What constitutes a F-A-M-I-L-Y ?
Mikel was born into a cult, the Church of Synanon, he was separated from his parents at 6 months old and placed into the cult’s “school” that operated much like an orphanage.
He eventually escaped with his mother and older brother, but “normal” life was more confusing and more difficult in many ways with poverty, addiction, mental illness, and emotional abuse. He waded his way through many hardships and forged his own path as a writer and musician.
Jollett’s story is raw, heartbreaking, and powerful. He is a truly incredible writer; his prose enhanced his observances throughout his childhood and in looking back. I loved how the narration morphed from the perspective of a child into a wider view as Mikel grew older. Memoirs can be hit or miss for me, but this is one that I have completely covered in sticky notes of amazing quotes. I highly recommend this one.
Mikel was born into a cult, the Church of Synanon, he was separated from his parents at 6 months old and placed into the cult’s “school” that operated much like an orphanage.
He eventually escaped with his mother and older brother, but “normal” life was more confusing and more difficult in many ways with poverty, addiction, mental illness, and emotional abuse. He waded his way through many hardships and forged his own path as a writer and musician.
Jollett’s story is raw, heartbreaking, and powerful. He is a truly incredible writer; his prose enhanced his observances throughout his childhood and in looking back. I loved how the narration morphed from the perspective of a child into a wider view as Mikel grew older. Memoirs can be hit or miss for me, but this is one that I have completely covered in sticky notes of amazing quotes. I highly recommend this one.