"Daria Burke's 'Of My Own Making' is no typical rags-to-riches tale; it's a gritty and introspective ride through overcoming a childhood of addicted parents and uncertainty. Burke doesn't merely recount what occurred; she adds in psychology and mental health elements to paint a clearer picture of the lasting impact of childhood trauma.". While one critic did feel that the book was biased toward a "fairytale version" of recovery, the overall opinion is one of profound empathy with Burke's vulnerability and strength.

Initially, some might wish for a more linear narrative. But Burke's choice to tell her story in "bursts of musings," blending personal memories with psychological and scientific insight, proves in the end to be a successful tactic. It resists the urge to simply list tragedies and instead explores the complex process of healing and self-knowledge. There is no sentimentalizing here of hardship, but rather bare and unflinching representation of the journey toward self-acceptance.

Burke is powerful because she can connect with readers on a deeply human level. Even in the writing of later achievements, she remains grounded in her origins, demonstrating that her achievement is a product of her past, not in spite of it. Her observations regarding estrangement, the pain of letting go of harmful relationships, and the strength of positive memories, particularly her grandmother's love, resonate with universal healing themes.

Similarities are made to Stephanie Foo's "What My Bones Know," with some liking Foo's tale to be somewhat more effective. That said, Burke's own voice as a Black entrepreneur and her inclusion of brain testing data offer mixed value. The audiobook reading by Burke is particularly well-liked for its emotional impact and deliverability.

Ultimately, "Of My Own Making" is an interesting memoir that is more than a simple retelling of hardship. It's a strong affirmation of healing from intergenerational trauma and becoming oneself. While some might long for greater detail in particular areas of Burke's life, the book's strongest point is its thoughtful analysis of trauma, resilience, and the ongoing process of self-creation. It's worth reading for readers who enjoy memoirs that explore subtleties of childhood trauma and the resilience of post-traumatic growth.

eBook ARC - 3 Stars
This was an interesting memoir about a successful woman who has overcome her childhood trauma [and folks, some of it is V E R Y traumatic]to live a very full *AND* fulfilling life.

I found this to be a pretty interesting read/story [and naturally, cried some real ugly tears for all she lost as a child *AND* as an adult]. Trauma recognizes trauma, no matter who has healed or not] and the work she did to become the very best version of herself was also fascinating, B U T, there were moments for me that were annoying [and that I almost completely disconnected from]; I am honestly very happy for her [anyone who has suffered trauma is almost automatically excitingly happy for those who have made peace with said trauma, and that is what happened here], but not everyone has the privelege she has [that I 100% acknowledge she worked V E R Y hard for] to get the kind of thereapy she had/has [*AND* that not everyone gets to heal, even if they do have the privelege of therapy] and there were absolutely moments that felt very tone-deaf to me, and I didn't really love those parts of the book.

Overall, it was a good read, and I am glad that I read it. I celebrate that she was able to heal and move on and make her life great, and I know that many people will really benefit from reading this book [so many times, all it takes is reading one book, talking to one person, hearing one podcast etc etc for a person who is traumatized to realize it and reach out for help and I applaud that fully] and for that, I both applaud the author and recommend this book to all who need it.

Audiobook ARC - 4 Stars
The author narrates this and while I struggle with most authors who narrate [not all should unfortunately], that was not the case here. Daria Burke is an excellent narrator [and could easily have a second job doing just that] and it was a real joy to listen to her tell her story. I highly recommend you experience this book via audio; it was a really fabulous experience.

Thank you to NetGalley, Daria Burke, Grand Central Publishing/Legacy Lit and Hachette Audio/Legacy Lit for providing the eBook and audiobook ARC's in exchange for an honest review.

Listen - give me a memoir audiobook read by the author and I'm going to listen to and love it. This particular memoir was so beautiful, it was written so well and the production of the audio was great. I love a memoir about overcoming traumatic childhoods and going on to live a beautiful life. Something specific to this book that I loved was that not only did she talk about her lived experiences (as a black woman, as a person who endured childhood trauma), but she also discussed some interesting science, including neuroplasticity. I also loved how much she talked about her therapy journey, because I truly believe that therapy is something every person should go through at some point in their lives. And, as someone who has gone no-contact with a parent, I also appreciate that she adds to that conversation about it being something that is sometimes necessary for self-preservation.

One of my favorite quotes:
"I would never become the highest version of myself in the place that had threatened to destroy me."

Of My Own Making is Daria Burke's memoir of how she overcame many childhood traumas and came to be a very successful adult. She had an absentee father, a drug-addicted mother, and her other caretaker - her grandma, passed away when she was just seven. As an adult she dives into post traumatic growth, brain development, and the impacts of childhood experiences, to understand her own successes.

This feels like a true rags to riches story, as many people you've heard of in a similar situation (probably) turn out much worse. Her tenacity and strength, along with her desire to understand herself more, were very admirable.

The author narrates, which I feel always makes the most sense for memoirs. Her voice is clear and strong.

Recommended for anyone interested in a story about resilience and overcoming childhood trauma.

Thank you Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the ALC.

This is a well-written memoir of childhood trauma and recovery from complex PTSD. When the author talked about shopping for a second home in the Hamptons, I thought I wouldn’t be able to relate to her story. Once she started opening up about the poverty, abuse, and neglect she experienced and how that affected her, I found her much more relatable.

It’s a good story worth reading, although I didn’t love it the way I did Stephanie Foo’s What My Bones Know. I found Foo’s story a little more informative and inspiring—Burke’s book often left me wanting more. I did appreciate hearing Burke’s perspective as a Black woman in business, and I found her discussion of the brain testing she received from an Amen Clinic interesting.

The audiobook production was excellent, and it was nice to hear the author’s story in her own voice. Her narration was well-paced and easy to understand, and she conveyed the mood and emotions of each scene effectively.

Recommeded for those who enjoy memoirs and are curious about the effects of childhood trauma and post-traumatic growth.

I received a free advanced review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

This memoir shows us that we can triumph after difficult experiences. We learn how every moment is a choice that could define us, define our future; as we grow we are to live with courage and intention anything is possible. Daria searches for answers, and shares her discoveries in her memoir. It’s a beautiful perspective on how we can be an integral part of our own healing.
Thanks to Netgalley and Hachette Audio-Legacy Lit for the arc.

Daria's memoir follows her through her childhood, how she fought to get herself out of the cycle, her therapy, healing process, and her search to understand how her childhood trauma has impacted her in every level of her body, mind, soul. She searches for answers, and shares her discoveries in her memoir.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

The author (who narrates this audiobook) has overcome so much adversity in her life in order to be at this point. She describes the help she has received from talk therapy and learning about trauma and post-traumatic growth. A beautiful perspective on how one can be an integral part of one’s own healing.