A memoir
I kept all of our secrets, avoiding people and situations where I might have to explain his behavior; I just didn’t realize I had done it. I had completely isolated myself and allowed him to create my reality. The embarrassment and shame were too much, but somehow, those feelings went away easily if I didn’t acknowledge them out loud. They could be washed away as if he didn’t really mean it that way or that I was reading too much into things, as he often told me.
I Am Jess is my story about falling in love with a man I thought loved me, only to find out I’d been emotionally manipulated for years. It’s about realizing afterward that I’d been completely isolated from the truth, not knowing what it meant to be loved. Once the fog began to clear, I found happiness in myself and had a life I was proud to call my own.
Reviews:
"Readers who have been through similar situations and relationships will feel a lot of common ground and relate to her story. Regardless of personal experiences, readers will root for her... Book clubs/readers who want to relate or have a cathartic read will enjoy this memoir." Judge, 30th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards
"Her words cut deep and left the intended marks as I check in on my own friends and analyze my own relationships. I am grateful that Jess shared her story, her family, her loves, her abuses, and her struggles with readers. While we may not find each event relatable, as a woman, I felt connected to her struggles and empathetic to her fight, fears, and pain... “I Am Jess” is a powerful read, full of engaging stories, tying neatly together over the course of Jess’s life." Jill Rey for Reader Views (5/2022)
"(Jess) shared of tale with an honesty and sincerity that was compelling. It encourages you to have insight into your part in your own life. While I wish this was fiction and the author had not experienced the pain of her marriage, I believe it is a must read for everyone in relationships. The author evoked deep discussions with friends, discussion with family and lots of interspective thoughts.
Typically when I read, I can enjoy the tale and set the book aside and move on. Not the case with this one. My sister termed it best that I had a book hangover and I can't tell you how happy I am to have it." Goodreads user (7/2022)