This memoir was engaging from start to finish. From her time as a farm girl, to working in a butcher shop and even working in the oil fields and as a stripper, there was always something happening in this novel.

I couldn't leave this book, I adored it, it kept me entretained in this lazy month, I love the story and the way it was written.

What a freaking page turner. Book had me guessing from page to page and I never wanted to put it down. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book is wonderful, I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it. I didn't think I would be interested in reading a story about someone who worked as a dancer in Strip Clubs.

However, it's a story about an independent strong willed woman and her transition to adulthood. Wonderful insight about growing up on a farm and living in rural Canada.

It was addictive at times and wasn't the best pick to read before going to sleep because I ended up reading an extra hour night because I didn't want it to end.

I love Carmen's strength and the way she chose to define her life and not be pressured to comply.

4 Stars

I received a copy of "The Butcher Shop Girl" from NetGalley and Friesen Press in exchange for an honest review and I can honestly say I really enjoyed this book. The story was very well written and quite mesmerizing. I found myself unable to stop reading once I started.

I love reading memoirs and Carmen's memoir certainly doesn't disappoint and I love the fact that it's a Canadian memoir as I am a fellow Canadian. Carmen's story was truly remarkable from start to finish. She had an interesting childhood learning to work on the farm and in a butcher shop and she did not shy away from describing these experiences which was an incredible learning opportunity for her readers.

During her young adult years, Carmen ventured into the world of exotic dancing and concentrated on performing and traveling throughout the western part of Canada and South America. Her talents as a dancer helped to set up her financial future.

"The Butcher Shop Girl" is a coming of age story that reminds readers that we are all trying to find ourselves and make a life for us. If you enjoy memoirs, this one is a definite must read. Carmen did such a great job and bringing her story to life!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was expecting this book to be quite superficial and shallow but I sure was wrong! Carmen really has a lot of introspection and it shows in her writing. From being a farm girl, to butcher shop girl, to oil field worker, to stripper/dancer. I've never read a book with quite this array of topics. This is a well written and fascinating story.