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Just Another Girl's Story: An Inspirational Teen Autobiography about Abortion, Addiction Recovery and Finding Redemption
At the tender and problematic ages of 16 and 17, Laura Eckert twice found herself as a patient at an abortion clinic, after her parents had discovered that she was pregnant. Laura was addicted to sex with her step-brother. Neither of them cared about the possible consequences of unprotected sex. The aftermath of her abortion experiences led Laura to become depressed, drink alcohol excessively and feel the need to be isolated from those who loved and cared for her. In her memoir, Laura relives those traumatic teenage experiences in an honest and genuine teen autobiography that many will find shocking, harrowing and provocative, and yet implores sympathy and holds the reader spellbound at the same time. Read about her plight and her path to finding the peace and healing that she craved, as she tackles controversial topics of teen abortion, teen pregnancy, teen drinking and alcoholism and sex addiction. Laura’s husband Shawn is deeply rooted in the memoir and shares his take on Laura’s journey to redemption in the Epilogue of the book. Perhaps you will be inspired to find your own peace within Laura's story.
- GenresNonfiction
242 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2017
About the author
Laura Eckert
1 book16 followersLaura Eckert holds a B.S. in Communication and an M.S. in Leadership & Quality from Marian University, a Catholic college in Fond du Lac, WI. She is the author of Just Another Girl’s Story, a Memoir on Finding Redemption. Laura has personal knowledge and experience in dealing with the aftermath of abortion. She has led several youth mission trips across the nation. Through her mission experiences and Christian-themed coursework during her college days; she came to understand forgiveness and how to heal from a broken and shameful past. Laura’s husband Shawn is deeply rooted in the Memoir and shares his take on Laura’s journey to redemption in the Epilogue of the book. Shawn and Laura have been married since 1989 and has two adult children.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 6, 2018
People write books for a variety of reasons – sometimes they have a lesson to teach, or a message to share, sometimes it is to make money, and sometimes for their own therapy. In Laura’s case, you get the distinct impression throughout that therapy is her reason; however, as you start to reach the final chapters of “Just Another Girl’s Story...” , you come to realize that the “redemption” to which she refers in the title, she is assuming from spreading her pro-life message. For much of it, I am not sure who this book is aimed at – of course, as Laura starts to earnestly share her anti-abortion message, I did consider that it was written as part of her campaign, which is, of course, the supposed key to her redemption. Laura resists becoming preachy, and for that I admire her, but be warned, if you have strong pro-abortion views, this book may not be for you.
I am not pro-life (at least not in the anti-abortion sense), and while I praise Laura for sharing her story so frankly and candidly, I did feel that most of her conflict in adult life, and indeed the apparent subject of this book, is a direct result of shame and guilt for her younger choices, which I am sure she will agree with. While I have no desire or inclination to judge Laura for anything she has done – including her current stance – this is obviously a book which invokes a reaction from the reader, and having sent me her book to review, I can only assume she is prepared for me to share mine. It seems to me that Laura has spent much of her life attempting to externalize responsibility for her actions – when she was younger, by claiming “addiction” and “ADHD”; nowadays, by justifying her, in her own words, hypocrisy, by embracing God as her guide. However, I agree with her on one count, in this respect: that she was let down as a teenager, badly, by the adults in her life; through all of her brave candour, probably the most telling moment in this book was, for me, the moment she confronted her mother, as an adult, only to be dismissed with a flippant brush-off of “things that happened in the past”. Of course, very few of us don’t carry the burden of our teenage years with us – a need to delve into them later should not be dismissed as pointless. I feel that Laura would benefit a huge deal by actually internalizing her choices as her own, then coming to realize that she was not the abnormal adolescent she has unfairly labelled herself as. The fact is that while the consequences of her behaviour were severe, and to some extent unlucky, her behaviour itself, while misguided and troublesome, was perhaps not as different to many others as she has convinced herself; most teenagers make bad choices – the only difference in Laura’s case is that she was one of those unfortunate enough not to escape them. For this reason I feel that Laura’s absolution would perhaps be more therapeutic were it to come from within, rather than from God, and that her best chance of leading the happy life she so desperately needs is from self-awareness; by actually embracing her past behaviour and explaining it in more realistic terms, as the foolish behaviour of a precocious teenager, without the externalisation, labelling or self-loathing. It may surprise her that I am regularly sent books by pro-life campaigners on a mission to absolve their own past abortions, and she is certainly not alone.
