Book Reviews: Biographies Memoirs Article Category

Book Review of "Nowhere But Up"

Pattie Mallette is Justin Bieber's mom. Some people may assume it's just a celebrity's parent riding on the coat tails of their child's new fame.

 This is not the case.

 This is a story of redemption for many young women like her.

A generation or two ago, when a girl was molested, it was not discussed.

 Even when a girl confided in someone, it was dismissed.

 

 Today, we are learning that talking about tough issues helps others to seek intervention.

 

As a child and teen, Pattie had been molested by family friends.

 

 Her mom and step father raised their kids the best they could but were not as affectionate as Pattie needed when she was going through this time.

 

 They were not aware of the situation until Pattie jumped in front of a truck hoping to get hit.

 Her mom then took her to the hospital to get help.

 

The teen years for Pattie became a time of acting out and looking for love in all the wrong places until she met a youth pastor who helped her turn things around.

 She and her friends stumbled on a building that was not yet open and thought they had hit the jackpot when they found video games and a snack bar.

 

  They began sneaking in and enjoying themselves. When it opened, it turned out to be a Christian youth center.

 They continued going since it was a fun place.

 She liked the director, but he was always talking about God, which annoyed her a little.

 

Pattie had a rough relationship with another teen boy who became Justin's father. Both were not ready to be parents.

Pattie eventually asked him to leave and started making a life for herself and her child.

She had accepted Christ, had gotten an apartment and little by little, tried to move forward.

 

 The youth pastor asked if a young teen girl could stay overnight with her until he could get help.

 She agreed and ended up letting the girl stay about a year.

 This was one way she was giving back by helping someone else in their time of need.

 

As her son Justin grew, it was apparent that he was very talented musically.

  Other were fascinated by the boy's charismatic charm and ability to connect with an audience.

 Justin loved playing instruments, singing and performing.

 

 He wanted to enter a talent contest in Canada where they lived and was disappointed when he didn't win.

The piece of luck came about because he had asked his mom to post his performances so his grandma could watch them.

 Once on the Internet, they were discovered by a talent scout, who contacted Pattie. The rest is history.

 

As the mother of a now famous young man, she trusts that he will learn from her mistakes and make positive choices.

She was able to go from being a hurt, troubled teen mom to getting an education and professional employment as well as helping her son's dream come true.

 

It's true that when you are down, there is no where to go but up.

 

Author, Laura Schroeder enjoys sharing her life experiences and encouraging others.