Ugly Girl, Sweet Nectar: based on a true story

by D. D. Kaye

Overview

Based on a true story. A thought-provoking and inspiring novel about the turbulent process of healing even the most unimaginable wounds from childhood abuse and those scars that resonate into adulthood.

After spending a lifetime of living a secluded life, Alessa journals her experiences as she embarks on a quest to live a more colorful life of "Shoulds" instead of "Should Nots". She courageously emerges from her hermit cave and re-enters the dating scene when a rude awakening unexpectedly detours her journey down a path of self-reflection to examine her character flaws, self-image issues, and what caused them.

Compelled to find answers, Alessa digs deep to unearth her past, and discovers a scathing childhood of abuse and trauma. At the same time, she is faced with the seemingly impossible duty of taking care of the abusers - her parents. Both suffer from rare and merciless diseases. With the help of her best friend, some random acquaintances, and a few auspicious fortune cookies, Alessa learns to heal herself, and finds the fortitude needed to forgive her parents so she can see them through their illnesses to the bitter end.

Entwining pain, strength, and humor, Ugly Girl, Sweet Nectar is an inspirational and intimate story about the power of survival, forgiveness, and resilience. It candidly explores the devastating effects of childhood trauma on the human spirit; how it shapes one's emotional life as an adult, and subconsciously affects every aspect of it - relationships, parenting, body image, and more. It speaks unflinching truth to the turbulent process of healing, and how the process can repair even the most unimaginable wounds.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781666290448
Publisher:	Barnes & Noble Press
Publication date:	12/24/2020
Pages:	288
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

What began as a ghost writing hobby catapulted into a professional writing career. D. D. Kaye's broad understanding of spiritual and cultural variations, and some unusual life experiences have formed a unique insight to human nature and the many belief systems that form our world. When she's not writing or doing artwork, D. D. Kaye is taking Zumba classes to burn off her unapologetic love for chocolate. She's active in volunteer work, and a native of Seattle, Washington where she raised her children.

Editorial Reviews

Highly emotional read! Our heroine Alessa journals her early lifetime experiences which gives us an insight into the hows and whys of her now introverted and almost secluded lifestyle. Alessa decides to get herself out there but finds it difficult to at first. I love the way this has been written - present time with the journal entries being written to give us a view of her past. I found it to be happy, sad, funny, infuriating and at other times disturbing. Very well written & beautiful.

Goodreads - Nicky Skene

I would recommend this to every woman. When I read the title of the book it caught my attention instantly. I played around in the beginning because I was scared to read it. The rawness of Alessa's words are intriguing. The trauma she faced in her life is hard to read because of how realistic it is. Her parents are disturbing if anything I can't believe they both played a part In so much pain in her and her sisters life but at the same time I feel like I was there with them.

Amazon - Fiya Goddess

A life-changing read. Ugly Girl Sweet Nectar provided some new and unique insights for healing and forgiving. I had experienced many of the same situations as Alessa like childhood trauma, self image issues. I strongly recommend this book to anyone who has been affected by physical and/or emotional trauma of any kind. As the book reminds us, we are products of our environment, but our environment doesn't have to define where we end up in the future.

Goodreads - Emma W

An Important and Empowering Story. Ugly Girl, Sweet Nectar is a brave book based on a true story that tackles childhood abuse and the resulting adult trauma like poor relationships, guilt, self-consciousness, and low self-esteem. Alessa is a sympathetic, genuine character. She doesn't sugarcoat her story: she wears her flaws on her sleeve and doesn't skimp on her life's details. But she also embodies love, hope, forgiveness, and self-healing which make it an important and empowering story

Amazon - Anne Greenawalt

A wonderful, thought-provoking read. I loved this book. There were plenty of "this could be me!" moments sprinkled throughout, as well as plenty of thought-provoking insights worthy of pondering. Although Alessa's life had many sad and even horrific events in it, her strength and resilience were amazing and inspiring. A wonderful read, especially for women entering the second half of their lives who are ready to let go of the "should nots' and embrace the "shoulds".

Amazon