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Dear Sister: A Memoir of Secrets, Survival, and Unbreakable Bonds Hardcover – January 30, 2024
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In this "incendiary" memoir, a woman fights the criminal justice system to release her incarcerated sister after she kills her longtime abuser (Publishers Weekly).
In September 2017, a knock on the door upends Michelle Horton’s life: she learns that her sister has just shot her partner and is now in jail. Stunned, Michelle rearranges her life to raise Nikki's two young children alongside her own son.
During the investigation that follows, Michelle is shocked to learn that Nikki had been hiding horrific abuse for years. Michelle launches a fight to bring Nikki home, squaring off against a criminal justice system designed to punish the entire family.
Since Dear Sister’s original publication, Michelle’s fight—alongside a tireless network of supporters—has resulted in Nikki’s release from prison.
With a new chapter, an update from Nikki, and never-before-seen photographs documenting the homecoming, this edition provides a touching new conclusion to a profound, intimate story of resilience and the unbreakable bond of family.
- Print length352 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherGrand Central Publishing
- Publication dateJanuary 30, 2024
- Dimensions6.35 x 1.19 x 9.3 inches
- ISBN-10153875715X
- ISBN-13978-1538757154
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Editorial Reviews
Review
“Essential… this strong narrative points to the realities of the United States’ criminal justice system and how it can fail the most vulnerable.”―Library Journal (starred review)
“Unflinching, vulnerable and bold… a story of family resilience, infinite love, friends, and communities …It’s a story you won’t forget. It is a story that matters because it’s more than Nikki’s story.”
―The New York Journal of Books
“Dear Sister stands alongside both Bowdler’s memoir Is Rape a Crime?and Chanel Miller’s bestselling 2019 Know My Name. It is a testament to Horton’s command as a writer that we do not look away. ”―Southern Review of Books
“This deeply felt and beautifully written book—this tale of tragedy and love, cruelty and community—will stay with me long after Nikki comes home and these two amazing sisters and their children can heal. It will stay with me, inspire me, and fuel my commitment to women, because as little Ben says at the end of the book, “It’s not over until we help all the other mommies who defended themselves get free.”
―Elizabeth Lesser, Cofounder of Omega Institute and author of New York Times bestseller Broken Open
“A gripping account of one woman’s ongoing journey through hell—the inferno of an abusive relationship that ended with a bullet; the Hades of a legal system more determined to punish than to understand; and the parallel torment for those who love her, fight for her, and admirably endure.”
―Scott Turow, New York Times bestselling author of Presumed Innocent
"The sheer scale of what Michelle Horton has done — in this book, in her life, in telling her sister’s story and her own, in her very survival — will leave you awestruck. I didn’t read this book, I swallowed it. It will make you feel despair, rage, horror, and ultimately reverence and adoration. Hopefully, it will make you stand up and take notice of all we get wrong with survivors like Nikki Addimando. I don’t think anyone will read this book and not want to take to the streets and demand we do better. I know I’ll be out there. In a word, this book is miraculous.”―Rachel Louise Snyder, author of No Visible Bruises and Women We Buried, Women We Burned
“The most difficult circumstances have the power to break open our hearts and bring our spirit fully alive. In this compelling, intimate and beautifully written memoir, we touch on the true meaning of healing and grace.”
―Tara Brach, internationally bestselling author of Radical Acceptance
"A devastating and heart-breaking account which sheds light on all of the secrets, the silences, the unnecessary opprobrium, and the injustice that still surround battered women in our society today." ―Sheila Kohler, author of Once We Were Sisters
“A searing read. The next frontier in preventing abuse against women is shining a spotlight on the cruelty and ignorance with which our courts treat victims of abuse, particularly those who defend themselves against violent men. Dear Sister is an important and painful story, beautifully told.”
―Leslie Morgan Steiner, New York Times bestselling author of Crazy Love
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Grand Central Publishing (January 30, 2024)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 352 pages
- ISBN-10 : 153875715X
- ISBN-13 : 978-1538757154
- Item Weight : 1.25 pounds
- Dimensions : 6.35 x 1.19 x 9.3 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #111,327 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #324 in Crime & Criminal Biographies
- #450 in Murder & Mayhem True Accounts
- #3,345 in Memoirs (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers praise the writing style as detailed and well-edited. They find the story compelling and heartbreaking, balancing moments of heartbreak with a resilient spirit. Readers describe the book as an incredible, compelling read that can't be put down. The inspirational message and sisterhood themes are praised as thought-provoking and meaningful. Many appreciate the strength and determination of the women featured in the book.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers praise the writing style as eloquent, thorough, and well-written. They find the story relatable and well-explained. The writing is poetic and lyrical, drawing readers in.
