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The Olive Picker: A Memoir
More than a memoir, The Olive Picker is a touching experience brimming with strength and triumph. Facing a horrific attack, a resourceful nurse must summon her wits or lose her life. In this brave and shocking memoir, the author masterfully guides us through the pivotal points of her life, from an abusive upbringing that destroys her self-confidence, to the wreckage of an
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The true story of the author's mostly terrible life, and how she finally turned things around and started really living. It was hard to read in places, due to the awful treatment she endured, but very well written and with a great "ending." Kept me turning the pages.
Kathryn Brettell’s The Olive Picker begins in an ambulance after an attack on the author, then 46. Paramedics ask who to call and she struggles to retrieve a phone number from her battered head. Then, having done so, she relives a joyful moment from a childhood all but devoid of them: Her father pushing her on a swing. “I hear myself laugh as the wind rushes past my face in its warm and perfect caress. My dad, behind me, pushes higher and higher. It is a beautiful day.”
Her ability to summon that ...more
Her ability to summon that ...more
The olive picker, is one of the very few memoirs that I caught hold of and finished reading in 4 days. A very catchy title, the book cover that talks about the silence that Kathryn has gone through in her turbulent life. It’s the story that author manages to take her reader for a journey of her life, spanning through 60 years. As one flips through chapters, one is intrigued with the details of events, the visuals on surroundings and describing some of unbelievable behavioral aspects of normal hu
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What a gripping and gut wrenching tale that had me completely engaged and on the edge of my seat from the moment I started reading. This book takes you on quite a roller coaster ride as you follow Kathi and her very tumultuous life circumstances. I can't believe some of the things she had to deal with and live through. I am so surprised that she made it through alive and with her sanity. This book is so well done that it deserves classic novel status. I could easily see it at the top of the New
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Story of Kathi who grew up in an abusive home with her step father monster. Her and her sister were treated bad and their mother didn't put a stop to it. Eager to finish high school, she leaves home to escape. Young late teenagers, parties and dumb decisions. Marring a guy, having a kid and moving out of state. Pregnant again and husband cheats on her multiple times. Finding her way and divorcing her husband. Start again. Along comes another guy. Marriage with no love? A strange relationship tha
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Poignant Story of One Woman's Survival
Kathryn Brettell's memoir is poignant, yet inspiring. A thought provoking story from her childhood through to present. A reminder to all that abuse isn't always physical and emotional abuse is just as painful and scarring. Her honest story, survival, and consequent awakening is sad, frightening, enlightening, and inspirational all in one. This memoir is gripping from page one. I applaud this author's writing style and appreciate her efforts to tell her own l ...more
Kathryn Brettell's memoir is poignant, yet inspiring. A thought provoking story from her childhood through to present. A reminder to all that abuse isn't always physical and emotional abuse is just as painful and scarring. Her honest story, survival, and consequent awakening is sad, frightening, enlightening, and inspirational all in one. This memoir is gripping from page one. I applaud this author's writing style and appreciate her efforts to tell her own l ...more
I've always wondered how people remember so much detail about their lives that they can write a memoir. And then I wish I had kept journals so that I could look back on my life. Not that I'd want to write a memoir - I'm not that interesting -just just to remember those events that seemed insignificant then but most likely had an impact on the me that I am now. Anyway -- I enjoyed this book. It was a quick and interesting read. I'm always amazed by these strong women who go through so much in the
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I am not normally reading this genre, but this book held me spell bound. There is no question that Kathryn writes from the heart. She is a skillful author who manages to communicate a desperate and difficult time in her life in a fluid format that at no time comes across as a pity party. I am sure many tears were shed in the writing of this memoir and I am equally certain that she has been and will continue to be an inspiration to other women who have suffered and continue to suffer abuse. Five
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The moment I opened the first page of "The Olive Picker" I couldn't stop reading, looking forward to find out what have happened to Kathryn during a beautiful day as she starts her story. A remarkable memoir that kept me on edge most of times with an example of how faith can work some divine wonders.
A great read for those who enjoy dynamic stories with vivid scenes based on a true experience. Highly recommended!
Abusive relationships are a leaching evil in the world. All too often people hurt others simple because they can. All too often they crumble and disappear.
The Olive Picker is a wonderful story of strength, survival and moving beyond the pain. I recommend this to anyone who has or is in an abusive relationship as a piece of much needed hope. For those of us who are gifted with healthy relationships, this story should remind you of how precious those people in you life truly are.
The Olive Picker is a wonderful story of strength, survival and moving beyond the pain. I recommend this to anyone who has or is in an abusive relationship as a piece of much needed hope. For those of us who are gifted with healthy relationships, this story should remind you of how precious those people in you life truly are.
Remarkable
I'm so happy to meet you, Kathryn. You are remarkable. I could not put down your story. I have been told that I should write a book. Too overwhelming though. I have 3 sons that have been affected by Agent Orange from when my husband was in Vietnam. The area was sprayed twice while he was stationed there.
Thanks again, though, for sharing your story. I'm so glad that you wrote it.
I'm so happy to meet you, Kathryn. You are remarkable. I could not put down your story. I have been told that I should write a book. Too overwhelming though. I have 3 sons that have been affected by Agent Orange from when my husband was in Vietnam. The area was sprayed twice while he was stationed there.
Thanks again, though, for sharing your story. I'm so glad that you wrote it.
Absolutely riveting from the first page to the last. I couldn't put it down and carried it around from room to room while I read. I finished it in one sitting because I simply had to know what was on the next page. I'm not normally drawn to memoirs, but this one seemed to call to me. What an emotional roller-coaster! The author has complete command of the craft and excellent writing strategy. I was impressed the whole way through. Highly recommended.
