You Carried Me, a daughter’s memoir
By Melissa Ohden
Plough Publishing House, NY (2017)
Missy Cross always knew she was a beloved, adopted daughter. And she was fine with that. One of her siblings was adopted as well. But at age fourteen, when she learns that her birth was via a botched abortion, her contentment with life takes a radical U-turn.
This poignant and penetrating memoir tackles the realities of abortion and post-abortion syndrome with a provocative yet gentle perspective. Melissa’s telling of her journey to recover her self-worth and learn the truth about her birth mother’s decision is bathed in grace, a testimony to the power of forgiveness.
Moreover, Melissa’s decision as an adult to begin to share her story publicly, despite the prospects of rejection and disbelief that someone could actually survive an abortion unscathed, demonstrates the power of speaking truth into a world riddled with secrecy and shame.
Perhaps the most startling and revealing element of this highly personal memoir is what would have remained hidden and misunderstood forever had Melissa not persisted in locating her birth mother. The truth truly did set her free.
A great read—especially for women with unplanned pregnancies, those suffering from post-abortion syndrome, and for those who work with women in crisis pregnancies.
About the Author
Melissa Ohden is the founder of the Abortion Survivor’s Network. She advocates for women, men, and children impacted by abortion. She holds a master’s degree in social work and has worked in the fields of substance abuse, mental health, domestic violence, and child welfare. You can learn more about her work at her website: Melissa Ohden.com
You Carried Me is available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, and independent book sellers through the Indiebound website .
Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review and participation in the blog tour.
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