House Rules: A Memoir

by Rachel Sontag

Book Overview

A memoir of a father obsessed with control and the daughter who fights his suffocating grasp, House Rules explores the complexities of their compelling and destructive relationship as Rachel fights to escape, and, later, to make sense of what remains of her family.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061341231
• ISBN13: 9780061341236
• Release Date: March 2009
• Publisher: Ecco Press
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.3" x 7.9"

Customer Reviews

UK READER

This is an amazing book beautifully written,it must have taken incredible courage to have opened up herself again to such painful memories and thus move forward with her life. Rachel is honest and open and has actually taken the time to attempt to understand her parents destructive relationship and the repercussions of this upon family dynamics - probably still being played out today. I await with anticipation her next book and cannot recommend this book highly enough. Luckily, despite living in the U.K. it was suggested that I read this inciteful book. I imagine that many people will relate to some of the issues.

Fantastic and heartbreaking.

I have rarely been so moved. My copy is currently making the round with friends so I can be sure EVERYONE knows this story.

Compelling and Intense

Rachel has written a deeply personal and heart-wrenching account of her childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. It isn't a "poor me" sob story, rather a truthful and self aware memoir. We're lucky to be able to read it, and I look forward to more from this talented author.

A must read!

Like the others who have reviewed here, I couldn't put this book down. A beautifully written account of one family's hidden darkness that manages to transcend into the universal by virtue of the author's vivid descriptions and emotional honesty. This isn't a book that looks to place blame or analyze the actions of the people in it until they fit into a neat little box -- it's a living, breathing account of what it means not only to survive, but to live, with grace and tenacity. Ms. Sontag's memoir, while at times painful to read, is also one full of humor and hope. I recommend this book to everyone!

Inspiring

House Rules: A Memoir A painful account of emotional abuse and the author's journey to move beyond the need for her father's approval. The lie that was her family is exposed and she is able to find the truth that was and is her life. Rachel Sontag's strength, as a child and as an adult, is inspiring. Beautifully written.