In So Many Freakin' Secrets, Janet Cheney takes her readers on a journey through her own 1950s/1960s-era dysfunctional upbringing: a life full of secrets, unaddressed emotions, and unhealthy behavior patterns that cultivated a climate of abuse.
Punctuated with humor and unusual spurts of joy, Cheney is stymied by unspoken family themes of suppressing grief, hiding abuse, eating away your emotions, "don't talk/don't share," and withholding love and affection. It all becomes the catalyst to find self-love and learning that all are worthy of love, just for being born. Stranger than fiction, this heart-twisting yet witty memoir takes you on a rebellious journey through traumatic experiences, unexpected twists, craziness, and some good times, ultimately arriving at a victory over it all.
She wants you to know that:
1. You can overcome life trauma;
2. Your life can become one of positive, uplifting experiences; and, ultimately,
3. You can gain life tools and methods for managing challenges, recover from abuse, and heal from addictive behaviors.
Here are what readers are saying about this powerful and inspirational book:
"Such a powerful and inspirational story. I loved every piece of it, the story flowed great and I was sucked in, not wanting to put it down . . . the book moved me and I got through it in a couple of days. I felt so many emotions, my heart ached right along with the struggles, and I was cheering along as Janet made her comeback, very well done!" -----Brita Bigler Peterson, international bestselling author of Getting Through Today: How Chronic Illness Taught Me the Beauty in Being Broken
"Your story is compelling. I love that it is written with so much personal style coming through. This woman's been through so much stuff and come out a winner! I read it all the way through because I could barely put it down! I loved this book!" -----Circe Dopp, luthier and teacher
"Taking on the challenge of transcending the mysteries behind adoption, the heavy layers of Vietnam-era PTSD, and the barriers faced by single mothers, Janet takes her readers through a powerful adventure where rock 'n' roll, true love, and our own gifts shine brightly on the other side." ---Hannah R. Lyon, bestselling fantasy author and comprehensive editor