This novel is more of a series of essays than a full-on narrative memoir. I like that each short piece can stand independently, making it easy to read, put down, and return to. I read the author's note that he wrote the first draft of the novel on his phone, and it made me smile because it has a Notes app vibe that might feel familiar to anyone who taps their thoughts out as they appear.

The book is touching and emotional, giving you a glimpse into the author's life. It doesn't dive super-deep into everything but peels back layers bit by bit, showing as much as the author is comfortable with. Overall, it's a simple yet powerful memoir that lets you explore the author's experiences movingly.

Unfortunately I was not able to read this book. I received a bad copy and was not able to get it fixed. I will give three starts, as will be sure to grab a copy of it at my local bookstore. After I read the physical copy I will come back and update my review.

✨BOOK REVIEW✨
The Things I Came Here With
By Chris MacDonald

I was first drawn to this book because of its beautiful cover, which reminded me of my tattoo.

An absolutely phenomenal debut, this memoir is going on my fave books of the year list.
Not going to lie, this one stirred up a lot of emotions for me.

I love when stories feel like they were written specifically for you to read them. This book was one of those for me. It was told just the way I like, raw, and truthful.
The way this book was broken down into small chapters, made it easy to read, but honestly I couldn’t set this one down anyway.

Reading this one took me right back to my youth.
I could really relate to having a troubled past, and with some of the issues addressed.

What I loved about this book is the message that it sends about one’s past. That no matter how lost or dark it gets, it made you the person you are today.

Sometimes it’s hard to let go of the past, and some of the things we have done in our lives, but this book is testament that you should do the opposite and remember it all.

A truly beautiful book! Highly recommend!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

QOTD: How many tattoos do you have?
A: I have one on each forearm.

I may need more now after seeing the Author’s tattoo work 🤔

Thanks so much to @ecwpress and @netgalley for the copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thanks to @the_red_beauty for sharing his story. This one is going on my Forever shelf❤️

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Brilliant book. Loved every second of it. Once I started reading, immediate,y became immersed in Chris’s life and history. Refreshing and down to earth.

First I would rate this book at 3 1/2 out of 5 stars.

The author tell his story growing up in Canada with a family in his younger years that seemed to be a loving a complete family who all seemed to have artistic talents. What you first hear about concerning his mother would be what many would consider actions of a person who was eccentric but as you follow along and for the author who does not come to full grips that his mother was suffering from a form of mental illness which would lead to the divorce of his mom and dad. Eventually the author father comes and takes him away and leaves his mother all alone at probably when she need family around to help the most. While going through High School the author decides that he can no longer live at home and moves into places that would be atrocious at best and shelters other times and many times with little to eat. This time is what the majority of the story covers and for me turned me off a little bit as it seemed like he glorified a lot of what took place during this time. I was attracted to this story because of the tattooing. His brother as described is a tattoo artist and eventually he is attracted to this art and profession but this only a small portion of the story and really does not start showing up till about two-thirds of the way through the story. Now looking at some of the pictures he posted in the book he is a talented artist, but this book is a little better than average. The one thing that for some reason sticks with me in this story was how no one was there for his mother, and she eventually disappeared.