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He Never Let Go: Overcoming the Trauma of Mental Illness with God's Love
How do you dream when you've spent a lifetime in survival mode?
From the outside, Pam Good had it all together, working twice as hard, running twice as fast, and rarely showing a crack in her armor. But beneath the polished surface was a fragile heart torn by savage wounds in early life. Raised by a mother suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, Pam experiences rejection, shame, abandonment, and isolation. She learns to cope in silence, seeking validation through perfectionism.
Yet, after a lifetime of maintaining masks and self-made walls, Pam's survival mechanisms begin to break down.
In this gripping memoir into the depths of the darkness of mental illness, journey with Pam as feelings of unworthiness hold her prisoner, shame festers in secrecy, and rejection compounds in isolation. Pam's remarkable resilience is her only shield. Then she begins to question God, rejecting herself, and desperately hiding her scars from the world. Soon, Pam can no longer outrun the truth. Her darkest night descends as she plans to "tap out" of life.
For anyone tired of hiding, weary of the struggle, and wondering if true peace can ever be yours, He Never Let Go is a testament to the relentless grip of grace and the immense power of redemption. With unflinching realism, master storytelling, and the authentic hope of a faith that wrestles down results, Pam offers a hand to those ready to step into the light. He Never Let Go is a story of pain, desperation, resilience, and surrender, where only the Truth can lead you from the darkest caverns of self-abuse to the brightest path of abundant life.
Stop surviving. Start living.
He Never Let Go will help
Heal from the stigma of mental illness Understand the blessing of unanswered prayers Understand how struggles build resilience and faithBe truthful about yourself so you can start to healUnderstand that you are only as sick as your secrets.
From the outside, Pam Good had it all together, working twice as hard, running twice as fast, and rarely showing a crack in her armor. But beneath the polished surface was a fragile heart torn by savage wounds in early life. Raised by a mother suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, Pam experiences rejection, shame, abandonment, and isolation. She learns to cope in silence, seeking validation through perfectionism.
Yet, after a lifetime of maintaining masks and self-made walls, Pam's survival mechanisms begin to break down.
In this gripping memoir into the depths of the darkness of mental illness, journey with Pam as feelings of unworthiness hold her prisoner, shame festers in secrecy, and rejection compounds in isolation. Pam's remarkable resilience is her only shield. Then she begins to question God, rejecting herself, and desperately hiding her scars from the world. Soon, Pam can no longer outrun the truth. Her darkest night descends as she plans to "tap out" of life.
For anyone tired of hiding, weary of the struggle, and wondering if true peace can ever be yours, He Never Let Go is a testament to the relentless grip of grace and the immense power of redemption. With unflinching realism, master storytelling, and the authentic hope of a faith that wrestles down results, Pam offers a hand to those ready to step into the light. He Never Let Go is a story of pain, desperation, resilience, and surrender, where only the Truth can lead you from the darkest caverns of self-abuse to the brightest path of abundant life.
Stop surviving. Start living.
He Never Let Go will help
Heal from the stigma of mental illness Understand the blessing of unanswered prayers Understand how struggles build resilience and faithBe truthful about yourself so you can start to healUnderstand that you are only as sick as your secrets.
254 pages, Paperback
Published December 9, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 15, 2026
What an inspirational memoir.
Pamela Waggoner Good was one of four children born to parents in the 1950s. Her father taught them to live lives of integrity with a fierce work ethic. Her artistic and beautiful mother? Well, she loved them. But she suffered from a little-understood illness called paranoid schizophrenia. And that affected the entire family quite powerfully.
Little Pam just longed for her daddy to love her. And he did! But he worked day and night to provide for his family. And he was mystified, and sometimes angered by, his wife's inexplicable illness. So Pam wasn't always fed properly. Or cared for. And sometimes other moms wouldn't let her play with their children. Of course she felt ashamed when this happened; but she couldn't understand why she was unacceptable.
Eventually, in grade school, Pam made a friend. And this friend invited her to summer camp. Where she had delicious, filling meals. Where there were joy, fun, games, songs. And most impactfully: there was Jesus. And Pam invited Him to become her Savior.
Back at home, things hadn't changed much. And though Pam had, eternally, she didn't understand how to take the joy of her decision into her daily life. So her mom continued to be ill, and her father, still overworking. But Pam discovered that she was an excellent athlete. So she ran, and she competed, and she worked, so hard.
