Your feedback?Reviews and comments mean the world to me.
Thank you for the lovely reviews here on the “Surviving Sue” page and on Amazon. I’m grateful for your feedback.
Synopsis
“Surviving Sue” is an eye-opening story about the fallout of keeping secrets, told from a daughter’s perspective as she navigated her mother’s mental health and addiction issues, while trying to shield and protect her disabled sister. “Surviving Sue” is about the power of storytelling to build resiliency, a guidebook for others who struggle with complex family issues.
Praise for “Surviving Sue”
…”a heart-breaking, yet somehow optimistic personal account…”
From the moment Vicki introduces us to Sue, we are captivated.Fascinated not only with Sue’s character, but how her turbulent persona ironically affects Vicki, Lisa and the others who are nearest and dearest to her.At the same time, we are mesmerized by Vicki’s strength and resilience, her dedication, and the multitude of emotions she expresses as she takes us through this heart-breaking, yet somehow optimistic personal account.This narrative is so engagingly well written and can teach us so many lessons about family – kudos to Vicki for sharing it with us.
…”a rollercoaster of laughter, love, wounding and redemption…”
The combination of humor and heartbreak in “Surviving Sue” unlocks a special chamber for reflection. Dr. Vicki Atkinson offers so many wonderful insights about what life with a complicated character like Sue brings and it’s a rollercoaster of laughter, love, wounding, and redemption.This book is a meaningful journey through the bonds of family, loving difficult people, and how we can heal intergenerationally in order to raise healthy families.
A Terrific Two-Fer: New “Surviving Sue” Review and a Fabulous Book Recommendation
When someone you admire offers praise, it’s a delicious gift! The talented author, Deborah Brasket’s new book will be available soon AND she found time to review “Surviving Sue”. Deborah’s novel, “When Things Go Missing” tells the story of a fractured family in a way that inspires. Characters I swear I’ve met – flawed and
“Surviving Sue” is celebrating a birthday – she’s officially two years old! Last week in a reflective moment I thought about the past two years and the enormous gratitude I feel for readers and their kind words, lovely reviews and comments. Whether it’s a call or an email outreach, my heart swells when readers connect.
I’m proud of my sister, Lisa. She lives every day to help others, despite her own challenges. Life with our mom, Sue, was often difficult but remembering her legacy of service matters and I can see Sue’s positive traits in Lisa. A lovely example? Lisa was recognized this week at an event celebrating the volunteers
I can’t keep track of how many times the talented Elizabeth Wickham has pointed me to a terrific writing resource. She did so recently when she mentioned, “Writing Down the Bones” by Natalie Goldberg, first published in 1986. I dunno why, but it sat around, unread. I can be pretty shallow when it comes to
I’m lucky and I know it. Good news came in threes for me last week. A trifecta of “full circle moments” and I’m still absorbing the gratitude. First – The latest “Surviving Sue” event at the Wauconda Public Library was lovely. The topic was one of my favorites – Navigating Elder Care with Humor &
I love a fresh review of “Surviving Sue”. A reader sent me a note last week and I’m still thinking about her thoughtful feedback. I think that’s what I love most about writing – learning what stands out to readers. Such a gift! Here’s the observation from Kaley: “Even though there were women who disappointed
I love my sister, Lisa, but there are days when time traveling with her can be tricky. Given her intellectual disabilities and the challenges of aging, I’m growing less certain about her accurate recall of family events and incidents. I’m noticing that she has a way of ‘patchwork-quilting‘ moments together – retrieving memories from the
One of my not-so-secret secrets about literally surviving Sue? Finding every resource I could – friends, family, new acquaintances – who had input and insight to share. Even better? Finding whole-hearted folks who understood the power of humor to keep me aloft. Of all the workshops I offer, “Navigating Elder Care with Humor & Grace”
I’m delighted to share news about upcoming “Surviving Sue” events. Next week I have the pleasure of visiting with a book club to talk about the mental health and resiliency themes in “Surviving Sue“. Then I get to hang out with retirees at a luncheon gathering – sharing lessons learned about the common bonds of
Do you know Lori Pohlman? The writer behind the enchanting blog, Lake Arrowhead Lady Writer? Lori wrote a generous review of “Surviving Sue” on March 8 and I must admit, in the not-quite two years since I shared my story with the world, I continue to be thrilled and delighted every time a reader has
Surviving Sue captured and held my attention from the first page to the last. It is reminiscent of Angela’s Ashes and The Glass Castle, both engaging stories of overcoming told with humor, grace, wisdom, and forgiveness. Sue’s story is an exceptionally heart-rending and well-written tale of one woman’s journey through life as the daughter of a seriously dysfunctional mother and the sister of a developmentally disabled older sibling. It offers a powerful and enlightening beacon of hope to others who have experienced relatable life circumstances. Perhaps one day the author will write a book telling how she survived a life of trials and tribulations with her own sanity and sense of humor intact. This book gets a five-star rating from this reader.
