Amy Scott Rooker’s, My Mother is a Dragonfly is an introspective memoir chronicling her extended journey toward healing from childhood trauma and complex familial relationships. She recounts experiences of abuse by her brother and neglect from her mother. Her mother also failed to acknowledge the abuse. Due to all of this, Amy developed maladaptive coping strategies, including an eating disorder and alcohol abuse. Eventually, she turned to therapy, meditation, and prayer. The death of her mother, was a catalyst for moving toward forgiveness. This memoir follows a chronological narrative that focuses on various stages of Amy’s life. The narrative at times, was choppy and had pauses in the pacing and felt slow. However, I still enjoyed this memoir and wanted to continue. The rediscovery that Amy had and her transformation and discovery of forgiveness, was hopeful.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance review copy in exchange for my review.

My Mother Is a Dragonfly by Amy Scott Rooker is beautifully written, deeply moving, and incredibly inspiring. There were moments that brought me to tears.

Amy shares her journey through childhood trauma and complex family dynamics with so much honesty and depth, ultimately finding her way toward healing and forgiveness. Reading it made me reflect not only on her story, but on my own—especially the balance between protecting myself and letting go of the past.

What stood out most to me is how wise, brave, and self-aware Amy is. Her transformation is powerful, and the way she tells her story feels both intimate and universal. This book has stayed with me and has already given me so much to think about. A beautiful and inspiring memoir that I won’t soon forget.