I Can Take it from Here

I was impressed by Forbe`s story. She really managed to connect trauma to actions later in life. I knew little about the prison system, so a insiders view was really interesting and enlightening. It was heartbreaking to read how hard it is to build a life after prison, especially so when there is unprocessed trauma that leads to retraumatization. I read the book as often as I could, eager to see her story unfold. What struck me was how Forbe was able to soldier on, searching for new jobs, trying to stay connected to her daughter and even starting her own company. She comes across as a fighter, always trying her best. I am glad she was able to read so much in prison, and glad she shed lights on the problems people have when trying to live a normal life after prison. I liked the writing style, it was to the point and flowed easily.

This book provided delivered the heart-breaking story of author Lisa Forbes in a genuine and vulnerable manner. Lisa shares how she rebuilt, or attempted to rebuild, her life after a lengthy prison sentence for a crime derived from pent up emotion and not of sheer malice. Lisa is raw in sharing her thinking when making decisions like why she moved to Atlanta with a Muslim man even though she was raised as a Jehovah’s Witness and eventually how she landed as a secretary at a law firm. While Lisa’s story is one worth learning about, her candidness and passion is best revealed near the end of her novel. She goes on the describe flaws in our criminal justice system, the gap she saw, and how she is working to serve those who were in her shoes. If we read Lisa’s story you’ll understand why we need more people like her in our world.

This is a must read for people who do not understand how power and privilege can influence life pathways and outcomes. Some terrifying insights into worlds which many of us will never, thankfully, experience - and it is important that we understand the experiences of fellow humans. A life laid bare in heartbreaking detail.

An emotional, page-turning account of unhealed trauma and personal transformation. It was a fascinating page turner and I recommend this book!

I Can Take It From Here is a very readable and inspiring memoir about a woman who overcomes so many hardships. Lisa Forbes documents her hard childhood, time spent in prison, and rebuilding her life after she's released. Some parts are so frustrating to read, especially in regards to her family. As a child, she suffers sexual abuse and neglect, while living in poverty and sometimes squalid conditions. Despite this, she has wonderful grit and determination, which she shows throughout her life. Even with this determination, poverty and PTSD present such an impossible summit. I found this to be a very eye-opening read told with wonderful humanity.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC. All thoughts are my own.

I Can Take it From Here summarizes Forbes' childhood, time in prison, and life as a citizen reentering society after incarceration. Forbes focuses on the commonality many prisoners share - a childhood filled with trauma - as well as the difficulty society places on those rejoining society after incarceration. The book really shines the spotlight on how difficult reentry can be with the main barriers to employment, housing, etc placed on those who have felonies. Forbes' willingness to share her story is a blessing to the rest of us and leaves us with a challenge to address - how we can support and ease the transition from prisoner to productive and supported citizen.