Reviews - The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing

I really went into this book not knowing what to expect. However, from the very first chapter, I was hooked and needed to know how the story ends. Being a child of a parent who lives with addiction, it really helped me have a sense of understanding for those who struggle. I also found the commentary on the legal and justice system jarring and upsetting. The way the system in many ways forces people into a cycle of prison/ jail is just inhumane. Also shedding light on the discrimination and systemic racism in sentencing and prison rates on marginalized individuals versus the white perpetrators is highlighted in this memoir.

kecheslock20's review against another edition

5.0

There’s nothing I love more than a good memoir. This was so raw and hard to read at times, but the unflinching honesty made it hard to look away. True bravery is being able to forgive yourself for the worst thing you’ve ever done and grow from it. Phenomenal read.

callipeterson's review against another edition

5.0

“How we take care of broken people matters.”

READ/LISTEN TO THIS BOOK! As I was listening to Lara’s story, I realized how ignorant I’ve been of the justice system for drug addicts. I’m so appreciative of Lara for sharing what her experience was like and how frustrating it is that it’s not just what she experienced, but what thousands of other people are dealing with.

I kept thinking over and over how easy it is to become biased against people struggling with addictions. How it’s common to just shrug it off and say “it’s their own fault” or “if I give them money, they’ll just use it for drugs.” How it’s so easy to disregard other people’s problems because they’re not our own. But listening to just one perspective has made me want to fight the system and demand for better rehabilitation programs, fund businesses who help people with criminal records find jobs, and read more stories—because at least I can listen and understand more than I ever did.

My heart breaks for those who haven’t had the opportunity to tell their story and for those who are fighting a system that makes it nearly impossible to start over.

I’ll step off my soap box now, and end with: this has been one of the most eye-opening memoirs I have ever read. And while there are so many injustices, I am grateful for those brave enough to tell their story and for those who are kind enough to listen and not judge.

lblankbyrne's review against another edition

3.5

fast-paced

stef_nina's review against another edition

5.0

challenging emotional reflective sad medium-paced

More...