The Parakeet Drawing: You Are Worthy

by Gina Defa, Lauren Eckhardt

With a mom who wasn’t ready to relinquish her party lifestyle, eight-year-old Gina was thrust into a world of alcoholism, drugs, sex, and molestation. Abandoned by daily parental guidance, she was forced to fend for herself and navigate a world that brought more darkness than security.
As her childhood was scraped away bit-by-bit, Gina held true to something within that guided her, a light that burned brighter once a brief interaction with a stranger connected her with the truth. Everything will be okay.
The Parakeet Drawing is a powerful memoir about the ripple effects of a small act of kindness, and how it helped one little girl find the strength within to save herself.

218 pages, Paperback

Published November 12, 2020

Reviews

[Kat Hills · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartbreaking but inspiring memoir. ❤️

[Lenora Henson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I felt like I was a fly on the wall experiencing this story with the author... the horror, the hope, the call. Thank you Gina, for sharing your story, and thank you to the Parakeet drawer.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly an inspiring life story! Gina is living proof of triumph over circumstances. Her vulnerability to now share her personal journey in an effort to encourage others to find their own light and follow it is beautiful. I experienced a full range of emotions throughout and the writing style makes you just want to keep reading! Every time I went to read one chapter, I read several. I especially soaked up the final chapter with Gina’s words of wisdom. Anyone could benefit from her life messages in this book!

[Mae Wagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina’s story is incredibly powerful. I especially love that she remained true to the honesty needed in capturing the darkness. While some may be offended by language or content, it is in this sincerity that the true power of the light and hope exist.

Thank you Gina, and Lauren, for sharing such a powerful story!