"...Captured my attention and wouldn't let go. Well edited and draws the reader in. Compelling!" Read more
"...Beautifully written, raw, and yet inspiring, Michelle did an incredible job of making you feel like you knew herself, Nikki, and the amazing..." Read more
"Well written, thought inducing book. It was a bit difficult to read at times, because I became very emotional...." Read more
"A true story with numerous messages. Well written and an interesting book to read...." Read more
Customers find the story compelling and well-written. They describe it as a raw, real, and powerful tale about domestic violence. The book balances moments of heartbreak with a resilient spirit. It is an informative story about the reality of abuse and the many challenges victims face.
"...And the entire family suffers. Very disturbing but eloquently told true story! Captured my attention and wouldn't let go...." Read more
"...that love her, I’m anxious to see what more comes from this amazing group of individuals...." Read more
"A true story with numerous messages. Well written and an interesting book to read...." Read more
"...The story is well written and at times heart wrenching and keeps you on the edge trying to get to the next page, but not wanting to miss any details...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find it compelling, beautifully written, and a must-read for women and men. The book draws readers in and is described as a life-changing read for mothers.
"...Captured my attention and wouldn't let go. Well edited and draws the reader in. Compelling!" Read more
"...job of making you feel like you knew herself, Nikki, and the amazing committee...." Read more
"...Well worth the time to read. I learned a lot.." Read more
"I finished this incredible book more than 12 hours ago and I am still speechless...." Read more
Customers find the book inspiring and thought-provoking. They say it's a poignant exploration of Nikki Addimando's journey that opens their minds and hearts. The book provides great insight into how the judicial system works.
"...Well edited and draws the reader in. Compelling!" Read more
"...Beautifully written, raw, and yet inspiring, Michelle did an incredible job of making you feel like you knew herself, Nikki, and the amazing..." Read more
"Well written, thought inducing book. It was a bit difficult to read at times, because I became very emotional...." Read more
"A true story with numerous messages. Well written and an interesting book to read...." Read more
Customers find the book a testament to sisterly love and a heart wrenching floodlight on a broken system. They appreciate the power of sisterhood shining through, offering hope amid the darkness and injustice. The deep relationships between women are highlighted, with joy and love through all of the hardship. Readers praise the author's honesty and loyalty to her sister and family. Overall, they describe the book as a story about love - the love of sisters, family, moms, and children.
"...to subject matter the author was both brutally honest and unfailingly loyal to her sister andfamily...." Read more
"...Glad so many women supported the family financially, emotionally and provided services for this struggling family." Read more
"...What an achievement this book is. Its both a story about love - the love of sisters, family, moms and their children, and a community coming together..." Read more
"...This is a book about the strength, love and devotion of two sisters. The community support is unreal. I had no idea things are this bad out there." Read more
Customers find the book inspiring and a testament to women's strength and sisterhood. They say it's a story of love and truth for children.
"...The author and her sister show incredible strength. <3" Read more
"...This is a book about the strength, love and devotion of two sisters. The community support is unreal. I had no idea things are this bad out there." Read more
"...And the strength and determination will leave you inspired. This should be required reading for everyone. I highly, highly recommend." Read more
"...Proof that as humans we can find strength, resilience and even light in the darkest, most terrifyingly hopeless situations...." Read more
Customers enjoyed the book's power. They found it heartbreaking and highly recommended it.
"This was a powerful and heartbreaking book. Highly recommend." Read more
"Powerful, intense, & beautifully written...." Read more
"Powerful & Meaningful..." Read more
"Powerful and eye opening..." Read more
Customers find the book's emotional content intense and heartbreaking. They describe it as a haunting narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. However, some readers find it inspiring and hard to read.
"...Michelle writes with eloquent, and yet raw, emotion and gives a perspective to their whole family’s journey...." Read more
"...” to learning along the way of her daunting abuse, this memoir was very emotional and hard to get through...." Read more
"This book was at once gut-wrenching and totally inspiring...." Read more
"...The book skillfully weaves a haunting narrative that tugs at the heartstrings, balancing moments of heartbreak with a resilient spirit...." Read more
Reviews with images
Gut wrenching and heartwarming wrapped up in one book
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 18, 2024As a trauma survivor/abuse victim, woman and human being this book is one I not only won't delete, but I need to by a real life copy of for my bookshelves. I mostly only read memoirs (though I will read other genres on occasion) and yet I had to keep reminding myself this wasn't some novel that was horrible but wouldn't happen in real life but I am reading this because it actually happened! I took my abuser to court in a civil suit. It lasted for over a decade and, if one counts collection of the judgement, would still be ongoing IF I could find an attorney in New Orleans willing to help me collect. Or even publicize it. Yet I count myself fortunate that I didn't suffer what Nicole "Nikki" Addimando and her family did.
