Nowhere But Up Book Review
Have you ever looked at someone who lives in the public eye and thought about where they came from? It’s easy to see someone who has their hair done perfect, successful kids, a seemingly perfect life and forget that even that person had a beginning that might have been rocky. Nowhere but Up is the story of Justin Bieber’s mom and her rocky start in life. Much of this book is not a pretty story. There is sexual abuse, drugs, alcohol, neglect and trouble. But throughout the story, there is a thread of hope and God’s protective hand.
Nowhere But Up
I love reading biographies and autobiographies that give perspective to how people become the person they are today. The story of Pattie Mallette is a roller coaster that is honestly a bit depressing in the beginning. There are shining moments like when she was able enjoy church, drama and music. But there are many moments in her early life where I just wanted to fast forward and get through her pain.
In Nowhere but Up, Pattie Mallette shares for the first time in detail about the pain and abandonment she experienced as a child, the severe depression she wrestled with as a teen, the sexual abuse she suffered for years, the deep struggles she faced as a single mom, and the faith she’s learned to cling to through dark times. With raw honesty, she spills the truth about a lifetime of moments that were punctuated by pain yet permeated with grace—and the journey that’s brought her to where she is today.
You may know her only as Justin Bieber’s mom, but Pattie Mallette has an incredible life story of her own. Her story will inspire you to believe that everything broken can be made whole again, that there are no lost causes, and that even in the darkest of places, there is hope.
Nowhere but Up: The Story of Justin Bieber’s Mom does give hope and shining moments. As Pattie became a mom, began to discover who she was and find her stability in life, I found myself wanting to sit down with her and just let her shine with pride for her little boy who was discovering something so special in his music and sports.
This is an honest look at a troubled life, but a story worth reading. You can see so much strength and steel character in her life. This is one proud mom who loves her son and has found herself despite a rough start.
You can read an excerpt of the book here.
I received a copy of this book from Revell Books for the purpose of the review.