Reviews

By , January 27, 2023 11:27 am

The experiences we have during our formative years have a profound impact on our lives and shape us into the adults we become. For Patty Beecham, a unique childhood and being the youngest of five siblings led to a journey that was not always smooth but ultimately instilled in her a deep sense of reflection and appreciation for her unusual circumstances. In her emotionally-resonant memoir, Growing Up, Rocky, Beecham takes readers on a fascinating journey through her childhood as the daughter of a missionary family living in rural Australia.

From her father’s transition from missionary to priest to unexpected tragedies that shook her family, Beecham’s life was defined by tumultuous waves that shaped her character and relationships with her parents. Despite knowing her path in life, Beecham found herself yearning for more from an early age, driven by an unfulfilling educational experience.

Growing Up, Rocky offers a captivating glimpse into a time, place, and situation that most people will never experience. One theme that recurs throughout the book is the complex relationship between Patty and her mother, which is beautifully described in a relatable and human way. The book’s relatability is one thing that I truly enjoyed about this memoir as it showed how connected we all are despite our differences. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of Australia as well, from the cities to the family’s home and yard. The narrative reads more like a personal reflection than a cohesive story, but the constant internal struggle of self kept me engaged, hoping to see the little girl find her way.

Growing Up, Rocky exemplifies the idea that life is about the journey, not the destination, and is recommended for anyone who appreciates a unique perspective on life.

**

Only just finished….G U R ! Thank you, Patty, for a beautiful experience sharing your compelling and heartfelt memoir. Absolutely captivating! I looked forward to it every day. You drew a picture on every page.
**

I’ve just finished your book and wanted to pass on my congratulations. I found it, unsurprisingly, well written and compelling. Some of your descriptions are exceptionally inspired. The analogy of your family in a fairground ride after your brother’s death is particularly apt and beautifully horrific. As a third child myself I can certainly relate to your experience of disengaged parents, and I’m sure there are many of us out there the same. I’ve always said I was raised by my siblings rather than my parents (and they were not particularly kind in the way they went about it). You have an inner bravery to write about you life, and those around you, in such an honest fashion. I find myself wondering if I could do the same, and think the answer is probably No! Well done Patty and thank you for sharing your formative years with us.

**

‘Leaving no stone unturned ‘Growing up, Rocky’ is a candid yet endearing portrayal delivered by Patty, the youngest of 5 children, of a turbulent upbringing in a family torn apart by circumstances, and held together by love.
It is an incredible Queensland memoir. A story of love, loss and surviving the storm.’
**

I enjoyed the book very much. You did an awesome job writing it. I read the book in three days. I like to re-read books and I will read it more slowly this time. I’m up to Page 84 and you are ringing the bells.  I’m going back to St Barnabas now, lol.

**

I am luving your book and will need to get out some post it notes as I have discovered lots of diamonds in your content that I can relate to.

**

Finally finished reading your book. I read it in instalments as some of the stories made me quite emotional. You told your story of your unique upbringing with such honesty and so evocatively. The stories of your teenage years took me back to the time when I was also “growing up Rocky”. I loved every story. Thank you for sharing it all with us.

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I just wanted to say that I loved your book! It made me sad that we could never confide in each other as we both came from wired households , Anyway wishing you all the success in the world and can’t wait for the second book! Keep writing.

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Hi Patti, I just wanted to say thank you for your book launch and writing workshop that you conducted in Rockhampton last year. Even though I have been writing for many years, I lost my mojo for a couple of years in 2020-2022 (maybe COVID had something to do with it), but since I attended your workshop, I have been very productive and I’m now in the process of writing a book.

**

I found your book quite difficult to read, as I had to keep putting it down so that I could process what you went through.  I’m really enjoying it though, well done!

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Your book arrived today, it is such a beautiful book. I can’t wait to read it now.

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I have just started to read your book last night. We’re on a cruise ship and this is the first opportunity I have had to read your book and I’m loving it. Thank you.  I would like to say it is beautifully written and easy to read.

**

So good. You are the best writer. Cannot wait to read more.

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