K1nS Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 Is anyone else a fan of these type of books? I quite like reading them, im reading 'No one listened' by Isobel and Alex Kerr at the moment which is about two children who get mentally abused by their father, their father kills their mother and how they cope Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raven Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 I prefer the classification "Misery Memoirs", it seems to sum up the genre a little more accurately to me - and be warned, they may not be all they are cracked up to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 I just looked up this book at Amazon because I don't know it and I wasn't sure what you mean with Tragic Life Stories or Misery Memoirs. From the synopsis at Amazon I still didn't get that these are supposed to be real biographical literature but Wiki helped a bit. But I haven't read anything of this genre yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K1nS Posted January 3, 2009 Author Share Posted January 3, 2009 I just looked up this book at Amazon because I don't know it and I wasn't sure what you mean with Tragic Life Stories or Misery Memoirs. From the synopsis at Amazon I still didn't get that these are supposed to be real biographical literature but Wiki helped a bit.But I haven't read anything of this genre yet. Hiya phoenix, tragic life stories are normally either based or actual real stories about people who have been abused physically or mentally by people, its their story of how they got on with their life through and after this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raven Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 At their most basic level they are supposed to be inspirational stories about how the author has overcome the odds to live a normal life. As K1nS says, a lot of them seem to revolve around some kind of abuse, but they can also be about illness and loss as well. As the piece I linked to above says, the market for this type of book has grown hugely in the last few years, and most of this seems to be down to the large supermarket chains selling these books at knock-down prices. Personally, I find the genre a bit distasteful. If you are reading the books because you have had similar experiences and they are helping you to deal with it I can see they would be useful, but I don't understand why someone with no personal insight into the situation would find them interesting, it all seems a bit, err, voyeuristic? to me. Please don't take that personally K1nS, I Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K1nS Posted January 3, 2009 Author Share Posted January 3, 2009 (edited) At their most basic level they are supposed to be inspirational stories about how the author has overcome the odds to live a normal life. As K1nS says, a lot of them seem to revolve around some kind of abuse, but they can also be about illness and loss as well. As the piece I linked to above says, the market for this type of book has grown hugely in the last few years, and most of this seems to be down to the large supermarket chains selling these books at knock-down prices. Personally, I find the genre a bit distasteful. If you are reading the books because you have had similar experiences and they are helping you to deal with it I can see they would be useful, but I don't understand why someone with no personal insight into the situation would find them interesting, it all seems a bit, err, voyeuristic? to me. Please don't take that personally K1nS, I’m not having a go! If you - or others - can explain why you find reading this genre interesting I'd be interested to read what you have to say! I can totally see where your coming from Raven, I can't really say why I like to read these books. I haven't been through anything major like some of these stories but theres something about them that draws me in.. Some stories I have to put away and not bother with because they go into too much detail and can be very upsetting. I guess me reading tragic life story books is just the same as someone wanting to read horror books etc. its just what you enjoy to read Edited January 3, 2009 by K1nS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen1 Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 Raven you do make some excellent points. The only books that I've read that would fit into this category would be the ones by Dave Pelzer and it seems that since the success of those the market has exploded with similar books. It does seem in some respects like they're all jumping on the bandwagon, however because of the subject matter that probably isn't the best turn of phrase to use but I'm sure you know what I mean. I'm sure they are very therapeutic to write from the authors point of view or then again would they? I personally would have thought that writing about your experiences could be even more detrimental to you, but maybe not. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chimera Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 I'm sure they are very therapeutic to write from the authors point of view or then again would they? I personally would have thought that writing about your experiences could be even more detrimental to you, but maybe not. Talking about what you've gone through is meant to be therapeutic: you need to express yourself, say your piece as it where, to let it go. Though revealing it to the whole world seems a bit disturbing. As for the interest, I think it depends on the book really: some (few) can be very well written and have an interest in that they give insight into a theme/ issue. They can raise awareness about an ilness for example, or act as a testimony to a period (for ex WW2) or an institution (The Magdalene sisters to quote Rolands article - though if the account is false of course it's something else altogether). But when it's just someone reciting (and detailing) their personal life tragedies then yes it can become very voyeuristic and unhealthy. And unfortunately these are probably 9 out of 10 books in that genre. As for the invented ones... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nollaig Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 I read A Million Little Pieces by James Frey, thinking it was true until I was about halfway through. The dude overcomes drug and alcohol abuse, and then feels the need to big himself up? Still has issues methinks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Karen1 Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 I read A Million Little Pieces by James Frey, thinking it was true until I was about halfway through. Is that the one that was featured on Oprah? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chimera Posted January 3, 2009 Share Posted January 3, 2009 I read A Million Little Pieces by James Frey, thinking it was true until I was about halfway through. I read Surviving With Wolves by Misha Defonseca: the author's story about how she lived with wolves after her parents had been deported as jewish during WW2. I only learnt after buying it that the author had admitted everything was false (she had spent the war in belgium in a school and wasnt even jewish) as I had somehow missed the whole controversy. I still read it as I had it anyway and couldnt believe nobody had questioned it for so long. But mosty, I couldnt believe that a whole stock of it had still been on the front displays of the biggest french bookstore chain (the equivalent of waterstones) months after it had been proved to be utter lies. People will sell anything! