While I enjoyed reading this memoir, it was difficult to read about the mental/verbal abuse that Rachel's father bestowed upon her. I would visibly cringe at times at some of the things that her father said to her, all the while Rachel was constantly seeking love and acceptance from him.
Besides experiencing a strong dislike for the father, I felt ambivalence towards Rachel's mother and sister. I felt that Rachel's mother should have supported her more....although I think I understood why she couldn't (or wouldn't). Her life with her controlling husband was already a living hell and she did not want to make things worse. Rachel's sister was more or less the "invisible" child, where Rachel was on the receiving end of her father's constant attention, whether it be good or bad.
House Rules is a truly compelling memoir that was arduous to read but almost impossible for me to put down. Highly recommended!
Besides experiencing a strong dislike for the father, I felt ambivalence towards Rachel's mother and sister. I felt that Rachel's mother should have supported her more....although I think I understood why she couldn't (or wouldn't). Her life with her controlling husband was already a living hell and she did not want to make things worse. Rachel's sister was more or less the "invisible" child, where Rachel was on the receiving end of her father's constant attention, whether it be good or bad.
House Rules is a truly compelling memoir that was arduous to read but almost impossible for me to put down. Highly recommended!
I read this one in a day. Some single sentences could make my stomach turn while at the same time make me laugh. The author's parents were sick mother scratchers! I couldn't put it down! I had to find out what crazy thing would happen next, and how the author turned out. Recommended.
