"Even at three, I knew Ne-Ne and I had different mamas. Ne-Ne's mama loved and cherished her. My mama despised and rejected me. Ne-Ne left a sweet taste in her mama's mouth. I left a bitter taste in my mama's mouth--even though our mamas were the same person.

Even Rain Is Just Water tells how a young girl comes to terms with her dysfunctional upbringing, first in Florida during the Civil Rights Era and later in Southern California. Lyn and her younger sister are initially raised among their wealthy paternal grandparents. But one day, their mother packs them into the car and moves to Southern California."

As this was a memoir I persevered with the book, because I was desperate to find out how Lyn and her family weathered the relentless storms of their lives, but it did became too dark and depressing in places.

I had a hard time getting into this book. Since I did not finish it, I do not intend to publish a review.

Great memoir and I would highly recommend this book

After she is torn away from the loving supportive family on her father’s side, Lyn struggles along through her childhood and teen years trying to make sense of the abusive things her narcissistic mother says and does to her. Her sister is the golden child and often plays the flying monkey leaving Lyn alone in despair with no one to turn to but her cousin and a couple friends. Her mother seems to thwart her every attempt at growth and self-worth, but like the flower coming up through the sidewalk, Lyn triumphs again and again—until she finds herself homeless and alone with three children to raise.

While her adult dilemma awakens Lyn’s past insecurities and pain and threatens to undo her dreams for her future, her narcissistic mother comes out stinking worse than ever when Lyn calls her for help. She eventually turns Lyn and her three young children out on the street with a broken down jeep. Lyn tries to figure out where they will sleep and how she can feed them. It feels like déjà vu and she wonders if she is up to the task of rising again, but she does it for the sake of her children.

In truth, I am not sure how Lyn grew up and out of this abusive home with such a compassionate heart, but I believe God made her that way and then refreshed her knowledge of who she is in Him as she matured. Lyn is a beautiful and true survivor and her story is nothing short of a miracle.

I received an ARC to give this honest review.

Even Rain is Just Water

A Memoir of Rejection, Revelation & Redemption



by Lynette Davis

Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd

Reflections



Biographies & Memoirs , Women's Fiction

Pub Date 30 May 2017

I am reviewing a copy of Even Rain is Just Like Water through Cameron Publicity & Marketing Ltd and Netgalley:

In 1996 Lyn finds herself homeless with three children. She found herself having to escape an abusive relationship.

After a short stay with her Mother, her Mother too puts her and the children out, just as her husband had. Her Mother went as far as accusing her of doing drugs, though she didn't even smoke.

This is a story of redemption, rejection, and also of overcoming.

I give Even Rain is Just Water five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

All through her childhood, Lynn knows that her mother feels much differently about her than she does about Lynn's sister Ne-Ne. To escape what she does not understand, she embarks on a painful life filled with homelessness and trauma. Redemption will come at a price she cannot imagine. Thoughtfully and sensitively presented.