I did find it hard to relate to Laura and Shawn’s life, in most respects, and this diminished my appreciation of what I otherwise know to be a well-written, gripping and strangely entertaining book. It is difficult to read at times, not least because the couple led the kind of life most of us would prefer to distance ourselves from – one characterized by poor decision making and lifestyle. In the last third of the book, when things appear to start finally going well for Laura, you do find yourself growing slightly nervous, waiting for something to go wrong – not by luck or uncontrollable factors, but self-inflicted. There were times I found myself smiling for her, and at other times, shouting at her; of course, that is testimony to an author who really does well her job of drawing in and engaging the reader. It is utterly compelling and gripping, perhaps in the main because you want Laura to wake up and change herself. She did fantastically well to order her life with prospects and education, but as a reader who is not religious, and an advocate of psychology, I do wonder if loving God has genuinely been enough to give her the emotional peace she so desperately wants. I must admit, I did groan when I realized religion is a fundamental ingredient to “Just Another Girl’s Story...”. But, to her credit, Laura ensures that this does not overpower what is otherwise a brave and refreshing memoir.
I am not pro-life (at least not in the anti-abortion sense), and while I praise Laura for sharing her story so frankly and candidly, I did feel that most of her conflict in adult life, and indeed the apparent subject of this book, is a direct result of shame and guilt for her younger choices, which I am sure she will agree with. While I have no desire or inclination to judge Laura for anything she has done – including her current stance – this is obviously a book which invokes a reaction from the reader, and having sent me her book to review, I can only assume she is prepared for me to share mine. It seems to me that Laura has spent much of her life attempting to externalize responsibility for her actions – when she was younger, by claiming “addiction” and “ADHD”; nowadays, by justifying her, in her own words, hypocrisy, by embracing God as her guide. However, I agree with her on one count, in this respect: that she was let down as a teenager, badly, by the adults in her life; through all of her brave candour, probably the most telling moment in this book was, for me, the moment she confronted her mother, as an adult, only to be dismissed with a flippant brush-off of “things that happened in the past”. Of course, very few of us don’t carry the burden of our teenage years with us – a need to delve into them later should not be dismissed as pointless. I feel that Laura would benefit a huge deal by actually internalizing her choices as her own, then coming to realize that she was not the abnormal adolescent she has unfairly labelled herself as. The fact is that while the consequences of her behaviour were severe, and to some extent unlucky, her behaviour itself, while misguided and troublesome, was perhaps not as different to many others as she has convinced herself; most teenagers make bad choices – the only difference in Laura’s case is that she was one of those unfortunate enough not to escape them. For this reason I feel that Laura’s absolution would perhaps be more therapeutic were it to come from within, rather than from God, and that her best chance of leading the happy life she so desperately needs is from self-awareness; by actually embracing her past behaviour and explaining it in more realistic terms, as the foolish behaviour of a precocious teenager, without the externalisation, labelling or self-loathing. It may surprise her that I am regularly sent books by pro-life campaigners on a mission to absolve their own past abortions, and she is certainly not alone.
I did find it hard to relate to Laura and Shawn’s life, in most respects, and this diminished my appreciation of what I otherwise know to be a well-written, gripping and strangely entertaining book. It is difficult to read at times, not least because the couple led the kind of life most of us would prefer to distance ourselves from – one characterized by poor decision making and lifestyle. In the last third of the book, when things appear to start finally going well for Laura, you do find yourself growing slightly nervous, waiting for something to go wrong – not by luck or uncontrollable factors, but self-inflicted. There were times I found myself smiling for her, and at other times, shouting at her; of course, that is testimony to an author who really does well her job of drawing in and engaging the reader. It is utterly compelling and gripping, perhaps in the main because you want Laura to wake up and change herself. She did fantastically well to order her life with prospects and education, but as a reader who is not religious, and an advocate of psychology, I do wonder if loving God has genuinely been enough to give her the emotional peace she so desperately wants. I must admit, I did groan when I realized religion is a fundamental ingredient to “Just Another Girl’s Story...”. But, to her credit, Laura ensures that this does not overpower what is otherwise a brave and refreshing memoir.
January 22, 2018
Just Another Girl’s Story is the true story of Laura Eckert. Laura shares the story of her life and the challenges that she went through and the strength of her faith. Laura’s touching story teaches us that our decisions do not define who we are; our trials can serve as lessons that make us stronger. Laura’s story is inspiring in that it is a true testament to how God loves us even when we find it difficult to love ourselves.
Laura writes her story with such honesty. Laura’s story of redemption comes with heartache and joy and will definitely resonate with anyone who has experienced their own journey to redemption. Laura is an example of not giving up on your faith and seeking the life that God envisioned for you to be. I recommend that Laura’s story be read.
Happy Reading!
Note: I have received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Laura writes her story with such honesty. Laura’s story of redemption comes with heartache and joy and will definitely resonate with anyone who has experienced their own journey to redemption. Laura is an example of not giving up on your faith and seeking the life that God envisioned for you to be. I recommend that Laura’s story be read.
Happy Reading!
Note: I have received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2018
Honest and compelling.
September 26, 2017
Just another girl’s story by Laura Eckert is a captivating read that truly captured my attention. From the very first page up to the last, there wasn’t a dull moment. The book is a memoir of a life lived by the author — detailing a real-life account of the struggles she faced as a teenager and how the choices she made managed to haunt her in her later years. And equally important, how she eventually allowed herself to seek and receive redemption.