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexiepiper Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 I like books like this, but I think it's because I was abused as a kid myself and so I have a strange attraction to these type of books, I try not to read them too often though, they just make me depressed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K1nS Posted January 5, 2009 Author Share Posted January 5, 2009 I like books like this, but I think it's because I was abused as a kid myself and so I have a strange attraction to these type of books, I try not to read them too often though, they just make me depressed! Im sorry to hear about that Lexie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lexiepiper Posted January 5, 2009 Share Posted January 5, 2009 Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K1nS Posted January 5, 2009 Author Share Posted January 5, 2009 Sorry to hear that Lexiepepper I read The Kevin one and the More Kevin but after that i stopped because it was upsetting me that things were going on and no one cared. I know it proplary still goes on but at least they people out there willing to help. Yeah thats the thing, when most of the stories in these books happened, there wasn't alot of help anyone could have so thats what makes it worse... it just shows how much things have changed now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KW Posted January 6, 2009 Share Posted January 6, 2009 A Child Called It The Cage the Animals at Night The Heart is Deceitful Above All Things A Piece of Cake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charmer Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 I have read tragic stories like (The boy called it ) which all thou well executied ,to painful to say I enjoyed it . I like horror to be fictitious not the real ugly world some poor soul has to live in . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charmer Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 I can totally see where your coming from Raven, I can't really say why I like to read these books. I haven't been through anything major like some of these stories but theres something about them that draws me in.. Some stories I have to put away and not bother with because they go into too much detail and can be very upsetting. I guess me reading tragic life story books is just the same as someone wanting to read horror books etc. its just what you enjoy to read I disagree with you on there being no difference in reading about true life horror stories ,than fictional horror .basic instincts tells you that one is real and the other is make believe . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoneyGirl Posted March 4, 2012 Share Posted March 4, 2012 Personally, I find the genre a bit distasteful. If you are reading the books because you have had similar experiences and they are helping you to deal with it I can see they would be useful, but I don't understand why someone with no personal insight into the situation would find them interesting, it all seems a bit, err, voyeuristic? to me. Please don't take that personally K1nS, I�m not having a go! I have to say that I am also of this mindset, and again, no offence to anyone who does read and enjoy this genre but I am seeing lots of them in charity shops lately, sometimes the title does not give away what the book might be about and I pick the book up, see what the synopsis is on the back then instantly put the book back on the shelf as I cannot say that I want to read about such horrific things.I especially cannot understand fictional stories on this level - I mean, a true life account might be something that gives the victim a way of expressing themselves and maybe helping them along their path to recovery (which would obviously be a good thing) - but for someone to write fiction on such a topic seems a bit....well....odd. On another note, I could not be bothered to read about an alcoholic or druggie either, but thats just my personal opinion. We're all different though and it would be a boring place if we all enjoyed the same thing - just adding my tuppence worth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Trainer Posted September 30, 2012 Share Posted September 30, 2012 Hello all, Forgive me if I am supposed to post my first post in another forum but I came across this discussion as a result of a google search. The reason for my search will become clear. I was wondering if I could give another view point on these types of stories. My situation may be a little different to the usual content of these types of books but I believe it falls into the same category as mine is a true life story. The search I put into google was this 'do people like to read true life stories' and that's when I eventually came across this topic. The reason for my search is because I have just finished writing a book about a situation that I am still currently facing. I won't mention the book because I don't want this to be seen as some kind of promotion. As I mentioned though, my situation may be slightly different the usual content of these types of books, the only thing I have in common is that I am a victim of sorts. In 2011 I was accused of sexually assaulting 3 young girls, 2 of which are my own daughters from a previous marriage. One year on and I have written my book, the reason I have written my book is because I can 100% prove my innocence yet the Police would not listen to me, the government would not listen to me, the CPS would not listen to me. Not only do I prove my innocence in the book I also prove that the Police and CPS willingly accepted perjured statements in order to have the charges stick against me. I show how the Social Services destroyed my 4 year old boy and how they are doing the same to my newborn son. I also clearly show why my accusers are lying and how their witness is lying (the statement the CPS and Police willingly accepted knowing this girl lied.) I don't just say what my accusers have said or what the witnesses have said or what I said in my interview, I actually show the statements, interviews, police reports all the lies (including a very large police lie in black and white). The book covers literally everything. The reason I have written this book is because this whole situation almost led me to suicide, not because of guilt and not even because I was accused of these things but because nobody with any power would listen to me. I even have screenshots in the book of letters I received from the Home Office and other MP's telling me that they cannot do anything for me and passing the buck in each letter. I had to write this book because I need people to listen, I've been told that in court I cannot even tell the whole truth because (and I was told this very thing) the law doesn't work that way! My book is my therapy, my book is me keeping my sanity and stopping me from doing something stupid because I am able to release all of this information in my head and put it onto paper to share with whomever will read it. In the book I tell the whole truth, I leave nothing out. So this is why I believe people write about their true life stories and personal situations because it is therapy. I thought about going to see a shrink but the problem with that is the words spoken just evaporate, in my opinion nothing is released, whereas in the written word you can release it and let it go because it's not lost like the spoken word. I don't know if that makes any sense to you and I know some will still have their own opinions of these types of stories but I just wanted to hopefully give another view point from the side of the author. Thanks Charlie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicola Booth Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 Not sure if these can be considered but both quite tragic! Agatha Christie and the eleven missing days - Jared Cade 'Charlotte' Bronte in love - Sarah Freeman Gave me a great insight on two of my favourite authors. I was surprised that I enjoyed these so much as I don't normally read non-fiction! