Review of Not My Circus

[Sean Patrick Tracy]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Not My Circus" by Delicia Niami.]

---

5 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

“Not My Circus: Triumph Over Abuse, Trauma & Family Secrets – A Journey to Self-love, Pride and Remarkable Resilience” by Delicia Niami is a compelling nonfiction story that chronicles the life of the author from a traumatic childhood to a resilient adulthood. The book begins with Delicia's harrowing experience of rape by a trusted acquaintance, Carlos, and recounts earlier sexual abuse by a man she regarded as a father figure. Her story covers a transformative European tour, battles with severe health issues, and the loss of close family members. Despite these early traumas, Delicia’s determination and strength shine through as she navigates various life challenges.

The narrative details Delicia's escape from a tumultuous family situation in Baghdad to a life of independence and self-discovery in Los Angeles. She describes her struggles with societal judgments, her pursuit of justice for sexual assault victims, and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. Delicia’s journey includes significant milestones such as graduating high school, securing her own apartment, and working at the National Gay and Lesbian News Magazine.

The book underscores the importance of resilience, the pursuit of justice, and the fight for LGBTQ+ acceptance.

I like the writing style of this book because the author did not hold back any secrets and revealed her faults, strengths, and weaknesses fairly. The writer is brutally honest, making it feel like a personal experience for the readers. With her vivid writing quality, Delicia portrays her fighting spirit and determination at every stage of her life, despite facing many challenges that could have made others give up. She overcame a disease that almost took her life by seeking therapy and maintaining a hopeful, determined outlook. She showed great courage by attending her mother’s killer’s trial and reading a letter to him despite her brother, Niles, refusing to attend. Delicia teaches us to be determined and courageous, with a positive attitude towards a better life for all.

In further reference to the author's raw honesty in telling her story, one powerful example is her encounter with Carlos Romanal, who raped her while she was inebriated. Despite the trauma and the victim-blaming she faced from the authorities, Delicia's determination to become an advocate for justice for other victims is a testament to her incredible inner strength. Her experience with Carlos was a pivotal moment that catalyzed her journey towards advocacy and justice, showcasing her transformation from victim to victor.

I have found no objective reason to dislike an aspect of this book. The book is also exceptionally well-edited, ensuring an easy and immersive reading experience. All in all, I'd rate the book 5 out of 5 stars.

The book is most suitable for readers who are interested in memoirs that delve into overcoming personal trauma and adversity. It resonates particularly with individuals seeking inspiration to navigate their own life challenges, as well as those interested in LGBTQ+ rights and social justice. Delicia's experiences provide valuable insights into the struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and the importance of community support and advocacy.

******
Not My Circus
View: on Bookshelves

[itz maya]

You captured the essence of Delicia's journey from a traumatic childhood to a resilient adulthood beautifully. I appreciate how you highlight her determination, advocacy for justice, and the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Your admiration for her honest and vivid writing style is clear, emphasizing her courage and fighting spirit.
Your review truly reflects the inspiring nature of her story.

[Anthony Caleb]

Going through such trauma wouldn't be easy, especially facing something like rape. I admire your clear writing style.

[Idris Alooma]

Based on the review, "Not My Circus: Triumph Over Abuse, Trauma & Family Secrets" by Delicia Niami seems like a highly compelling and inspiring read. The author's raw honesty and resilience throughout her journey from trauma to self-discovery is captivating. Her determination to advocate for justice and LGBTQ+ rights is commendable. With a strong writing style and vivid storytelling, the reader can feel like they are experiencing the author's journey firsthand. I would rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. Powerful themes, explored with sensitivity and depth.

[Olalekan Rahmon]

After reading this powerful review, I can confidently say that "Not My Circus: Triumph Over Abuse, Trauma & Family Secrets" by Delicia Niami seems like a truly inspiring and compelling read. The author's raw honesty and resilience in the face of immense challenges make it a book worth exploring. With a 5 out of 5 stars rating, this memoir promises to be a moving and enlightening journey of self-discovery and triumph. Whether you're looking for inspiration or interested in LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, this book seems like a must-read. Enigmatic characters, kept me intrigued throughout.

[Huma Fatima 2]

Not My Circus by Delicia Niami is a heartfelt and insightful exploration of setting boundaries and reclaiming personal peace. The book uses the metaphor of a circus to describe the chaos and drama that can invade our lives when we take on problems that aren't ours to solve. Niami offers practical advice on how to detach from other people's issues without feeling guilty, emphasizing the importance of self-care and emotional well-being. With relatable examples and a conversational tone, this book is a valuable guide for anyone looking to regain control over their life and focus on what truly matters.




