Official Review: Our Time by Tammy Stamps

[OloladeO]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Our Time" by Tammy Stamps.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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In Our Time, Tammy Stamps shares a heart-wrenching Memoir about the psychological and traumatic effects of sexual abuse.

In 1960, Tammy was born into a family that was well-liked by others and perceived to be a close-knit family. Like most little girls, her father was her hero. She grew up to love and treasure moments spent with him until one inauspicious day when her innocence was stolen by him at the tender age of 6!

From that point, her life took a different turn. The girl who was so trusting became one filled with anger, fear, helplessness, and lack of confidence. There were days when her body would become too painful to live in that she contemplated suicide, fortunately, she was never successful.

Despite the abuse, she wore the mask of Normalcy. She wore it so well that her friends had no idea what was going on with her. She had a vibrant social life and even became Homecoming Queen. In College, she embedded herself into so many activities like Basketball, Flag Football, Choir, etc. It was her way of escaping from home as her father kept her on a short leash. He imbibed so much fear in her that she couldn’t move out of the house. She took the abuse 3 days a week till she was 43! How would the rest of the story unravel itself? You would have to pick up the book to find out!

Frankly, as I read this book, I was in constant disbelief as to why she put up with the abuse for that long. But I soon realized that psychological prison is the worst of them all. When someone has power over your mind, he or she has complete control over you! Tammy’s father was a Sociopath. He was 'inappropriate' with his 2 year old daughter in his previous marriage and also molested Tammy’s elder sister. He claimed he was an Army Ranger and fought in the Korean War, which she later discovered to be a lie!

As a parent, I felt sad that even her mother didn’t mind her from when she was a baby. When faced with the ugly truth about what had been happening to Tammy, her reaction was unbelievable! It is sad that it was her dog, Peaser that showed her what it is to be loved.

What I liked most about the book is its ability to inspire those going through similar circumstances and for them to realize they can break free. What I liked least was the book’s structure. It kept going back and forth. I understand that a lot of emotions must have been going through the author as she poured her experiences on paper, but I think there should be a smooth procession of the story.

The book seems professionally edited as I found few errors in it. Considering the structure of the book and the fact that I can’t rate it 3.5, I rate Our Time 3 out of 4 stars. I recommend this book for people going through similar circumstances as it will give them the strength to move on.

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Our Time
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Like christabel88's review? Post a comment saying so!

[Bianka Walter]

This must have been a very difficult book to write, and for you to review. I think you’ve done a wonderful job
I try to steer clear of books like this, the subject matter is just too heavy for me.

[Rosemary Khathibe]

It seems like a very painful story, having been raped at the age of 6 by her most trusted father until she was mature enough to be called a mother must have been a very heartbreaking experience. This is the reason I want to read this book, to see how she was able to endure the torment for so long. So painful. Thanks for the great review.

[Cecilia_L]

Due to the traumatic content, I'm sure this was a difficult book to read, but you did a great job reviewing it. My heart goes out to little girls who suffered abuse when they should have been protected. I hope that the author has since found healing from her pain. Thanks for your thought-provoking review.

[Alicia09]

I would be curious to read this to find out how she managed to get sexually abused well up to the age of 43. I understand that people psychologically manipulate each other, but it just seems highly unusual to hear of abuse continuing for this long. Since this is nonfiction I seriously hope that she healed from this. Perhaps writing the narrative could have been one step towards healing?

[Marissa Michael]

This is such a traumatic book and the author is such a strong woman to be able to put such a convincing normalcy mask. No matter how traumatic this book is to me, I would like to read more of this book to find out more. Good review!

[OloladeO]

This must have been a very difficult book to write, and for you to review. I think you’ve done a wonderful job
I try to steer clear of books like this, the subject matter is just too heavy for me.

You are right. It was difficult to read and it took a while for me to put the review together. I'm just glad about how it ended. Thanks for commenting.

[OloladeO]

This is such a traumatic book and the author is such a strong woman to be able to put such a convincing normalcy mask. No matter how traumatic this book is to me, I would like to read more of this book to find out more. Good review!

Indeed she is. Please go ahead to read it. Thanks for commenting.

[OloladeO]

It seems like a very painful story, having been raped at the age of 6 by her most trusted father until she was mature enough to be called a mother must have been a very heartbreaking experience. This is the reason I want to read this book, to see how she was able to endure the torment for so long. So painful. Thanks for the great review.

Very painful story. I still haven't gotten over it. Thanks for commenting.

[OloladeO]

Due to the traumatic content, I'm sure this was a difficult book to read, but you did a great job reviewing it. My heart goes out to little girls who suffered abuse when they should have been protected. I hope that the author has since found healing from her pain. Thanks for your thought-provoking review.

Thank you for your kind words.

[OloladeO]

I would be curious to read this to find out how she managed to get sexually abused well up to the age of 43. I understand that people psychologically manipulate each other, but it just seems highly unusual to hear of abuse continuing for this long. Since this is nonfiction I seriously hope that she healed from this. Perhaps writing the narrative could have been one step towards healing?

It is an unusual story. Thanks for commenting.

[Allyseria]

This sounds like a very heavy book. I'll have to pass on the book because I don't think I'll be able to read it without feeling very down. Thank you for your detailed review

[JR Mercier]

This sounds so tragic but also, as you said, inspirational to people suffering through similar experiences. I think as the years went by, shame became as much of a prison and the way her father treated her. Great review.

[Habiba GM]

A very deep story. It is truly a wonder how anyone can put up with abuse for so long, she must have been a survivor. Nice review, made me want to read it.

[content Ali]

Stamps' book tells a heartbreaking yet inspiring story. This review captures the deep struggles she faced and how her story can help others. Despite the structural issues, it seems like a powerful read. Thanks for sharing!