The Return Trip: A Memoir by Maya Golden is such a powerful read!

I've read a lot of memoirs, but never one like Golden's. There is a thread of hope and resilience from the very beginning, when we learn what has shaped Golden's life filter. Although it was incredibly heartbreaking to read, I simply craved reading her story. It is clear that Golden is now in a much better place mentally when looking back on the trauma she endured, because she's managed to write with such an uplifting tone.

Reading memoirs is like sitting and listening as someone shares their darkest moments. I enjoy learning about others life experiences mostly so that I can make adjustments in my own life, continuously making me strive to be a better person. Golden's memoir has made me approach our daughter a little bit differently. I can now see just how important it is to truly know your parents believe you, want the best for you and will always be on your side. This new perspective will adjust how I parent.

The amount of courage Golden had when writing her memoir is astronomical. It is clear to see just how helpful the different aspects of her treatment are to who she is becoming, and how she views herself. The Return Trip as a title is perfect for her journey back, revisiting the trauma she experienced as a young child.

I look forward to reading the political thriller she has in the works to publish in spring of 2025 - because I just want more of her writing!

Thank you NetGalley and Rising Action Publishing Co for the complimentary copy to read and review

A gorgeous, honest story with so much heart. An important read but also a compelling and inspiring one.

Mya is searching for purpose in her life at the age of 30. She had it all but soon realizes she lost it and seeks treatment.She shows in this book it is ok to not be okay. She shares her real daily struggles with life and kids. This book will definitely make you appreciate what you have and you can learn so much information about how to help others that are hurting.

Major trigger warnings for this one; specifically sexual assault and suicide.

This is an incredibly intimate recount of Golden's experiences with addiction, sexual abuse, and her early journey in sobriety. The first half of this book was craftily organized to keep the reader turning pages as Golden focused on a variety of times in her life when she felt the most out of control.

The latter half, however, started to feel disorganized and frantic. While that at times may very well be the result of the sensitive topics and memories she is diving into, it left me disengaged from her story. One specific passage reflecting on her (sorta) book bag and the despair it brought her at school felt so out of place and honestly annoying.

The biggest disappointment I had with this book was the way Golden's physical abuse of her husband was pretty well passed over as her "stuck in a wheel" and him being codependent.

The rehab program, as she described it, also seemed odd at times. Recommending abstinence from flour and sugar seems to be the introduction of a new dietary restriction - and inconsistent with recovery from disordered eating. Similarily, abstinence from prescription drugs is abliest. The program certainly seemed to be steeped in fatphobic beliefs.

Overall an alright, but certainly heavy, read.

Major content and trigger warnings.

The book is so good and it captured my interest right away as the main character goes about her business. We get a real look at her present day mom and wife life and then glimpses into her childhood where trauma has taken place. I had to keep reading, hard to put this one down. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.