Mikel Jollett was born into one of the most infamous cults of America - Synanon. Subjected to a childhood of poverty, addiction, and emotional abuse. Jollet slowly builds a life that leads him to University, and finding his voice as a musician and writer.
When this showed up on my doorstep I was a bit confused, I don’t read memoirs by men & wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s also not a small book at nearly 400pgs.
HOWEVER. I love my true crime & seeing the mention of Synanon, I was intrigued.
I was 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 with this memoir. There is so much to unpack and I’m dying to hear everyone’s thoughts when they get a chance to read this. I read and listened on audio, meaning my husband got to listen to a fair chunk when I was working and he kept asking questions to be filled in on what he missed.
Coming from a background working in a mandated rehab and domestic violence centre, I was seeing red flags everywhere- but despite everything, Jollett ultimately shares a story with fierce love and loyalty. I really wanted to give young Jollett the biggest hugs and teared up a few times.
It’s so easy to look at people and situations from the outside or in hindsight, and judge- but hearing from Jollett perspective many will realize that when you are raised in a dysfunctional or abusive household, you don’t realize what is normal, what is wrong or right for adults to do.
There are many latchkey kid escapades that made me laugh out loud as well, which helped between the more tense moments.
By the end, this was also motivating to read. Jollett did not escape the effects of trauma and addictions present from an early age, but he hasn’t let them dictate the course of his life, and I found that inspiring.
Highly highly HIGHLY recommend. This comes out May 5th!
When this showed up on my doorstep I was a bit confused, I don’t read memoirs by men & wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s also not a small book at nearly 400pgs.
HOWEVER. I love my true crime & seeing the mention of Synanon, I was intrigued.
I was 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆 with this memoir. There is so much to unpack and I’m dying to hear everyone’s thoughts when they get a chance to read this. I read and listened on audio, meaning my husband got to listen to a fair chunk when I was working and he kept asking questions to be filled in on what he missed.
Coming from a background working in a mandated rehab and domestic violence centre, I was seeing red flags everywhere- but despite everything, Jollett ultimately shares a story with fierce love and loyalty. I really wanted to give young Jollett the biggest hugs and teared up a few times.
It’s so easy to look at people and situations from the outside or in hindsight, and judge- but hearing from Jollett perspective many will realize that when you are raised in a dysfunctional or abusive household, you don’t realize what is normal, what is wrong or right for adults to do.
There are many latchkey kid escapades that made me laugh out loud as well, which helped between the more tense moments.
By the end, this was also motivating to read. Jollett did not escape the effects of trauma and addictions present from an early age, but he hasn’t let them dictate the course of his life, and I found that inspiring.
Highly highly HIGHLY recommend. This comes out May 5th!