The autobiography was well written and told from the first person point of view which naturally added a personal feel to it; it made me feel like a friend was telling me a story about her life. I also found it interesting that the author’s husband (who we got to know from the story shared by Laura) added his take and insight on a few things on the epilogue.
After reading the book I thought that it was a powerful story that needed to be shared and I’m so glad that the author did not shy away from doing so. I especially appreciated how unrestrained and honest her story really was. There were moments I was surprised by how much she shared (pouring all her heart and soul into the book) but that’s just the thing that made the story even more of a compelling read. Aside from some of the predictable patterns of behavior induced by addictions that Laura often battled with, the actual story wasn’t predictable at all which made for quite an interesting read. That being said: given the subject matter, the progression of Laura’s story, and the stressful nature of her experiences and of those around her: the book isn’t a light read. Instead, it is a deep and profound book with so much to offer to those who are open to learning from others mistakes.
All in all, Just another girl’s story is an incredibly moving and encouraging story of how one can overcome their mistakes in life, how to make better decisions and come out a better person. I’d definitely recommend this book to young adults because, in life, there is always something to learn sometimes it is best if you learn them sooner rather than later.
The autobiography was well written and told from the first person point of view which naturally added a personal feel to it; it made me feel like a friend was telling me a story about her life. I also found it interesting that the author’s husband (who we got to know from the story shared by Laura) added his take and insight on a few things on the epilogue.
After reading the book I thought that it was a powerful story that needed to be shared and I’m so glad that the author did not shy away from doing so. I especially appreciated how unrestrained and honest her story really was. There were moments I was surprised by how much she shared (pouring all her heart and soul into the book) but that’s just the thing that made the story even more of a compelling read. Aside from some of the predictable patterns of behavior induced by addictions that Laura often battled with, the actual story wasn’t predictable at all which made for quite an interesting read. That being said: given the subject matter, the progression of Laura’s story, and the stressful nature of her experiences and of those around her: the book isn’t a light read. Instead, it is a deep and profound book with so much to offer to those who are open to learning from others mistakes.
All in all, Just another girl’s story is an incredibly moving and encouraging story of how one can overcome their mistakes in life, how to make better decisions and come out a better person. I’d definitely recommend this book to young adults because, in life, there is always something to learn sometimes it is best if you learn them sooner rather than later.
July 9, 2017
This is the autobiographical chronicle of one person's difficult journey through life.
Growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Laura was the sort of child who lived for pranks and practical jokes in Catholic school. Dad walked out on the family when Laura was very young. Mom eventually remarried, and just before Laura was about to start high school, announced that the family was moving to a small town 40 miles away.
Laura found herself living the life of an addict. Her addiction was not to drugs or alcohol. She was addicted to sex, with Shawn, her 2-years-younger step-brother. They were intimate whenever, and wherever, they could be. The concept of "protected sex" was unknown to them, so, an abortion when Laura was 16 years old was followed by another one a year later. Her family was very supportive. At age 18, she decided to keep her third pregnancy. The family did what they could to keep them apart, but they used any opportunity to be together.
Laura began to turn her life around, going back to school and working as a waitress. She told her family the truth about her and Shawn. He joined the Army, and was stationed in Colorado. One night, he called her and asked her to marry him, along with moving to Colorado. She immediately said Yes. Now with two children, they managed, except for their frequent arguments, where their sordid past was never far away.
After Shawn's Army tour was done, they immediately moved back to Wisconsin. Studying for her Bachelor's degree, she elected to write a paper on abortion for one of her classes. It forced her to re-examine her feelings from her two trips to the abortion clinic. She had a very hard time dealing with it. She withdrew from her family, and started drinking heavily, which her family certainly noticed. Can God ever forgive me for my actions? Can I ever forgive myself? When I reach Heaven, will the souls of my unborn children welcome me or, figuratively, turn their backs on me?
This is a very open and heartfelt chronicle of one person's experience with the aftermath of abortion. Any woman having a similar hard time would do very well to read this book. Anyone, male or female, who wants to know more than just the politics of abortion, would do very well to read this book. It is well worth the time.
Growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Laura was the sort of child who lived for pranks and practical jokes in Catholic school. Dad walked out on the family when Laura was very young. Mom eventually remarried, and just before Laura was about to start high school, announced that the family was moving to a small town 40 miles away.
Laura found herself living the life of an addict. Her addiction was not to drugs or alcohol. She was addicted to sex, with Shawn, her 2-years-younger step-brother. They were intimate whenever, and wherever, they could be. The concept of "protected sex" was unknown to them, so, an abortion when Laura was 16 years old was followed by another one a year later. Her family was very supportive. At age 18, she decided to keep her third pregnancy. The family did what they could to keep them apart, but they used any opportunity to be together.