These habits, born out of a child's desperation, followed her into adulthood. Until finally all the work, all the business, all the achievements; well, they weren't enough, any longer. And then...healing comes.
I don't want to tell you more because I want you to be able to experience Pam's story for yourself. But I highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own honest ones.
Pamela Waggoner Good was one of four children born to parents in the 1950s. Her father taught them to live lives of integrity with a fierce work ethic. Her artistic and beautiful mother? Well, she loved them. But she suffered from a little-understood illness called paranoid schizophrenia. And that affected the entire family quite powerfully.
Little Pam just longed for her daddy to love her. And he did! But he worked day and night to provide for his family. And he was mystified, and sometimes angered by, his wife's inexplicable illness. So Pam wasn't always fed properly. Or cared for. And sometimes other moms wouldn't let her play with their children. Of course she felt ashamed when this happened; but she couldn't understand why she was unacceptable.
Eventually, in grade school, Pam made a friend. And this friend invited her to summer camp. Where she had delicious, filling meals. Where there were joy, fun, games, songs. And most impactfully: there was Jesus. And Pam invited Him to become her Savior.
Back at home, things hadn't changed much. And though Pam had, eternally, she didn't understand how to take the joy of her decision into her daily life. So her mom continued to be ill, and her father, still overworking. But Pam discovered that she was an excellent athlete. So she ran, and she competed, and she worked, so hard.
These habits, born out of a child's desperation, followed her into adulthood. Until finally all the work, all the business, all the achievements; well, they weren't enough, any longer. And then...healing comes.
I don't want to tell you more because I want you to be able to experience Pam's story for yourself. But I highly recommend it!
I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions shared here are my own honest ones.
August 28, 2026
I haven't read this book but have read portions and given it a brief scan. Mental health is often overlooked, ignored, scorned, feared, ridiculed, and just basically swept under the rug. That is until it hits a major nerve in the family or society. The author's journey through life with emotional or mental stability problems in her family is a personal journey that is shared with readers who wish to dip their toes into this murkey, often misunderstood, and ignored spiral.
The author details personal and family members actions with details of occasions and relationships, and the impact on herself and others. Often, these are not pleasant happenings.
I suggest that readers recognize this as one individual's journey and the harsh impact it has on her life. Accept that Pamela recognizes God in her journey letting the God of all illnesses, the God of all that exists hold onto her with His unfailing love and goodness.
NOTE: Currently, the mental illness of a young mother on trial for the criminal murder of her young children is headline news and is drawing attention to the plight of women under pressures of daily life, motherhood, hormonal issues, and possible abuse. Mental illness is a health issue that needs to be recognized and addressed. Medication is not always the answer. But God is always there waiting for our trust in and reliance on Him.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. This is a paid/sponsored review/posting.
The author details personal and family members actions with details of occasions and relationships, and the impact on herself and others. Often, these are not pleasant happenings.
I suggest that readers recognize this as one individual's journey and the harsh impact it has on her life. Accept that Pamela recognizes God in her journey letting the God of all illnesses, the God of all that exists hold onto her with His unfailing love and goodness.
NOTE: Currently, the mental illness of a young mother on trial for the criminal murder of her young children is headline news and is drawing attention to the plight of women under pressures of daily life, motherhood, hormonal issues, and possible abuse. Mental illness is a health issue that needs to be recognized and addressed. Medication is not always the answer. But God is always there waiting for our trust in and reliance on Him.
I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. This is a paid/sponsored review/posting.
September 15, 2026
A heartfelt story of survival, faith, and redemption. 🤍
This is a deeply vulnerable memoir that left me with a lot to think about. Pamela Waggoner Good doesn't shy away from the painful parts of her childhood or the lasting effects of rejection, abuse, shame, and mental illness. My heart ached reading many of her memories, but I was equally moved by the grace and love she showed while telling her story.
I loved the photographs throughout the book. Seeing Pamela and her family as she shared her memories made the story feel incredibly personal and real.
I was especially touched by her journey with faith and her first experiences with church and Christians. My own childhood experience with Catholicism and confession was very different, so I appreciated being able to see faith through Pamela's experience while honoring that her story is uniquely hers. I was so grateful to see her eventually experience the love of God through people who showed her the grace and compassion she deserved.
