Musical Chairs in Goodreads Authors/Readers

Nov 23, 2009 Stuart rated it it was amazing

Profoundly Honest and Deeply Moving Journey into Adulthood

Jen Knox is an exceptionally gifted storyteller, and her memoir Musical Chairs is a captivating, emotionally charged page turner.

Soon after her parents' divorce, young Jen is riddled with teenage angst, and in desperate need to find her place in the world. Aged fifteen she leaves home and enters an adult world where some (are only too eager) to take advantage of her vulnerability. Jen grows up quick.

There is a tragic irony to Jen's story; ...more

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Nov 15, 2009 Natalie rated it it was amazing

An amazing, candid memoir of a young girl at age 15 runs away from home, turning to alcohol and stripping. Living where ever she can and when she gets to the bottom of her well, ends up getting raped. This is when she is faced with her alcohol abuse .
After being severly ill and detoxifying her body, she decides to get her life turned around.
The book is told in 3 parts, The Runaway, The Dancer and The Education. The latter telling about her Grandmother and how she learns of her mental illness a ...more

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Feb 15, 2011 Maria rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

A reflective, compelling, and evocative collection of short stories.
The first story in the collection really drew me in. It's a story that makes you question human nature and really makes you think. After reading that I was sure I was in for a very interesting journey reading this anthology. All of the stories have a 'fly on the wall' feel to them, as if you are watching events unfold that you would not usually be made privy to. I use the word 'watch' as it really felt to me as I read Jen Knox's ...more

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Oct 12, 2009 Rhonda Rae Baker rated it really liked it

An important voice of what can happen in real life. I was deeply touched and moved by Jen's story! There were times that I had to put it down because the subject matter was distressing and even closer to my own experiences or that of my children. She did a wonderful job focusing on the raw facts and presented the story in an easy flowing manner that wasn't totally self-centered as some might think a memoir would be written. She spoke plainly about her feelings and emotions such that my heart was ...more

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Dec 27, 2009 Maria rated it it was amazing

I found Jen Knox's story fascinating, insightful and thought-provoking. I would recommend this book to readers of all genres, whether they usually read memoirs or not. There is so much in this story that thrills and entertains, probably as much if not more than a fiction story. It would be great to see this life story portrayed in a film as some of the scenes literally come off the page. There are many memorable scenes, and Jen Knox has written her story with passion, and compassion for her youn ...more

4 likes · Like · see review