Because of Maddie: The Girl Who Said, "ENOUGH"
About Because of Maddie: The Girl Who Said, "ENOUGH"
A gripping, raw, and deeply resonant memoir of survival, truth, and reclaiming your own story.
Following the International Impact Award-winning memoir Because of Jane, Shannon Brown returns with Because of Maddie: The Girl Who Said, "ENOUGH" - a poignant, unforgettable continuation of a life forged through trauma, imagination, and ultimate strength.
At thirteen, Maddie is navigating a world far heavier than middle school drama. Caught between the shadow of a court-ordered summer with her abusive father, terrifying family secrets, and the overwhelming pressure of starting high school as the youngest in her class, Maddie relies on the only lifelines she has: her fierce imagination, the unbreakable bond with her brother Wyatt, and her "Night Council" - the stitched doll, the stuffed rabbit, and the baby doll who hold her secrets when she cannot speak them aloud.
When a life-altering revelation shatters everything Maddie believes about her origins and identity, she is forced to confront a terrifying choice: remain bound by the lies and silence meant to protect her, or stand up to her abuser and say ENOUGH.
Written with heartbreak, wit, and fierce authenticity, Because of Maddie is a powerful testament to the resilience of young survivors. It explores the complex layers of family, trauma, hidden truths, and the transformative moment a young girl decides that her story belongs to her, and her alone.
"This story is not just about what was done to a child. It is about what that child did next." - Shannon Brown
What Readers Are Saying About Because of Maddie: The Girl Who Said, "ENOUGH"
Debra Ramos
ARC Reader
Raw, powerful, emmotional and gripping from the very first page. Watching Maddie navigate traumas, find her voice, discovers a strenght she didn't know she had and finally say ENOUGH was heartbreaking and empowering. I was rooting for her throughout the story and was so happy, excited and all the emotions at the sametime when she found her voice and said enough " I'm not going back."
What really stayed with me was how honestly, gracefully and compassionately the story handled difficult topics. And the Night Council! Her safe place, not just dolls...her support system, and who helped her keep going—was such a beautiful part of the story. Alongside her brother, they became the family and support she needed when everything felt darker and overwhelming.
But the relationship that truly stole my heart was her bond with her brother. The loyalty, the way they supported each other, faced harships together, and never stopped showing up for one another deeply touched me. Their relationship felt incredibly real and genuine, and it resonated with me personally because of the bond I share with my own brother. We support each other through difficult moments as kids and still being there for one another as addults.
Beautiful, hearbreaking, and deeply moving. This is the kind of story that stays with you lolng after you turn the last page.
Thank you to the author for the eARC, this is my honest review.
April Gorham
Review of advance copy received from Author
Title: Because of Maddie
By author Shannon brown
Maddie, now in her early teens, returns with her brother Wyatt, mom, & papa along with some new characters struggling not only with adolescence and the changes that has brought while continuing to heal all the while still struggling with sexual, emotional & physical abuse even though the household dynamics have changed emerging as a determined fighting spirit
Because of Maddie is as powerful and gripping as the 1st in the series engaging you right from page one with its return of beloved characters Maddie, her brother Wyatt. Mom, papa & some newer characters.
The story shows how the power of family love and support with the use of imagination bringing her beloved night council, the dolls, to life helped her cope through trauma while growing stronger and learning to persevere while still remaining that sweet, sensitive person we first fell in love with. You’ll find yourself cheering for Maddie’s continued strength all while wanting to hug her and keep her safe.
Smooth easy read, very realistic and likable characters! I highly recommend to any reader but especially to anyone looking to understand or begin to heal trauma yourself.
Heather Shower
Review of advance copy received from Author
Maddie’s story grabbed me and didn’t let go. Raw, heartbreaking, and powerful, it follows her as she navigates trauma, finds her voice, and discovers a strength she never knew she had.
And the Night Council?! Along with her family, friends, and Wyatt, they give Maddie those desperately needed moments of safety, love, and hope.
This book tackles incredibly difficult subjects with honesty, grace, and compassion. It doesn’t shy away from the pain, but it also reminds us that healing can begin when you finally find your voice and realize you don’t have to face everything alone.
I cried. I cheered. I wanted to hug Maddie through the pages.
Beautiful, painful, unforgettable. Read it. Just bring tissues. 💜
"I cried. I cheered. I wanted to hug Maddie through the pages. Beautiful, painful, unforgettable. Read it. Just bring tissues. 💜"- Heather Shower
Sam
ARC Reader
This book emotionally resonates with my soul. The parts I don’t really talk about out loud. It’s such a powerful story and it’s things that need to be said. No matter what age you are finding your voice and saying enough is important. I loved how Maggie had her safe place to land, her night council. The support of her friends as well and her brother no matter what. Things like that are what get you through. Overall this book handles and writes about tough topics with grace and compassion. 5 stars.
Kirsty
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book, and a physical one at that. My review remains honest.
This was an incredibly emotive read. It has been a while since a book has made me feel sad, indignant, and frustrated at injustice. It was truly well written, and the twist was everything.
I truly hope this book finds many, but most of all, the people it will help most.
Casey Carter
This book will forever stick with me. It’s raw, powerful and pulls at the heart. You could feel the emotion and how it built with each turning page. I will recommend this to everyone because the story and message needs to be heard.
Send Shannon a message:
💜 Let's Connect — I'd Love to Hear From You!
Every story matters, every voice deserves to be heard, and every connection has the power to make a difference.
Whether you've read Because of Jane or Because of Maddie and want to share your thoughts, have a personal story you'd like to tell, want to participate in The Jane Project, have a song suggestion for my Survivors' Anthem Series, or are interested in collaborating on an event, podcast, speaking engagement, or advocacy initiative, I'd love to hear from you!
My mission has always been about more than books. It's about creating a community where stories are shared, voices are amplified, and no survivor feels alone.
Send me a message below. I'm listening, and your voice matters. 💜
With gratitude,
Shannon Brown
Author | Survivor | Advocate