Laura began to turn her life around, going back to school and working as a waitress. She told her family the truth about her and Shawn. He joined the Army, and was stationed in Colorado. One night, he called her and asked her to marry him, along with moving to Colorado. She immediately said Yes. Now with two children, they managed, except for their frequent arguments, where their sordid past was never far away.
After Shawn's Army tour was done, they immediately moved back to Wisconsin. Studying for her Bachelor's degree, she elected to write a paper on abortion for one of her classes. It forced her to re-examine her feelings from her two trips to the abortion clinic. She had a very hard time dealing with it. She withdrew from her family, and started drinking heavily, which her family certainly noticed. Can God ever forgive me for my actions? Can I ever forgive myself? When I reach Heaven, will the souls of my unborn children welcome me or, figuratively, turn their backs on me?
This is a very open and heartfelt chronicle of one person's experience with the aftermath of abortion. Any woman having a similar hard time would do very well to read this book. Anyone, male or female, who wants to know more than just the politics of abortion, would do very well to read this book. It is well worth the time.
August 1, 2017
"Just Another Girl's Story" by Laura Eckert
A Review by Nicole S. Aviles; Author of 101 Ways to Pen, Publish & Sell a Memoir
Just Another Girl's Story by Laura Eckert is a personal memoir, and story of love, loss, courage, hope, faith, grief, and redemption!
Starting off with a bang, within the first pages quotes such as: "when deep in the throes of a heated debate, I demanded to know why my perceived enemy could not understand my point of view. By then I never failed in firmly placing God at the center of my arguments, and those who didn't see eye to eye with me wound up on my 'THIS PERSON'S AN IDIOT LIST."
Eckert dives into her tale, with striking candor, and the courage to admit her wrongs, by admitting her self-righteous, opinionated attitude was part of the root of her anger, and therefore destruction. She immediately highlights for her readers the many trials and tribulations that brought her to the deepest pits of despair. From a poor upbringing with the classic-parents in denial-problems, she admits that her blame placing and hatred towards everything and everyone who didn't agree with her, caused a dysfunctional life, and corrupted emotional core.
After two abortions in her teens, a destructive and dangerous addiction to sex and love, and other contributing damaging factors, Eckert was headed to nowhere, fast. She was resentful and angry, and refused to acknowledge her own part in her mistakes, until she woke up. Somebody made her aware of her spoiled and selfish behavior, causing her to do a 360 in the opposite direction by admitting her flaws and faults, character defects, and other issue--the only true way to ever overcome being 'damaged.'
Eckert takes her readers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions gone array, and then to healing and self-salvation in an excellent and revealing, brutally honest, manner that is admirable as much as it is brave. Just another Girl's Story is a must-read for fans of memoirs, tell-all's, self-help, spiritual awakening-motivated-stories, and anyone looking for truth in a novel, about a young woman who could have ended up another sad statistic, but instead fought for her happiness and allowed herself to heal, completely.
Great read.
A Review by Nicole S. Aviles; Author of 101 Ways to Pen, Publish & Sell a Memoir
Just Another Girl's Story by Laura Eckert is a personal memoir, and story of love, loss, courage, hope, faith, grief, and redemption!
Starting off with a bang, within the first pages quotes such as: "when deep in the throes of a heated debate, I demanded to know why my perceived enemy could not understand my point of view. By then I never failed in firmly placing God at the center of my arguments, and those who didn't see eye to eye with me wound up on my 'THIS PERSON'S AN IDIOT LIST."
Eckert dives into her tale, with striking candor, and the courage to admit her wrongs, by admitting her self-righteous, opinionated attitude was part of the root of her anger, and therefore destruction. She immediately highlights for her readers the many trials and tribulations that brought her to the deepest pits of despair. From a poor upbringing with the classic-parents in denial-problems, she admits that her blame placing and hatred towards everything and everyone who didn't agree with her, caused a dysfunctional life, and corrupted emotional core.
After two abortions in her teens, a destructive and dangerous addiction to sex and love, and other contributing damaging factors, Eckert was headed to nowhere, fast. She was resentful and angry, and refused to acknowledge her own part in her mistakes, until she woke up. Somebody made her aware of her spoiled and selfish behavior, causing her to do a 360 in the opposite direction by admitting her flaws and faults, character defects, and other issue--the only true way to ever overcome being 'damaged.'
Eckert takes her readers on a roller-coaster ride of emotions gone array, and then to healing and self-salvation in an excellent and revealing, brutally honest, manner that is admirable as much as it is brave. Just another Girl's Story is a must-read for fans of memoirs, tell-all's, self-help, spiritual awakening-motivated-stories, and anyone looking for truth in a novel, about a young woman who could have ended up another sad statistic, but instead fought for her happiness and allowed herself to heal, completely.
Great read.
August 13, 2017
In her memoir Just Another Girl's Story, Laura Eckert opens a pool for the reader to dive in her personal life and consequences she faced for her actions. A real life story of love, loss, courage, faith and redemption.
