I started reading this book and had to finish it. I have rarely been so moved by a story; I think the author was so skilled in the way that she told her story; she retreated from a judgmental adult view of those incredibly selfish and immature parents instead took the approach of how she viewed them as a child; I remember someone I was close to telling me that a child always wants to love and be loved by their parent, even as he or she is being abused...this is what makes the story so sad.It rang so true and has undoubtedly been experienced in varying degrees by some many of us. I am filled with respect toward Jeannette and her siblings. Truly an amazing literary work that should be required reading in schools and colleges.