Lesson in forgiveness and overcoming

Book review by Nicole Watson

Bitterness to Betterness by Mellisha Carter-Linton chronicles the experiences of a woman named Genie who turned a life of struggle into one of fulfilment. From this story, Carter-Linton takes the opportunity to inspire and inform readers by outlining principles that can lead to a road of self-discovery and breakthrough.

The first half of the book tells a distressing tale of generational trauma and brokenness. Genie, a woman who experienced physical and emotional abuse from childhood to adulthood came from a family of trauma. Her mother, who gave birth to Genie when she was a teenager, was abused by her mother, who was also a victim of abuse. For Genie, just like the women in her family who came before her, this trauma led to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

Genie’s story is heartbreaking. Yearning to be loved as a child and then as a young adult, but not knowing what love really looked like, she married a young man who she thought loved and respected her. Instead, this man plotted with someone whom she considered a friend to manipulate her out of her heard-earned money and use her to further his selfish goals. In a horrible turn of events, her husband discarded her and their children, and kicked them out of the house and home that Genie helped to build.

The second half of the book spends some time showing how, despite the despair and darkness in her life, Genie found solace in God and His word. Her favourite scriptures gave her the hope and strength she needed to rebuild and create a successful life for her and her children in Jamaica, and then, Canada.

Carter-Linton uses Genie’s story as a lesson in forgiveness and overcoming. She also takes the opportunity to counsel young women and parents, in general, about the importance of viewing raising a child as a gift from God. It should be considered an honour, and irrespective of whether a child was planned or unplanned, he/she is a blessing.

While the premise of the book is thought-provoking and inspirational, the structure of the content is somewhat disappointing. Instead of the story progressing smoothly, interspersed with scriptures, quotations, and anecdotes, it seems disorganised and entails a lot of repetition as the writer seeks to bring across her principles by telling and retelling Genie’s story.

Despite the structural flaws, however, there is much to learn from this book. If you want to overcome bitterness and learn how to forgive and move on from the pain of your past, then this book will provide you with the road map to healing and recovery. For the reader who has not been directly affected by trauma, the principles outlined in this book can help to guide you on a journey to pursuing your purpose and living a fulfilling life.

From Bitterness to Betterness: Principles to Change Your Outlook on Life

Author: Mellisha Carter-Linton

Published by: DayeLight Publishers

ISBN: 978-1-953759-94-8

Nicole Watson is a communicator, content creator, and a blogger. Follow her on Instagram @nicolesbookishtidbits.