Starting from her teenage days, the book is divided in two parts. The abridged version will provide you with an overview of who Laura Eckert is and what is her story about. It' s a detailed preface or an introduction. The next part that shares the major half of the book is called the Unabridged version and the author starts narrating her story from the age she was five.
At age of 16 and 17, Laura became pregnant and found herself as a patient at an abortion clinic near her parents home. After one year, she was pregnant again but decided to keep her child with the support of her family. From then, she started to walk on the path of redemption by going back to school and picking up jobs to take care of her child. She was soon married and gave birth to another child with her husband.
She has emphasised enough about the awareness for teenage pregnancy and the hardships she and her family went through in her teenage days. She does accept her mistakes and addiction to coitus that lead to two abortions. Her life story from her teens to the adult life is a great example how one can regain faith, hope with courage and a little support from loved ones.
I always believe that if one accepts their wrong doings, that is the first and an important step towards redemption. It has been a real experience for me and the same is showcased by Laura in her memoir. Not only she acknowledge her wrongs or mistakes of her past that would have taken a lot of courage and is observable by her words in terms of array of emotions she went through due to her self-sabotaging behaviour and destructive addictions. Nonetheless, she also talks about how she completely turned around her life in her early twenties after spoiling the whole teenage and her only goal that her own children would not face the reality she wove.
This is heart-warming, real life experience of someone who made some bad choices but changed the course of their lives by acknowledging their own consciousness.
4 out of 5!
Starting from her teenage days, the book is divided in two parts. The abridged version will provide you with an overview of who Laura Eckert is and what is her story about. It' s a detailed preface or an introduction. The next part that shares the major half of the book is called the Unabridged version and the author starts narrating her story from the age she was five.
At age of 16 and 17, Laura became pregnant and found herself as a patient at an abortion clinic near her parents home. After one year, she was pregnant again but decided to keep her child with the support of her family. From then, she started to walk on the path of redemption by going back to school and picking up jobs to take care of her child. She was soon married and gave birth to another child with her husband.
She has emphasised enough about the awareness for teenage pregnancy and the hardships she and her family went through in her teenage days. She does accept her mistakes and addiction to coitus that lead to two abortions. Her life story from her teens to the adult life is a great example how one can regain faith, hope with courage and a little support from loved ones.
I always believe that if one accepts their wrong doings, that is the first and an important step towards redemption. It has been a real experience for me and the same is showcased by Laura in her memoir. Not only she acknowledge her wrongs or mistakes of her past that would have taken a lot of courage and is observable by her words in terms of array of emotions she went through due to her self-sabotaging behaviour and destructive addictions. Nonetheless, she also talks about how she completely turned around her life in her early twenties after spoiling the whole teenage and her only goal that her own children would not face the reality she wove.
This is heart-warming, real life experience of someone who made some bad choices but changed the course of their lives by acknowledging their own consciousness.
4 out of 5!
August 20, 2017
I’ve experienced the whole spectrum of the most amazing emotions, feelings and thoughts while reading this book! I submerged into the book’s world immediately and was caught by its true to life events, finishing the book in one sitting.
Just Another Girl's Story is a unique and special read. This is a deeply sincere autobiographical story of life, with dark secrets, difficult decisions, destructive actions, remorse, regret, and redemption. This is also a story of family values, second chances and the amazing grace of God.
The author has done a perfect job conveying her emotional and psychological state in different periods of her life, the bitterness and sadness of early years, and hard efforts of making the right choices.
The book is truly life-changing and thought-provoking, written from the bottom of Laura’s heart, with such greatly depicted characters and events that I can easily imagine them in my mind. That’s why it had such a great impact on me, forcing a new look at life and family values, completely re-evaluating my attitudes.
I was impressed by the whole book, but some chapters had a tremendous appeal to me. I was stunned by «Second Chances,» Laura’s “guardian angel rescue” and the incredible gift God gave her - the gift of a second chance. The completely unexpected epilogue just adds to the book, which I have to say is a must –read and definitely should not be missed.
Just Another Girl's Story is a unique and special read. This is a deeply sincere autobiographical story of life, with dark secrets, difficult decisions, destructive actions, remorse, regret, and redemption. This is also a story of family values, second chances and the amazing grace of God.
The author has done a perfect job conveying her emotional and psychological state in different periods of her life, the bitterness and sadness of early years, and hard efforts of making the right choices.
The book is truly life-changing and thought-provoking, written from the bottom of Laura’s heart, with such greatly depicted characters and events that I can easily imagine them in my mind. That’s why it had such a great impact on me, forcing a new look at life and family values, completely re-evaluating my attitudes.
I was impressed by the whole book, but some chapters had a tremendous appeal to me. I was stunned by «Second Chances,» Laura’s “guardian angel rescue” and the incredible gift God gave her - the gift of a second chance. The completely unexpected epilogue just adds to the book, which I have to say is a must –read and definitely should not be missed.
