Editor's Note: This review was originally published in Reedsy Disovery.
Love and attachment can simultaneously be a gift and a curse. For Candi Usher, the lessons of falling in love and dreams of stability and affection led to heartbreak and tragedy. Despite experiencing pain in previous relationships, Usher vulnerably admits to ignoring the warning signs of their partner's harmful behavior. She desperately wanted her marriage to work despite her husband’s infidelity. Usher believed that love and devotion could change their partner. Eventually, the author realized that loving the wrong person can lead to self-destruction. Usher's journey of self-awareness through loss and grief is a testament to the power of introspection. It ultimately led her to find the courage to love herself and let go.
The title “Delusional” is quite fitting because sticking through an unhealthy relationship requires a degree of self-deception and destruction. Usher held onto false illusions about love, ultimately losing a solid sense of self, agency, and purpose.
I was drawn to this book because of Usher’s introspective, intimate, and approachable writing style. Many parts read like direct excerpts from a diary or journal. Usher's candid and sincere sharing of her experiences, thoughts, and emotions creates a strong sense of connection with the reader. I felt a sense of vulnerability and compassion for the author as she relayed details of a multi-year ordeal through a bad marriage: parenting challenges, financial struggles, mental health issues, and more.
One might wonder why someone would share so vulnerably from their personal experiences, especially when those experiences depict indecisiveness and powerlessness. Usher’s book is a gift to others who may be struggling through a toxic love affair and seeking guidance for a way out. By reading Usher’s story, someone might be inspired to understand the importance of self-awareness, boundaries, and genuine connection in a healthy and fulfilling relationship. This understanding can encourage deep reflection on the themes of love, self-awareness, and empowerment.
Love does not have to hurt, and women can choose to prioritize themselves by nurturing self-love and self-worth. Being honest with oneself affords the freedom to learn from past experiences and move on.
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| Author Candi Usher |
Love and attachment can simultaneously be a gift and a curse. For Candi Usher, the lessons of falling in love and dreams of stability and affection led to heartbreak and tragedy. Despite experiencing pain in previous relationships, Usher vulnerably admits to ignoring the warning signs of their partner's harmful behavior. She desperately wanted her marriage to work despite her husband’s infidelity. Usher believed that love and devotion could change their partner. Eventually, the author realized that loving the wrong person can lead to self-destruction. Usher's journey of self-awareness through loss and grief is a testament to the power of introspection. It ultimately led her to find the courage to love herself and let go.
The title “Delusional” is quite fitting because sticking through an unhealthy relationship requires a degree of self-deception and destruction. Usher held onto false illusions about love, ultimately losing a solid sense of self, agency, and purpose.
I was drawn to this book because of Usher’s introspective, intimate, and approachable writing style. Many parts read like direct excerpts from a diary or journal. Usher's candid and sincere sharing of her experiences, thoughts, and emotions creates a strong sense of connection with the reader. I felt a sense of vulnerability and compassion for the author as she relayed details of a multi-year ordeal through a bad marriage: parenting challenges, financial struggles, mental health issues, and more.
One might wonder why someone would share so vulnerably from their personal experiences, especially when those experiences depict indecisiveness and powerlessness. Usher’s book is a gift to others who may be struggling through a toxic love affair and seeking guidance for a way out. By reading Usher’s story, someone might be inspired to understand the importance of self-awareness, boundaries, and genuine connection in a healthy and fulfilling relationship. This understanding can encourage deep reflection on the themes of love, self-awareness, and empowerment.
Love does not have to hurt, and women can choose to prioritize themselves by nurturing self-love and self-worth. Being honest with oneself affords the freedom to learn from past experiences and move on.
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