Not My Circus by Delicia Niami is a heartfelt and insightful exploration of setting boundaries and reclaiming personal peace. The book uses the metaphor of a circus to describe the chaos and drama that can invade our lives when we take on problems that aren't ours to solve. Niami offers practical advice on how to detach from other people's issues without feeling guilty, emphasizing the importance of self-care and emotional well-being. With relatable examples and a conversational tone, this book is a valuable guide for anyone looking to regain control over their life and focus on what truly matters.


Not My Circus by Delicia Niami is a heartfelt and insightful exploration of setting boundaries and reclaiming personal peace. The book uses the metaphor of a circus to describe the chaos and drama that can invade our lives when we take on problems that aren't ours to solve. Niami offers practical advice on how to detach from other people's issues without feeling guilty, emphasizing the importance of self-care and emotional well-being. With relatable examples and a conversational tone, this book is a valuable guide for anyone looking to regain control over their life and focus on what truly matters.


Not My Circus by Delicia Niami is a heartfelt and insightful exploration of setting boundaries and reclaiming personal peace. The book uses the metaphor of a circus to describe the chaos and drama that can invade our lives when we take on problems that aren't ours to solve. Niami offers practical advice on how to detach from other people's issues without feeling guilty, emphasizing the importance of self-care and emotional well-being. With relatable examples and a conversational tone, this book is a valuable guide for anyone looking to regain control over their life and focus on what truly matters.

[Emmanuel olowolayemo]

"Not My Circus: Triumph Over Abuse, Trauma & Family Secrets" by Delicia Niami is a deeply honest memoir that chronicles the author's journey from a traumatic childhood, including sexual abuse and rape, to a life of resilience and advocacy. Escaping a troubled family life in Baghdad, Delicia finds independence in Los Angeles, where she battles societal judgments, severe health issues, and personal loss. Her story highlights her fight for justice for sexual assault victims and her commitment to LGBTQ+ rights. Through her vivid and candid writing, Delicia inspires with her strength, determination, and courage, making this a compelling read for those interested in overcoming adversity and social justice.

[Emmanuel olowolayemo]

Your summary of *"Not My Circus: Triumph Over Abuse, Trauma & Family Secrets – A Journey to Self-love, Pride and Remarkable Resilience"* by Delicia Niami highlights the compelling nature of her memoir. The book chronicles Niami's journey from a traumatic childhood, including rape and sexual abuse, to a resilient adulthood where she becomes an advocate for justice and LGBTQ+ rights.

Key points include:
- Niami's traumatic experiences, including rape by Carlos and earlier abuse by a father figure.
- Her transformation during a European tour and her struggles with health issues and family loss.
- Her escape from a tumultuous family situation in Baghdad to independence in Los Angeles.
- Her advocacy work, pursuit of justice for sexual assault victims, and fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
- The book's raw honesty, vivid writing, and powerful portrayal of Niami's resilience, courage, and determination.
- Your personal reflections on the book’s style and its impact, noting its honesty, the lack of any reason to dislike it, and its suitability for those interested in memoirs, personal trauma, and LGBTQ+ issues.

You rated the book 5 out of 5

[Morireolwamu Bells]

As a prospective reader, this review definitely piques my interest. The story seems deeply personal and raw, offering a glimpse into a life marked by significant trauma and remarkable resilience. Delicia Niami's journey from surviving abuse to becoming an advocate for others sounds incredibly inspiring. The book appears to be not just a memoir but also a testament to the human spirit's capacity for healing and transformation.

I’m particularly drawn to the themes of justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and self-discovery. The fact that the author’s writing is described as brutally honest and immersive makes me feel like this book will offer an authentic and powerful experience. It seems like a story that could resonate with anyone who has faced adversity or is interested in social justice issues. This review convinces me that “Not My Circus” is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration and a deeper understanding of resilience in the face of hardship.

[Mercy Ndungu 9]

Not My Circus: Triumph Over Abuse, Trauma & Family Secrets by Delicia Niami indeed offers a deeply moving and raw account of the author's life journey. The book's strength lies in its honest portrayal of Delicia's traumatic experiences and her subsequent transformation into a resilient advocate for justice and LGBTQ+ rights.

[Nuella Joseph]

"Delicia Niami's *Not My Circus* is a powerful memoir detailing her journey from traumatic abuse to a life of resilience and advocacy. Her raw honesty and vivid storytelling offer both inspiration and insight, making this a compelling read for anyone interested in personal transformation and social justice.