Julia Preston
Author: Voices: Who’s in Charge of the Committee in my Head?
Wow. Humbled. Honored. I can’t wait to send this off to my publisher, Julia. Your heartfelt endorsement means more to me than I can put into words. I’m grateful for your friendship and support.
❤️❤️❤️
Surviving Sue is a compelling book that you will not be able to put down. Vicki takes you through the adventures/misadventures with her mother, Sue, her father, Sonny and sister, Lisa, sometimes funny sometimes painful. Reliving her experiences with Sue and the 12+ moves the family had and skillfully describing the family so that you feel like you know them and are present as a bystander.
Knowing Vicki through work and becoming her friend from my first day at the college, I was privy to Sue’s later life and the effect it had on Vicki and saw her persevere. I wondered why she called her mother by Sue and not Mom, read the book and you will understand why.
I read your book last week and it invoked a world of emotions for me. Your writing was brilliant.
Your experiences shocked and saddened me but your survival story was uplifting (I loved the Sue or Lucy episodes). The personal strength both you and Lisa found over the years was amazing. I’m so happy Lisa had you and that you had Paul and Delaney and a support system.
I have come across many adults our age who also grew up in a dysfunctional home as we did. I hope your story resonates with many of them. Good luck at your book launch and I can’t wait to read your next book!
Family relationships can be complex in any family, but Vicki’s experience is exceptional. From page 1 straight to the end, Vicki’s storytelling is riveting and impactful. The book is a quick read because it’s hard to put down. I went through so many emotions reading Surviving Sue that it’s difficult to characterize it as any “one thing”. Perhaps the best word is – powerful.
As someone who has experienced generational trauma I believed, when I picked up the book and started reading, that I might have an understanding of what this story was about to reveal. I was so very wrong. Vicki shares a thorough backstory that brings a wealth of insight into how young Sue became the adult Sue who intentionally and willfully set out to control, demean and yes even jeopardize the physical and emotional lives of her two daughters. The details shared in Sue’s story are rich with nuance, the story at times full of laughter, yet flipping the page there comes wrenching heartbreak and horror. I found myself using the word “surreal” over and over as I moved through each chapter, dumbfounded at what Sue would attempt next in her ultimate bid for control. Through sheer will, and a bond of pure love, both Vicki and Lisa found a way to overcome the force that was Sue with increasing resilience. Even now, 8 years after Sue’s death, I believe she is still very much a presence in the lives of Vicki and her sister. They continue to move forward though with a firm and positive approach as they guide each other still, down the path of Surviving Sue.
Deb Tecca
Contributing Writer, The Heart of The Matter Blog
Thank you seems so insufficient, Deb. Your thoughtful review and ability to connect with the deep undercurrents in Sue’s story…my story about my life with her and the overarching need to protect Lisa is a gift I’ll treasure forever. I feel seen and heard and I’m grateful to you for your willingness to read despite the heaviness of all that was unpacked. Thank you…thank you. 💗
I couldn’t put “Surviving Sue” down. I found the story to be surreal at times, both the tension that followed Sue at every turn and her hurtful comments. Despite it all, I also couldn’t help but laugh at the craziness of some of the stories along the way. My biggest takeaway was the powerful way that Vicki persevered; attempted to keep family harmony, fought to see the positive; and advocated for and supported her sister. Vicki’s writing is strong and uplifting. Her writing is on par with some of the most touching memoirs in recent memory. You experience the journey firsthand and you feel what she’s feeling. There are so many moments where you want to look away, but can’t. I’m amazed though that from this craziness, comes such optimism and positivity. I took away much from the story that has helped me process my own experiences and I know that others will too. I can’t recommend Surviving Sue enough. It’s an amazing read!
Victoria Ponders 
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