Raising Myself: A Memoir Of Neglect, Shame, And... May 2026

The memoir details Engel’s experience growing up with a neglectful and narcissistic mother, effectively being on her own from the age of four. Key themes include:

Engel recounts severe hardships, including physical and emotional neglect, being sexually abused at ages four and nine, and being raped at twelve. Raising Myself: A Memoir of Neglect, Shame, and...

described it as a "gut-wrenching, cleareyed coming-of-age memoir" with clean writing that serves the heavy subject matter. The memoir details Engel’s experience growing up with

A central focus is how early neglect and abuse created deep-seated shame, making her feel "unlovable and rotten inside". including physical and emotional neglect

and Amazon highlight the book's "brutal honesty" and its message of hope for fellow survivors.