Title: When to Run, Born Scared
Author: Stephanie King
Publisher: AuthorHouse
ISBN: 9781665506830
Genre: Biography
Pages: 368
Reviewed by: Lily Amanda
Pacific Book Review
When to Run, Born Scared is a stirring, emotional and gripping biography by Stephanie King. A testament to a courageous woman who chose to survive rather than getting beaten down by the cruelties of life and the inhumanity of those close to her.
Author Stephanie King begins by taking us back to the early life of the protagonist’s father and how his family lived during the pre and post-war period. Jean, the father, was a prejudiced man and repulsive as well and was disliked by the community. He later meets Edith, a warm and kindhearted woman, and they get married. Slowly, Jean began exhibiting his hidden characteristics of an abuser, manipulative, violent, and contemptuous.
After a miscarriage, which was a result of a physical confrontation by her husband, Edith gives birth to a daughter, Leanne, who inherits her father’s narcissistic and self- absorbed ways. Later, Edith gives birth to another daughter, Stephanie. Stephanie would grow up under cruel and extremely difficult conditions while at home. Her father was physically and mentally abusive in all manner of ways especially towards her, and her constant fights with her sister, Leanne, who loathed her, made things unbearable. This made her feel rejected and she became a total recluse. Her only solace was her mother, who was always afraid of her father and would never attempt to disobey his orders. This man would eventually take away her childhood and it affected her for years until she learned how to overcome it and survive.
This is a well-crafted story about a woman who triumphs despite many odds. The incidents in the plot are carefully arranged, in a way that the reader can slowly ease into. When to Run, Born Scared is an emotional read that focuses on the effects of childhood traumas on adults. The author carefully weaves into Stephanie’s childhood, giving the reader a chance to walk in her shoes, empathizing with most of the disappointments and heartaches she experiences in life. Stephanie King has used the main character’s experiences to discuss some deep and delicate issues that families and people go through and how they can shape lifestyle choices and personality.
The smooth and descriptive style draws the reader in immediately and provides a vivid look into Stephanie’s life. The writer skillfully navigates between revealing too little and avoiding giving macabre details; the reader is left with a moving and emotional experience rather than an upsetting one. The plot is extremely easy to follow and the pace is perfect.
There are mentions of suicide and abuse, which might trigger some readers. However, readers who want motivation to move on with life and create a new life for themselves and hope for a better day, despite an unfortunate past, will find this book apt.
In the end, Author Stephanie introduces us to the second edition, Among the Guilty, Under Attack, which is a continuation of Stephanie’s life. When to Run, Born Scared leaves the reader in anticipation to read the second edition. I highly recommend it!
