Neglect, Shame, And... | Raising Myself: A Memoir Of

A central focus is how early neglect and abuse created deep-seated shame, making her feel "unlovable and rotten inside".

Later chapters explore her professional success and her eventual ability to view her mother with compassion rather than just fear or anger. Professional Impact Raising Myself: A Memoir of Neglect, Shame, and...

described it as a "gut-wrenching, cleareyed coming-of-age memoir" with clean writing that serves the heavy subject matter. A central focus is how early neglect and

The book follows her through a "minefield" of childhood characters—including religious fanatics and child molesters—and her struggle to avoid falling into cycles of crime or self-destruction. Raising Myself: A Memoir of Neglect, Shame, and...

The memoir details Engel’s experience growing up with a neglectful and narcissistic mother, effectively being on her own from the age of four. Key themes include: