Title: Amazing Gracie
Author: Michael Haibach
Publisher: MJH Publishing
ISBN: 978-1981923083
“You want to forget your past. Then create a new one and move on,” Grace is told in Michael Haibach’s book, Amazing Gracie.
~ What ~
This two-hundred-and-seventy-four-page paperback targets those who like a biography about a woman that held a secret about her past for almost a hundred years. With minor profanity, topics of poverty, physical abuse, prostitution, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers.
In this true story written by her grandson, Grace Dodson Haibach may have appeared as a well-bred, well-mannered, and societal lady who was born in 1893, but she never told a soul about her horrible upbringing until she was in her nineties. After being an orphan in an asylum, placed into five foster homes, and eventually ran away, the child learned at a young age to keep to herself, hide her inner feelings, and never speak or look up. With the help of a wealthy friend, she buried her heartbreaking past and redesigned herself with poise, maturity, and sophistication.
~ Why ~
While most of us grow up having to deal with our mistakes or family tragedies, we may not have the fortitude and wherewithal to survive being put in an orphanage like Grace and some her of siblings were although their parents were still alive. The protagonist’s constant drive to change for the better and not become bitter or pitied is a tribute to her determination. I like that the story of her life did finally come out and was shared by one of her grandchildren.
~ Why Not ~
Those who do not like tales of the abuse of children and poverty faced physically and emotionally in an orphanage in the early 1900s may avoid this read. Others may not like that the main character consistently lied and used a false identity to alter her past, avoiding any connection to it based on thinking others would think less of her. Some may be disappointed that Grace did not keep in contact with her siblings and relatives throughout the many decades.
~ Wish ~
While I enjoyed the compilation of Grace’s rise from feeling she was a nobody to a well-respected and loved wife, mother, and grandmother, I feel sorry that she never came completely clean about her past, abandoning her siblings and not fully reconciling with them or their children.
~ Want ~
If you are looking for a biography of one woman’s secretive life of overcoming a sad and dismal childhood to feeling important, this is a good read, especially if you are related to the woman.
Thanks to Marich Media and the author for this complimentary book that I am under no obligation to review.
This book can be purchased at https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/amazing-gracie-michael-haibach/1128211524
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