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Weave Posted October 7, 2012 Share Posted October 7, 2012 I have read a few, I tend to read, feel bad and then don't read any then read one again. The last book I read on this subject was 'A Stolen Life' by Jaycee Lee Dugard, Click here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wordsgood Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 Maybe I'm just a freak then...'cause I like these kind of stories. Even when they leave me shocked, apalled and crying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie1 Posted February 16, 2013 Share Posted February 16, 2013 Hi Charlie Trainer, I quite agree with you, sometimes writing a book about ones experiences is the only way one can make the world sit up and listen, LIke you, I have written a book, and like you also I cannot mention it, but we can only hope that by publishing it we can make our voices heard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlie Trainer Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 Hi Charlie Trainer, I quite agree with you, sometimes writing a book about ones experiences is the only way one can make the world sit up and listen, LIke you, I have written a book, and like you also I cannot mention it, but we can only hope that by publishing it we can make our voices heard. Hello Charlie1 Thank you for your comments. Since posting here and writing my book I have been on trial and I was found Not Guilty on all counts against me, of which there were 4 counts by three different girls, as mentioned in my post above, 2 of which were my own daughters. The truth outed in court and they tripped over their lies, not only did they trip over but the officer in charge of my case tripped over his shambles of an investigation and lies! The CPS didn't know their own case because of the shoddy work of the Police, the teachers involved made no notes on the day of the original accusations, the social services 'shredded' their original notes and the whole thing was shockingly orchestrated to simply get a conviction and land me in jail. Because it is in the public interest that they see the Police and CPS doing their jobs and putting beasts away! The thing is, amongst real beasts are innocent, scared and almost helpless falsely accused men and women, some of which aren't as fortunate as I am and have the truth come out in court. I actually did my own investigation though, I made phone calls, took pictures, made diaries, screenshots of facebook and more and I presented my defence team with a picture, a history of how and why I was now sat in front of them. That's what won me my case, my hard work and investigation combined with the expertise and fight of my legal team. I show every detail in my book. However, here is the sad thing, nobody will take note or even listen. Don't get me wrong, people will read and they will have their opinion but nobody will listen. The reason being, too many people are asleep, they are happy to live in the belief system that we live in yet are shocked by what they read in newspapers and what they see on the news but then they just continue on with their lives because it doesn't affect them. Publishing my book for me is about just one thing, true justice, nothing more, nothing less. I don't even care about any money that the book may generate, money is just an illusion that we believe is backed by a tangible commodity, when in fact we are the tangible commodity behind money. Although I was found not guilty in court, I did not receive justice because justice begins when the Police become involved, they are supposed to be impartial, fair and act with integrity. However, they failed, all they wanted to do was to build a case to make sure I was put away. I then thought the CPS would see what the Police were trying to do, I thought they would see the statements with the blatant lies but no, they too allowed this to continue just so they could gain a conviction. This isn't me being bitter, this is me telling people that I prove this 100% for people to read and see with their own eyes in my book. The only time our voices will be heard is if people join together and stand up for what is right instead of letting this country/world fall to pieces. As this is a book forum I will make reference to a book, George Orwell 1984. It is spot on, we should listen. Our own children are turning against us, the proles are becoming poorer and living more squalid yet the 'party' members are living a life of luxury. In times of a so called 'recession' with a so called 'national debt' that we believe we are paying back through taxes and we fall for it, day in, day out. I'm sorry, I've lost all faith, as you may be able to tell, not just in the state of the country and world but also humanity. My book is my sanity, my book is the investigation I never received, my book is the justice I never received, my book is the end of a life I used to live. I've not been reborn, I've just awoken from a bovine hypnotic state, I've seen a different side to this 'society' we live in and I don't appreciate being treated like cattle on a farm. I hope your book is more than just words on paper, I hope your book is a window for people to look into in the hope that it will open their eyes to the corrupt system we live in. My apologies if I come across as uncaring, hostile or even bitter, that's really not my intention but I have chewed up and spat out by the 'justice' system. Not a thing will happen to those who falsely accused me, not a thing will happen to the Police officer who lied, covered up, failed in his duty. Not a thing will happen to the CPS who also lied, covered up, cast aside evidence in my defence and more. Not a thing will happen to the judge who stopped one witness from giving full evidence because he seen the blatant lie she told but let her continue on with evidence that may corroborate with what my accusers were saying, she tripped over herself though because they were lies. My point is, nothing will happen, I've been told to forget any thoughts of any thing happening. I'll finish on some quotes: "The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing" "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace" Take care, I wish you all the best. CT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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