From the award-winning author, Carter McNamara, comes his unique, raw, and compelling story about how, with the love and support of his life partner, he finally overcame his trauma to save his sanity, relationship, and career.
This book was quite the page turner. I haven't stayed up past 2 a.m. reading in years. It was very well done.
- Michael Olesen, adult child of an alcoholic
His partner wanted an open, honest, and trusting relationship with him. As an adult child of an alcoholic (ACoA) and of a drug addict, he refused to confront his painful past. His fear, guilt, and deep-felt shame blocked him from trusting others and sharing himself.
For children in dysfunctional families or veterans on the battlefield, the traumatized often mistakenly blame themselves for their role in the trauma. This story helps them and their partners to approach recovery and some of the common symptoms of PTSD-denial, detachment, and outbursts of anger-with understanding and without judgment.
This exceptionally well-written story also offers a real-life example of how partners can balance life's stressors (including juggling jobs, finances, schedules, and childcare), while working to save themselves and their relationships.
This is an outstanding piece of work! It grabs your attention. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
- Gary Nereson, war veteran and writer
For the traumatized, this story can help you to:
- Recognize the damage to others that you might be causing by not facing your past trauma
- Start sharing your story in a way that does not inadvertently traumatize your loved ones
- Atone for any damage that your symptoms and defenses might have caused them
As a partner, the story can help you to:
- Recognize symptoms of trauma in your partner
- Get - and keep - a vision of health for yourself in a dysfunctional relationship
- Assert yourself to get what you need for your own health
- Support the continued growth for you, your partner, and your relationship
Carter's memoir is a beautiful and moving story, full of truths and hard-earned wisdom.
- Carolyn Holbrook, author of "Tell Me Your Names and I Will Testify", winner of the 2021 Minnesota Book Award in Memoir and Creative Nonfiction
