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A Cage for One: Memoir of a Teenage Life
In a poor home in rural Louisiana, one girl dreams of a better future.
Tina Fitzgerald feels like a modern-day Cinderella—but a Cinderella stuck in the terrible days and years before her prince comes. Her sadistic mother swings between violence and neglect. Tina’s younger siblings completely rely on her to care for them. She is surrounded by dysfunctional relationships and the oppressing weight of family abuse. She doesn’t think she will ever be free.
However, that’s just the first part of Tina’s story. Good friends and a man who could be something more walk into her life, prompting a personal transformation that might be exactly what Tina needs to escape her family once and for all.
This powerful new memoir spins a tale of abuse, neglect, and redemption—with a hopeful touch of coming-of-age romance.* Even in her darkest moments, Tina finds the strength and courage to endure, and that spirit shines through in her new book.
*Mature content. Discretion is advised.
Tina Fitzgerald feels like a modern-day Cinderella—but a Cinderella stuck in the terrible days and years before her prince comes. Her sadistic mother swings between violence and neglect. Tina’s younger siblings completely rely on her to care for them. She is surrounded by dysfunctional relationships and the oppressing weight of family abuse. She doesn’t think she will ever be free.
However, that’s just the first part of Tina’s story. Good friends and a man who could be something more walk into her life, prompting a personal transformation that might be exactly what Tina needs to escape her family once and for all.
This powerful new memoir spins a tale of abuse, neglect, and redemption—with a hopeful touch of coming-of-age romance.* Even in her darkest moments, Tina finds the strength and courage to endure, and that spirit shines through in her new book.
*Mature content. Discretion is advised.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2019
3 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Tina Fitzgerald
3 books2 followersTina Fitzgerald knows building good relationships takes work. Especially now, in the #MeToo era, it is crucial that people hear more about both healthy and abusive situations in order to learn how to foster strong, positive connections.
To that end, Fitzgerald faced her memories of her rural Louisiana childhood and wrote a powerful memoir of abuse and redemption that will offer hope and inspiration to others trapped in similar situations.
Fitzgerald lives with her family in Houston, Texas. She spent nine years in elementary education and is now a proud stay-at-home mom to two amazing children. She enjoys writing, roller-skating, painting, gardening, and touring breweries with her husband.
To that end, Fitzgerald faced her memories of her rural Louisiana childhood and wrote a powerful memoir of abuse and redemption that will offer hope and inspiration to others trapped in similar situations.
Fitzgerald lives with her family in Houston, Texas. She spent nine years in elementary education and is now a proud stay-at-home mom to two amazing children. She enjoys writing, roller-skating, painting, gardening, and touring breweries with her husband.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 2, 2019
An amazing, heartfelt, moving piece of literature. Tears, joy, laughter, more tears, tragedy, love, anger, excitement, let-down, more tears, more anger, more love... What a roller-coaster of emotions.
Highly recommended!!!
Full disclosure, I am a little biased, since this amazing author happens to be my lovely bride. Give it a read for yourself, and make your own decision! I think you will be, at the very least, moved!!!
Highly recommended!!!
Full disclosure, I am a little biased, since this amazing author happens to be my lovely bride. Give it a read for yourself, and make your own decision! I think you will be, at the very least, moved!!!
July 12, 2019
A caged bird gets her wings....
A child should always know love. Unfortunately, there are far too many children that suffer abuse and neglect by the ones meant to protect them.I was fully prepared to cry my eyes out reading this memoir. I didn’t. Not until the acknowledgements. That’s when I cried - because those people loved a child that felt unloveable. Those people saved a life that once thought about ending itself. This book resonated with me. Because I grew up very similarly. I remember, as an adult saying to my mother (who I haven’t seen in 32 years) “you will die old and alone and hopefully painfully...and when you do I hope you think of me and know that I am free.” Read this book. This is about survival and strength and love. I am so proud of Tina for fighting back and surviving and most of all, for breaking the cycle. Read this book - and always, always let a child know they are loved.
A child should always know love. Unfortunately, there are far too many children that suffer abuse and neglect by the ones meant to protect them.I was fully prepared to cry my eyes out reading this memoir. I didn’t. Not until the acknowledgements. That’s when I cried - because those people loved a child that felt unloveable. Those people saved a life that once thought about ending itself. This book resonated with me. Because I grew up very similarly. I remember, as an adult saying to my mother (who I haven’t seen in 32 years) “you will die old and alone and hopefully painfully...and when you do I hope you think of me and know that I am free.” Read this book. This is about survival and strength and love. I am so proud of Tina for fighting back and surviving and most of all, for breaking the cycle. Read this book - and always, always let a child know they are loved.
February 18, 2022
Story is shocking and awe-inspiring!
The 4 stars is because of the misspelled words and lack of editing.
Other than that, this story is worth reading if you are looking for survivor stories.
I have one other thing to say: I graduated high school in the early 80's after moving from one state to another in my junior year, there were no true mandatory reporting laws back then and I did tell and was rebuked so telling isn't always going to get you the answers and help that you hope; so pick your champions well!
The 4 stars is because of the misspelled words and lack of editing.
Other than that, this story is worth reading if you are looking for survivor stories.
I have one other thing to say: I graduated high school in the early 80's after moving from one state to another in my junior year, there were no true mandatory reporting laws back then and I did tell and was rebuked so telling isn't always going to get you the answers and help that you hope; so pick your champions well!
August 14, 2019
Pulled me in and kept me.
I wasn’t sure about this book when I started it. But I have to admire the tenacity of this woman allowing her to never give up and keep working towards what was important
despite the chaos and neglect in her life. Great read, and I can imagine for a young person in similar circumstances it would hold hope for them. Some language, but not over used.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review from Voracious Readers.
I wasn’t sure about this book when I started it. But I have to admire the tenacity of this woman allowing her to never give up and keep working towards what was important
despite the chaos and neglect in her life. Great read, and I can imagine for a young person in similar circumstances it would hold hope for them. Some language, but not over used.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review from Voracious Readers.
October 20, 2019
I was gifted this book from voracious readers and was not prepared for how emotive this book is, I thought I was going to read the usual high school life but it was far from it. I cried on more than one occasion and it's heart breaking to think that this is someone's life. My only quibble would be is that it felt a rushed finished, I would have liked to hear more how it turned out for everyone in the family.... Unless this was because there is a follow on 🤞
July 5, 2019
Touching memoir of the struggles and triumphs of Tina’s life. Emotionally resonant.
November 26, 2025
I received this book in return for an honest review.
To say I enjoyed it would be odd due to the nature of the book. But I did find it interesting and written really well. Thank you.
To say I enjoyed it would be odd due to the nature of the book. But I did find it interesting and written really well. Thank you.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews