Life in its Rawest Form: A True Story of Perseverance & Triumph By: Qiana Hicks

Life in its Rawest Form:

A True Story of Perseverance and Triumph

By Qiana Hicks

     Upon receiving this book, I admired the beautiful cover. At first, I thought it was just a beautiful woman, until you look closer into the blouse that she is wearing and see. Within the blouse, you can see a lingering past dwelling up, and then you look at the smiling face again, and you can see where the end word on the title of this book, helped to make that smile shine.

     Then, I started reading this book, and could feel my throat knot up as I read. A little girl who had to deal with so much at such young age, striving to succeed, no matter what came her way. 

     Qiana and her siblings had drug addicted parents. So often, as a child, Qiana would try to stop her parents from getting high or even intoxicated, only to fail. With sadness to see her efforts lost, Qiana often wished she could just disappear into another reality, with better parents; and take her siblings with her. So many times, Qiana didn’t even understand why her and her siblings had to tolerate such neglect and abuse. There had to be another way, something better, or even a reason. 

     Finally, rescued at the age of fifteen, Qiana and her siblings are taken away from her parents and put into foster care, and group homes, and even shelters too. Alas, she thinks there is hope. But because of the frequent transitions from place to place, Qiana herself ends up pregnant. 

     Although this seemed like a step in the wrong direction, Qiana refused to deem it as such. She refused t turn out anything like her parents. She was going to be different, if it took everything she had.

     Qiana struggled, with her bruised ego, low self-esteem, and a child, and managed to strive toward the top. Wanting and looking for jobs, not a handout. She wanted to make something of herself, not ask for help, not depend on someone else to give it to her, or help her. She wanted to be the story for her own success. To Qiana, failure was not an option, and she was going to be the best person, and mother she could be. 

     Qiana shares with you, the reader, her story. She opens her heart, her hurt, and lets you the reader in. She wants you to see, that although you may have had a bad road behind you, that yes, you can make a difference, and a new start.

     Through Qiana’s own words, she wants to help you, the reader, see that you are a person, just as she was, and is, to this day; and that you matter. Her words are insightful, and truly eye opening. 

     This book is truly an amazing read, you need to read it. I was truly uplifted, and found a new vision through Qiana and her words. I think you will too! This is a five-star read, worth sharing with your family and friends!

Here are my questions for Qiana:

1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?

It took me a year and a half to write my fist book, the memior. I wrote a second, companion workbook, thereafter. I chose to write the book because I wanted to release a number of memories from my past that I had been harboring for some time. I also wanted to share my story with other disadvantaged youth, parents who battle addiction, family services professionals who work with families in crisis, centers or facilities that house disadvantaged youth due to their conditions at home, and people in general who may come in contact with these families. I wanted the youth and young adults of a disadvantaged upbringing to know that they are not alone. Although they grew up in unfortunate conditions and circumstances, that should not keep them for dreaming and hoping of a better, brighter future someday. Our environments or past experiences cannot break us or stop us from having better. Only we can ourselves. I also wanted to bring awareness to parents who battle addiction the trauma their behaviors have on their children and loved ones. I wanted to share with family service professionals, foster homes and group homes how they can help make a positive difference in the children our youth life as they reside with them.  

2. Do you have any photos to go along with this book to share with us? 

I did not include any photos in my book.

3. What inspires you to write?

Writing was a form of therapy for me. It brought clarity to some of the things from my past I struggled with. And writing allowed me to share things that I would normally be afraid to share with others, directly. Writing was always a peaceful experience for me.

4. What are you working on now?

Promoting and marketing my book, as well as looking for opportunities to perform speaking engagements and provide mentoring and advocacy to youth and young adults of similar backgrounds.

5. What are your hobbies?

Since I've started writing, I haven't had many hobbies outside of it. 

6. What is your favorite book of all time?

Coming of Age in Mississippi by Anne Moody.

7. Did writing this book help you realize or achieve any goals?

It did. I set out to gain understanding and clarity for some of the things that occurred in my past that I never understood beforehand.

8. Has your book helped others?

My book was just recently published, so it is too early to see the difference it makes with others.

9. Please share with us your social media and book links:

This is a work in progress. So far, the only social media platform I have is Instagram (words_inspire). Others are soon to come.

Life in Its Rawest Form: A True Story of Perseverance and Triumph by Qiana S Hicks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Upon receiving this book, I admired the beautiful cover. At first, I thought it was just a beautiful woman, until you look closer into the blouse that she is wearing and see. Within the blouse, you can see a lingering past dwelling up, and then you look at the smiling face again, and you can see where the end word on the title of this book, helped to make that smile shine.

Then, I started reading this book, and could feel my throat knot up as I read. A little girl who had to deal with so much at such young age, striving to succeed, no matter what came her way.

Qiana and her siblings had drug addicted parents. So often, as a child, Qiana would try to stop her parents from getting high or even intoxicated, only to fail. With sadness to see her efforts lost, Qiana often wished she could just disappear into another reality, with better parents; and take her siblings with her. So many times, Qiana didn’t even understand why her and her siblings had to tolerate such neglect and abuse. There had to be another way, something better, or even a reason.

Finally, rescued at the age of fifteen, Qiana and her siblings are taken away from her parents and put into foster care, and group homes, and even shelters too. Alas, she thinks there is hope. But because of the frequent transitions from place to place, Qiana herself ends up pregnant.

Although this seemed like a step in the wrong direction, Qiana refused to deem it as such. She refused t turn out anything like her parents. She was going to be different, if it took everything she had.

Qiana struggled, with her bruised ego, low self-esteem, and a child, and managed to strive toward the top. Wanting and looking for jobs, not a handout. She wanted to make something of herself, not ask for help, not depend on someone else to give it to her, or help her. She wanted to be the story for her own success. To Qiana, failure was not an option, and she was going to be the best person, and mother she could be.

Qiana shares with you, the reader, her story. She opens her heart, her hurt, and lets you the reader in. She wants you to see, that although you may have had a bad road behind you, that yes, you can make a difference, and a new start. Through Qiana’s own words, she wants to help you, the reader, see that you are a person, just as she was, and is, to this day; and that you matter. Her words are insightful, and truly eye opening.

This book is truly an amazing read, you need to read it. I was truly uplifted, and found a new vision through Qiana and her words. I think you will too! This is a five-star read, worth sharing with your family and friends!


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Psychotic Imprisonment By: Maryya Dean Rajkumar

Psychotic Imprisonment

By Maryya Dean Rajkumar

Looking at the title of this book, you know there is something in store for you that is going to let you see into someone else's life. The title alone leaves you to wonder if there will be a way out, after you open the cover, and begin reading. But wait, the cover then gets your attention. Divided in half, darkness and beauty, colors and nightfall. A scared little girl covering her ears in a field of sunflowers, and in the dirt path you see words such as: hurt, demons and angry. Now we know we within this book, we are in store for a story of something that someone went through, that they have decided to open up their heart, their world, and their lives to share with us. 

Within this book, I could feel everything, even as a little girl that Maryya went through. I would cringe, and cry, laugh, and see the things as if I were right there with her, standing by her side. So many things she kept inside, so many things she didn’t understand, even today, there are still some. 

Maryya reminisces through her childhood through poetry, and words both, recollecting pain, and hurt, and even good memories. She has written her words, not only so that she can move forward, but so that others can see, they too, are not alone. 

Many people suffer from invisible diseases such as: depression, PTSD, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, menopause, PMS, post and premenopausal, perimenopausal, pregnancy mood swings, grief, and many other ailments that can affect the mind; so many that there are actually too many to list! And sadly, there is not any perfected way to treat any of these symptoms, or signs, and disorders. Not to mention, it usually takes medical insurance and/or money to get the proper attention anyway. 

Many times, by the time a person is or has become fed up with the World or a situation, it is usually too late. Many people resort to suicide, or lose the desire to live. Which when you read Maryya’s book, you will find that even she was led to feel that she wasn’t important enough, or needed, and wanted, or had a purpose, on several occasions. 

Once, when Maryya was quite young, she felt that she alone could raise her own sister better than her Mother could. So, she decided she had had enough, and took her sister and tried to run away. It was then that she ‘kind of’ realized that perhaps she needed help, but stubborn as she is/was, once they were found, she explained to her Mother, being honest, that more-or-less, she felt her Mother was too busy, and that she herself could do a much better job at Mothering her sister, because she was already doing it anyway. 

As you may have noted, Maryya was not an only child, and as I stated, she was a stubborn one. She liked to make a difference, and felt she could if she tried. 

