I was shocked to find the parents in this story ...
340575
I was shocked to find the parents in this story were roman catholic. I immediately took this book away from my children.
925624
I read this book back in March 2012, and 9 months later I still find myself thinking about it from time to time, wondering what I would do as a parent.

I think that my first instinct, as any parent's, would be to deny that my child would commit any crime and defend him/her to the fullest extent possible. Then, as this story unfolds, I found myself questioning my judgment, and asking myself exactly what I would do. As horrible as it sounds to those who have read it, I almost feel that my life would follow exactly that of Jacob's mother.

You have to read this book.
2417398
This is a true story, told by a mother who has lost her child due to stillbirth.

I am not a huge reader of non-fiction, but I had read (fiction) books by this author previously, and when I heard that she was writing this story, I knew that I was in for an emotional ride.  I have never had a child, so I could not fully comprehend what someone who has, feels when they are expecting.  The excitement and joy at finding out that you are to be a parent is something I may never get to find out, but many women do.  This story takes the reader on a journey of wonder, excitement, happiness, joy, worry, dread and grief.  I had to keep putting this book down to dab at the tears streaming down my face, but I also had to keep reading.  This story had me feeling everything the author felt at each stage of her pregnancy.  Although I cannot fully comprehend the emotional merry-go-round that this author (and other parents) have gone through, I felt my heart break whilst reading Dakota Emily's story.

What struck me about RaeBeth McGee Buda was that she was obviously grieving for her daughter, Dakota Emily Buda, whilst writing this story. Her heart and emotions are bared on the page for everyone to see.  What astounds me is her inner strength, which filled me with awe!  Her faith that her daughter was sent here by God for a short time, touched me deeply.

Why things like miscarriage, S.I.D.S (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and stillbirths happen is still a bit of a medical mystery.  Why? is a good question. Why does this still happen when we have better medical care? Why do some children die, when others survive? Maybe there is a rhyme and/or a reason for this, but it is elusive. All we have is faith; faith that those who are taken away too soon, will be waiting for us when it's our time.  However, sometimes faith is cold comfort for those parents who have lost a child. My heart goes out to each and every one who have lost their child/children.

I highly recommend that this book be read by everyone. It is an emotive story, but if you or one of your family members has also suffered through the loss of a child, you will find that you are not alone. - Lynn Worton
1578804
Oh there is so much to learn about our parents when we are little children!! And so much more to FIND OUT about them, when we are adults!!!
Is an argument with a parent of that much consequence in the future when we think back on it? Are our assumptions about our parents based in reality?

Anya Yurchshyn leads the reader through her own personal experiences with her parents which is evocative of, or could also be in part, the reader's experience with theirs.

Some of this book was painful -- as it brought back memories of how I as a child, decided what my mother could and could not be, when in fact she was only expressing her own humanity. And some of the betrayal I felt when coming across some of my mother's notes, mirror that of our author. Are we betrayed or surprised? Perhaps it took my mother's death for me to be able to stand back at a distance and know her as a person, not just as my mother.

In some parts, there is a darkness to this book, some pathos, and much soul searching and revelations.  But then again, doesn't that also mirror our own lives?
1479675
Very disturbing!  As a parent, I find it difficult to understand how other parents can step so far back from their children, and be so involved with their "religion" that their families can suffer such incredible pain and trauma.  Enlightening and shocking.  Not for the faint-hearted.
1125460
But not at all what I expected. When I began to read it I thought it was going to be some sort of supernatural take about the daughter they had lost. But it turned out to be a story about two people who were miserable together.
3741995
A lot has been written about how parents affect (screw up) their children. This book examines how children affect (screw up) their parents. Harnessing the lessons of history, social science, and various families' personal stories, Senior explains why modern parenthood seems to be kicking families' butts in new and different but equally uncomfortable ways from the butt-kicking of previous generations of parents. In other words, thank goodness for those ineffable joys of family!
1206595
I have to say when I first read the book I was shocked about how industry/corporations/government have such little care for our foods. But now having thought about it, I'm not sure why I'm so shocked. This man and his family gave their lives in pursuit of the truth about MSG. And almost at every turn they were met with bullies and naysayers. To say that I feel that the government, its allies and Monsanto was the cause of this man's premature death is an understatement. This story is difficult to read yet compelling. I have been more careful in the purchase of foods over the past decade, but now more than ever I feel like I need to stand with those who want uncontaminated, organic, clean, healthy foods for our families. Not food that need flavor enhancers, chemicals, and manipulation before being served to us.

