Shania's Twain's From This Moment On offers sad stories about her childhood, including her family's struggles with poverty, as well as the spousal abuse her mother experienced and the "just-on-the-edge" sexual and verbal abuse Shania faced at the hands of her stepfather. Though, she reminds the reader again and again that she holds no grudges, seeing him as a good person who took on more than his fair share out of the kindness of his heart.
She writes about the loss of her parents and how this changed her life. She found herself no longer being able to stay with boyfriends and friends in "the city", having to return home to deal with her parents "estate", a home and a tree planting business as well as several siblings. Strangely, this parenting lasted only until her younger brothers were about 16, which I found strange, but maybe life in Canada is/was different than here in the U.S.
She then shares her experiences of a decade of breaking into country music and her whirlwind life trying to stay on top. She then goes on to offer her view of the breakdown of her marriage, after finding out that her husband was in fact cheating on her with a close friend.
Overall, this book was quite interesting. It was fairly well written and I enjoyed hearing about her life.
However, I couldn't help but cringe at a few things...
First, the whole "my stepfather was a good guy" thing - poverty or not, parenting children who are not yours or not, you just don't beat on your wife and verbally abuse your kid, repeatedly! Second, through the whole discussion about the adultery, she goes out of her way to make it clear what a horrible thing her "friend" did to her. Clearly it was very hurtful. I get that. But there is very little responsibility put on her cheating husband. Now, maybe that is part of the divorce decree, or maybe she is just trying to keep the peace. But, "Come On Over" girl, it takes two to tango!
I understand writing the book was cathartic and even she laughs at herself when she takes pot-shots at the ex-friend. But, maybe it was all just a bit raw still. Maybe she should have waited just a while longer to release it to the public... Then again, there is always something fun about reading someone get in a few good jabs at someone who has done something shitty and deserves it!
Overall, it was a good read and worth a library trip.
3/5- Good. Read it, have a good time and move on. Or not.
more reviews at:
The Road Less Travelled
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