Girl Power by Association
Perhaps the difficulty of the retelling resulted in a choppy blend of two major life events that Jennifer Asbenson experienced. Regardless, Asbenson displays heroic warrior qualities for what she endured and lived to tell about in The Girl in the Treehouse.
Asbenson’s memoir reminds me of A Child Called It and The Glass Castle with a little bit of Dateline thrown in for good measure. If you’ve been touched by trauma or the victim of abuse you’ve been warned. Also, if you’ve been kidnapped or raped, or know someone who has, tread lightly.
Bolstered by Asbenson’s strength and will to survive, I read the book in two sittings. I couldn’t help but trust her, cheer for her, and ache for her.
I wasn’t as triggered by this book as I had expected. The author shares her experiences from the safety of an actual treehouse, and I think that helps. She writes detachedly through forewarning and short chapters. She digs deep into the history of events where you’re sure to bleed and cry with her. Then, she sits you down and reminds you that you are a warrior and survivor too.
That’s the clencher. This book comes with a trigger warning, but Asbenson also reminds you of your worth and your value. She takes her girl power and sprinkles it like fairy dust.
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Article originally Published in the April / May 2021 Issue: Cover Stories.