Daddy Issues

Anyone who sees the cover of Daddy Issues is captivated by it. This book is certainly not the book that you can’t judge a book by its cover, as the cover gives you a really good indication of what you are getting yourself into.

The short but gripping stories of the nine girls seem to catch you off guard. You think that you understand and maybe relate to one girls’ story, only to read the next and find yourself completely unraveled by what happened to the next girl.

In reading Daddy Issues, you find that you are transported to a place of pain, empathy and concern for the current generation. You are propelled to want to do something, catch up with these girls, and find out if they are in a better place, healing or healed, not repeating the mistakes of their fathers.

More importantly, you recognise things in life, and the lives of people you know, that need healing. Stories that need to be told in order for those affected to move forward..

Daddy Issues is more than just a book, it’s a vessel of unexpected healing that soothes your soul…

The storytelling format is what captured me. It is almost as if I was sitting in the same room as the young ladies sharing their experiences, on a cold day snuggled in a warm fleece. I enjoyed how the book was relatable to the average south african girl who grew up in a medium earning household.

The translation of important African phrases and words is what brought authenticity and clarity to the reader. This was a clear indication of the author’s intention, to include the reader.

Realising that there are many girls who grew up with the same underlying issues has somewhat shifted my perspective and afforded me a community.

A community where we are able to empower each other through sharing our experiences and healing without being ashamed or frowned upon because of certain privileges we may have been exposed to. More so the book has highlighted that we as daughters in fact desire a relationship on a deeper level and not just a present bank account.

The book beautifully curates stories of women from different backgrounds. The way each story starts and paints a picture that’s sets a tone for each story allows the reader to immerse themselves into the story.

This book, in conjunction with one of the sessions I have had the pleasure of attending, made me really take time out to think about, not just my relationship with my daddy, but relationships in general. There are so many pointers and lessons one can take from this book; more than anything, to forgive yourself, tear off the victim mask and gain your power back in being able to heal and move on with your life.

Rethabile, the author, has always wanted to explore her creative passion, and this book is a perfect reference for how well she thought this project through, gave it time and was able to deliver a book that would speak to everyone. I would definitely recommend this book and attending at least one of her sessions as they complement this book very well.

You have taken the stories of those that have been trying to be heard and gave them a voice, gave them healing through your written words. The book is absolutely amazing and I honestly could not put the book down.

I took a while to start reading the book, as I am not much of a reader. But when I did? I was instantly hooked, it was so hard to put down. Every chance I got, I made sure. What an amazing read, cannot wait for the next one!

When I bought this book, I didn’t get to read it for the first few days because my mother took it and immediately became obsessed with it. She read it morning noon and night. As soon as she was done she said, “I need you to read this” (as if I didn’t actually buy it for myself lol), but her reaction to it always stuck to me as I read it. It felt like she was healing along side me. Her relationship with my father (divorced when I was 3), and my relationship to him was put in a new light.

I think the reflection the book forced us both into created a new standing ground for our relationship, more specifically how her relationship and respect for him, didn’t necessarily mean the same thing for my relationship with him and how we experienced two different people.

It opened an old wound with new medicine.

This book has brought so much healing for me. It made me finally understand that some battles are not meant for me and I shouldn’t carry what isn’t mine. It also helped me realise that our fathers project a lot and are also trying to figure out this life thing too. We can’t control what kind of fathers they should be, but we can control what we learn from our childhood and traumas.