Type of read: Lunchtime/Weekend Read.

What made me pick it up: The TN R.E.A.D.S challenge for June includes reading a memoir and "Group..." just stuck out to me.

Overall rating: Do you ever read a book, put it down after finishing the last page and just be like, 'damn.' That was 'Group:...' for me. I don't think this book made me a better person, helped me see my own flaws, or made me realize things I needed to work on within myself per se, but it did help me realize that I'm not alone. That sounds so cliche and dumb but at the end of the day, I saw a bit of myself in Tate and I really appreciated how she owned her feelings - even if she needed a push to own them every now and then. I feel like 'Group:...' gives us high-functioning, anxiety-ridden, self-destructive individuals that there is something on the other side for us. It might suck to get there, and you have to fully commit to getting there, but you can get there.

I do want to add, my enjoyment of 'Group:...' does not mean I support, condone, or would even participate in a similar type of treatment. It also doesn't mean that I think that Tate was/is warranted in her actions or that I think that this is a type of treatment or lifestyle (one that is completely open with zero secrets and allowing another entity or entities to have such control or influence over every aspect of your personal life) is truly feasible long term. Personally, ever since the whole 'A Million Little Pieces' debacle, I take all memoirs with a grain of salt and look at them less like real, true events and more like how one person interpreted the point in their life and how they want that interpretation to be presented to the world...keeping in mind that their goal is to publish and sell a book and make money of said book. All that said, I would still absolutely recommend 'Group:...'

Reader's Note: 'Group:...' contains graphic themes and descriptions of sex, disordered eating, and self-harm.