180 Degrees: Emerging from Childhood Darkness

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"When no one else would save her, she saved herself ..." From children's book author Danielle Saintard Valiente, known for her empowering Smunchkin Learns series, comes a raw memoir about overcoming a traumatic childhood. This debut for the adult market is described as "raw, courageous, and authentic." It tells the story of a young woman who escapes an abusive upbringing, emerging from emotional darkness into a life of safety and possibility. Discover how, with perseverance and hope, she left her toxic family, faced homelessness, and confronted deep-rooted emotional struggles, ultimately building a sense of purpose beyond mere survival. Danielle's adult life starkly contrasts her childhood; she now runs a thriving interior design business and enjoys a loving home and friendships. Yet, her past is marked by cruelty and trauma that will haunt readers, prompting reflection on family, love, and resilience. Travel back to her childhood in Leominster, Massachusetts, where she navigated a dysfunctional home with an abusive mother, an unpredictable father, a violent brother, and a manipulative sister. Despite the demands for silence, Danielle's spirit shone through as an overachiever and rebel. This memoir is for anyone who believes their worth surpasses their past and who has faced challenges while pursuing their dreams, fueled by the strength to keep trying.