In School, she experienced being bullied, because their Mother insisted that they wear the head gear making them ‘seem’ like ‘terrorists’ to the ‘normal’ people. Maryya put up with for quite some time, and her Father told her, ‘Just remember, you will grow up and become something of yourself, and the bad person will not. You’ll see one day.’ Maryya wrote, remembering in her book, as she seen the bully later in life, and she smiled when she seen her in the grocery store. She didn’t smile at her bully, but at herself, because her Father’s words had rung true in her head, when she had seen exactly what her bully had amounted to, and knowingly what Maryya herself had amounted to. 

Maryya has gone through any things, and I do not wish to expose the entire book here in the review, what I want is for you to read it. I feel you need to. Because once you do, you too will be over whelmed. This book is truly an eye opener, and it will help you see that not everyone is the same, and yet, here we all are, suffering in one way or another. And Maryya tells us, yes, it is okay to talk about it, share, and let others know, that yes, we need help, and that we’re suffering, and need them. It is ok to reach out, and it is ok to speak up, because others need to know, and we need to support one another.

This book is a five-star read, especially for someone who has never published before. The poems are very deep and heart felt, and the words are very intriguing. You will be glad that you read this book, because there will be a part of you that can relate, I’ll bet on it. 

Here are my questions for Maryya: 

1. What made you write your book and how long did it take you?

During the course of my counseling and mental health treatment I was encouraged to express myself through writing and every member of the team responsible for my care who had seen my poetry had felt very strongly that I need to share my talents with the world. It is their belief that this book would help other people, both in their care and working with sufferers of mental illnesses, to understand better and to raise awareness of these conditions and what the people who have them deal with on a day-to-day basis.

I have to admit, it was with a great deal of trepidation that I took on the task of putting my experiences down on paper, being an Asian woman of Pakistani descent, it was difficult to contemplate being different, bringing it out in the open to the attention of others was unfathomable. Since its publication I feel I have taken the boldest of steps to break my silence.

From building the courage to finally writing this book I only spent 3 months.

2. As you were writing this, and recollecting the memories, was it a little hard on you?

Yes it was very hard but It was all there in my mind, I had lived each moment and it was eating at me. I'm glad to have done this and taken the steps I have, in some respect I’ve freed a part of that captured prisoner in me.

On my journey of managing my demons and staying strong in the face of terror and pain I found strength and courage through tiny hands and feet that called me mummy.

3. Do you have any photos to share with us? Yes, this photo is of me, when I was 7 years old, the rest can be found on my social media sights.

4. Do you plan on writing another book?

Yes, I do intend to write a more detailed dissected version of my current book, detailing each and every chapter, answering possible questions that may be running on the readers mind. I also hope to find the strength to write about sexual abuse in children one day.

5. Did writing this book help you move past anything? If so: please elaborate.

We all find different things that give us strength, we all need those things. This book is already touching the lives of many and I have shocked and astounded many around me- some that didn't think I would do it, and others that didn't think I could do it. But I have done it, if your belief is strong enough then your willpower is your weapon. The book is already generating a lot of interest from psychiatrists to those not directly affected. It's been rated 5* since its publication a month ago.

It is also being recommended to patients, to men and women suffering with mental illness. And people around the world are inquiring about the book.

6. What are your hobbies?

My greatest hobby is being a mum, as cliché as this may sound it is actually one million percent true, I love being a mum, I love teaching my children new things together we are a great team, we learn of each other. Academically I wasn’t very good in secondary school and didn’t achieve the desired grades, when you read my book you’ll know why. But being a mother of four, I am learning each and every day, the ways of life the natural skills of being a mum but most importantly how to be a good role model to my children.



7. Did anyone complain when you wrote and released your book?

 No not as yet, but I am very aware that I will be in the firing line and may raise some eye brows, for a few bold statements that I have made on back of my personal opinion and experiences. On a personal note, I wrote this autobiography to express my vision my views my life, I did not feel happy about writing about my life and trying to be diplomatic, I guess with me honesty is far too important, what you see is what you get.



8. What are your future plans?

I plan to one day start up my own business in event planning. I also will continue writing, I have been approached to give talks at the mental health recovery colleges and schools. When I am ready I may in the near future prepare myself to take that huge leap.



9. Are you still suffering through stress and depression? Or even regression?

Yes, my belief is strong enough to say bipolar is not just a depression it’s an illness, and I am fighting that every day of my life and will continue to do so. Unfortunately for me, I have a fluctuating pattern with my breakdowns and the worst points of my suffering are at the beginning and at the end of the year where I am most likely to be sectioned. But on a positive note i am taking my medication every day to help me manage my moods, and writing has clearly been a winner for me to find a therapeutic way to handle my anxiety.


