"I See You, Survivor" by Liz Ianelli is an impactful and deeply moving book that addresses the journey of surviving trauma and the path to healing. Ianelli's writing is both raw and elegant, providing a voice for experiences that are often shrouded in silence. This book stands out for its compassionate and empowering message, offering hope and understanding to those who have endured the unimaginable.

Ianelli's approach is multifaceted, blending personal narratives with practical advice and supportive affirmations. She acknowledges the unique and personal nature of trauma, ensuring that the book speaks to a wide array of experiences and healing processes. Her ability to articulate the complexities of a survivor's emotions and thoughts is remarkable, creating a space where readers can feel seen and understood.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its inclusivity. Ianelli writes with a sensitivity that encompasses a broad spectrum of traumatic experiences, making it relevant to a diverse readership. The stories and insights shared in the book highlight the resilience of the human spirit, illustrating how, even in the darkest of times, there is a path forward.

"I See You, Survivor" is not just about survival; it's about thriving. Ianelli emphasizes the importance of self-care, community support, and professional help in the healing journey. She offers practical tools and strategies for coping, healing, and reclaiming one's life, all while fostering a sense of empowerment. Her message is clear: surviving trauma is not the end of the story—it's the beginning of a new chapter.

Additionally, Ianelli addresses the societal dimensions of trauma, including the stigmas and misconceptions that can compound the challenges survivors face. By doing so, she not only provides support for survivors but also educates others on how to be allies. Her advocacy work shines through the pages, calling for a more compassionate and understanding world.

In conclusion, "I See You, Survivor" by Liz Ianelli is a profound and essential read for survivors of trauma, their loved ones, and anyone looking to understand the depths of human resilience. Ianelli's voice is a beacon of hope, reminding us that healing is possible and that survivors are not alone. This book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of compassion in the journey toward healing.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for an advanced copy to review for my honest opinion.

First, with any story that involves trauma, difficulty, pain...it is so difficult to rate. One, because you don't want to diminish what that person went through or even rate it based on the trauma level. Pain is pain, and each person experiences it differently, whether in the same situation/family/neighborhood. Which brings up point number Two, several people can go through an experience, situation, event, and have different views/experiences/memories/triggers that don't line up in a straight line for outsiders to understand the fullness of the landscape being presented to them.
Liz Ianelli has written her story for all to see in it's raw, broken, painful mess. It is hard to read, to absorb, to understand without feeling emotionally involved. I appreciate her rawness and unfiltered view. But...I also believe that she is still on her healing journey. There is a lot of things in this book, of her stalking members of the family, of her lashing out in pain, of her anger being unharnessed and raw that shows her pain is still not healed. The old line still applies: Hurt people hurt people, and it shows Liz is out to do just that.
I am grateful that she has exposed the truth of this side of a world that is hidden to the general public. I was completely unaware it even existed. To the survivors of these atrocities: I am so very sorry. Keep speaking your truth. People will listen, and more importantly, believe you. We see you too.
*I received a copy of this book from NetGalley. This review is my own opinion*

I thoroughly enjoyed this memoir by Liz. It was heart-wrenching to hear of her experience in the “troubled teen industry”. The book was raw and full of emotion.

THIS BOOK! I cried so many times. The story was written so well. I felt connected to the author. She really puts you into her experiences. You feel lost when she feels lost. You feel betrayal when she feels betrayal. You feel all the emotions as if you were side by side Liz. I zoomed through this book very quickly. I will recommend this book always.

What an interesting book.

A hard look at the "industry" and it is very eye opening. Extremely well researched. It is obvious that this is a matter close to her heart, not to mention the involvement within mental issues and reality on how people view teens who need help.

Very engaging writing and I love the phrase "you are not broken"

A hard book to read, emotionally, but very rewarding ultimately.

Ianelli's story is heartbreaking, infuriating, and important. She pulls no punches describing the years of severe abuse she faced at a "school" for "troubled teens". As stories from other survivors have come to light and activists have pushed for regulations, the trouble teen industry has begun to crumble. However, as Ianelli goes into depth illustrating, those who spent time in these programs still carry the heavy burden of their traumatic experiences with them. Those who had longer stays in these programs likely did not receive a quality education and often find themselves alone in a world they are ill equipped to navigate. Issues like addiction, self harm, homelessness, and suicide are rampant among alumni. For all of these reasons, Ianelli's story as a survivor and advocate for other survivors is one worth reading.
As a general rule, I don't usually review memoirs because I think their value is completely different from other works. While Ianelli's writing style is rough around the edges and at times disorganized, the value lies in the story of resilience and the strength with which she condemns the abusive industry.

"I am scared right now. I am so scared you will think I'm crazy or dangerous for admitting that. I'm scared you will close this book and say, 'I thought Liz was strong, that she was a fighter and a survivor, but this...this feels like too much.'" (loc. 507*)

Ianelli was fifteen when her parents sent her to the Family—a "therapeutic boarding school" for troubled teenagers. She was eighteen when the facility could no longer hold her against her will and she left—but the trauma of her experience didn't end there.

On the surface, the troubled teen industry seems to be doing a good thing: taking at-risk youth and putting them in programs that are heavy on structure. The claims are big—that they save teenagers from addiction, promiscuity, early death. But the facts are bigger: the industry is unregulated, staff are rarely adequately trained, abuse is rampant, and reports of deaths at (and, critically, after) such programs are high. (And then the programs explain it all away by saying "they were already troubled, not our fault, at least we kept them alive for a few extra months or years".) I've read a fair amount about the troubled teen industry already, enough to go into Ianelli's book expecting abuse. And, well, that's what's in here. Physical, sexual, emotional, medical, spiritual abuse—let's just say that the Family didn't do things by halves.

It's a complicated, messy story, a manifesto and a lament and a confession and a record all rolled up in a ball of rage. The voice will likely be hit or miss for readers, but Ianelli is doing something valuable in her focus on not just her time in the Family but the continued struggle that came after, as a direct result of those years at the Family. I don't recommend going into this blind, because, as Ianelli notes, survivors of such programs (I hesitate to call them "schools") are often doubted—as in, "okay, it wasn't a good place, but surely it can't have been *that* bad". Sometimes it's easier to believe reports of abuse if they come from an outside source, so if this is a new topic for you...find some outside sources too, because these are voices and stories that should be taken seriously.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.

*Quotes are from an ARC and may not be final.