Reviews
A
traumatic childhood in a dysfunctional family, a dismal
existence in an abusive marriage and the hopelessness of
self-destructive behavior all pointed to a meaningless and
miserable existence for Anna Manning. Despite all that held her
down, Manning summoned the courage, determination and
perseverance to turn her life around. THE LEROY TREE is an
inspirational story about the power of hope and human will. As
her despair turns to victory, your faith in the resilience of
the human spirit will be reborn.
........Diane
Fanning,
Author of MOMMY’S LITTLE GIRL and ten other true crime books and
five mystery novels
When I
was asked to review Anna Manning’s The Leroy Tree, I was
somewhat reluctant because the topic wasn’t one I would
generally select. Someone with a somewhat dysfunctional family
life, who was raped when they were 12 years old, pregnant at 13
and married by 14, did not sound like leisure reading. Once I
committed to reading and reviewing the book, I was astonished at
how quickly I became immersed in her life—it was sad and heart
breaking to think of a young child experiencing this with no one
to turn to and yet somehow through her self-determination she
survived and continues to. Her memoirs lead you through her
difficult life and the lessons she learned, and demonstrate it
is possible to turn a horrific childhood into a productive
life. She illustrates that with each difficulty and setback she
overcame, she also learned a lesson that made her stronger.
For someone facing similar troubles, her book is an
encouragement that a better life is possible no matter what the
obstacles.
……..Karen Sigler, Librarian, Texas State University San Marcos.
While
not her complete story, Ms. Manning has in this volume begun
what may prove to be another valuable addition to the canon
exemplified by I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and
Bastard Out of Carolina. If this canon of abused
American girls is feminist in nature and continually expanding,
that may be because the problem it depicts stubbornly resists
solution.
Ms.
Manning offers a portrait of a girl abused first by her parents,
second by a man, and as in the books cited, by a society that
resolutely resists critical examination of both the deeper
causes of this abuse and their possible cures. Unlike countless
other girls, Ms. Manning saved herself. Her determination to do
so, and those worthy souls who helped her, rightly excite a
reader’s admiration. That admiration, however, leads inexorably
to the question: why did she have to? Ms. Manning deserves
credit for prompting a reader to ask—and then imagine
facing—that question.
.......Amy K. Eoff, Librarian Assistant II, Texas State
University San Marcos
The Leroy Tree was
captivating and sad at times, knowing that someone so young had
to deal with such inappropriate & negative adult behavior. It
made me realize the importance of showing kindness to others
regardless of their situation or behavior because you never know
how it will help make a positive difference later. The author’s
life story is a reminder that we can rise above our
circumstances.
........Etta Moore, CEO Girl Scouts of Central Texas
A
heartbreaking but ultimately triumphant story, as bravely told
as it was lived.
........Jay Brandon,
author of DEADBOLT and fourteen other legal suspense thrillers
I
confess I was reluctant to read this memoir, as I wasn't sure I
was brave enough to broach a true story about the rape of a
twelve-year-old girl. As I began reading the first chapter, Ms.
Manning's flawless writing pulled me right in, but it was little
Anna's fierce determination that kept me turning the pages.
Pre-adolescence is a confusing time for any kid, but especially
one deprived of affection and parental guidance. In this
convincing portrait of a dysfunctional family, Anna and her
brother are pretty much on their own. When Anna is forced into
sex by an older boy, she has to resort to romance magazines to
understand what his abuse means. And with the heartbreaking
innocence of a child, Anna interprets an act of rape as a
display of love. Thus, "Leroy loves me," becomes her line of
defense when she is faced with the disgrace of getting pregnant.
I became immersed in the story of this young girl dealing with a
dilemma far beyond her realm of experience, and impressed at her
efforts at self-discipline in the midst of impoverished living
conditions with the unpredictable father of her baby boy.
Refusing to stay trapped, Anna exemplifies a strong character
who has to make tough choices and painful sacrifices to overcome
adversity. Even more impressive is Ms. Manning's honesty as she
depicts her young self with neither blame nor excuses.
After reading "The Leroy Tree," what has stayed with me is not
just the story of Anna, but the broader issue she portrays. With
this well-written book, Anna Manning opens the dialogue about
social stigmas -- what one girl endured forty years ago, and
what too many girls still suffer today.
