Review of Love Isn’t Always the Answer

[Clauson Justin]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Love Isn’t Always the Answer" by Shelley L. Levisay.]

---

4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

"Love Isn’t Always the Answer" by Shelley L. Levisay is a memoir that shares Shelley's journey through a toxic relationship with Matthew. Shelley’s parents got divorced when she was young. Despite her broken family and poor social life, she grew up to be a successful lawyer. Being a person who longed for attention and wanted to please people, she ended up meeting a narcissist who seemed to care about her and provide her with attention. As their relationship progresses, Matthew manipulates and abuses her. Shelley seems stuck in a cycle of emotional, psychological, and physical abuse. What happens next?

Shelley took me on a rollercoaster of emotions throughout my reading, from anger during their early dating to sympathy and anxiety, especially during the tense court sessions. I appreciate Shelley's ability to be honest while she shared her story. Through her relationship with Matthew, she described the causes and factors that contribute to and the effects of mental health issues like personality disorders, narcissism, codependency, and anxiety on a person and people around the person. I also love her accessible explanation of the concept of gaslighting. Shelley blended educational content on the essence of mental health.

Although I appreciate Shelley's honesty and efforts in this book, the flow of the narrative was interrupted by some sentences that ended abruptly, and I felt that she had more to say. Then, the repetition of some scenes from the first part in the court sessions was detracting to me. But I enjoyed the rich information Shelley's journey presented me with and the seamless blend of drama and law. I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars because I noticed a lot of errors in it.

This book will appeal to young people; it is important to observe and address mental health-related issues in their personal and romantic lives. They will learn to love themselves, focus on self-development, and maintain healthy boundaries.

******
Love Isn’t Always the Answer
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Nneka Bridget]

I haven’t read Love Isn’t Always the Answer, but it sounds like Shelley L. Levisay's memoir provides a raw look into the complexities of navigating a toxic relationship. The insights into mental health and the journey to self-love and resilience seem impactful. Thank you for this thoughtful take on her story.

[Leen282]

The title already carries strong emotions with it. Mental health is so important and a relationship with a narcissist can be so damaging to it. The story of Shelley is important to be shared so people can learn from it and, as the reviewer said, maintain healthy boundaries.

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

I enjoyed the reviewers sympathetic and succinct explanation about the book. It is such a shame that some people have to subject another person to such abuse, after proclaiming that they love them. Unfortunately, an all too familiar theme.

[Sushan Ekanayake]

Shelley L. Levisay’s "Love Isn’t Always the Answer" is a raw and honest memoir about surviving a toxic relationship. It delves into mental health topics like narcissism, gaslighting, and codependency. A must-read for anyone learning to set boundaries and prioritize self-love. Congratulations on being BOTD!

[DearAuntSally]

RE: Review of Love isn't always the answer.
The book is a triumphant novel of love and desperation. The sympathy to human who was blinded by the bliss of love and the other one who abuse love at the extent of loosing the significance of it to human. I call it a martyrdom as if love could never ever. ever, ever come again.

[Amos Osinya]

Anxious to read this book. The review portray an emotional story of Shelley through her journey of love amidist abuse from her narcissistic partner. Can't wait to take relationship related lessons from this book.
Congratulations book of the day

[Ajiferuke Ajibola]

"Love Isn't Always the Answer" by Shelley L. Levisay is a memoir of how she survived a toxic relationship. I wish her success on the journey of self-love. Congrats on BOTD. Beautiful review.

[Ukaegbu Confidence]

I, too, would be through a rollercoaster of emotions if I were put through what Shelley went through in her book "Love Isn’t Always the Answer" by Shelley L. Levisay. Emotional pain is one of the deepest forms of pain, and I can't wish that on anyone.

[Muhammad Tamoor Jan]

In "Love Isn’t Always the Answer," Shelley L. Levisay takes readers on a brutally honest and powerful journey through a toxic relationship. Shelley rises above a difficult past, becomes a lawyer, and is soon being manipulated and abused by Matthew. (4 out of 5) A Book about Mental Health and Resilience Perfect for young readers to understand, and how to deal with mental health in relationships.
Congratulations Book of The Day.

[Fanisa Ndhabambi]

Love Isn’t Always the Answer by Shelley L. Levisay is a memoir for anyone on the path of survival who will be inspired by her journey of self-discovery and learning to be okay. Its relatable real-world stories, hard-won self-acceptance, and inspiring perseverance. It is a Great Read.

[Mr Benj]

"Love Isn’t Always the Answer" by Shelley L. Levisay, a memoir that features family, relationship, and marital struggles. It will be engaging to read about how the main character was able to overcome all odds even as a lawyer. A book to be read.

[Lakeisha Hutton]

I have read the sample and I must I was glued to my screen. It speaks volumes on how hard a woman has to work to be successful in their career. The hate and envy we often experience.

It shows you how a narcissist will wheel you in and leave you hanging on every word even though it's poison. But you won't realize until it's too late.

I look forward to reading the whole book.

[Asario Fox]

Thank you for the insightful review of "Love Isn't Always the Answer." Shelley's honest account of her toxic relationship highlights mental health issues like narcissism and codependency. The emotional narrative and accessible explanations of concepts like gaslighting make it engaging and informative. However, the flow could be improved by addressing abrupt sentence endings and reducing repetition. Despite numerous errors, the book's message and rich information on mental health and relationships make it a valuable read, particularly for young people. With editing improvements, this memoir could be even more compelling, but it remains a powerful resource for understanding and addressing mental health-related issues in personal and romantic lives.

[Magdalyne chebet]

"Love Isn’t Always the Answer" is an engaging memoir of Shelley’s journey through a toxic relationship, exploring themes of abuse, mental health, and self-discovery. Blending personal experiences with valuable insights, it’s an eye-opening, impactful, and thought-provoking read. Congrats BOTD!