Title: Death to Life: Memoirs of Wendy Adams
Author: Wendy Adams
Publisher: Balboa Press
ISBN: 978-1-5043-0725-3
Pages: 246
Genre: Religion/Memoir
Reviewed by: CC Thomas

Read Book Review

In the introduction and acknowledgement of Wendy Adams’ Death to Life: Memoirs of Wendy Adams, the author insists that she was only a vessel for the word of the Holy Spirit in the writing of the book. Adams states that the true message of the book is not really a story of her life, but is instead a heavenly message that can be found within the pages. The first part of Adams’ memoir focuses on her very earliest family memories of the author. The reading depicts a normal, idyllic childhood in many ways, except for the rages of the father. The patriarch frequently goes on drinking binges and begins treating his daughter inappropriately, kissing and touching her. As his drinking consumes him, he becomes violent and the happy family dynamic is forever shattered.

Soon, Adams moves in with her grandmother. Adams life, however, does not improve. She develops peritonitis, a condition that will cause her much pain and grief throughout her life. When her parents have a more stable home environment, Adams reluctantly leaves her grandmother and the peace and safety she felt. As expected, her father is increasingly violent once again and the family dynamic starts to spiral out of control. School is no better for the young girl. Adams is constantly put down and starts to feel paranoid about the advances of others, whether boys or men. She is sure that each encounter with a stranger is a prelude to sexual assault and molestation. Soon, she drops out of school to work in a factory and begins to worry constantly about other intentions, thinking every encounter with a male will lead to kidnap and rape.

Marriage and having a baby does improve Adams’ life temporarily. Her daily routine is more stable and she can find distance from her dysfunctional family. However, after discovering her husband is having an affair, Adams becomes very depressed and destructive. Seeking professional help offers no relief as she feels the male doctors only respond with sexual advances.Adams’ life is a painful and heartbreaking read. The stories turn from depressing to brutal, with tales of animal and child neglect due to bad judgement. Even after leaving her marriage, Adams struggles with feelings of hopelessness, paranoia, and depression. As Adams grows into a more mature woman, she uses the lessons from her early life and becomes a strong, willful fighter. While she doesn’t let other people take advantage of her, she also keeps most people at a safe distance and lives a life of loneliness and sadness. Suddenly, all that changes when Adams attends a church service and a visiting minister lays hands on Adams. It was as if a light bulb turned on in her mind and her life instantly changes. As a result, Adams throws away her old life and bitter spirit and seeks a new life working for and living for Christ. She knows immediately a life in Christ is the life she was truly meant to lead.

Overall, Death to Life a tough read. Adams’descriptions are both heartbreaking and shocking and many are hard to get through. The lack of transitions in the book also makes for an often confusing and startling lead. However, plowing through Adams’ early life is worth it after the reader sees what awaits at the end. Those seeking a truly inspirational story of surviving tough times will find a hero in Adams and will understand Christ’s message throughout the story.