This is a touching story of a girl who loved her German father and tried to love her abusive mother who turns to alcohol when her older husband's health starts failing and the family falls into dire straits.
Karol suffers some sexual abuse by friends of her father that later in life leads to a catastrophic breakdown, resulting in her hospitalization for months, including electro-shock therapy treatments.
Her husband, Pete, cares for her and the children through this tough time, but eventually starts drinking. When Pete can no longer cope, he abandons the family and leaves Karol to care for their 3 boys without any support.
Karol remembers the horrors of the addictive personality her mother displayed, but falls prey to the same draw of alcohol to quiet the demons in her life as she tries to support her family.
Karol excels at the jobs she takes despite her troubles with the bottle. AA eventually saves her and she is able to find another loving man who helps improve her life.
Also tells the tale of the family who moves to the Detroit projects when the father loses his business and how social services tries to improve their living situation.
Though Karol had a compelling story to tell, much better editing was needed to make this a proper book.

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