This book, written by Nikki's sister, Michelle is, as I said a "must read!" We always tell ourselves we would know if a relative or friend were being abused but that is so NOT the case in many instances. I know in my situation I too felt unable to tell anyone, feared not being believed because it was drilled into me that I wouldn't be. And when you are not taken seriously (or even FEEL you won't be) by your own mom, that takes its toll as well. We have only to read the headlines and/or books like this one or watch Dateline or 48 Hours and we see that "blame the victim" culture is alive and well. How does that NOT do further damage though? It can't NOT cause more harm! To be jailed, punished for being abused is something out of Iran, and other such countries run by Sharia law. It should not be tolerated here or anywhere! And the entire family suffers.
Very disturbing but eloquently told true story! Captured my attention and wouldn't let go. Well edited and draws the reader in. Compelling!
- Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2024There are not enough words to describe how incredible Michelle Horton is as an author. For someone who knew Nikki, although not well, and went through the immediate “there’s no way she would have done this if something seriously wrong wasn’t happening to her or her kids,” to learning along the way of her daunting abuse, this memoir was very emotional and hard to get through.
Beautifully written, raw, and yet inspiring, Michelle did an incredible job of making you feel like you knew herself, Nikki, and the amazing committee. I watched these incredible women work through the entire process in awe. Reading it from Michelle perspective firsthand was nothing short of amazing. A beautiful sister, friend, mom and aunt.
Although Nikki is now home and finally back with her sweet babies, nephew, incredible sister, and all those that love her, I’m anxious to see what more comes from this amazing group of individuals.
I hope this gives hope and determination to other survivors and those currently going through similar DV. So many of us are on your side!
5.0 out of 5 stars Gut wrenching and heartwarming wrapped up in one bookThere are not enough words to describe how incredible Michelle Horton is as an author. For someone who knew Nikki, although not well, and went through the immediate “there’s no way she would have done this if something seriously wrong wasn’t happening to her or her kids,” to learning along the way of her daunting abuse, this memoir was very emotional and hard to get through.
Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2024
Beautifully written, raw, and yet inspiring, Michelle did an incredible job of making you feel like you knew herself, Nikki, and the amazing committee. I watched these incredible women work through the entire process in awe. Reading it from Michelle perspective firsthand was nothing short of amazing. A beautiful sister, friend, mom and aunt.
Although Nikki is now home and finally back with her sweet babies, nephew, incredible sister, and all those that love her, I’m anxious to see what more comes from this amazing group of individuals.
I hope this gives hope and determination to other survivors and those currently going through similar DV. So many of us are on your side!
Images in this review - Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2024Well written, thought inducing book. It was a bit difficult to read at times, because I became very emotional. The author and her sister show incredible strength. <3
- Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2024Difficult to read due to subject matter the author was both brutally honest and unfailingly loyal to her sister andfamily. Legal issues were described in detail, along with heartbreaking analysis of description of the plight of victims of domestic violence. Well worth the time to read. I learned a lot..
- Reviewed in the United States on August 28, 2024A true story with numerous messages. Well written and an interesting book to read. Glad so many women supported the family financially, emotionally and provided services for this struggling family.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024I finished this incredible book more than 12 hours ago and I am still speechless. Working in the legal community in Dutchess County and having followed this story since the beginning I thought I knew, turns out I had no idea.
What an achievement this book is. Its both a story about love - the love of sisters, family, moms and their children, and a community coming together. And heartbreak - the heartbreak of family separation, the death of a loved one, the death of a parent. And the frustration of speaking your truth and not being believed.
Nikki is home now, and I know she will do amazing things with the rest of her journey. I hope that Michelle will write more books in the future, I hope about stories that haven't tested every ounce of her strength like this one did. She is a wonderful sister and a wonderful writer.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2024This book is a shocking true story that ever young person should read to have some knowledge of what to look for when someone you care about and love may need you to help them survive. The story is well written and at times heart wrenching and keeps you on the edge trying to get to the next page, but not wanting to miss any details. This is a book about the strength, love and devotion of two sisters. The community support is unreal. I had no idea things are this bad out there.
- Reviewed in the United States on February 6, 2024I’ve been impatiently awaiting the release of this book since the first day of preorder. When it arrived, on the release date, I couldn’t put it down. Michelle writes with eloquent, and yet raw, emotion and gives a perspective to their whole family’s journey. Grateful that Nikki has been released, finally, and that these beautiful sisters can tell their story together while continuing to fight for other criminalized survivors.