September 18, 2017
Laura Eckert has written an intense, personal story of loss and redemption. As we read of her youthful misadventures turning into later troubles, it seems like a story we have heard too many times. Having to move away from her home at a young age, she looks for something to replace her feelings of loneliness with many quick fixes to shield her from the pain.
After going through the heartbreak of several abortions, she falls into drinking and partying to deal with the regret. As Eckert works through these feelings of loss over the next years of her life, we see her get into a happy marriage with the father of her unborn children. They soon realize they have not come to terms with their loss.
The author struggles at times with the concept of forgiveness. Finally, the couple come to terms with their past through a church retreat and reaffirm their faith. As I neared the end of the book, the lyrics to MercyMe’s song Flawless, came to mind. “Could it possibly be, we simply can’t believe, that this unconditional type of love would be enough to, take a filthy wretch like this, and wrap him up in righteousness, but that’s exactly what He did.”
The author’s trials and tribulations, and ultimate bravery should be inspiring not only to women or men having gone through similar circumstances, but to anyone having trouble getting over loss. A very inspiring read.
After going through the heartbreak of several abortions, she falls into drinking and partying to deal with the regret. As Eckert works through these feelings of loss over the next years of her life, we see her get into a happy marriage with the father of her unborn children. They soon realize they have not come to terms with their loss.
The author struggles at times with the concept of forgiveness. Finally, the couple come to terms with their past through a church retreat and reaffirm their faith. As I neared the end of the book, the lyrics to MercyMe’s song Flawless, came to mind. “Could it possibly be, we simply can’t believe, that this unconditional type of love would be enough to, take a filthy wretch like this, and wrap him up in righteousness, but that’s exactly what He did.”
The author’s trials and tribulations, and ultimate bravery should be inspiring not only to women or men having gone through similar circumstances, but to anyone having trouble getting over loss. A very inspiring read.
September 7, 2017
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November 16, 2017
First off many kind thanks for choosing me as a winner in the giveaway !!
I enjoyed this book very much as the print was large and did not cover every inch of the page like those old Victorian novels I favored 20 odd years ago but now are too teeny and vexing for me to enjoy.
I really enjoyed the author's life story as well and frankly there was not a single thing in the whole book that shocked or disgusted me as much of her story mirrors my own. I had a very troubled childhood filled with physical, sexual and verbal abuse and without putting too fine a point on it, I did whatever it took, usually unhealthy things for my soul and body to get love into my life. Abortions were part of the package.
I am glad that her story ended well, my life is a daily struggle just to make it thru the day.
I am glad I read Laura's story and felt nothing but empathy and compassion for her and for the girl I once was.
I enjoyed this book very much as the print was large and did not cover every inch of the page like those old Victorian novels I favored 20 odd years ago but now are too teeny and vexing for me to enjoy.
I really enjoyed the author's life story as well and frankly there was not a single thing in the whole book that shocked or disgusted me as much of her story mirrors my own. I had a very troubled childhood filled with physical, sexual and verbal abuse and without putting too fine a point on it, I did whatever it took, usually unhealthy things for my soul and body to get love into my life. Abortions were part of the package.
I am glad that her story ended well, my life is a daily struggle just to make it thru the day.
I am glad I read Laura's story and felt nothing but empathy and compassion for her and for the girl I once was.
July 2, 2019
Just Another Girl's Story: Abortion and Addiction Recovery and Finding Redemption by Laura Eckert for me is a five star read
This is an absolute must read.
I have to admit from the title I was a bit dubious, however I am glad that I decided to give it a go. It's quite an interesting read and is definitely something different. But the book managed to keep my interest until the very end. It was perfectly paced and was quite informative. The writing style is simple, clear and concise.
As soon as I started reading this I couldn't put it down and I am so glad I decided to give it a chance. The writer explains everything exceedingly well and I will look forward to reading more from this author.
This is an absolute must read.
I have to admit from the title I was a bit dubious, however I am glad that I decided to give it a go. It's quite an interesting read and is definitely something different. But the book managed to keep my interest until the very end. It was perfectly paced and was quite informative. The writing style is simple, clear and concise.
As soon as I started reading this I couldn't put it down and I am so glad I decided to give it a chance. The writer explains everything exceedingly well and I will look forward to reading more from this author.
August 18, 2017
The author approached in her book controversial topics as sex addiction and abortion, seen through the perspective of her own traumatic teenage experiences.
Besides the realistic point of view, I enjoyed the fact that the author chose to share with the readers valuable life lessons about bad choices and, most important, about how the importance of hope and the support of the loved ones can change a negative life journey, into something positive.
If at the first view Laura Eckert gives the impression through the modest title that her book it's just an ordinary one, the writer manage due to an outstanding and inspiring writing to make it a definitely worth reading for EVERYONE!
I highly recommend "Just another girl's story!”
