Real. Raw. Vulnerable.
Thank you NetGalley, the author and GFB for an advanced copy in exchange for a review.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Girl Friday Productions for gifting me a digital ARC of this memoir by Dr. Lawrence Mieczkowski. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

While on the surface, Dr. Mieczkowski was a successful physician and speaker, good father and husband, inside he was far from okay. Then the Columbine shootings triggered something deep within, and he knew something needed to be done. He sought out and began treatment for dealing with the abuse, neglect, and trauma he suffered as a young boy.

Such a tough story to read, but one that shows that there is help and hope on the other side of despair. Reading such tales of abuse and neglect, as well as a family history of mental illness, will make you so very angry at his parents, and make you wonder how the doctor managed to get out of bed in the morning. This is a good reminder that everyone has a story and we need to treat people accordingly. Dr. Mieczkowski found the right person to listen to him and get him the help he needed, but he also had a very open heart towards his fellow family member survivors. This story highlights that there is hope to be found in the darkest of places.

This is a heartbreaking reminder of how anyone can hide a past full of trauma and abuse. Even those who appear to be successful and in control of their lives can be experiencing terrible struggles and in desperate need of help. I was very interested in how the Columbine shootings triggered the need to address past trauma and the author’s experience as a medical professional no doubt added greatly to his ability to describe what was happening in a way which makes sense to the reader. It’s a terribly sad story in many ways but also a story of triumph as we see how trauma can be overcome and that tragedy does not define us.

This book provides an interesting insight and personal account of their experiences and mental health challenges. Was an enjoyable read.

received this book as an ARC. I have always been drawn to stories of people who overcome trauma, abuse and go on to live a great life.

Dr Mitch, as he's known, talks about how his childhood shaped him into who he is, who his demons are, and how he deals with life. The book follows the premise of him starting counseling with Dr Dan.

Each session, he will discuss an incident from his childhood and how he was abused, and neglected. It's heartbreaking to read how his parents didn't care for him, or about him.

Dr Mitch goes on to medical school and becomes successful professionally but, his personal life is in shambles. The ghosts of past trauma haunt him constantly. I was inspired by the courage, perseverance and determination Dr Mitch has to become a better functioning person.

He also writes about how the trauma affected his siblings and family as a whole. Overall, it's a great book and really well written.

In "The Room on the Right," Dr. Lawrence Mieczkowski presents a poignant yet hopeful narrative detailing his experiences with trauma, abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While he outwardly exemplifies the persona of a successful physician and devoted family man, Dr. Mitch struggled with profound despair in the aftermath of the Columbine shootings in 1999. Through the course of therapy, he began to confront the painful recollections of his childhood and adult experiences, revealing a history marked by prolonged trauma and neglect. His memoir vividly illustrates the arduous journey of healing, underscoring the possibility of recovery even amidst the most challenging circumstances.

The memoir's engaging quality stems from Dr. Mieczkowski’s skillful storytelling, which immerses readers in his lived experiences. He candidly narrates his upbringing in an abusive environment and the effects of repressed memories on his mental well-being. The narrative chronicles his transformation from a neglected child to a physician grappling with internal struggles, highlighting the intricate nature of trauma. His vivid portrayals of therapy sessions and the emotional breakthroughs he achieved offer profound insights into the process of healing, rendering this memoir not only deeply personal but also a source of hope for others facing similar adversities.

While "The Room on the Right" addresses somber and distressing themes, it ultimately conveys a narrative of resilience and survival. Dr. Mieczkowski’s frank reflections serve as a testament to the notion that healing is attainable through courage, introspection, and the pursuit of appropriate support. This makes this memoir an inspiring resource for those interested in mental health and personal growth. In conclusion, "The Room on the Right" transcends the boundaries of a conventional memoir; it stands as a compelling testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my review.

Thank you to Girl Friday Productions and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to finish the book and decided to stop at 31%. While I appreciated the intense vulnerability and openness of the author to share their struggles and past, I found that the writing style was not for me and the pacing was quite slow.

I truly believe this story will resonate with other readers, especially those who enjoy emotional memoirs, but it simply wasn’t the right fit for me. I’m grateful for the opportunity and wish the author all the best.

4⭐️

[a copy of this book was provided to me by the published from netgalley. thank you!]

a powerful and hopeful memoir about overcoming abuse and trauma