Reviewed by Danelle Petersen for Readers' Favorite

The Lie That Changed Everything is Gary Trew’s second emotionally turbulent and hilarious memoir about growing up in a challenging family dynamic with a military father with PTSD and a mother whose childhood trauma had lingering effects of its own. Gary shares his captivating story as a young boy trying to navigate his way through life with brutal honesty and a no-holes-barred style, firmly convinced that it was these very same experiences that helped shape the man he is today. Gary delivers each story with a heavy blow, leaving readers incredulous and shocked by all of it. But even with these challenges, including his horrendous stay in Australia, what tore Gary’s world apart was a simple decision made following a children’s squabble. It was a regret he would grapple with for years, the guilt tearing him up from the inside. For most of Gary’s young life, happiness was scarce. However, as Gary began maturing, he was able to turn his pain into a victory, an outcome that saw Gary changing from a broken boy into a fulfilled man, content with life and spending time with those who matter most.

The pain and mental anguish Gary Trew and his family suffered in this deeply moving memoir are evident, but so is the spirit of resilience and the love they had for each other. Gary’s mother’s story is both heartbreaking and inspirational. Despite her rough upbringing, she was always there for Gary and his siblings. What I found most fascinating about the Trews was how they dealt with traumatic situations. They possess a unique brand of dark humor, and I love it. What I learned is that nothing can get you down if you don’t let it. I didn’t always know whether to laugh or cry, so I indulged in both. The pictures are sweet testaments of beautiful memories and a family’s unbreakable bond. Gary’s recollections of mumbling to himself and the insanely funny conversations he shared with his mother and sister, Carole, as a child are hilarious and extremely endearing. Gary is an exceptional human being who has no lingering bitterness toward the past, advocating the importance of moving on to become the best version of yourself. This raw and unflinching memoir deserves its five-star rating. If you enjoyed Angela’s Ashes, then you’ll love The Lie That Changed Everything.