
With or Without You
A Memoir
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Narrated by:
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Domenica Ruta
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By:
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Domenica Ruta
A haunting, unforgettable mother-daughter story for a new generation - the debut of a blazing new lyrical voice
Domenica Ruta grew up in a working-class, unforgiving Italian town north of Boston where in the seventeenth century women were hanged as witches. Her mother, Kathi, a notorious figure in this hardscrabble place, was a drug addict and sometime dealer whose life swung between welfare and riches, whose highbrow taste was at odds with her base appetites. And yet she managed, despite the chaos she created, to instill in her daughter the idea that art - via a classic film or a classical education - could transcend this life of undying grudges, self-inflicted misfortune, and the crooked moral code that Kathi and her cohorts lived by. With or Without You is the story of Domenica’s unconventional coming of age - a darkly hilarious chronicle of a misfit ’90s childhood and the necessary and painful act of breaking away, and of overcoming her own addictions and demons in the process. In a brilliant stylistic feat, Domenica Ruta has penned a powerful, inspiring, pause-resisting, and finally redemptive story about loving and leaving.
©2013 Domenica Ruta (P)2013 Random House AudioListeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
I usually chose biographies. memoirs or autobiographies about people who are known to me. So, it was by chance that I gambled on Domenica Ruta. I'm certain it was the reviews of others that convinced me it was worth the risk.
I love this book. Even though I can only commiserate on a small scale with Domenica, as my family's dysfunction pales in comparison to hers and I never (thankfully) developed a dependency on mood altering substances. I can't even confidently say that Domenica has completely overcome her demons and is on a really healthy path, but she is a survivor, a chameleon and has become a seemingly successful human against all odds. Others would have caved and followed the family dynamic, while she chose to see things for what they were, make better choices and extract herself from the chaos in which she was raised and trained.
Why I think this book is amazing is because it is raw, honest and detailed. Domenica's voice is the only one that could have read this story properly. I don't consider her monotone (as another reviewer suggests) she speaks evenly, but impassioned and her gritty tone is the perfect vehicle. Her memories are vividly recalled, as anyone, especially a child couldn't forget what her eyes have seen.
Again, I love this book.
It's About Time
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The author does an incredible job at portraying a relationship fraught with ambivalence and fear. She has an overwhelming love for her mother, yet prays for her death so as to release her from the bondage of codependency and pain. The redemption comes when the author's instinct for self-preservation appears and she begins the journey to find her authentic self.
A real and riveting story-beautifully written
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What made the experience of listening to With or Without You the most enjoyable?
The story moves beautifully between time frames. The writing is full of vivid, shocking imagery, with creative and original phrases.What about Domenica Ruta’s performance did you like?
The author's voice is compelling and she reads her own work so very well.Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, because I could hardly stop listening!Any additional comments?
I can't wait for more from Domenica Ruta. She is a fascinating and truly gifted writer.Jaw-dropping, riveting, amazing book
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I hope this author writes more...soon!
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I loved this book
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This was not exactly what I had expected after reading some summaries. I mistakenly thought Ruta was someone of whom we were socially or publicly aware that had revealed an unexpected past. I haven't found any information about Domenica Ruta other than that she is a Survivor--which absolutely doesn't diminish the relevance of her book. What gives this book credence is the fact that Ruta is bravely telling it; adding another voice to both the issue and Hope, because if you have faced this monster in some form, you know that Hope needs constant reaffirming, and the conquering deserves praise and support. Overall a very readable, well written, and engaging story worth the time. Great achievement Ruta, and best wishes for continued success.
All too common and insidious tale
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Wow! My Mom Never Looked Better!
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Well Done though Yet Another Child Author
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Powerful story, but telling disjointed.
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Reminiscent of Glass Castle, but better.
I started listening and did not stop until it was over.
Unbelievably Good
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