OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Connecting With My Inner Me" by Keesha Clayton Harris.]

Raised under the burden of racism and oppression in the deep South, Keesha Clayton Harris was expected to be a good girl, a good Christian, and eventually, a good wife. Being a middle child in a large family, Keesha felt invisible. She was frequently taunted and ridiculed for being black or having “nappy” hair, and speaking up or defending herself earned her beatings with a belt or switch. The low self-esteem resulting from the chronic abuse thrust her into a life of poverty, despair, and more abuse. In her 2019 memoir, Connecting With My Inner Me, Keesha Clayton Harris chronicles how she broke free from the abuse and self-loathing and discovered a new life, defined by freedom, connection, and self-awareness.

Keesha had two positive influences in her younger life: her sister Angie and her best friend, Penny. They protected her and provided some stability amid the horrors of abuse. That stability evaporates when Keesha endures a profound betrayal—one that challenges her fragile identity. When she contemplates suicide and seeks treatment, Keesha begins assembling the support she needs to break free from the abuse and the punishing God she always feared. Keesha immerses herself in a new world of spiritual texts and wisdom traditions—a world where God exists within each of us. Keesha adopted this new paradigm and never looked back.

This inspiring, easy read carries the message that, even in the darkest hour, life can turn in unexpected ways. The first-person narrative traverses themes of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, racism, poverty, betrayal, religious oppression, and transformation. The structure is presented simply, with seventeen chapters and a resources section. While the text does contain some typos, as well as some formatting and punctuation errors, they were minor. Told chronologically, the author focuses on the story, without much depth or psychological overlay. I did appreciate the simplicity but would have enjoyed more attention to the psychological and spiritual aspects of abuse and the factors necessary for healing it. I found myself wondering what enabled Keesha to transcend the grip of the abuse cycle. I was struck by the role of Keesha’s supportive older sister and suspect the safety and consistency she provided in childhood may have contributed to Keesha’s ability to seek help.

I would like to award the book 4 stars for its straightforward, courageous message and self-affirming tone, but the editing errors and lack of deeper exploration earn it 3 out of 4 stars. The story will appeal to abuse survivors in any stage of the cycle. Anyone interested in shedding oppressive religious beliefs will be interested as well. The imagery around the abuse is not graphic, so I think sensitive readers will tolerate it. I would not recommend the book to readers looking for a psychological exploration of abuse and its effects.

It is truly a miracle that the author found a way to connect with her own inner strength enough to experience a spiritual awakening. Keesha now practices yoga and meditation regularly and remains devoted to the relationship with her spiritual self. Her metamorphosis is evident in her words: “I now appreciate and love me. I love my nappy hair, my beautiful brown skin, and I love my voice” (p. 137). Keesha’s journey is harrowing, inspiring, and sadly, the positive ending is all too rare. I hope it will be a road map for many others.

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Connecting With My Inner Me
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Like Eva Darrington's review? Post a comment saying so!

This story sounds like it carries a powerful message. I'm glad the abuse is mentioned but not too graphic. Sometimes overly gra[phic writing can ruin the message for me. Great review!

This book sounds so inspiring! What I love most is that she was so transformed by the lessons that she had received in her life that she decided to share them with the world. Thanks for this review!

In spite of the odds against her, she was still able to thrive. A book with a powerful and inspirational message. Thank you for the great review.

spencermack wrote: ↑19 Mar 2019, 11:33 This story sounds like it carries a powerful message. I'm glad the abuse is mentioned but not too graphic. Sometimes overly gra[phic writing can ruin the message for me. Great review!

That's true. It's told as part of the story but not dwelled on in detail. Thank you for stopping by!

nooregano wrote: ↑19 Mar 2019, 12:21 This book sounds so inspiring! What I love most is that she was so transformed by the lessons that she had received in her life that she decided to share them with the world. Thanks for this review!

Yes it is a dear book. Thank you so much for dropping by and sharing your thoughts.

Radiant3 wrote: ↑19 Mar 2019, 15:00 In spite of the odds against her, she was still able to thrive. A book with a powerful and inspirational message. Thank you for the great review.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It is a sweet book.

Having to rise above trials is not an attribute for the weak. This sounds very inspiring for ladies going through the same. Thanks for your reviewm

T_stone wrote: ↑19 Mar 2019, 19:33 Having to rise above trials is not an attribute for the weak. This sounds very inspiring for ladies going through the same. Thanks for your reviewm

Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.

Sorry to hear about her childhood but, amazing to know that she made it through thick and thin..

This is really inspiratonal, and I am sure that many will find a way out of their suffering just as Keesha did. Thanks a lot for the well-written and refreshing review.

I appreciate the author's transparency and courage, and your excellent review further piques my interest. Thanks, Eva!

I agree with you. Excellent review.

I have seen so many memoirs where people are able to rise above their circumstances; it's inspiring for anyone going through a rough time. Still, I don't usually read memoirs unless it really catches my eye. I'm glad that you were able to find inspiration in this one despite some minor issues. Thanks.

People with same problem can try reading this book.. Maybe they'll find themselves more calm and absentminded.