BOOK REVIEW: “IN OUR HOUSE” BY MARALA SCOTT
GLEAM MAGAZINE EXCLUSIVE: This is the first of the many book reviews to come. Gleam Magazine was fortunate enough to bring you an exclusive in depth interview with Author Marala Scott and co-author Tre Parker of the highly anticipated memoir In our house.
In our house far surpasses the quintessential descriptive words commonly used to review a memoir. Nonetheless, Marala Scott has blazed a trail of her own by quickly establishing an extreme following of people who are ready to experience something real. By contrasting perception vs. reality, and confronting abuse, neglect and emotional distress Marala takes you on a journey through her childhood eyes, which witnessed abuse in every form, along with witnessing the effects of a demonically possessed parent. “For starters this is indeed and extremely emotional book, but there are a series of emotions you’ll feel when you read this book, you will laugh and cry” Marala says.
“I came from a very affluent African American family, and to people from the outside looking in would think that at home everything was fine, but in reality there were some horrific problems behind our walls.” says Marala. Traditionally, memoirs usually deal with public matters, rather than personal, and contain little or no information about the writer, and are almost entirely concerned with other people. Recognizing how important it was to get a story like this out to the world to read; Marala pushed her inhibitions to the side and pulls readers into her world through her eyes as a child experiencing things that a child should never see, but sadly many children live on a daily basis.
“The memories that I have of the terrible events that took place in my home growing up are to this day very vivid, there were times when I literally would type with my eyes shut” says Marala. “It was streams of consciousness’ coming out –my emotions were so high, but writing and getting it all out was very therapeutic for me.” she states “Think about the girl that is being abused but keeps a smile on her face everyday at school to hide behind, or the married couples driving expensive cars and live lavish lifestyles, but can’t afford to pay their mortgage. The perception vs. reality issue is that we allow people to see only what we want them to see.” Marala states.
“We need to stop hiding behind what we want people to see, and learn how to confront these kinds of family issues, but you can never address it if u don’t acknowledge it.” Quickly establishing a core audience before the book is released, Marala has a strong team and support system behind her including her husband Tre’ Parker who is also the co-author of the memoir. “My Husband kept suggesting that I do the memoir; he had experienced a few similar things that I’d experienced in his family when he was growing up so he understood the significance of getting a story like this published. Marala combines a gripping personal story with practical ways to deal with the aftermath of a troubling childhood and shows readers of all ages and backgrounds how to transform the demons of self-doubt and stagnation into positive, winning energy.
One suitable descriptive word to embody the premise of the memoir would have to be “gripping” in Marala’s opinion “There were times when I had to put the book down and take a breather and come back to it because there were chapters that I just had to get out.” Marala explains. You really don’t see me but you feel me, by the fourth chapter something major happens and that’s when the horror begins, I’ve had people who’ve said that they can’t read it at night, or have to stop and read their bible afterward.” In our house is 367 pages of life impacting material, serving as a definite a page-turner it’s just something that you’ve never experienced. The excitement behind the book has caused a major buzz within the internet blog community as well. You can read reviews on Essence Magazine’s blog, The Tyra show, and even watch a Youtube webcast.
“I think this story shows the power of God, tragedy is tragedy and abuse has no age, race or religion; it can happen to anyone.” Explains Marala. One thing that Marala has noticed is that a number of African American families don’t like to get counseling for family problems. “I believe once someone reads my story, if they have witnessed or experienced abuse but never dealt with it; they will finally be able to work towards dealing with the effects it may have caused them. Even with the extreme amount of excitement surrounding the memoir, Marala and Tre’s eyes sand hearts are set on using the book as a catalyst to touch as many lives as they can through this story. “We plan on starting a foundation dealing with raising awareness about in home abuse. Our vision for this memoir is for people to begin to look at the big picture, and to realize that God has the ultimate power.” We want people to challenge themselves to examine their own lives, and once they’ve established what’s important to them to reach toward the greatness that God has for them.”
CLICK BELOW FOR OFFICIAL WEBSITE & MYSPACE SITE
This article is really touching. I will read this book. People don’t like to talk about the truth but we need to address it. We need to find a way to talk about painful topics so we can deal with them. I commend you on breaking this inspirational story. The website gives good information about the book. Thanks for revealing this memoir to the world. Beautifully written.
In Our House is an extremely compelling book! There were chapters that made me laugh, cry, and terrified of what was going to happen. It is unfortunate that no one heard this family’s cries in the time of need because this could have been prevented. Even in present day, people put on a happy face, hide behind their mask, and make it seem as if their lives are perfect. However, no one understands what may be going on in their home. I definitely hope that other families learn from this memoir and speak up because their lives depend on it. This book is excellent and a must-read. I highly suggest that people read this book.