Besides the realistic point of view, I enjoyed the fact that the author chose to share with the readers valuable life lessons about bad choices and, most important, about how the importance of hope and the support of the loved ones can change a negative life journey, into something positive.
If at the first view Laura Eckert gives the impression through the modest title that her book it's just an ordinary one, the writer manage due to an outstanding and inspiring writing to make it a definitely worth reading for EVERYONE!
I highly recommend "Just another girl's story!”
Read
September 15, 2017I really enjoyed reading this book. The author has a bold and amazing voice, and I appreciate the fact that she doesn’t make excuses for the mistakes she made. Instead, she OWNS them. This is a very courageous story of how a person can make mistakes in their youth, but they can learn from them and turn their life around for the better. It’s an encouraging story for anyone facing difficulties, such as addiction. There were even a few events from Eckert’s childhood, which I was able to relate to. I’m definitely going to read it again, and I highly recommend it.
August 7, 2017
I loved Laura's story. It was inspiring and touching to know that I am not alone in my thoughts or feelings on certain situations. It was incredible to see everything that she went through and how far she has come. I would definitely suggest this book to friends and family especially the ones that may have ended up in similar situations, to let them know that they are not alone and that life can go on and life is what you make it. A beautiful story!
August 8, 2017
Refreshingly honest, sometimes shocking and descriptive account of what Laura went through in her formative years. Her story will stay with you long after you've finished reading. This book was a welcome breath of fresh air in a world of sugar coating and pretense. A must read.
August 25, 2018
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Just Another Girl's Story, A Memoir on Finding Redemption
Author: Laura Eckert
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 8/10
Of the 16 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘her honesty’.
7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘her writing skills’.
16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This author has written a powerful story. I was very moved when I read this.’ Male reader, aged 42
‘A wonderfully written, often frank, look at abortion and how difficult it can be to come to terms with in later life. Adults and older teens would get a lot from this.’ Female reader, aged 41
‘This must have been a difficult autobiography to write. I applaud the author for her frankness and honesty. This is not a comfortable read but it is informative and highly emotive. Well done!’ Female reader, aged 51
‘Courageous!’ Male reader, aged 63
To Sum It Up:
‘Insightful, powerful and often very dark. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Just Another Girl's Story, A Memoir on Finding Redemption
Author: Laura Eckert
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 16
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 8/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 8/10
Of the 16 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
13 thought the cover was good or excellent.
16 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this story to another reader to try.
9 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘her honesty’.
7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘her writing skills’.
16 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
‘This author has written a powerful story. I was very moved when I read this.’ Male reader, aged 42
‘A wonderfully written, often frank, look at abortion and how difficult it can be to come to terms with in later life. Adults and older teens would get a lot from this.’ Female reader, aged 41
‘This must have been a difficult autobiography to write. I applaud the author for her frankness and honesty. This is not a comfortable read but it is informative and highly emotive. Well done!’ Female reader, aged 51
‘Courageous!’ Male reader, aged 63
To Sum It Up:
‘Insightful, powerful and often very dark. A FINALIST and highly recommended.’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
August 1, 2018
I loved this book. I love how she explained that the past should stay in the past. Her personal experience made me forgive myself and try to be a better person each day.
May 15, 2018
The subtitle of this book is on target--this is a memoir about finding redemption. However, I don't think the main title is apropos. I know many girls go through some or all of what Laura went through, but I pray it's not common enough to be "just another girl's story." Of course, I'm in my seventies and grew up in a totally different era, so I didn't find it easy to identify with Laura. However, I could identify with her redemption and her new-found faith. When we are saved, we are new creatures, and Laura did become that new creature. If you find the first part of the story depressing, keep reading. Laura doesn't stay mired in the sin and futility of her youth. She's honest and forthcoming about her experiences, and she serves as an excellent example of redemption.
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which expresses my honest opinion.
I received a copy of the book from the author, but I voluntarily wrote the review, which expresses my honest opinion.
January 11, 2018
I do not discredit Eckert's experience, however, I'll be in the minority here. Putting aside the amount of Catholicism lurking at each page turn, putting aside the blatant mention of Planned Parenthood specifically: "I was young and reckless and never considered the consequences that led me to Planned Parenthood to end your lives" (224), the narrative itself is disjointed.
Relying on multiple uses of cliched phrases ("many moons"), I felt like the end of each chapter was a half-hearted attempt at a cliff-hanger. To use a cliche, I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, especially after reading this in Chapter One:
Who could disagree that if God is at the center of your life, you can never make a wrong decision? Right? Well, this is what I came to believe after surviving my teenage years, so much so that by my mid-thirties, I sat on a high horse that was so tall, no one could reach up and touch me. I was on the right side of any controversial issue whether it be sex before marriage, the right to life, and even the death penalty. I had it covered, and I schooled anyone who dared challenge me.