The moment she accepted Christ brought me to tears. ❤️
This book is ultimately about so much more than surviving a difficult childhood. It's about rejection, mental illness, generational wounds, resilience, healing, and discovering that God is still there, even when we can't see Him.
Pamela's story kept me turning the pages, and by the end, I felt genuinely connected to her.
A beautiful reminder that even in our darkest moments, He never lets go.🤍
This is a deeply vulnerable memoir that left me with a lot to think about. Pamela Waggoner Good doesn't shy away from the painful parts of her childhood or the lasting effects of rejection, abuse, shame, and mental illness. My heart ached reading many of her memories, but I was equally moved by the grace and love she showed while telling her story.
I loved the photographs throughout the book. Seeing Pamela and her family as she shared her memories made the story feel incredibly personal and real.
I was especially touched by her journey with faith and her first experiences with church and Christians. My own childhood experience with Catholicism and confession was very different, so I appreciated being able to see faith through Pamela's experience while honoring that her story is uniquely hers. I was so grateful to see her eventually experience the love of God through people who showed her the grace and compassion she deserved.
The moment she accepted Christ brought me to tears. ❤️
This book is ultimately about so much more than surviving a difficult childhood. It's about rejection, mental illness, generational wounds, resilience, healing, and discovering that God is still there, even when we can't see Him.
Pamela's story kept me turning the pages, and by the end, I felt genuinely connected to her.
A beautiful reminder that even in our darkest moments, He never lets go.🤍
September 11, 2026
How do you dream when you’ve spent a lifetime in survival mode?
He Never Let Go by Pam Good is a deeply moving memoir about pain, resilience, faith, and the courage it takes to finally stop hiding.
Behind a life that appeared strong and put together, Pam carried wounds shaped by rejection, shame, abandonment, isolation, and the experience of growing up with a mother suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. She learned to survive through silence, perfectionism, and self-made walls—until those walls could no longer hold everything inside.
What makes this story especially powerful is its honesty. Pam takes readers into the darkest places of her journey, including feelings of unworthiness, the burden of secrecy, struggles with mental illness, questioning God, and the moment when survival itself begins to feel impossible.
Yet this is not simply a story about darkness. It is a story about grace that refuses to let go.
He Never Let Go reminds us that our struggles do not have to define us, that unanswered prayers can carry unexpected blessings, and that truth can become the beginning of healing. Sometimes vulnerability is not weakness—it is the first step toward freedom.
For anyone who feels exhausted from pretending to be okay, this memoir offers a powerful reminder:
You don’t have to spend your whole life surviving. You can start living. ❤️
He Never Let Go by Pam Good is a deeply moving memoir about pain, resilience, faith, and the courage it takes to finally stop hiding.
Behind a life that appeared strong and put together, Pam carried wounds shaped by rejection, shame, abandonment, isolation, and the experience of growing up with a mother suffering from paranoid schizophrenia. She learned to survive through silence, perfectionism, and self-made walls—until those walls could no longer hold everything inside.
What makes this story especially powerful is its honesty. Pam takes readers into the darkest places of her journey, including feelings of unworthiness, the burden of secrecy, struggles with mental illness, questioning God, and the moment when survival itself begins to feel impossible.
Yet this is not simply a story about darkness. It is a story about grace that refuses to let go.
He Never Let Go reminds us that our struggles do not have to define us, that unanswered prayers can carry unexpected blessings, and that truth can become the beginning of healing. Sometimes vulnerability is not weakness—it is the first step toward freedom.
For anyone who feels exhausted from pretending to be okay, this memoir offers a powerful reminder:
You don’t have to spend your whole life surviving. You can start living. ❤️
September 14, 2026
He Never Let Go by Pam Good is one of those books that stays with you after you've finished reading it. ❤️
This is a deeply personal and courageous memoir about trauma, rejection, shame, mental illness, faith, and the exhausting journey of spending years simply trying to survive. Pam doesn't shy away from the painful parts of her story, and I truly appreciated that honesty. Her willingness to share the wounds, struggles, questions, and moments of darkness makes this book incredibly human and relatable.
