Coming Undone by Terri White is one of the most compelling memoirs I have read. Humorous at times, painful throughout, yet ultimately uplifting and empowering.

When I read that the book would highlight alcoholism and mental health issues as well as early life trauma, I was unsure what to expect. Many such books have such an eye toward the larger message, whatever that particular book's message is, that we lose some of the personal elements. By that, I don't mean we lose sight of the person writing the memoir but rather that we don't always get much of that person at the specific moments in their past that they recount. Such is not the case here. This is both inspirational on the bigger picture level as well as heartrending on the personal in-the-moment level.

Early in the book, when describing her thoughts and feelings as she realized she was not going to be turning and walking out the door, I felt every bit as trapped and confused as she did. At that moment I knew this memoir had me hooked. The writing both conveyed what she was going through at the time while also offering reflective thoughts from the other side.

Aside from having the utmost respect and compassion for White, I am also in awe of her ability to present such moments from her life with strength and a strong sense of who she is.

Highly recommended for readers of memoirs in general as well as those who seek insightful accounts of abuse, alcoholism, and mental health.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley. ( )