This attitude continues throughout the majority of the memoir, culminating in a Baptist church in the Deep South. Congratulations, Laura Eckert, you forgive yourself, but make it quite clear that you are still willing to judge everybody else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2022
In her memoir Just Another Girl's Story, Laura Eckert opens a pool for the reader to dive in her personal life and consequences she faced for her actions. A real life story of love, loss, courage, faith and redemption.
Starting from her teenage days, the book is divided in two parts. The abridged version will provide you with an overview of who Laura Eckert is and what is her story about. It' s a detailed preface or an introduction. The next part that shares the major half of the book is called the Unabridged version and the author starts narrating her story from the age she was five.
At age of 16 and 17, Laura became pregnant and found herself as a patient at an abortion clinic near her parents home. After one year, she was pregnant again but decided to keep her child with the support of her family. From then, she started to walk on the path of redemption by going back to school and picking up jobs to take care of her child. She was soon married and gave birth to another child with her husband.
She has emphasised enough about the awareness for teenage pregnancy and the hardships she and her family went through in her teenage days. She does accept her mistakes and addiction to coitus that lead to two abortions. Her life story from her teens to the adult life is a great example how one can regain faith, hope with courage and a little support from loved ones.
I always believe that if one accepts their wrong doings, that is the first and an important step towards redemption. It has been a real experience for me and the same is showcased by Laura in her memoir. Not only she acknowledge her wrongs or mistakes of her past that would have taken a lot of courage and is observable by her words in terms of array of emotions she went through due to her self-sabotaging behaviour and destructive addictions. Nonetheless, she also talks about how she completely turned around her life in her early twenties after spoiling the whole teenage and her only goal that her own children would not face the reality she wove.
This is heart-warming, real life experience of someone who made some bad choices but changed the course of their lives by acknowledging their own consciousness.
4 out of 5!
Starting from her teenage days, the book is divided in two parts. The abridged version will provide you with an overview of who Laura Eckert is and what is her story about. It' s a detailed preface or an introduction. The next part that shares the major half of the book is called the Unabridged version and the author starts narrating her story from the age she was five.
At age of 16 and 17, Laura became pregnant and found herself as a patient at an abortion clinic near her parents home. After one year, she was pregnant again but decided to keep her child with the support of her family. From then, she started to walk on the path of redemption by going back to school and picking up jobs to take care of her child. She was soon married and gave birth to another child with her husband.
She has emphasised enough about the awareness for teenage pregnancy and the hardships she and her family went through in her teenage days. She does accept her mistakes and addiction to coitus that lead to two abortions. Her life story from her teens to the adult life is a great example how one can regain faith, hope with courage and a little support from loved ones.
I always believe that if one accepts their wrong doings, that is the first and an important step towards redemption. It has been a real experience for me and the same is showcased by Laura in her memoir. Not only she acknowledge her wrongs or mistakes of her past that would have taken a lot of courage and is observable by her words in terms of array of emotions she went through due to her self-sabotaging behaviour and destructive addictions. Nonetheless, she also talks about how she completely turned around her life in her early twenties after spoiling the whole teenage and her only goal that her own children would not face the reality she wove.
This is heart-warming, real life experience of someone who made some bad choices but changed the course of their lives by acknowledging their own consciousness.
4 out of 5!
February 6, 2018
We are proud to announce that JUST ANOTHER GIRL'S STORY: A Memoir on Finding Redemption by Laura Eckert is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells readers that this book is well worth their time and money!
September 6, 2021
Good for adults too
This book can be utilized by teens or adults. I enjoyed the book and wish the author and her family blessings as they help others in need.
This book can be utilized by teens or adults. I enjoyed the book and wish the author and her family blessings as they help others in need.
March 5, 2018
Just Another Girl's Story: An Inspirational Teen Autobiography about Abortion, Addiction Recovery and Finding Redemption by Laura Eckert is a personal memoir about the many plights this young girl encountered at such a young age. This story was very candid and honest that tells of a innocence lost and strength and courage found
At a young age, Laura is having addicted to having sex with her stepbrother and drinking excessively and having abortions that lead to depression. This autobiography is filled with so many emotions and at times it was painful to read but the emotions were tastefully written throughout the pages. Just Another Girl's Story: An Inspirational Teen Autobiography about Abortion, Addiction Recovery and Finding Redemption was truly a testimony and a warning to many young teens who think there are no consequences for bad choices, think again. I rate this body of work five stars.
Reviewed by Kisha Green for Literary Jewels
Format: Kindle
At a young age, Laura is having addicted to having sex with her stepbrother and drinking excessively and having abortions that lead to depression. This autobiography is filled with so many emotions and at times it was painful to read but the emotions were tastefully written throughout the pages. Just Another Girl's Story: An Inspirational Teen Autobiography about Abortion, Addiction Recovery and Finding Redemption was truly a testimony and a warning to many young teens who think there are no consequences for bad choices, think again. I rate this body of work five stars.
Reviewed by Kisha Green for Literary Jewels
Format: Kindle
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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