10. Do you have any advice to offer anyone who may have gone through several situations that you may have been through?

You’re not alone, actually you’re far from that, the fact that you have come to a realization that something is not right with you, is actually the bravest thing anyone can do, the strength and willpower in you to fight and cope has already begun and will take shape when you can find that perfect medium or strategy in yourself to cope. Which you will, be strong and be hopeful.

11. Please share with us your social media links and book links

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B071RV1YLQ/ref=abs_add_sc_

ehttp://www.maryyadeanrajkumar.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Psychotic-Imprisonment-1968344700052449/

https://mobile.twitter.com/maryyadean?lang=en-gb

https://www.instagram.com/maryyadean/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryya-rajkumar-044903142/?ppe=1

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16825180.Maryya_Dean_Rajkumar

https://cosmofunnel.com/user/68814

12. Anything you’d like to add:

I would like to take this opportunity to say a great big thank you to Deneale for taking the time out to read my book and giving me the opportunity to speak out and express myself.

Psychotic Imprisonment by Maryya Dean Rajkumar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Looking at the title of this book, you know there is something in store for you that is going to let you see into someone else’s life. The title alone leaves you to wonder if there will be a way out, after you open the cover, and begin reading. But wait, the cover then gets your attention. Divided in half, darkness and beauty, colors and nightfall. A scared little girl covering her ears in a field of sunflowers, and in the dirt path you see words such as: hurt, demons and angry. Now we know we within this book, we are in store for a story of something that someone went through, that they have decided to open up their heart, their world, and their lives to share with us.

Within this book, I could feel everything, even as a little girl that Maryya went through. I would cringe, and cry, laugh, and see the things as if I were right there with her, standing by her side. So many things she kept inside, so many things she didn’t understand, even today, there are still some.

Maryya reminisces through her childhood through poetry, and words both, recollecting pain, and hurt, and even good memories. She has written her words, not only so that she can move forward, but so that others can see, they too, are not alone.

Many people suffer from invisible diseases such as: depression, PTSD, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, menopause, PMS, post and premenopausal, perimenopausal, pregnancy mood swings, grief, and many other ailments that can affect the mind; so many that there are actually too many to list! And sadly, there is not any perfected way to treat any of these symptoms, or signs, and disorders. Not to mention, it usually takes medical insurance and/or money to get the proper attention anyway.

Many times, by the time a person is or has become fed up with the World or a situation, it is usually too late. Many people resort to suicide, or lose the desire to live. Which when you read Maryya’s book, you will find that even she was led to feel that she wasn’t important enough, or needed, and wanted, or had a purpose, on several occasions.

Once when Maryya was quite young, she felt that she alone could raise her own sister better than he Mother could. So, she decided she had had enough, and took her sister and tried to run away. It was then that she ‘kind of’ realized that perhaps she needed help, but stubborn as she is/was, once they were found, she explained to her Mother, being honest, that more-or-less, she felt her Mother was too busy, and that she herself could do a much better job at Mothering her sister, because she was already doing it anyway.

As you may have noted, Maryya was not an only child, and as I stated, she was a stubborn one. She liked to make a difference, and felt she could if she tried.

In School, she experienced being bullied, because their Mother insisted that they wear the head gear making them ‘seem’ like ‘terrorists’ to the ‘normal’ people. Maryya put up with for quite some time, and her Father told her, ‘Just remember, you will grow up and become something of yourself, and the bad person will not. You’ll see one day.’ Maryya wrote, remembering in her book, as she seen the bully later in life, and she smiled when she seen her in the grocery store. She didn’t smile at her bully, but at herself, because her Father’s words had rung true in her head, when she had seen exactly what her bully had amounted to, and knowingly what Maryya herself had amounted to.

Maryya has gone through any things, and I do not wish to expose the entire book her in the review, what I want is for you to read it. I feel you need to. Because once you do, you too will be over whelmed. This book is truly an eye opener, and it will help you see that not everyone is the same, and yet, here we all are, suffering in one way or another. And Maryya tells us, yes, it is okay to talk about it, share, and let others know, that yes, we need help, and that we’re suffering, and need them. It is ok to reach out, and it is ok to speak up, because others need to know, and we need to support one another.

This book is a five-star read, especially for someone who has never published before. The poems are very deep and heart felt, and the words are very intriguing. You will be glad that you read this book, because there will be a part of you that can relate, I’ll bet on it.



View all my reviews