Official Review: Resilience by Toni Lontis

[Cecilia_L]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Resilience" by Toni Lontis.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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"Now that I am older and wiser, I can see why things happened, how things happened. I have an insight into, not only my behaviour, but the behaviour of others. This knowledge has brought me much solace."

In Resilience: Memoir of a Broken Little Girl Becoming a Woman of Strength and Beauty, Toni Lontis pens her story of a life riddled with anxiety and the longing to be loved. She shares struggling with low self-esteem due to congenital facial palsy during her childhood years and the assaults she experienced as a young adult, prior to the #MeToo movement. With transparent sensitivity, Lontis relates the trauma of battling for healing and justice for her daughter after learning of her abuse. Lontis's debut memoir is an aptly titled bittersweet journey of finding strength, peace, and ultimately, happiness, despite a past filled with adversity.

Lontis eloquently conveyed her painful past and the peace she has since found, in this beautifully written memoir. I was particularly moved by the poignant memories she shared involving her daughter's disclosure of being abused. As she struggled to remain strong and supportive on behalf of her daughter, who went through a process of unburdening the details of the abuse she suffered, Lontis wrestled with guilt and feeling as though she had failed her daughter. To make matters worse, she had to contend with judgmental critics, as well as continued attempts by the predator to contact her and her daughter. Any parent or reader who has experienced the heartache of abuse will relate, and I greatly admire her courage and resilience. However, though the details shared are not explicit, Lontis cautions readers who may be triggered by reading the sensitive content.

The only thing I disliked was the formatting style of the eProof PDF I read. Though it is faintly colored, the word "PROOF" is printed in the background of each page, which I first found distracting. However, as I continued to read, it wasn't as noticeable, and it didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the book. The book appears to have been professionally edited, but the errors I did note were probably related to a formatting glitch. Two examples of errors due to random spaces in words or unnecessary hyphens were "gi rls" and "dom-inating."

Overall, I rate this inspirational memoir 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend the book to readers who appreciate memoirs related to finding peace after a painful past. It will also encourage those who may be dealing with the aftermath of abuse, as it includes references for helpful hotlines. However, please note the previous caution for readers who may be triggered by the sensitive content related to abuse.

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Resilience
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Like Cecilia_L's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Amanda Deck]

I think I like the whole idea of this book much better than the victim mentality that prevails now. Women have always been victims, children have always been victims, men have always been victims (reading history is horrifying!) I understand refusing to accept and just deal with this being a fact of life—we want to CHANGE it—but it doesn't seem that that will happen any time. I almost said "any time soon" but really...any time.
Anyway, the idea of overcoming, choosing healing, peace, and happiness sounds so wonderful. I hope those who see no chance of that in their own lives find new hope once they read her story.

[Tamarabeauty87]

I can relate so much to this book. I know I struggle with the same problems so this book would be a yes for me. Love it!!!

[Cecilia_L]

I think I like the whole idea of this book much better than the victim mentality that prevails now. Women have always been victims, children have always been victims, men have always been victims (reading history is horrifying!) I understand refusing to accept and just deal with this being a fact of life—we want to CHANGE it—but it doesn't seem that that will happen any time. I almost said "any time soon" but really...any time.
Anyway, the idea of overcoming, choosing healing, peace, and happiness sounds so wonderful. I hope those who see no chance of that in their own lives find new hope once they read her story.

Thanks for your comment, Amanda.

[Cecilia_L]

I can relate so much to this book. I know I struggle with the same problems so this book would be a yes for me. Love it!!!

Thanks for commenting.

[InStoree]

I sincerely admire Toni's struggle to find peace and happiness after the fierce storm she has been, but I think the abuse content would cause a mercy-feeling. However, I would place this book on my shelf. After all, the work presents some valuable life lessons like a battle with the past. Thank you for your meaningful review, Cecilia!

[randompersonavility]

I felt bad for the author and her daughter. I hope they finally had the justice they deserve.

[kandscreeley]

Wow! This definitely sounds like a powerful story. I admire the author for being willing to share it. Great review. Thanks!

[Cecilia_L]

I sincerely admire Toni's struggle to find peace and happiness after the fierce storm she has been, but I think the abuse content would cause a mercy-feeling. However, I would place this book on my shelf. After all, the work presents some valuable life lessons like a battle with the past. Thank you for your meaningful review, Cecilia!

You're welcome. Thanks for commenting.

[Cecilia_L]

I felt bad for the author and her daughter. I hope they finally had the justice they deserve.

Thanks for your comment.

[Cecilia_L]

Wow! This definitely sounds like a powerful story. I admire the author for being willing to share it. Great review. Thanks!

Thank you!

[DogoMulla]

I'm quite proud of Toni Lontis for coming out. The moment we stop talking is the moment we start fighting. Excellent review.

[Cecilia_L]

I'm quite proud of Toni Lontis for coming out. The moment we stop talking is the moment we start fighting. Excellent review.

Thank you.

[tranquilwaters86+2]

The title and the cover were both eye-catching. The storyline was heart-wrenching but oddly familiar to me. The review was hearty and enlightening.

[Cecilia_L]

The title and the cover were both eye-catching. The storyline was heart-wrenching but oddly familiar to me. The review was hearty and enlightening.

Thanks for your comment.