What touched me most was the way faith is woven throughout her journey. This isn't a story about having all the answers or never questioning God. It's about wrestling, hurting, searching, surrendering, and ultimately discovering that God's grace was there all along.
There were difficult moments to read, but the story never felt hopeless. Instead, it became a beautiful testament to resilience, redemption, healing, and the possibility of moving from surviving to truly living. 🙏✨
Pam's story is a powerful reminder that our pain does not have to define us, our secrets don't have to imprison us, and even when we feel completely alone, He never lets go.
A heartfelt, honest, and hope-filled memoir that I would recommend to anyone looking for a story of faith, healing, and grace. ❤️📖
This is a deeply personal and courageous memoir about trauma, rejection, shame, mental illness, faith, and the exhausting journey of spending years simply trying to survive. Pam doesn't shy away from the painful parts of her story, and I truly appreciated that honesty. Her willingness to share the wounds, struggles, questions, and moments of darkness makes this book incredibly human and relatable.
What touched me most was the way faith is woven throughout her journey. This isn't a story about having all the answers or never questioning God. It's about wrestling, hurting, searching, surrendering, and ultimately discovering that God's grace was there all along.
There were difficult moments to read, but the story never felt hopeless. Instead, it became a beautiful testament to resilience, redemption, healing, and the possibility of moving from surviving to truly living. 🙏✨
Pam's story is a powerful reminder that our pain does not have to define us, our secrets don't have to imprison us, and even when we feel completely alone, He never lets go.
A heartfelt, honest, and hope-filled memoir that I would recommend to anyone looking for a story of faith, healing, and grace. ❤️📖
September 6, 2026
This is such a deeply personal and inspiring book about pain, faith, family, and healing. With honesty and courage, the author gives readers a look into her life growing up with a mother who struggled with mental illness and how those struggles affected everyone in the family.
The story is easy to connect with, especially for anyone who had a difficult or traumatic upbringing. I appreciate how her story is told through a lens of grace and shows how God held her close through it all and never let go.
I love the redemption arc and how openly she shares her struggles and healing. This is a heartfelt, hope-filled read that will stay with me.
First Line: In the depths of our darkest nights, where shadows loom large and hope seems to dwindle, an unwavering beacon stands tall and guides us back to the light.
#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
The story is easy to connect with, especially for anyone who had a difficult or traumatic upbringing. I appreciate how her story is told through a lens of grace and shows how God held her close through it all and never let go.
I love the redemption arc and how openly she shares her struggles and healing. This is a heartfelt, hope-filled read that will stay with me.
First Line: In the depths of our darkest nights, where shadows loom large and hope seems to dwindle, an unwavering beacon stands tall and guides us back to the light.
#CoverLoverBookReview received a review copy of this book. Opinions are my own.
January 21, 2025
My Canon City neighbor and friend
I never realized how Pam was struggling the whole time I knew her. Our kids grew up together, swam together and we all grew up together as parents, friends and neighbors. I’m so glad she has finally found peace and happiness in her life. Her story is sad, but she found away through it all with God and I am very happy for her. I enjoyed reading your book and understand now.
I never realized how Pam was struggling the whole time I knew her. Our kids grew up together, swam together and we all grew up together as parents, friends and neighbors. I’m so glad she has finally found peace and happiness in her life. Her story is sad, but she found away through it all with God and I am very happy for her. I enjoyed reading your book and understand now.
April 27, 2026
A great Story
I loved this book. She was real and vulnerable writing her life story. I related to her story. I also lived with a mentally ill Mother. If she were to be diagnosed now. She would be Big Polar. She self medicated with pain pills and sleeping pills. I experienced many of the emotions she did. This book is at the top of my best books I have read. She is a great Author
I loved this book. She was real and vulnerable writing her life story. I related to her story. I also lived with a mentally ill Mother. If she were to be diagnosed now. She would be Big Polar. She self medicated with pain pills and sleeping pills. I experienced many of the emotions she did. This book is at the top of my best books I have read. She is a great Author
September 9, 2026
This is not an easy read but it is an inspiring one. Family and childhood trauma and mental illness in the family causes trials and troubles, but also causes growth. God was always with the author and her relationship with Him grew. Leaning on Him gave her strength. Grace is powerful. This book must have been a labor of love for her, hard to relive but also comforting. I highly recommend it. I received a free copy but wasn't required to leave a review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews