The Chelsea Whistle: A Memoir

The Chelsea Whistle is difficult to get into. It doesn't have a strong plot from the beginning and seems more like a collection of essays. As the essays progress, though, they become more related and begin to paint a picture of Tea's emotional landscape, and the effects on that landscape of explosive events and the deterioration of her family.



Though it's difficult to get through (it's taken me almost a year) I think The Chelsea Whistle offers an extremely valuable narrative about the emotional, physical and psychological effects of abuse. Whether you've experienced some form of sexual/emotional abuse or are trying to understand someone who has, this book offers an inside view into the mind of someone who can't believe it at first, and show more when she finally does is not believed. show less

Tea's writing style is like nothing else I have read before, and I love that. It took me a while to get into this book - I liked it more as the essays progressed. In the end I loved it, though - as different as her childhood was from my own, she definitely writes about some experiences/feelings/worldviews that ring true with me.

I have started this one at least twice and gotten about halfway through each time. Once I stopped, it was hard to get started again. I don’t think I’ll ever finish it. Tea has an interesting literary voice. She is relatable to the middle and lower class experience of growing up.