Official Review: When Life Doesn't Turn Out the Way We Ho...

Post by **Anthony__** » 22 Dec 2020, 02:26

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "When Life Doesn't Turn Out the Way We Hoped It Would? Volume 1" by Tom Wick.]

4 out of 4 stars

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When Life Doesn’t Turn Out the Way We Hoped It Would? Volume 1 by Tom Wick is an autobiography of the author for the first twenty years of his life. The struggles, pains, and dysfunctional childhood upbringing he suffered were detailed in this book.

The author, Thomas Edwin Wick, was born to Marvin Edwin Wick and Dauna Pearl Conant. Thomas’s father was an alcoholic, but a good man. His mother, on the other hand, was always nagging and complaining. She disapproved of her husband’s drinking, but her complaints only drove him to drink more. She also played a significant role in Thomas’s dysfunctional childhood upbringing. Thomas was raised in an environment where alcohol and substance abuse was common. So, it’s no surprise that he started taking drugs from a young age and eventually became addicted to alcohol and drugs. Thomas’s sister and brother despised him because they felt their father loved him more. As a result of this, he was subjected to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. When Thomas eventually joined the Navy, he experienced a lot more violence. Read up to find out how things turned out for him.

I like how the author gives an honest narrative of the first twenty years of his life. He didn’t only tell the reader of the hardships he endured; he also talked about his flaws and showed remorse for his actions. Also, He expressed the importance of forgiveness. Even after all his mom put him through, he still writes that he found a way to forgive her. Readers who have PTSD and emotional trauma like the author can learn from his story and seek healthy medical advice instead of turning to drugs and alcohol.

Sometimes we just must sit back and appreciate the little things in life. Many people frequently complain of the littlest things because they’re utterly ignorant of other people’s dysfunctional lives. This story shows that the world isn’t a fairy tale of violets and roses. There are several mental challenges that people experience, but most of the world is oblivious to them. I can’t imagine going through half of what the author experienced and still survive it. This book’s existence demonstrated that the author overcame the circumstances and conquered his demons. I look forward to reading Volume 2 and Volume 3.

It’s hard to find anything to dislike about this book. The only thing that seemed to bother me was the unusually lengthy description of the author's ancestry. I almost got bored at the beginning because it felt more like a detailed genealogy at first. I think it would have been better if he named his relatives with a concise description. That will enable the readers to delve into the book’s main point.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book. The author’s heartwarming story quickly compelled me to read the whole book. The book also contained several photos of the author, relatives, and places discussed. It made the story more captivating and helped to paint a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. The author’s narrative was well-coordinated, and he was able to use literary techniques to make the story very enjoyable. Therefore, I’m rating this book 4 out of 4 stars.

I found a few errors in the book. These errors were not distracting and didn’t affect my reading comprehension. The author’s story was a very emotional one. I recommend this book to people who have experienced emotional trauma and those subjected to a dysfunctional upbringing. On a final note, I must warn readers that there are several gory details and strong adult contents in the book. However, adult contents are not explicit.

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When Life Doesn't Turn Out the Way We Hoped It Would? Volume 1
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Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 23 Dec 2020, 14:27

Autobiographies are very instructive, especially when you are struggling with the same issues. Thank you for your detailed review and your recommendation!

Sararob06 · Post by **Sararob06** » 23 Dec 2020, 15:10

This book sounds like it would benefit anyone struggling with substance abuse or trying to move on from a dysfunctional family. Hopefully the author found healing in the writing process and helps others the way he intended.

duskdawn09 · Post by **duskdawn09** » 24 Dec 2020, 12:54

This book really seems like something that I would like to read! As someone who is very close with a few people who served in the navy, I strongly relate with the part about the navy being a strengthening experience.

Fabulous mind · Post by **Fabulous mind** » 24 Dec 2020, 14:37

This book series seems to expose readers to the author's life and several experiences he had before now. I read the review of volume 2. Although it seems nice, I will probably get bored following this book. Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading your review.

Suzer6440 xyz · Post by **Suzer6440 xyz** » 29 Dec 2020, 10:48

Wow!!!!!! This is definately a book I want to read . The review was fabulous. I like it because it is true to life - the dysfunctional part and alcoholism is so unfortunate and really stinks ., but these are real things that happen in people’s lives . I can’t wait to get my copy

PeterRabitt20 · Post by **PeterRabitt20** » 20 Mar 2021, 09:22

I noticed that this is volume 1 of the autobiography. Is there going to be another book? I'm glad the author was able to get through his struggle and make something positive with them. Thanks for your review.

Yvonne Monique · Post by **Yvonne Monique** » 20 Mar 2021, 09:29

I'm always amazed to read how children with difficult childhoods, manage to overcome their traumas and turn out to have successful, happy lives.

AntonelaMaria · Post by **AntonelaMaria** » 20 Mar 2021, 09:30

I'm not sure why this autobiography requires more than one volume? I can only imagine how living with an alcoholic can be hard for both son and mother. I will check out the sample before I decide about this book.

Ebubechinwaogazie · Post by **Ebubechinwaogazie** » 20 Mar 2021, 09:34

Anthony really passed through hard moments. I will love to read this book. Congratulations on being the book of the day.

Stephanie Elizabeth · Post by **Stephanie Elizabeth** » 20 Mar 2021, 09:36

While it's difficult to hear about any child in an abusive situation, it sounds like the author was able to get past it and build a truly successful and inspirational life for himself! Thanks for the informative review.

Noriel DM · Post by **Noriel DM** » 20 Mar 2021, 09:44

Thank you for your detailed review. I'm actually amazed by how people dealt with their childhood problems. I think this book is a self-help book for people like the author who experienced something terrible in the early stages of their life.

Ferdinand_Otieno · Post by **Ferdinand_Otieno** » 20 Mar 2021, 09:47

This is an inspirational non-fiction autobiography highlighting the first twenty years of the author's life, the struggles, pains, and dysfunctional childhood upbringing he suffered. The book has a free sample on Amazon Kindle and has a well-written OnlineBookClub review. Congrats on the BOTD selection.

Aan Granados · Post by **Aan Granados** » 20 Mar 2021, 09:59

My heart aches for children who were brought up in that kind of toxic environment. This seems emotional and inspiring at the same time. Thanks for your review.