I'm saddened for the loss of Jack Samuels as he tried diligently to get to the bottom of his own illness, and open our eyes to the truth. I feel for his family for having endured thru the many years he explored to find a solution. I hope that people will read this story and find the truth in it, and begin their own campaign to end Monsanto's and the government's hold on our food.
2558624
Not sure what I was expecting in this story but since my extended family is from the same area I felt almost obligated to read it, and was not disappointed.  I read this at the same time I am struggling with my own aging mother, and I could see myself in the author's story.  As a minister I really got a lot out of her take on organized religion, and will use that part of the book in an upcoming sermon.
3541439
This story went straight to my heart and hit a deep nerve.  I couldn't believe what this family had to endure--one of my greatest fears that everthing wonderful about my life could go sour in the blink of an eye.  Well written and thought-out.  There was one thing that bothered me:  when  the mother was warned that Ben was very upset and needed counseling, why  didn't she immediately act?  Otherwise, worth reading!
593317
I thought this story about a girl growing up with parents who were hoarders was absolutely fascinating.  I know someone whose parents are just like this, and like the author, she has been frustrated in her attempts to fix things for her parents. The way she had to hide the truth, and strive to be appear to be perfect to the outside world reminded me of other memoirs of children growing up with alcoholics, drug users, etc.
Worth reading! Makes me clad I have a cleaner come every week!
728100
I must admit...I did not expect that story line. It was pretty disturbing. To think there actually might be people out there like that...
1236643
Shock is the only word that I can think of. What the hell is this. Andrew, Anias, and Niomi, their daughter, move away from the streets of New York to Tennessee for a better life. The little girl made me laugh with some of the things that she said and I agree she has an old soul.
They are in a nice gated community that has everything needed within it. But the things that happen after the sun sets, are unbelievable. Get ready for a wild ride as the family finds out about their new community. I didn't expect any of this and the endng was very confusing.
281133
I had a tough time believing it was reality for this family, but it truly was.  In my career, I often see glimpses of this, but never did I realize the extent it can go to and how it impacts entire family relationships even decades down the line.
1284220
A "child abducted" story (has anyone noticed the plethora of these??), this one turns into something much more. When mom is late to pick up her daughter, the daughter disappears. Mom and dad, already on the verge of divorce, go through the trauma of police and media. Then, suddenly, their daughter is returned, but with no memory of where she's been or what has happened. Just about when you are thinking this is following straight tracks for abducted kid stories, this one takes an interesting and frightening turn.
1834838
I think all parents must think about what kind of person their child is, have I given them the tools to make the right decisions - are they capable of making the right decisions. This story was like the inside of a parent's mind- wondering, but only so far...wanting to fully support, as if having a belief that may be negative about the child is NOT supportive. Well written , a great read!
2352138
I almost had a hard time believing this could be possible. It's actually a good sense of horror as it shows the influence whether good, or bad adults have on children. Parents the fact that you're doing everything possible to have the best for you children doesn't necessarily mean that they will have the best. We as parents can only remember to look within ourselves, and make sure we're doing everything to let our children know we love them, and want to do right by them. This shows parents looking outside of themselves by sending Christina to school on the mainland of Maine, and entrusting the Shevvfords to care for her while she goes to school there on the mainland, but as soon as she gets there weird things begin to happen. Christina is with 3 other children, and they are 17 year old Avra, 16 year old Benj, 14 year old Michael, and Christina's 13. Avra's almost convinced the the sea wants to take one of them, and Christina's convinced that Shevvford's are up to no good, but due to New England stoicism, and the fact that the Shevvfords are that good at convincing the world that they have nothing but the best intentions for the children Christina has a hard time finding an audience, and for the most part not being able to fit in. It's not that they don't believe her it's just that they're so busy with thier own lives that they don't want the stress of finding out the truth, or if that was true about the dead bodies, and disappearance of 2 other students, and not to mention getting people to believe what's being said. I know that children getting to get parents to slow down, and realize that everything is not all black and white, but more complex, and children need to be believed when they speak the unbelievable, and etc. etc. I just look back on this, and can certainly feel the parents were in the wrong by not listening to their children. This is something that all parents can take n note of.