Reviews

Memoirs of a Suburban Troublemaker by Ellen R. B. Smith is a book about the story of the author Ellen, written through personal recollection of events that took place in her life. The author shares her life story through the pages of this book. From her childhood in the open and integrated community of Reston, Virginia, the author tells the readers about the experiences in her life that made her into the person she is today. From her parents' separation, which she says led to her beginning to be a troublemaker right from young to her teenage years, her life of fighting and being a teen delinquent to standing up against the bullies, and to her high school and college days till the present time, Ellen grew up in Reston, left for a while for school and work, and still later returned to live in this suburban community.

The author's story shares a lot of lessons with the reader. Her life is one where she fought against injustice right from when she was young. Ellen, who is a non-practicing agnostic Jewish person, faced several struggles and discrimination in life, some as a result of her Jewish origin and some simply because of her gender, but did not allow that to discourage her. Instead, she rose above it all.

My favorite thing about the book was the author's humorous and honest writing style. This was one thing that made the experience of reading the book a great one. The author was not afraid to share her failures and weaknesses, the mistakes she made, and the struggles she faced. 

I found nothing to dislike about the book; it was a good read, and I enjoyed reading the book. The division of the books into parts detailing the different periods of the author's life was a good idea, and it made the author's story easy to follow and made the reading experience more enjoyable. I commend the editor and all those responsible for proofreading this work; it was exceptionally edited.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because it's an honest memoir from the author, and her life is inspiring and gives the readers a lot to learn from. I recommend this book to lovers of change and progress, to those who are not afraid to make the necessary trouble to ensure that the right things are done, and to those who want to stand up for the helpless and defenseless. It's a book for all lovers of literature, personal stories, and memoirs.

by Mark Maxwell 2 » 01 Jun 2024

The memoir of a feisty but charming young troublemaker and the woman she became.

Ellen Smith had a solid and fairly unremarkable early childhood. Born and raised in the garden city of Reston, Virginia’s first open, integrated, and planned community, she started out as an obedient, if sometimes sparky, youth. It was not until her parents’ divorce (when she was eight years old) that she shifted from being a child who got good grades and respected authority to one who fought everything and anybody. Throughout it all, her parents showed patience and compassion, but as she writes: “Despite their exceptional capacity for forgiveness, offering me all the grace they could muster, I remained the epitome of trouble.”

MEMOIRS OF A SUBURBAN TROUBLEMAKER is a brisk and enjoyable coming-of-age tale that will resonate with many people who were brought up with divorced parents. Set against the backdrop of her strangely utopian hometown, Smith brings humor and the wisdom of passing years to the troublesome escapades of her youth.

Rather than a conventional narrative structure, the book comprises short anecdotal incidents in roughly chronological order. Gradually, these little stories build up a candid portrait of a young girl struggling with her parents’ divorce and the difficulties of growing up and fitting in. Smith’s strong personality and feisty outlook on life shine through, including facing down the stigma of an ill-advised outfit on the first day of seventh grade. She chose a hemp turtleneck, a satin cummerbund, and a muslin skirt combo. “It all might have been a little too sophisticated for a 13-year-old,” she writes. “I looked more like a librarian from the late 1800s than a tween in the late 1980s.” Later, she will attempt to explain away how she lost her house key by fabricating a preposterous tale of abduction: “I called the police from a neighbor’s house and told them that I had fled the grasp of a pedophile who tried to lure me into his kidnapper van at the playground. I described a crazy-eyed, seven-foot-tall, obese, white male […] who drove a white, windowless van.”

Though many of Smith’s school years’ stories are tinged with humor, things frequently darken as she grows up. Drugs, death, and depression cast a shadow. It is a testament to Smith’s resilience that she has overcome what life has thrown at her. By the end of her book, the story has become one of empowerment. Every battle that Smith has chosen, every spot of trouble she has found herself in, has led to her becoming the woman she is today. She writes: “I hope all the troublemakers reading this feel less alone in the world and are inspired to persevere and keep fighting the good fight.”