Every time I go to pick the memoir up I do not want to put it down and I cannot stop reading. It is hard to type because I have it in my hands right now. Lol. You know when you have your favorite movie on DVD and you skip and replay scenes over and over again? In Our House is my favorite memoir (DVD) of all time. I flip through pages like skipping through scenes. I read a little then skip a couple pages and chapter, then go back and read it again and every time I read it my heart opens up more for Marala Scott. This memoir should be placed in every household. Powerful!
The words that she uses are so powerful. Words that not only instill humbleness in the arrogant, educate the misinformed, leave the ungrateful with a better sense of appreciation and bestows compassion upon those who are cold-hearted, but these words provide each of us with the gift of hope; hope that there is indeed a calm after the storm. We all have storms in our lives that at one time or another seem to be overtaking our being and posing threats to our very existence. Marala exposed the horrific reality of the evil forces causing her storms. She did not allow it to manifest within her soul. This is a masterpiece! Be blessed
I’ve had the oppurtunity to read this memoir by Marala Scott. It is a very powerful book. I hope that it hits the world sooner rather than later. It will be the most inspirational book that anyone has ever read. I can’t consider myself and avid reader, but this book has most definitely given me a passion for reading. I read it from the front to back cover within 2 days and enjoyed it beyond belief. The content of this book evoked every emotion within me and I guarantee that whoever choses to read it, will experience the same! I urge everyone to get a copy of this book. Great article by the way!
-Brad Newsome
Nice article especially given that this is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Stories like this need to be heard. I will be buying a copy. I’ve heard a lot about it but now I really want to read it. It’s nice to see a man supporting a book such as this. I’ll comment back after I finish In Our House. Thank you for the information.
Aire
Very nice! Great information for Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Kudos
Wonderful article! Thank you Charmain and Gleam!
I just finished reading In Our House by Marala Scott/Tre Parker and all I have to say is that this is one of the most prolific books I have ever read. It is compelling to see a magazine cover this story the way you did. The book is simply shocking, although I did find myself laughing at Collin Jr.’s character (not the father). This is a book that everyone should read. It is a blessing to have material like this that can help people look at others while they look in the mirror. I didn’t know it was Domestic Violence Month but perfect timing to provide stregnth to everyone, including me. It took a tremendous amount of courage for this stroy to be told. Congrats.
Your interview was very compelling, This book will bring attention to a serious problem that is pervasive at various levels in our society. Ms. Scott’s candor in sharing her families experience with domestic violence, should encourage people to come forward, tell their story and get help!
Gleam, thank you for such an insipirational article. I’ve already read this book and hope that it becomes a bestseller. The story is horrible but so is abuse. The twist blew me away because I’ve never heard of anything so honest and frightening. I have to say that I loved the bible versus. People, read this book! I understand the actor Tyrese Gibson is blowing it up everywhere. That is the kind of push it needs. If he can do it, we need to as well. The message is solid and something we should care about. The writing style is refreshingly different, and impressive. The authors should speak publicly about this book. I initially heard about the book on facebook and now it’s everywhere. Let’s keep this powerful message going. God Bless
The characters were so real they will make you emotional on all levels. Stan and the little boy Colin are my favorites.
A very compelling interview. The book brings attention to a serious problem that is pervasive at various levels in our society. The authors’ candor in sharing her families experience with domestic violence, should encourage people to come forward and tell their story.
Great insight into the authors viewpoints on this amazing book. It is a must read. I could not put the book down and recommend it to everyone. You’ll be touched once you read it.
It’s good to see a male celebrity supporting a topic like this that hits home for so many people. His plea is heartfelt. Good article about abuse.Congrats to Tyrese for stepping up! Let’s see more…
Got it! Read it! Loved it! Cried! Laughed! I want to read the next one! SHOCKING!!!!!
***** Five Stars. Excellent article about something we all can relate to. Please write more articles like this. I finished this book today because I felt compelled to read it due to all the publicity surrounding it. Thank you for featuring these incredible new authors. The memoir was extremely emotional but real! I will surely be telling everyone I know to read this book! Loved the kids… they make you laugh and cry even harder. Bless Alley’s heart for what she did as a mother. Wrong choice but I wonder if we were that desperate, could any of us have made that choice. Stay blessed.
P.S.- Remarkable to see a man supporting a book this powerful. Hopefully it will get all the support it needs to become a best seller. We need this in our schools!!! Hi Tyrese;-)