Title: Secrets Are Out Now: How a Girl Overcomes the World
Author: Crystal Rivers
Publisher: Gold Touch Press
ISBN: 1982243090
Pages: 272
Genre: Memoir
Reviewed by: Nicole Olson
Hollywood Book Reviews
Crystal Rivers’ tell-all memoir Secrets Are Out Now – How a Girl Overcomes the World shares the gruesome story of her life of survival. All throughout her life, Crystal is met with hardship and disappointment. A talented singer, dancer and loving mother – she lays it all out on the table and tells her story.
Rivers’ story of survival starts even before she was born – her birth mother tried to abort her. She survived and though the nuns taking care of her thought she would not live past six months – she was adopted by a German couple and began thriving. Her adopted parents spoiled her with everything they could – though she was always craving affection and connection throughout her young life sometimes in the wrong places.
Rivers’ storytelling is detailed and raw. Her spirit shines through every page – she stays true to herself and her life and tells readers everything, exactly as it occurred. She has a familiar and friendly voice – reading her story made me feel like I gained a new friend. Her writing makes readers want to meet her in real life and listen to everything she has to say. I wish I could meet her and ask her where she gathered the strength for it all.
There are many memorable moments throughout the book which I think may haunt me forever – I could not imagine living through what this woman has. What is very clear, however, is that she will always remain true to herself, her Indian background and her children. She is a strong-willed mother who did everything she could for her children without losing herself in the process.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading about real people and their trials and successes through life. I think there is so much to learn from other people’s own experiences – that is why we spend so much time connecting on social media – even though it often appears as mindless scrolling. Rivers’ tale of strength and survival can bring inspiration and motivation to anyone – whether they consider their life hard or not.
I enjoyed reading this memoir, it opened my eyes to certain things within myself and my own life and it can do the same for you. Coming across a true-life account such as this is rare and being able to read it was a privilege. Crystal Rivers is someone I will think of often, and never forget.