from my inflicted family mental prison. Yes, I took this book personally.
Some small details puzzled me, the author includes family snapshots and formal portrait photographs of herself at a younger age. They look professional, and maybe were retouched. The show a girl with an unworried countenance, exuding quite confidence. This was a visual variance witch belied her accompanying narrative.
Overall, I rejoiced in the happy endings that Mamie is enjoying in her successful life. A stalwart husband, an adorable loving daughter and living the life of a successful, vital author.

-John David Lionel Brooke

 

Reflections of Mamie is a candid memoir of how a woman reclaimed her life after surviving a childhood of physical and emotional abuse. This is a heart wrenching, but important topic, and I applaud Rosemary “Mamie” Adkins for revealing her story. Others who have suffered from mistreatment as a child will find hope and clarity on these well-written pages. Those who have not experienced child abuse will begin to understand the horrific impact it has on the human spirit. Mamie rises above a painful past to create a fulfilling life. I found “Reflections of Mamie” to be a honest, riveting story of one woman’s resilience and fortitude. A must read!

-Peggy Strack

 

When I started reading Reflections of Mamie – A Story of Survival I wondered what kind of book it would be. Sad? Depressing? Uplifting? Educational? The truth is that it’s all of those things.
We’ve all heard stories about child abuse, most of which seem to focus on specific horrific incidents. Rosemary (“Mamie”) Adkins’ book does describe the abuse she suffered; however, it also tells the story of the effects of this continuous mistreatment – both physical and emotional – throughout her life. The result is a compelling and deeply personal story, written as if told by a friend.
What I liked best about the story was Mamie’s ability to bounce back. No matter how bad her life became, she eventually recovered and never gave up on her dreams. Although Mamie continuously sought love and acceptance from her abusive mother, she still managed to develop and maintain lasting friendships and find ways to get the approval she so desperately needed from others. She made the best of her life and moved forward – damaged but determined.
Early in the book Mamie gives startling statistics about the prevalence of child abuse and neglect (provided by Dreamcatchers, a charitable organization for abuse victims which she supports: http://dreamcatchersforabusedchildren.com/)
If you read that section first, you’ll have an even greater appreciation of the importance of Mamie’s book. Thank you, Mamie, for reliving and sharing your painful memories so that others will have hope that they too can survive and even thrive, just as you have done.

-Sandra Nachlinger

 

This is not the type of book I would ordinarily read; however, I am thankful that I did. This is a story of survival amidst the most horrific abuse possible, both emotional and physical from one’s own mother. Throughout this ordeal, Mamie has managed to stay focused on her freedom and found life much better off. She has maintained a positive outlook with a tremendous amount of perseverance, and Mamie eventually breaks free from her mother’s hold.

Throughout her story, Mamie vividly recounts sordid details of her experience, both the good and the bad. Expertly written, this book needs to be read for others to understand that while life can be cruel, you and you alone can choose your destiny.

In so many respects, I am glad Mamie found the courage to write her story. It not only to put the past behind her, but she was able to share her experience with others. Mamie never gave up! No matter what the odds and eventually led a normal life filled with unconditional love from her husband Doug, daughter Kecia and of course their family dog Maggie.

Michael Noel - See It, Like It, Do It  -  Achieving Your Dreams, Author