Sensational

Glitz, glamour and harsh reality make this a compelling read

The darkness at the heart of the book, and the grim reality of post-Nolans life on the dole, is offset by Anne's lack of self-pity and indomitable spirit

Deeply felt and often darkly funny, Look Me in the Eye is a delight

It's a fantastic life story (highlights include building guitars for KISS) told with grace, humor, and a bracing lack of sentimentality

There's an endearing quality to Robison and his story that transcends the "Scissors" connection ... Look Me in the Eye is often drolly funny and seldom angry or self-pitying. Even when describing his fear that he'd grow up to be a sociopathic killer, Robison brings a light touch to what could be construed as dark subject matter ... Robison is also a natural storyteller and engaging conversationalist

Robison seems likable, honest and completely free of guile, qualities well served by writing that is lean, powerful in its descriptive accuracy and engaging in its understated humor. It is also emotionally gripping

Robison’s lack of finesse with language is not only forgivable, but an asset to his story . . . His rigid sentences are arguably more telling of his condition than if he had created the most graceful prose this side of Proust.

[Blackburn] has written an exceptionally perceptive and fascinating book, a tribute by a remarkable daughter to the resilience of filial love.

In this memoir she describes her eccentric, dangerous, wonderful bohemian parents...Blackburn emerged from this turmoil as a fine writer, and this book is full of understanding and reconciliation

a rich account...brilliant vignettes

This piercing memoir paints in vivid colours Julia Blackburn's nightmarish childhood

Blackburn tells us about these things in a compelling authorial voice which is by turns numb and incredibly sensitive

Brutally honest book ...deeply moving testament to the love that can somehow survive

An extraordinary family memoir... A bohemian classic