Ellen Smith’s MEMOIRS OF A SUBURBAN TROUBLEMAKER is an engrossing coming-of-age memoir. Sometimes funny, sometimes shocking, these anecdotes are always winningly candid.

~Kent Lane for IndieReader, July 17, 2024

5.0 out of 5 stars Humorous, witty and brave!

This book was such a great read! The stories are funny but also poignant. I love how the author's voice comes across in her writing. She is as vulnerable and real as she is hilarious and creative. This book has many life lessons and gems inside. It is a short, smart, honest and brave telling of her formative years with lots of takeaways that everyone can relate to. Highly recommend!!!


5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it!!

I really enjoyed this book and devoured it in just one day! Growing up in the same area as Ellen, I truly appreciate how she highlights the inclusive and progressive spirit of Reston. While the book touches on some heavy topics, Ellen handles them with honesty and perseverance that’s genuinely inspiring. I'm not much of a LOL person but I have to admit there were a few times that I found myself snorting with laughter - especially the part where she gives her little sister a friendly push into the water during a swim meet 🤣

Ellen is a fantastic storyteller. Her style is easy to read, funny, and deeply inspiring. I highly recommend checking out Memoirs of a Suburban Troublemaker!


5.0 out of 5 stars Funny & Relatable!

This book was a journey! It will have you smiling, laughing and mourning page after page. Of course, fist bumping at the end. Go Ellen!! and all the troublemakers out there! Great read!


5.0 out of 5 stars I couldn’t put it down!

Once I started, I couldn’t put it down... And I'm not an avid reader. I enjoy listening to books. I finished it in 2-days!
The cover of this book is perfect, especially for those that remember the ‘90s! The author’s big hair, bright, fluffy dress with matching satin shoes, only to be complemented by the quintessential, hand-me-down car that almost everyone got from their parents (or grandparents) drew me in immediately.
The stories and experiences shared made me laugh, cry, cringe, feel excitement, and empathy, laugh, cry, repeat. It is a raw and honest tale that many can relate to. Latch-Key Kids in the ‘80s & ‘90s were like a tribe of their own, as you’ll learn in the book. The era of divorced families, shared custody, confusion, bullies, bonds, friendships, fights, and sibling loyalty is real is what really makes you feel like you are part of this crazy journey.
You might think she ends up in jail, rehab, or dead based on all the antics and wild times shared. I guess you’ll have to read it to know how things turn out. I promise you won't be disappointed.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Really Fun Ride (or Read!)

This book was such a fun read. Ellen’s collection of memories throughout her youth brought back so many memories of my own. I could relate to her experiences about her parents’ divorce and how it changed her view on life and her view of herself. I laughed out loud at the pure ridiculousness of thoughts and ideas that only Teenagers seem to possess. I also loved that even though Ellen was a Self-Proclaimed troublemaker – she stood up for the underdog and spoke her mind about intolerance. I think this is a GREAT book for anyone – especially those who went to high school and felt like they were on the Outside looking in.


5.0 out of 5 stars Wild and witty - a great read

Ellen’s debut book really hits the ground running. She opens up our minds to the real world - sometimes ugly, sometimes beautiful but always in a way that makes you think. A book club “must read” - you won’t be disappointed.

5/5 Stars- Highly Recommend!

Breezy reading of a fraught childhood that gave me insight into someone who is a natural fighter… for her safety, her principles, and protecting others. She learns to rely on her formidable intelligence and goes on to improve recruiting at Amazon. What a woman.

5/5 Stars- I never considered you a troublemaker.

I liked your honesty and ability to express yourself. I never really knew what you were going through. I believe there are many kids out there who will benefit from your openness and help them feel better about their potential. I'm so proud of you.
Love,
Aunt Joanne

5/5 Stars- Page Turner!

Ellen Bernard Smith writes from the heart, she is raw, honest, and naturally funny with a Sedaris like quality, this book is a page turner. Truly entertaining and relatable.