Feb 20, 2016
Chris
added it
The abuse and horror experienced in this book was unsettling. The book gripped me and made me read on but it is disturbing. I am sure writing the book was cathartic. I'm not sure reading the book was healing. It's well written but disturbing. I'm not sure who the audience should be for this book. Haunting!
This is one book you won't be able to put down
This memoir tells the horrid details of abuse and will have you experience many emotions including disbelief, fear, sympathy, shock, and more. True stories are often more terrifying than fiction and such is the case with this memoir.
This memoir tells the horrid details of abuse and will have you experience many emotions including disbelief, fear, sympathy, shock, and more. True stories are often more terrifying than fiction and such is the case with this memoir.
Very moving.
The author has a wonderful way of drawing you into her life. I truly felt sorry for her because of the way she was treated by those who should have loved her the most. She finally stood up for herself.
The author has a wonderful way of drawing you into her life. I truly felt sorry for her because of the way she was treated by those who should have loved her the most. She finally stood up for herself.
Courageous
What a memoir! I hate reading stories of spousal abuse but this was told in such a way that I never saw it coming to the end it did. Congratulations Kathie, jobs well done on
What a memoir! I hate reading stories of spousal abuse but this was told in such a way that I never saw it coming to the end it did. Congratulations Kathie, jobs well done on
A heartbreaking but uplifting story of survival.
This story kept me interested and involved throughout. The pain the main character endured is told in such a factual way that I can't help but be in awe of her strength. She is a true hero.
This story kept me interested and involved throughout. The pain the main character endured is told in such a factual way that I can't help but be in awe of her strength. She is a true hero.
Amazing life story of survival and ultimately getting to a point of living
Excellent
I could not put this book down! Very well written. It grabbed me and I was totally absorbed in this book.
I could not put this book down! Very well written. It grabbed me and I was totally absorbed in this book.
I 'dithered' about reading this Memoir - I am so glad I took the plunge - The subject matter isn't all easy reading but so worthwhile - well written and kept me gripped.
Heartbreakingly honest
Brutally honest story of the author and her journey from chronic abuse to self discovery and joy in life. Inspiring and not easily forgotten.
Brutally honest story of the author and her journey from chronic abuse to self discovery and joy in life. Inspiring and not easily forgotten.
Great book.
The Olive Picker: Kathryn Brettell
The life story of Kathi who grow up with an abusive step-father and a mother wouldn't protect her and her older sister. The abuse took many forms, physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual. After years she was thrown out, but finished high school. Poor decision making from low self worth had her marrying two men that continued the abuse in different forms. Life and death struggles and a resolution that changed her life.
The narration was well done.The charac ...more
Mesmerizing
I completely believed in Kathi's story. I could relate to a lot of the beat shelves in relationships and hope she gives me strength to make my own changes. Look forward to more by Kathryn Brettell.
I completely believed in Kathi's story. I could relate to a lot of the beat shelves in relationships and hope she gives me strength to make my own changes. Look forward to more by Kathryn Brettell.
Great Read
An inspirational reading of her life story and all she had to overcome. Amazing she survived. A good read for everyone!
An inspirational reading of her life story and all she had to overcome. Amazing she survived. A good read for everyone!
Nothing special. I have heard so many stories from friends now that we are adults about many troubled childhoods, myself included.
Everyday I hear incredible stories in the news, some share good news, but more often than not they are stories of horrific events that are happening to people just like you and me. I often wonder what happens to these folks after the media moves on to other stories. Have they picked up the pieces of their lives or did the experience destroy them? “The Olive Picker: A Memoir” is story of courage, strength and triumph.
“The Olive Picker: A Memoir” is the biography of Kathryn Brettell. She shares he ...more
“The Olive Picker: A Memoir” is the biography of Kathryn Brettell. She shares he ...more
Truth Told Well and Powerfully
I am smart. I am lovely. I am creative. I am caring. I am accomplished. I am competent. I am optimistic and tolerant. I am loyal.
I am emotionally abused. I am in denial about the damage my soul suffers from my beloved abusers. I am illogically unwilling to abandon the ones who slay another small piece of me daily.
I am deeply confused over how such an emotionally barren state results from many decades of loving, giving and supporting others. I am burdened with ancien ...more
I am smart. I am lovely. I am creative. I am caring. I am accomplished. I am competent. I am optimistic and tolerant. I am loyal.
I am emotionally abused. I am in denial about the damage my soul suffers from my beloved abusers. I am illogically unwilling to abandon the ones who slay another small piece of me daily.
I am deeply confused over how such an emotionally barren state results from many decades of loving, giving and supporting others. I am burdened with ancien ...more
I read till 20% of this book before giving it up. I saw considerably more struggles in my own life than in the author's. Maybe this was because the author has made peace with her struggles or maybe my struggles truly were much greater.
I've overcome an 18 year old addiction, lived a life of Social Phobia since my earliest childhood memories, grew up getting bullied by fellow students, beaten up by teachers (almost everyday) even though I was really innocent as a kid. I have my own scars of the t ...more
I've overcome an 18 year old addiction, lived a life of Social Phobia since my earliest childhood memories, grew up getting bullied by fellow students, beaten up by teachers (almost everyday) even though I was really innocent as a kid. I have my own scars of the t ...more
I have to say that l didn’t expect this book to be about abuse as it’s not the kind of memoir I would normally read. But what a story! What a woman! What a survivor! Kathryn Brettell writes about her childhood and the abuse she suffered at the hands of her stepfather in a very matter of fact tone. How her mother could have allowed this cruelty to go on almost defies belief, She must have the most tremendous strength of spirit to have endured all this and survive to eventually live a happy and fu ...more
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| Hero's | 1 | 3 | Jul 13, 2015 08:31AM |