Spoiler alert: I recommend this thought-provoking memoir to all
readers who like a tragedy to have a happy ending.
.........Sharon Nobilio, author of Backwards: A Childhood Memoir
This
eye-opening memoir shows the coming-to-age of an abused girl,
who eventually reaches deep within and finds the courage to
change her life. Ms. Manning's remembrance of details and
wonderful imagery capture the reader from the first chapter.
From then on, we agonize with and root for Anna. The author
writes without self-pity and seasons it with a sense of humor
that provides relief for a dark tale. Good read for at-risk
youth and abuse victims as well as the general reader.
.......Rebecca Velez, author of SUCH A TIME AS THIS
This was
a powerful read from start to finish. Each chapter leaves you
wanting more. This is a true story of a 12 year old girl who
finds herself pregnant, marries her rapist, and then descends to
the lowest levels of living. Complete with cockroaches crawling
over her son's face to having to steal food to feed her baby.
This is an inspiring book that all young people should read to
see how perseverance and the strength of her spirit kept Anna
from becoming a homeless drug addict or a juvenile delinquent.
Anna had two ways she could have gone, down or up. She managed
to survive with little or no help from her parents and refused
to look for excuses. Rather she looked for ways to accomplish
what she wanted. She had to give up her son and decided to join
the Navy. She realized this would be a good way for her to get
her son back. Along the way she meets people who either helped
her or dragged her down. Each contributed something to Anna's
strength of will.
If your child has low self esteem, is pregnant, has a poor
choice of friends, struggles with drugs and alcohol, then this
book is a must read. They will see that Anna has been there too
and she manages to survive and make a better life for herself
and her son. What an inspiring tale of survival!
The writing is concise and captivating. Each chapter ends with a
teaser of what is to come. I found it hard to put down. Anna's
life will be told in 3 books, this is the first. Be sure to get
this book and then tell your friends. Even if you haven't been
down this road like Anna, you will still find this a fascinating
book. You will be amazed at what she went through and how she
rises above it all to better herself.
The author should go on the talk show circuit to schools and
youth groups. She can tell her story and inspire young ones to
learn from her life. I highly recommend this book to anyone of
all ages.
.......Mary Hulett, The Skin Whisperer
This
memoir is not an easy read although it is honest and well
written. But it is a compelling read and one that everyone who
parents, teaches, or in any way interacts with today's youth
should read! I love the author's direct style and honest look at
her actions and their consequences. I would give this work 5
stars for quality of writing, but I can't say I loved the
subject. It is tough to read about abuse in any form but it is
great to read how this young woman fought her way up and out of
an unhealthy, unhappy life situation.
........Donna H
This is an inspiring and motivating story that once you start
reading it, you won't want to put the book down. It is the story
of a woman who has surmounted incredible obstacles from her
childhood on (including pregnancy at age 13) and how she
overcame the challenges in her life. It will speak to teenagers
as well as adults that, even with huge challenges, you can
succeed.
Mary B.
Wow! I know I should search Webster's thesaurus for a better
word but "wow" is a perfect way to describe how you feel while
reading and after finishing the book. I wish I could get my
hands on The Education of Anna and The Surrender! I am much
looking forward to reading more of the story.
Anna Manning deserves nothing but praise for sharing her story.
I'm sure writing them and exploring those feelings again was
hurtful but quite a learning process also.
The Leroy Tree was VERY well written, it was engaging and
definitely one that you cannot put down.
Jennifer Earles
My wife gave me the book because I love reading novels. I had no
idea about the contents of this memoir, but she had heard about
Anna Manning's life, and assured me I would really like it. I
was not disappointed. I had a hard time putting it down because
it was so interesting. I usually take a week to read a kook and
I finished this one in 2 days. The book is well written,
captures your interest and leaves you wanting to read more. I am
looking forward to her next book. As an avid reader, I rank this
one as excellent
Richard Oliver
OMG. What a strong story.
If you like powerful, real life tales that go from nowhere to
the bottom to the middle to the bottom to the top to..., this is
a must read.
I will warn you, if you start reading, you're probably stuck
until the finish.
Buy it.
Bob Brevard
