Review of Rising Above Adversity
Posted: 09 May 2025, 19:29
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Rising Above Adversity" by Arelis Calkins.]
In her autobiography, Arelis Calkins writes about the difficulties she faced growing up in a dysfunctional family unit. The author also weaves in some information about the rest of the family members: Father, Mother, Salomon, Timoteo, Josue, Jezebel, Jonas, Cain, and Natanael. This paints a vivid picture of how everyone suffered under this setting.
Arelis has given a heartfelt, detailed account of the physical and emotional abuse she faced, which started way back home while growing up in the Dominican Republic and continued even after she relocated to the United States of America. These abuses took different forms. The emotions, often a mix of resentment, anger, doubts, and fear, flow freely as the author recounts the bonds and validation she never received from her parents and siblings, the beatings, the manipulation, the silent treatment, the financial extortion, the mean utterances and looks, and the sheer wickedness (someone even wished her children death).
The description is vivid. I felt the depth of the author's emotional wounds as she battled with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and insecurities. Arelis shares how she suffered a series of toxic guilt, saying yes to requests she wanted to say no to and consequently feeling resentment afterwards. Jezebel and Mother's conspiracy shows how traumatized people can be united by common goals: to hurt, extort, and insult another person's sensibility. The author's improved state of mind upon meeting Ms. Sandy validates the universal quest for love and understanding.
Furthermore, the short notes about the author's family members show the cyclic nature of the negativities in a dysfunctional family unit. A dysfunctional family unit does not only affect children emotionally and physically but can also alter their aspirations in life. Take, for instance, how Salomon's childhood dream of becoming a doctor was cut short by the unfortunate condition he found himself in. I applaud Arelis for sharing these stories. They create awareness and, by extension, an invitation for open discussions and exploration of available healing tools.
The journey to healing can be challenging and lonely. But Arelis' story provides closure and really effective guides. The author shares with readers her appointments with therapists, her practice of Reiki, and her intentionality on healthy foods. Arelis also shares her thoughts on proper understanding of one's problems, forgiveness, acceptance, creating healthy boundaries, journaling, positive affirmation, and making friends that add value.
I rate this book four out of five stars. The only reason I removed a star was because I found up to ten grammatical errors in it. Another round of editing should get this work ready for a well-deserved perfect rating. I recommend "Rising Above Adversity: Healing and Nurturing Your Inner Child" to anyone suffering from negativities accumulated from growing up in a dysfunctional family or toxic environment. I also recommend it to lovers of autobiographies and those interested in discussions about dysfunctional families, emotional and physical abuse, personal liberty, and spiritual freedom.
******
Rising Above Adversity
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In her autobiography, Arelis Calkins writes about the difficulties she faced growing up in a dysfunctional family unit. The author also weaves in some information about the rest of the family members: Father, Mother, Salomon, Timoteo, Josue, Jezebel, Jonas, Cain, and Natanael. This paints a vivid picture of how everyone suffered under this setting.
Arelis has given a heartfelt, detailed account of the physical and emotional abuse she faced, which started way back home while growing up in the Dominican Republic and continued even after she relocated to the United States of America. These abuses took different forms. The emotions, often a mix of resentment, anger, doubts, and fear, flow freely as the author recounts the bonds and validation she never received from her parents and siblings, the beatings, the manipulation, the silent treatment, the financial extortion, the mean utterances and looks, and the sheer wickedness (someone even wished her children death).
The description is vivid. I felt the depth of the author's emotional wounds as she battled with anxiety, depression, panic attacks, and insecurities. Arelis shares how she suffered a series of toxic guilt, saying yes to requests she wanted to say no to and consequently feeling resentment afterwards. Jezebel and Mother's conspiracy shows how traumatized people can be united by common goals: to hurt, extort, and insult another person's sensibility. The author's improved state of mind upon meeting Ms. Sandy validates the universal quest for love and understanding.
Furthermore, the short notes about the author's family members show the cyclic nature of the negativities in a dysfunctional family unit. A dysfunctional family unit does not only affect children emotionally and physically but can also alter their aspirations in life. Take, for instance, how Salomon's childhood dream of becoming a doctor was cut short by the unfortunate condition he found himself in. I applaud Arelis for sharing these stories. They create awareness and, by extension, an invitation for open discussions and exploration of available healing tools.
The journey to healing can be challenging and lonely. But Arelis' story provides closure and really effective guides. The author shares with readers her appointments with therapists, her practice of Reiki, and her intentionality on healthy foods. Arelis also shares her thoughts on proper understanding of one's problems, forgiveness, acceptance, creating healthy boundaries, journaling, positive affirmation, and making friends that add value.
I rate this book four out of five stars. The only reason I removed a star was because I found up to ten grammatical errors in it. Another round of editing should get this work ready for a well-deserved perfect rating. I recommend "Rising Above Adversity: Healing and Nurturing Your Inner Child" to anyone suffering from negativities accumulated from growing up in a dysfunctional family or toxic environment. I also recommend it to lovers of autobiographies and those interested in discussions about dysfunctional families, emotional and physical abuse, personal liberty, and spiritual freedom.
******
Rising Above Adversity
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon